2001 Ford Explorer Electrical System Problems
- 17
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 17 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 6 indicate fire
- 1 indicate a death
What owners report
- steering column · 5 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 5 |
| 150–400k mi | 2 |
| 30–60k mi | 2 |
| 1–30k mi | 2 |
| 100–150k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Air Bags · Electrical System · Engine
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…
Fire reported
ODI 11206286
Electrical System
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.
ODI 10883827
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting
Tl* 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…
ODI 10959861
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting · Visibility/Wiper
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.…
Fire reported
ODI 10552446
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting · Power Train
As with so many explorers i have read about, my o/d light comes on and flashes. I lose all power during initial acceleration and then the truck shoots off like a rocket. If i turn the ignition off, the light resets and the vehicle is ok for a while until the light as with so many explorers i have read about, my o/d light comes on and flashes. I lose all power during initial acceleration and then the truck shoots off…
ODI 10565495
Electrical System
Turn signal was turned on and smoke came billowing out of stearing collum. Smelled burnt wiring. Fire inside of collum minimal damage as i turned off signal immediately. Took to garage next day. The wireing had rubbed on collum and shorted out. Repaired. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) *tt
Fire reported
ODI 10411901
Electrical System · Vehicle Speed Control
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…
ODI 10272872
Electrical System
Vehicle was parked in the garage. After 4 hours later the car was burning. Called the fire department... *tr
Fire reported
ODI 10249540
Electrical System · Engine
Tl* 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…
Fire reported
ODI 10725337
Electrical System
Dt: about a month ago the vehicle was parked with windows up the consumer got in and put the key in the ignition and the vehicle started smoking from the hazard warning light switch, the emergency lights. Stopped smoking after consumer started the engine, in duration of about 20 seconds. This happened about 3-4 times per week since after a long trip. This most often occurred when windows were up and it was very hot…
ODI 10133506
Electrical System
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.
ODI 10122285
Electrical System
2001 ford explorer experiencing problems with a short in the wiring to the radio and the keyless entry system is inoperative. *mr the consumer was informed that the radio was no good. The problem was found to be a bad fuse. The consumer purchased two new batteries for the vehicle. *sc *jb
ODI 10121553
Electrical System
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. *jb
Fire reported · 1 death
ODI 10112972
Electrical System
2001 ford explorer [redacted] 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…
ODI 10120352
Electrical System
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…
Crash reported · 1 injury
ODI 10074691
Electrical System · Engine
Tl* 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…
Crash reported
ODI 10954908
Electrical System · Motor
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…
ODI 10038193