Three problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. The contacted was driving 35 mph when white smoke emitted from the fender of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered flames were coming from under the hood. The vehicle was destroyed. The police and fire departments were contacted and reports were filed. The failure caused no injuries. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and the current mileages were 126,000.
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.
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. When it slowed to about 15-20 mph passenger jumped from vehicle. Vehicle continued to rev up, driver let off brake while trying to escape and was slung from vehicle. The explorer went back and crossed 4 lanes of traffic, entered onto service road where it struck a tree. From there the vehicle accelerated up the tree up-rooting it. The tires caught fire and bystander tried to put out the fire with an ice chest and again it caught on fire.