Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked anti-freeze and transmission fluid. There was also rust underneath the vehicle and a hole in the running boards, which almost caused them to detach. The contact claimed that the ground could be seen through the hole. The vehicle also produced thick smoke. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The contact planned to have the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH when the engine exhibited an abnormal increase in rpms. The vehicle then accelerated abnormally and the contact was involved in a crash that involved four additional vehicles. No injuries were reported and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the servo plug had popped out of place and fractured the side of the transmission. The dealer advised that the transmission would need replacing. The manufacturer was contacted who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 118,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Vehicle was idling in driveway with the drivers door open. Transmission was in park. Transmission dropped into reverse, rolled backwards in driveway, crashing through two chainlink gates, the door was torn back against the fender, I tried to reach into the truck to turn it off, and was pinned between the truck, and the chain link fence. Explorer currently in the collision shop, and transmission will be repaired when the bodywork is done.
As with so many explorers I have read about, my o/d light comes on and flashes. I lose all power during initial acceleration and then the truck shoots off like a rocket. If I turn the ignition off, the light resets and the vehicle is OK for a while until the light as with so many explorers I have read about, my o/d light comes on and flashes. I lose all power during initial acceleration and then the truck shoots off like a rocket. If I turn the ignition off, the light resets and the vehicle is OK for a while until the light comes on again. I had the codes read and it came up a solenoid problem. I had them replaced and ten miles from the lot, the light came on again. I have read that this is a known issue from Ford, but they have yet to act on this issue. Comes on again. I had the codes read and it came up a solenoid problem. …
For the second time, the vehicle's transmission failed, leaving the vehicle completely powerless while driving. The transmission also failed at approximately 70,000 miles in 2006, again while driving the vehicle in traffic. In both cases, I, as the driver, was nearly involved in accidents with other vehicles because of the complete loss of the transmission power train. The vehicle also gave no warning of the failure prior to these events. It is my understanding that this has been a long-standing design defect with Ford explorers, with a high number of vehicles from the early 2000s suffering similar transmission failures. This is both dangerous and, I believe, a defect that could cause injury and/or death.. …
I purchased this car on October 8,2003. Three days after I bought it the check engine light came on. I brought the car back four times back to back. The first time they said nothing was wrong. The second and third time the same thing. On the fourth attempt, they had me take it to one of "their" mechanics. He said it was a bad switch in the system. Not even a whole week later, the check guage light came on. The car lot where I bought it from said they were not going to look at my car because out of the kindness of their heart they've already looked at it. So I took it to a Ford dealership, they fixed it and said it was a problem with transmission, and the steering wheel. They car lot said it was not their problem. I had to pay out of my pocket for some problems that are still under warranty. …
After coming to a complete stop in a local neighborhood attempted to shift the vehicle into park as my wife exited the vehicle. The shift lever broke inside the steering column with the transmission in reverse. I was able to manually shift the linkage on the side of the transmission using a pair of pliers while the emergency brake was set, and my wife applied the brakes. The vehicle was then driven to the local Ford dealer, where I was informed that the entire steering column would need to be replaced at a cost of $1200.00. This vehicle was bought new in 2001 and has only 58,000 miles. It has not been abused in any manner. There was no warning whatsoever that there was any type of a problem. Surely, this was a manufacturing defect that Ford will probably deny.
My 2001 Ford explorers transmission is having shifting problems followed by it's overdrive light flashing. I talked to several Ford transmission friends and they advised me to install a upgrade kit in the valve body. This was done, fluid and filter changed, to no avail. The light intermittently flashes and the transmission shifting weird. After reading several posts on several sites regarding this problem, I am at a loss at what to do. Several people stated that they went to the extent of replacing the transmissions with new ones and the light still flashing and having the same problems. My Explorer has 60K miles on it and this problem started at only 50K miles, to me this is a problem Ford should acknowledge, and allow some compensation to it's loyal customers.
I took my car to astoria Ford late last year, because it was stalling and losing power. The charged me almost $1,000.00 and the problem persists. The o/d on off light will stop and start. When it comes on which just started today, the car in any gear while only go forward. In reverse and neutral, only forward. As a police officer this is very dangerous, and I cannot drive the vehicle. Many have submitted complaints about this to Ford, they call it a phantom problem. I hope this phantom problem does not occur in front of a day care.
I have a 2001 Ford Explorer and at first the truck would slip in and out of gears so I took it to a certified mechanic and was told I needed a neutral safety switch. I had that replaced about a month ago. Yesterday, I was driving and the truck slipped out of drive.... And it would not accelerate. I pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle and the o/d off light started flashing. This truck is going to cost me over 2,000 dollars to fix and it seems as if I am not the only one experiencing the same problems. Please help!
Transmission complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Ford Explorer, 11% of the model year's 375 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Explorer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Ford Explorer, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Explorer transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.