Vehicle Data Hub

2001 Ford Explorer Sport engine problems

Owners reported engine problems in 21 complaints for the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, 9% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.

At a glance

Complaints
21 9% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage
50,000 miles 11 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires
2 and 3
Injuries and deaths
2 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Engine complaints by mileage, 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 50,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 1 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 3 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 2 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 0 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 2 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 2 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 1 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 0 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 0 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 0 complaints 200k+ miles: 0 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 50,000 miles
Based on 11 complaints that include mileage. 55% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles1
20k to 40k miles3
40k to 60k miles2
60k to 80k miles0
80k to 100k miles2
100k to 120k miles2
120k to 140k miles1
140k to 160k miles0
160k to 180k miles0
180k to 200k miles0
200k+ miles0

What the data shows

Of the 11 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 50,000 miles, and 55% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 2 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries.

What owners wrote

Dt: owns 2001 ford explorer, both driver and passenger are pregnant. Had just entered interstate and was driving about 70 MPH and tried to slow down to about 65MPH. Tried to tap brake but heard engine rev up and it immediately sped back up. Tapped brake again and knew something was wrong. Engaged hazard lights and tried to pull off road. Down shifted to 2nd gear,then to 1st, and slowed to about 50 MPH. Tried to engage emergency brake with no luck. Was using both brakes while traveling in the grass uphill.

Reported at 80,000 miles, May 2005 CrashFire

This is a 7 year old vehicle and it seems as though recalls continue. This vehicle has a chain guide problem that seems to be major. We now either need a new motor or we have to have it replaced for 2,500.00 everywhere we check. Major problem. Not that old of a vehicle.

Reported at 100,000 miles, July 2008

Other problems reported for the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport

Engine problems in other years

  • 2003
  • 2002
  • 2001
  • 2000
  • 1999
  • 1998
  • 1997

Engine problems across all Ford models