general problems of the 2001 Ford Explorer

The vehicle rolled over on its side on dry pavement on the fwy at the posted speed limit in good weather conditions. No other vehicle was involved, the car skided when I attempted to change lanes. I went into a skid and the car turned on its side.

Main problem at the moment is a clicking, knocking noise that sounds like is coming from underneath truck in the middle. You can feel truck shake/vibrate when you hear the noise. Previous problems lug bolts came loose and almost cause tire to fall off. Other problem truck started off sounding like the brake pads were going then the truck started making a horrible grinding noise . Felt like the engine was going to fall out. Ended up being front passenger side tire. Rim had stattered.

Ford Explorers manufactured in 2001 were equipped with defective engineered body to frame bushings which have completely deteriorate and just as easily crumbled in your hand, now, but begin deteriorating only a few short years from when new. Ford stopped using this style manufacured mount bushings after these few manufacturing years because they knew they were defective. I've spoken to many Explorer owners who have this exact same problem , and those I ask to look under their vehicles, which are not a visible defect unless under the car and hands-on inspection, also found this problem. My vehicle is in like-new condition otherwise and has always been garaged in the state of florida. These body to mount bushings, when deteriorated cause serious safety problems to Explorer drivers and all others driving in other vehicles, due to unexpected swaying and or bouncing possibly causing the vehicle to crash and cause serious injury to anyone driving near the Explorers. I believe, and am sure, that the material mix of the rubber/silicone bushings was compromised during manufacturing and these vehicles should immediately recslled to replace these bushings which shoul last the lifetime of the vehicle. Cars 40 plus years old have body to frame bushings still in good condition. For these bushings to start deteriorating after only a few years and being completely useless at this age and condition of vehicle is unheard of. Now is the time to make sure all Explorer sport owners in the 2001 plus or minus vicinity be notified by Ford of this defect. Please look under any Explorer sport made in 2001 , and you can confirm my findings. Also, have a private engineer test the bushing rubber/silicone materials used in this year range, and I assure you they will back my claim.

Rear end of car thumped every time you would go over the smallest separation in the road and also on a bumpy road. Replaced rear end shocks. Still have the same problem of thumping. Some times it feels like I'm going to loose the rear end of the vehicle. I was told possibly now that back bushings holding the body to the frame may be desenegrated. Vehicle has always been well maintained and garaged. I have found out that there have been many complaints about this occuring now with this 2001 model. You would think there would be a safety recall by Ford to fix these bushing problems.

Steering wheel would vibrate under 5 mph, dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

While driving at 60/65 mph vehicle will vibrate very badly,could cause loss of control. Contacted dealership.

During normal operation of vehicle there is a noise coming from all four wheels. Dealership has examined vehicle but could not determine cause of problem. Please proide any additional information/attachments.

While traveling at 45 mph vehicle started to pull to left without warning. Consumer did not know why this happened. Vehicle went off road, and flipped over. Road conditions were good.

Vehicle was sitting still and was hit on passenger's side. Vehicle flipped over, driver was pinned in vehicle due to vehicle landing on driver's side.

While driving at highway speeds on straightaway owner feels a wiggle or problem keeping truck straight. Truck is unstable. Problem appears to be getting worse. Please describe details.