general problems of the 2001 Ford Explorer

13 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2001 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2001 Explorer.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/02/2019

Tl the contact owned a 2001 Ford Explorer. While driving, a burning odor was present and the air bag deployed without warning or an impact. There were no injuries. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact noticed flames under the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact was not aware if a fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a residence and deemed destroyed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2016

The s. U. V leaks water in causing issues I had to replace the brain and fuse box now minexpensive has a drainage of its battrey and the light done go off I replaced the battrey an altnator. An as well. Ford should fix it thy he to many issues like this. Parked in drive way.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/09/2016

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. While driving various speeds or while parked, the driver side turn signal failed to illuminate inside and outside the vehicle. Also, the brake lights failed to illuminate. When the steering column was tilted to the upper position, the interior and exterior turn signal lights and the brake lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2013

I was driving and I saw and smelt smoke. I immediately could tell where it was coming from because I saw the smoke coming out of the hazard light on top of my steering wheel, it then turned into a flame,it was inside of the steering wheel. I pulled off to the side of the road because fortunately I had water with me and I poured a little bit of water on the flames that were coming out of where the hazard light is. This has happened 2 times,with the final result being 2 fires. It happened a 3rd time with just smoke. I no longer have the ability to use my windshield wipers and some of my interior lights no longer work. I don't know if this has caused other problems ie. . . My check engine light being on as well as my cruise control working when it wants to and other times not working at all plus the buttons on the inner side of the steering wheel being hot to the touch! I'm terrified to drive my own car!.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/27/2009

When I have used my speed control I have had smoke come out of the top of my steering column twice. The smoke comes through the hole for my emergency light button on the top of my steering column. This happened recently for the third time. The Ford dealer is charging $652. 63 to replace the wire harness and the switch that controls wipers, hazard lights, blinkers, etc. The recall was replaced, and they say the two are not related. Apparently this could cause an electrical fire as would the recall part. The SUV is a Ford Explorer 2001 v8 XLT.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/21/2008

Vehicle was parked in the garage. After 4 hours later the car was burning. Called the fire department. . .

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/17/2007

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in an unknown manufacturer recall. The dealer performed the repair, but the failure recurred. The contact noticed smoke near the engine compartment that entered the vehicle near the dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The NHTSA campaign number was unavailable. The failure mileage was not available.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/19/2005

The generic electronic module (gem) experienced a condition referred to as "lock-up" in which the gem controlled electronic 4x4 system could not be turned on.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/20/2005

While attempting to back the vehicle up, it caught fire without warning. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. As a result the vehicle was considered a total loss. Please provide additional information.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2004

2001 Ford Explorer 4 wheel drive the cruise control has burned out on the steering column. This started approximately 8-9 months ago and the steering column kept having smoke come out of it while I was driving. Then it would stop, and just start up out of the blue,but about 4 mts. Ago the cruise control finally went out. This item has been recalled on may vehicles of the same year, but my particular VIN# has not been recalled. My SUV has the exact problem that has happened in many of the vehicles and there is a recall already in place, just not for my VIN #. They want me to repair it at my cost.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/25/2004

On January 25,2004 I was approaching a trafic signal in my 2001 Ford Explorer I slowed to approximately 5mph. My foot was not on the accelerator, but when I hit the brake the car lunged forward ,and hit the car in front of me. I hit the brake as hard as I could but the car would not stop. The engine made a reving sound as it lunged forward. The car in front of me sustained damage totaling $ 1237 and the passenger complained of a neck aggrivation. My car sustained minimal damage to the bumper. This was the 1st accident I have ever been in where it was alleged that I may be at fault, clearly I was not. This surge when decelerating has happened 2 times after this accident, both of which were witnessed by a passenger in my car. Luckily nobody was injured on these occasions. I have since taken the car into the dealer whereupon I was informed that the dealer had received a technical service buletin (TSB) from Ford regarding an idle air control (iac) valve for this make and model dated 2/5/03. The dealer replaced this valve on 5/20/04.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2001

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power. The failure occurred without warning. During colder temperatures, the failure worsened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the diagnosis was not disclosed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

13 Electrical System problem

There was a warning indicator that was originally illuminated green. When the indicator turned blue the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. The indicator was for the lighting system, and the dealer made some repairs, but did not inform the consumer of what was done. Currently, the indicator is not on at all, and the dealer cannot determine why it is not working. Also, the rear window windshield wiper was not operating. Dealer stated motor had to be replaced.


Other Electrical System related problems of the 2001 Ford Explorer


Safety Ratings of Explorer Cars
Fuel Economy of Explorer Vehicles
Explorer Service Bulletins
Explorer Safety Recalls
Explorer Defect Investigations