2001 Ford Explorer

Introduction: The 2001 Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. It was praised for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and off-road capabilities. However, it has also been plagued by a number of issues, particularly in the engine and transmission departments.

Engine

• 4.0L SOHC V6
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, coolant loss, and rough idling. The fix is to replace the gasket, which costs around $300-$500.
  • Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to slip. This can lead to engine damage. The fix is to replace the tensioner, which costs around $1,000-$1,500.
  • Cylinder head failure: The cylinder head can crack or warp, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, coolant loss, and white smoke from the exhaust. The fix is to replace the cylinder head, which costs around $2,000-$3,000.
• 4.6L SOHC V8
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, coolant loss, and rough idling. The fix is to replace the gasket, which costs around $300-$500.
  • Spark plug blowout: The spark plugs can blow out of the cylinder head, causing engine damage. Symptoms include a rough idle, misfiring, and loss of power. The fix is to replace the spark plugs and repair the cylinder head, which costs around $1,000-$2,000.
  • Timing chain failure: The timing chain can fail, causing the engine to lose power. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, and misfiring. The fix is to replace the timing chain, which costs around $1,500-$2,000.
• 5.0L SOHC V8
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, coolant loss, and rough idling. The fix is to replace the gasket, which costs around $300-$500.
  • Spark plug blowout: The spark plugs can blow out of the cylinder head, causing engine damage. Symptoms include a rough idle, misfiring, and loss of power. The fix is to replace the spark plugs and repair the cylinder head, which costs around $1,000-$2,000.
  • Timing chain failure: The timing chain can fail, causing the engine to lose power. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, and misfiring. The fix is to replace the timing chain, which costs around $1,500-$2,000.

Transmission

• 4R55E 4-speed automatic
  • Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip or hesitate when shifting. Symptoms include a lack of power when accelerating, a rough shift, and a burning smell. The fix is to rebuild or replace the transmission, which costs around $1,500-$2,500.
  • Transmission failure: The transmission may fail completely, leaving the vehicle inoperable. Symptoms include a complete loss of power when shifting, a grinding noise, and a burning smell. The fix is to replace the transmission, which costs around $2,500-$3,500.
• 5R55E 5-speed automatic
  • Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip or hesitate when shifting. Symptoms include a lack of power when accelerating, a rough shift, and a burning smell. The fix is to rebuild or replace the transmission, which costs around $1,500-$2,500.
  • Transmission failure: The transmission may fail completely, leaving the vehicle inoperable. Symptoms include a complete loss of power when shifting, a grinding noise, and a burning smell. The fix is to replace the transmission, which costs around $2,500-$3,500.

Suspension

• Front suspension: The front suspension may wear out prematurely, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include a clunking or rattling noise from the front end, uneven tire wear, and a loss of steering control. The fix is to replace the worn components, which costs around $500-$1,000.
• Rear suspension: The rear suspension may also wear out prematurely, causing the vehicle to bounce or sway excessively. Symptoms include a clunking or rattling noise from the rear end, uneven tire wear, and a loss of stability. The fix is to replace the worn components, which costs around $500-$1,000.

Electrical

• Battery: The battery may fail prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start. Symptoms include a weak or dead battery, a flickering or dimming of the lights, and a loss of power to the electrical accessories. The fix is to replace the battery, which costs around $100-$200.
• Alternator: The alternator may fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a dim or flickering headlights, a loss of power to the electrical accessories, and a warning light on the dashboard. The fix is to replace the alternator, which costs around $500-$700.
• Starter: The starter may fail, preventing the vehicle from starting. Symptoms include a clicking sound when trying to start the engine, a grinding noise, and a loss of power to the electrical accessories. The fix is to replace the starter, which costs around $300-$500.

Exterior

• Body panel corrosion: The body panels may corrode prematurely, especially on vehicles that are driven in salty or humid climates. Symptoms include rust spots, holes in the body panels, and a weakened structure. The fix is to repair or replace the corroded panels, which costs around $1,000-$2,000.
• Paint peeling: The paint may peel or fade prematurely, especially on vehicles that are exposed to sunlight or extreme weather conditions. The fix is to repaint the affected areas, which costs around $500-$1,000.

Interior

• Dashboard cracking: The dashboard may crack or warp, especially on vehicles that are exposed to sunlight or extreme heat. The fix is to replace the dashboard, which costs around $500-$1,000.
• Radio failure: The radio may fail, causing a loss of sound or a complete loss of function. Symptoms include a blank or unresponsive display, a lack of sound, and a loss of power to the radio. The fix is to replace the radio, which costs around $200-$500.
• HVAC system failure: The HVAC system may fail, causing a loss of heat or air conditioning. Symptoms include a lack of airflow, a weak or ineffective HVAC system, and a loss of power to the HVAC controls. The fix is to repair or replace the failed components, which costs around $500-$1,000.

Summary

The 2001 Ford Explorer has a number of issues that can be both costly and inconvenient. The engine, transmission, and suspension are particularly problematic, with some issues potentially leading to catastrophic damage. However, the Explorer is still a popular vehicle for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and off-road capabilities.