2001 Ford Explorer

375 federal complaints (503 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 114 service bulletins · 7 Canadian recalls
See all 43 model years of the Ford Explorer →
Engine
4.0L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
15 city / 20 hwy
Federal complaints
375
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Tires
67
Engine & cooling
47
Suspension
45
Power train
44
Speed control
36
Brakes
36
Body & structure
33
Electrical system
29
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 121 complaints01 years old: 41 complaints2 years old: 23 complaints3 years old: 18 complaints4 years old: 18 complaints5 years old: 6 complaints56 years old: 17 complaints7 years old: 12 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 10 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 6 complaints12 years old: 6 complaints13 years old: 8 complaints14 years old: 6 complaints15 years old: 6 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 3 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 316 of 375 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 6 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 20 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 12 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 14 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 14 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 16 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 7 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 10 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 5 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 4 complaints200,000+ miles: 4 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 112 of 375 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Tires

67 complaint records8 crash reports
"FORD STATED TO ME THAT I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE MY TIRES BUT THEY REFUSE TO PAY FOR THIS.*AK (TIRESIZE: 17)..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse tires parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

47 complaint records8 fire reports1 crash report
"THERE WERE REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR ON 2001 FORD EXPLORER. *MR UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY STALLED. *SC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Suspension

45 complaint records5 crash reports
"WHEN DRIVING STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND VEHICLE WANDERED OFF INTO ANOTHER DIRECTION. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP05005
opened Sep 2005
closed Jan 2006Engine And Engine CoolingSPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE...
PE03020
opened May 2003
closed Sep 2003SeatsFRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENT - led to recall 03V281000
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 4, 2003, FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
09V399000Vehicle Speed ControlFORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY...Normally free
07V336000Vehicle Speed ControlON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.Normally free
03V281000SeatsON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE.Normally free
03V280000Vehicle Speed ControlON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS...Normally free
03V094000StructureCERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC.Normally free
00V313000EquipmentVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567.4, "CERTIFICATION." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED FROM THE ASSEMBLY PLANT WITHOUT SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABELS.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019420
2019-08-21
Other5,327Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered.
2009292
2009-10-14
Other492,877On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation.
2007258
2007-08-07
Electrical165,447On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28).
2006079
2006-04-18
Seats And Restraints366On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture.
2003189
2003-08-11
Other28,596On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Tract vehicles, the speed control cable strand cover could impact the conduit end fitting during speed control engagement.
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2003190
2003-08-11
Seats And Restraints56,363On certain Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles, the upper bolt on the driver's high back seat that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture.
2001002
2001-01-12
Structure8,497Certain Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Rander Edge and Ranger XLT vehicles may have a wire formed hood striker that may be susceptible to fatigue fractures.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
CSP-08B01
May 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFORD: CERTAIN 1999-2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN NEW YORK AND CERTAIN 2001 VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF MAINE, CERTIFIED FOR SALE IN CALIFORNIA-FEDERAL EMISSION WARRANTY REFUND. *PE
042421
Jun 2005
Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT
030508
Apr 2005
Power TrainFRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT
0471
Dec 2004
Electrical SystemWARNING INDICATORS-PARKING AID-REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (RSS) AND FORWARD SENSING SYSTEM (FSS)-FALSE ACTIVATION OF WARNING TONE-SERVICE TIPS. *MJ UPDATE. *TT
04251
Dec 2004
StructureALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
04189
Dec 2004
VisibilityREAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
042419
Dec 2004
SuspensionREVISED PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING ALIGNMENT ON ALL SUSPENSIONS - NEW RIGHT HAND UPPER CONTROL ARM DESIGN FOR TORSION BAR FRONT SUSPENSIONS. *TT
04174
Sep 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT
020801
Aug 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingRATTLE NOISE FROM PRIMARY CHAIN DRIVE AREA 2000-3000 RPM - 4.0L SOHC ENGINE. *TT
041514
Aug 2004
VisibilityREAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
031501
Jul 2004
VisibilityINOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT
04111
Jun 2004
Electrical SystemSTREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY. *TT
03223
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemSTREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY. *TT
02138
Nov 2003
Power TrainLOW LINE PRESSURE READING AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT), SLIPPING SHIFTS AND / OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS WITH POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0732, P0733, P1762 SET ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 12/1/2001. *TT
17316
Nov 2003
Fuel SystemFUEL SIGNAL TO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SERVICE TIP. *TT
03199
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingRATTLE/BUZZ SOUND FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE ON 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM (SOHC) ENGINES. *TT
03181
Sep 2003
Electrical SystemREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
03148
Jul 2003
Power TrainNEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
16935
Jul 2003
Power TrainAN UNCOMMANDED SHIFT TO 4X4 LOW. *TT
16952
Jul 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingPOSTAL FLEET VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L FE ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A LOW OIL PRESSURE GAUGE READING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND SOMETIMES UPPER OR LOWER ENGINE NOISE. *TT
0398
May 2003
Fuel SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT
16735
Apr 2003
SuspensionVARIOUS NOISE ISSUES FROM THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS WHILE DRIVING. *TT
0358
Mar 2003
Power TrainFLUID MAY LEAK OUT OF THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT *JB
0335
Feb 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingIDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS. *TT
03261
Jan 2003
Power TrainNEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT
02216
Oct 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingEXCESSIVE SULFUR SMELL FROM EXHAUST. *EH
870197
Oct 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingINCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT
02171
Sep 2002
StructurePAINT-PREMATURE CLEARCOAT CRACKING-SERVICE TIPS. *MJ
02176
Sep 2002
Exterior LightingLAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
16114
Aug 2002
Air BagsSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REPEAT SERVICE FOR AIR BAG LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1994 (DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG CIRCUIT RESISTANCE HIGH) AND / OR B1998 (PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG CIRCUIT RESISTANCE HIGH). *TT
16131
Aug 2002
Air BagsSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REPEAT SERVICE FOR AN AIR BAG LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES B1994 AND B1998 SET. *TT
16040
Jul 2002
SteeringEXPERIENCING A CLICKING / POPPING NOISE FROM THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN AREA WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT
15887
May 2002
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, A NO ENGINE BRAKING CONDITION IN MANUAL 1 OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0732 (GEAR 2 INCORRECT RATIO) OR P0733 (GEAR 3 INCORRECT RATIO). *TT
15910
May 2002
Service BrakesCONCERNS WITH BRAKE VIBRATION, ROUGHNESS AND / OR GRINDING NOISE, AND EXCESSIVE BRAKE ROTOR CORROSION. *TT
0281
Apr 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0 SOHC (SINGLE OVER-HEAD CAM) ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A PRIMARY TIMING CHAIN RATTLE NOISE. *TT
0282
Apr 2002
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 9/15/2001 MAY EXHIBIT LOW LINE PRESSURE READINGS WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 2ND GEAR, NO 3RD GEAR, NO ENGINE BRAKING IN MANUAL 1ST AND SLIPPING SHIFTS AND / OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS. *TT
0285
Apr 2002
EquipmentON SOME VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (EATC) BLOWS COLD AIR FROM THE FLOOR DUCTS ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BEFORE 9/30/2000 ONLY. *TT
0276
Apr 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING ENGINE RATTLE NOISE FROM PRIMARY CHAIN DRIVE AREA BETWEEN 2000-3000 RPM ON COLD ENGINE OPERATION ONLY. *TT
0242
Mar 2002
Power TrainCERTAIN VEHICLES WITH 4X4 OR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE A FLUID LEAK FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT
0245
Mar 2002
Electrical SystemINFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT
15692
Mar 2002
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK, SNAP, RATTLE, OR CLUNK IN THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. *TT
0232
Feb 2002
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L SOHC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300 (RANDOM MISFIRE) OR P0301. *TT
0214
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT
15532
Jan 2002
Fuel SystemINFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITNG FUEL LINE DAMAGE DUE TO PINCHING/SQUEEZING OF THE FUEL RETURN LINE. *TT
15563
Jan 2002
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATING WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0300/P0301.*YH
15564
Jan 2002
Exterior LightingSOME 4 DOOR VEHICLES WITH THE AUTOLAMP FEATURE MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION OF THE HEADLAMPS STAYING ON ALL THE TIME. *TT
15567
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE APRIL 23, 2001 MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START/LONG CRANK AFTER SITTING FOR AN HOUR OR MORE. *TT
01246
Dec 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
15470
Dec 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingCONCERNS WITH SPARK KNOCK NOISE OR CHAIN RATTLE NOISE BETWEEN 2000-3000 RPM, DURING COLD ENGINE OPERATION ONLY. *TT
15486
Dec 2001
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457 (GROSS LEAK AFTER FUEL FILL). *TT
15496
Dec 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE APRIL 23, 2001 MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START/LONG CRANK AFTER SITTING FOR AN HOUR OR MORE DUE TO FUEL SYSTEM CONTAMINATION. *TT
15406
Nov 2001
VisibilityCONCERNS WITH REAR WIPERS THAT DO NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAN THE BACK GLASS. *TT
15422
Nov 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START/LONG CRANK CONDITION AFTER SITTING FOR AN HOUR OR MORE. *TT
012113
Oct 2001
Electrical SystemSOME IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES MAY EXHIBIT ROUGNESS AND / OR EXCESS EFFORT IN TURNING, KEY DOES NOT FULLY RETURN FROM START, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE WITH P0500, P1502 AND U1039 STORED IN POWERTRIAN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT
01205
Oct 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT
01B77
Oct 2001
TiresOWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT
15290
Oct 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME 4.0L SOHC MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE OIL LEAK CONDITION, COMING FROM THE OIL PAN OR LADDER FRAME AREA. *TT
01181
Sep 2001
Power TrainBRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB
15215
Sep 2001
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DRIVABILITY CONDITIONS OR CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0455 OR P0457 STORED. *TT

Showing 60 of 114 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Ford Explorer →