One problem related to front suspension lower control arm has been reported for the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Design flaw in "ball joints" for 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. Vechicle has 52k miles, less than 3yrs old, and needed to replace lower ball joints, and it was suggested that the upper ball joints may also need replacing in the near future, at a cost of $400 for each set. These ball joints should never need replacing at this low mileage, especially for a sport utility vechicle, one of which has never been off the road.