2001 Ford Explorer

Trims and configurations

19 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

• Explorer 2WD · 4.0L · RWD · 5-speed automatic
• Explorer 2WD · 5.0L · RWD · 4-speed automatic
• Explorer 4WD · 4.0L · AWD · 5-speed automatic
• Explorer 4WD · 5.0L · AWD · 4-speed automatic
• Explorer Sport 2WD · 4.0L · RWD · 5-speed automatic
• Explorer Sport 2WD · 4.0L · RWD · 5-speed manual
• Explorer Sport 2WD FFV · 4.0L · RWD · 5-speed automatic · FFV
• Explorer Sport 4WD · 4.0L · AWD · 5-speed automatic
• Explorer Sport 4WD · 4.0L · AWD · 5-speed manual
• Explorer Sport 4WD FFV · 4.0L · AWD · 5-speed automatic · FFV
• Explorer Sport Trac 2WD · 4.0L · RWD · 5-speed automatic
• Explorer Sport Trac 2WD · 4.0L · RWD · 5-speed manual
• Explorer Sport Trac 4WD · 4.0L · AWD · 5-speed automatic
• Explorer Sport Trac 4WD · 4.0L · AWD · 5-speed manual
• Explorer USPS 2WD · 4.0L · RWD · 5-speed automatic
• Explorer USPS 2WD FFV · 4.0L · RWD · 5-speed automatic · FFV
• Explorer USPS 4WD · 4.0L · AWD · 5-speed automatic
• Explorer USPS 4WD FFV · 4.0L · AWD · 5-speed automatic · FFV
• Explorer USPS Electric · EV

Recalls

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 18, 2026.

• 09V399000: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN…

  Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY.…

  Reported October 13, 2009. View on NHTSA

• 09E025000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

  DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

  Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

  Reported May 11, 2009. View on NHTSA

• 09E012000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

  Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

  Reported April 7, 2009. View on NHTSA

• 07V336000: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

  Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM…

  Reported August 3, 2007. View on NHTSA

• 06E056000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

  Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

  Reported June 13, 2006. View on NHTSA

• 06E049000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

  Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

  Reported May 24, 2006. View on NHTSA

• 06E026000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

  Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

  Reported March 23, 2006. View on NHTSA

• 03V281000: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

  ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.

  Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT UPPER BOLT WITH A METAL SPACER AND BOLT. IN ADDITION, SEATS WITH TUBULAR BACK FRAMES WILL HAVE THE FULLY THREADED LOWER RECLINER BOLT REPLACED WITH A PARTIALLY THREADED BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN…

  Reported August 5, 2003. View on NHTSA

• 03V280000: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

  ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.

  Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

  Reported August 5, 2003. View on NHTSA

• 03V094000: STRUCTURE

  CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

  Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A…

  Reported March 7, 2003. View on NHTSA

• 01X001000: TIRES:TREAD/BELT

  THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND…

  Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

  Reported May 22, 2001. View on NHTSA

• 00V313000: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

  VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567.4, "CERTIFICATION." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED FROM THE ASSEMBLY PLANT WITHOUT SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABELS.

  Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CERTIFICATION LABELS.

  Reported October 17, 2000. View on NHTSA

Data sources

• EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 18, 2026 · US Government public data
• NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 18, 2026 · US Government public data

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Compare

• 2001 Ford Explorer vs 2001 Ford Ranger
• 2001 Ford Explorer vs 2001 Ford F150

Related vehicles

• 
  2002 Ford Explorer

  Pickup, Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Flex fuel, Electric

  Varies by configuration: 4.0L 6-cylinder (SOHC), 4.0L 6-cylinder, 4.6L 8-cylinder, 4.6L 8-cylinder (AWD), 4.0L 6-cylinder (FLEX-FUEL) · Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD
  17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km)

• 
  2000 Ford Explorer

  SUV, Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Flex fuel

  Varies by configuration: 4.0L 6-cylinder (4.0E-R), 4.0L 6-cylinder (SOHC), 5.0L 8-cylinder (5.0E-R), 4.0L 6-cylinder (4.0S-4 SOHC), 4.0L 6-cylinder (0.0004), 5.0L 8-cylinder (0.0005), 4.0L 6-cylinder (FLEX-FUEL) · Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD
  18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km)

• Pickup2001Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Flex fuel, Electric
  2001 Ford Ranger

  Pickup, Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Flex fuel, Electric

  Varies by configuration: 2.3L 4-cylinder (4V DOHC), 2.5L 4-cylinder, 3.0L 6-cylinder, 4.0L 6-cylinder, 3.0L 6-cylinder (FLEX-FUEL) · Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD
  23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km)

• Pickup2001Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Natural gas
  2001 Ford F150

  Pickup, Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Natural gas

  Varies by configuration: 4.2L 6-cylinder, 4.6L 8-cylinder, 5.4L 8-cylinder, 5.4L 8-cylinder supercharged, 5.4L 8-cylinder (RNG250) · 400 hp (298 kW) · Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD
  16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 11 mpg (21.4 L/100 km)

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Frequently asked questions