2001 Ford EXPEDITION: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
578 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
91,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2001 model year. Data snapshot: . 375 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 84 of 578 complaints (14.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 79 | 13.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 76 | 13.1% |
| Transmission and shifting | 35 | 6.1% |
| Engine operation | 15 | 2.6% |
| Steering behavior | 13 | 2.2% |
| Fuel system concerns | 6 | 1.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 84 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 72 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 63 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 46 |
| Tires:Tread/Belt | 28 |
| Tires | 24 |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control | 24 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 23 |
Electrical System: 84; Vehicle Speed Control: 72; Engine And Engine Cooling: 63; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 46; Tires:Tread/Belt: 28; Tires: 24; Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control: 24; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 23
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 16 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 60 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 62 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 78 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 107 |
| 150,000 and above | 52 |
Under 25,000: 16; 25,000 to 49,999: 60; 50,000 to 74,999: 62; 75,000 to 99,999: 78; 100,000 to 149,999: 107; 150,000 and above: 52
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (107). 203 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 30 |
| 2002 | 47 |
| 2003 | 54 |
| 2004 | 55 |
| 2005 | 78 |
| 2006 | 41 |
| 2007 | 46 |
| 2008 | 45 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 43 |
| 2011 | 32 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2026 | 2 |
2000: 1; 2001: 30; 2002: 47; 2003: 54; 2004: 55; 2005: 78; 2006: 41; 2007: 46; 2008: 45; 2009: 33; 2010: 43; 2011: 32; 2012: 11; 2013: 19; 2014: 9; 2015: 8; 2016: 8; 2017: 5; 2019: 1; 2020: 5; 2022: 1; 2023: 2; 2024: 2; 2026: 2
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 79 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 76 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 35 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10000270 · 2002-12-19 (December 19, 2002)
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WHEN SHE SUDDENLY HAD NO BRAKES. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND FAILED TO RESPOND. SHE THEN BEGAN TO PUMP THEM WILDLY AND GOT SOME BRAKING ACTION. (THIS IS IN AN NEW FORD EXPEDITION WITH ONLY 47,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. ) SHE DROVE IN FIRST GEAR TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER A FEW BLOCKS AWAY. A RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAD ALREADY WORN OUT-APPARENTLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BECOME LOOSE FROM THE AXLE. AS IT CAME LOOSE, THE BRAKE SHOE AND PISTON MECHANISM …
Owner-reported narrative. 47,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000270 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10001577 · 2003-01-09 (January 9, 2003)
CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT TIRE RECALL REPLACEMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS. TIRE RECALL CALLED FOR REPLACED CONTINENTAL TIRE P275/60R17 GENERAL GRABBER AW WITH SMALLER TIRES P265/70R17 CONTENTIAL CONTITRAC TIRES. *TT *NLM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001577 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10003297 · 2003-01-23 (January 23, 2003)
WHEN DRIVEN IN COLD WEATHER, VEHICLE THROTTLE WILL SUDDENLY STICK AND ACCELERATE TO VERY HIGH RPM. BRAKING SYSTEM IS UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. WENT TO DEALER WITH SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER AND WAS LAUGHED AT. TOLD ME TO LEAVE VEHICLE WITH THEM.
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10003297 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10004323 · 2003-01-21 (January 21, 2003)
CONSUMER STATES RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM FORD MANUFACTURER ON TIRE GENERAL GRABBER AW, SIZE P275/60R17. FORD MOTOR STATED THEY DIDN'T HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. CONTINENTAL AGREED TO REPLACE THE FOUR TIRES WITH SMALL SIZE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004323 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10004676 · 2003-01-27 (January 27, 2003)
WHEN VEHICLE IS PUT IN REVERSE GEAR ,IT DOESN'T REVERSE, IT JUST MAKES A GRINDING NOISE. THE DEALERSHIP DID A FULL DIAGNOSE, BUT COULDN'T FIND THE CAUSE.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. 22,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10004676 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10004686 · 2003-01-27 (January 27, 2003)
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STOP ACCELERATING BUT THE MOTOR CONTINUED TO RUN AND THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER COASTED THE VEHICLE HOME. BURNING SMELL WAS CAUSED BY THE ASBESTOS FROM THE BACK BRAKES.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. 22,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10004686 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10006183 · 2003-02-14 (February 14, 2003)
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE'S TIRES. THE RECALL REQUEST WAS DENIED BY THE MANUFACTURER/CONTINENTAL TIRE, DUE TO THE RECEIPT THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED FELL OUTSIDE THE DATES OF PURCHASE WHICH WOULD QUALIFY FOR REIMBURSEMENT. SCC *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10006183 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10007285 · 2003-02-24 (February 24, 2003)
CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR FAILED TIRES. *AK *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10007285 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
00V396000 · Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual
Reported: 2000-11-28 (November 28, 2000)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS OF SEATING POSITIONS EQUIPPED WITH TETHER ANCHORAGES, AND DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THESE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE F150 SC OWNER GUIDES DO NOT PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE TAURUS/SABLE OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE CENTER REAR SEATING POSITION AS HAVING LATCH COMPATIBLE LOWER ANCHORAGES.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OWNER GUIDE INSERTS REVISED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES. CUSTOMERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED THAT IF THEY PREFER, THEIR DEALER WILL AFFIX THE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES.
NHTSA campaign record ↗01V082000 · Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2001-03-12 (March 12, 2001)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE INFLATOR CANISTER IN THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD NEAR THE IGNITER.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN REDUCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION, OR A BURN INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA campaign record ↗01V227001 · Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
Reported: 2001-07-16 (July 16, 2001)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT FULLY LATCH. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLES AND IF THE BUCKLE FAILS THE INSPECTION PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign record ↗01V258000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
Reported: 2001-08-08 (August 8, 2001)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
Consequence: LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign record ↗03V094000 · Structure
Reported: 2003-03-07 (March 7, 2003)
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.
Consequence: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
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 REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
NHTSA campaign record ↗05V388000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Reported: 2005-09-07 (September 7, 2005)
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)
NHTSA campaign record ↗