11 problems related to suspension have been reported for the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
2001 Ford Explorer Sport. During normal driving, a rear rattle/ banging noise would occur when going over rough road or over bumps. This has progressively gotten worse over time. Investigation and inspection of the vehicle had revealed that all the body/frame mount bushings have deteriorated to the point that they were crumbling, leaving no support/cushion between body and frame. This could potentially make the vehicle unsafe as there would be no support for the body, cause excessive body movement and a shift in the vehicle weight dynamics. This issue has already been reported in several vehicle safety complaints prior to mine.
All body bushings were defective and had to be replaced. The bushings were desiccated and had crumbled away. This made the vehicle unsafe when cornering as there was nothing to support the weight of the body between it and the frame causing excessive movement and compromise of center of gravity. According to the mechanic who replaced my bushings, he had seen this defect on all the vehicles of this make and model year. He said that it was not a problem on the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport. I went to a local junk yard and looked at several Ford Explorer Sports and noticed the same defect on all the 2001 model years. The 1998 model year had bushings that were still in good condition.
2001 Ford Explorer Sport. Consumer writes in regards to bushing problems. The consumer stated the bushings disintegrated. The cost to replace them, was $2000.
Driving on highway and heard banging/bumping noise coming from rear of vehicle. Initially thought that jack had came loose from holder located in fender well compartment. Upon inspection jack was found to be tight in holder. Noticed that you could hear the banging noise when rocking the vehicle up and down. Carried vehicle to a local mechanic who inspected it and found that the right rear body insulator had deteriorated and fell out allowing the explorer's body to ride directly on the frame. Mechanic stated that he felt it would be safe to drive vehicle but advised too, that it could damage the body because it was riding directly on frame. Cost to repair = $325 ($110 labor + $167 for new chassis body insulator purchased from a local Ford dealer + 40 for used body mount supports purchased at a local salvage yard + 8 in taxes). Mechanic had to also tighten bolts on hinges holding rear lift gate on. Mileage on vehicle was 108,000.
As many other owners of the Ford Explorer Sport have complained about, there is a very loud banging coming from the rear end of my SUV whenever I drive over even the slightest bump or rough road. I have replaced the shocks but it did not make any difference to this problem. It still is so loud and the ride remains very rough. I now understand that the body mount bushings have deteriorated and will need to be replaced to improve the ride and make the vehicle safe to drive again.
A clunking noise under the passenger seat. In looking at it, is seems there is a worn body bushing. Investigation on the web shows several incidences of something like this. The noise has gotten worse, the vehicle now has 54000 miles on it. I am the original owner.
Body bushing disintegrated causing instability and ride like in a covered wagon on a cobble stone street.
The body mount bushings began deteriorating several years ago. The rear four are completely deteriorated and causing safety/handling problems and safety concerns are beginning to be an issue. Ford mechanics say there is no recall and were not aware that this was a problem. This is hard to believe since I've located similar reports all over the internet and I also located more than 5 similar complaints in this website (10331811, 10220625, 10243054, 10248006, 10193852). Please let me know if Ford will be issuing a recall.
Explorer sport vibrates and shakes when going over 50 mph. Had the tires balanced and the problem continues. The vibrating is even noticable in the steering wheel which also vibrates when this occurs in addition to the shaking that can be felt through the seat.
When traveling at speeds higher than 50 mph, and making a turn, vehicle will go up in air/ slam down to ground, and shake from side to side. Consumer was afraid that vehicle will roll over while driving. Please provide any further information.
Vehicle continually exhibits front end vibration, several repair attempts (changing of the firestone tires and replacement of the axle), however vehicle is still experiencing vibration problems, possibly related to the tires and the suspension of the vehicle.