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Ford Explorer

2001–2005 only

3,123 classified complaints

239,788 sold in the US for 2001–2005.

104 complaints on file
per 10,000 sold

2001–2005 Ford Explorer models have 3,123 classified complaints on record for these years specifically. The most common issue in this range is Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically surfacing around 93,691 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2001–2005 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Ford Explorer report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

1991–1995

1996–2000

2001–2005

2006–2010

2011–2015

2016–2020

2021–2025

2026–2026

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2001–2005 only

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 724 complaints · 30/10k sold

Median onset: 93,691 miles. 5.7% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 659 complaints · 27/10k sold

Median onset: 108,000 miles. 1.1% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Which other vehicles have automatic transmission problems? →
Automatic transmission internals · Transmission 223 complaints · 9.3/10k sold

Median onset: 111,846 miles. 1.8% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Typical repair: $2,910–$5,410 nationally.

Which other vehicles have automatic transmission problems? →
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 145 complaints · 6.0/10k sold

Median onset: 135,000 miles. 39.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

Body and panel corrosion · Body and interior 130 complaints · 5.4/10k sold

Median onset: 78,942 miles.

More common in newer model years.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 127 complaints · 5.3/10k sold

Median onset: 118,500 miles. 5.5% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Stalling and no-start · Engine 111 complaints · 4.6/10k sold

Median onset: 98,500 miles. 7.2% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Wheel bearings and hubs · Drivetrain 95 complaints · 4.0/10k sold

Median onset: 89,000 miles.

Typical repair: $340–$640 nationally.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

How does 2001–2005 compare with other Explorer years? Every model year ranked by complaints per 10,000 sold. See years →

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2001–2005 model years. See the full Ford Explorer report for every year and full specs/safety data.