Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Brakes reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
35
Latest Nov 14, 2015
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
9%
of 375 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
8
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
4
What this page shows
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2001 Ford Explorer submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 35 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming brake
The 25 most recent of 35, in the owner's own words
MAIN PROBLEM AT THE MOMENT IS A CLICKING, KNOCKING NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH TRUCK IN THE MIDDLE. YOU CAN FEEL TRUCK SHAKE/VIBRATE WHEN YOU HEAR THE NOISE. PREVIOUS PROBLEMS LUG BOLTS CAME LOOSE AND ALMOST CAUSE TIRE TO FALL OFF. OTHER PROBLEM TRUCK STARTED OFF SOUNDING LIKE THE BRAKE PADS WERE GOING THEN THE TRUCK STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE . FELT LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO FALL OUT. ENDED UP BEING FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. RIM HAD STATTERED.
NHTSA ID
10790422
Incident
Nov 9, 2015
Mileage
167,218 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONATCT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DEFECT OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ID
10604536
Incident
Apr 7, 2014
Mileage
100,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Aug 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE THROTTLE AND SPEED CONTROL STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SURGE OVER 90 MPH. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT IN USE AT THE TIME. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AND THE CONTACT STATED THE CONSTANT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES CAUSED THEM TO SMOKE AND ALMOST CATCH ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT.
NHTSA ID
10165951
Incident
Aug 18, 2006
Mileage
48,584 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 21, 2005
THE DRIVER NOTICED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE CALIPER NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
NHTSA ID
10119036
Incident
Apr 21, 2005
Brakes
Filed Dec 8, 2004
THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH. ALL FOUR ROTORS WHERE REPLACED. *TC *SC *JB
NHTSA ID
10103888
Incident
Dec 1, 2004
BrakesInterior & seats
Filed Jun 5, 2004
AT TIMES MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL WHEN ENGAGED DOESNT WORK AND AT THIS TIME I NOTICE SMOKE COMING OUT OF STEERING COLLUMN,THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH PRESSING THE BRAKES, SOMETIMES WHEN I DEPRESS IT WORKS THEN GOES OFF WHEN PRESSING A SECOND TIME, ALSO DISPLAY ON STEREO WORKS PART TIME ONLY MAYBE ONE OUT OF EVERY TEN DRIVES. *AK
NHTSA ID
10074863
Incident
May 9, 2002
Mileage
41,000 mi
BrakesExterior lighting
Filed Mar 11, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THERE WAS ARE NO TURN SIGNAL OR BRAKE LIGHT. DRIVER WOULD MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL IN ANOTHER DIRECTION AND THE SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND OFF. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ID
10062999
BrakesElectricalEngine+2 more
Filed Jan 15, 2004
I HAVE SEVERAL MORE INVOICES 7-29-03 REPLACED DUST SEALS AND FORGOT TO PUT BRAKES BACK TOGETHER LOST WHOLE FRONT END AND BRAKING. HAD TRUCK FOR 3-4 DAYS THEY HAVE REPLACED THE WATER PUMP PULLEY AND S BELT 2-3 TIMES. CRUISE CONTROL 10-16, 12/31/02 AGAIN SQUELING NOISE 02/28/03 DEFROST KILLS TRUCK AND CHIRPING STILL. 2/10/03 STEERING WHEEL SNAPED PART FALLS AROUND INSIDE,CRUISE CONTROL WAS FIXED, BEARING FAILURE IN BELT TENSIONER AGAIN. TODAY STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. COME GET THE PIECE OF !@!@#@#. I AM SICK OF TAKING THIS TRUCK IN EVERY MONTH TO FIX SOMETHING. IT IS A LEMON
NHTSA ID
10070345
Incident
May 15, 2002
Mileage
14,491 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 15, 2004
Crash reported
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DRIVER HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
NHTSA ID
10054141
Mileage
28,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 29, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND THEN JERKS FORWARD. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CALIPERS, AND TURNED THE ROTORS IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK
NHTSA ID
10044935
Mileage
35,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 26, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THEY GRABBED THEN LET GO WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO SKID. *NLM *TS *JB
NHTSA ID
10020488
Incident
May 23, 2003
Mileage
29,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 28, 2003
BRAKE PROBLEM, IN 2002 I HAD MY EXPLORER IN TO PHIL LONG FORD 3 TIMES FOR PULLING, VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN STOPPING. THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS EACH TIME. I THEN TOOK IT BACK TO FORD BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE STILL DOING THE SAME THING, ONCE AGAIN THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS DOWN TO THE LOWEST THICKNESS, THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO MAKE NOISE AND THE PEDAL IS NOW SLOPPY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO TSB REPORT ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT YET I FIND ON THE INTERNET. THE BULLTIN # IS 15910 AND #15249. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT WHAT EVER THE DEALER HAD TO SAY WAS THE WAY IT WAS, BECAUSE THEY WERE A BLUE OVAL DEALER. *JB
NHTSA ID
10008280
Incident
Jul 12, 2001
Mileage
5,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 28, 2003
BRAKE PROBLEM, IN 2002 I HAD MY EXPLORER IN TO PHIL LONG FORD 3 TIMES FOR PULLING, VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN STOPPING. THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS EACH TIME. I THEN TOOK IT BACK TO FORD BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE STILL DOING THE SAME THING, ONCE AGAIN THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS DOWN TO THE LOWEST THICKNESS. THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO MAKE NOISE AND THE PEDAL IS NOW SLOPPY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO TSB REPORT ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT YET I FIND ON THE INTERNET. THE BULLTIN # IS 15910 AND #15249. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT WHAT EVER THE DEALER HAD TO SAY WAS THE WAY IT WAS, BECAUSE THEY WERE A BLUE OVAL DEALER. *JB *TS
NHTSA ID
10008279
Incident
Jul 12, 2001
Mileage
5,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 20, 2002
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE A BRAKING LIGHT APPEAR ON THE DASBOARD. THE LIGHT WILL STAY ON INTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURN OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
NHTSA ID
10001354
Incident
Dec 16, 2002
Brakes
Filed Nov 1, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL RIGHT FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP. DEALER TECHNICIAN NOTICED BRAKE CALIPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
NHTSA ID
8022032
Body & structureBrakesEngine+2 more
Filed Sep 12, 2002
CUSTOMER STATES, THE COVER FOR DOOR LOCK AND WINDOW SWITCHES ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT DOOR IS LOOSE AND WILL NOT STAY SNAPPED IN PLACE, ALSO THE DOOR HINGES WERE REPLACED.*SCC *YH
NHTSA ID
567425
Incident
Sep 25, 2001
Brakes
Filed Jul 28, 2002
Crash reported
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ID
764840
Incident
Feb 1, 2002
BrakesSteering
Filed Mar 12, 2002
Crash reported1 injury reported
MY NAME IS [XXX] I AM THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE MENTIONED MY MOTHER IS THE FIRST NAME ON THE CONTRACT. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO HAVE A STEERING AND BRAKING PROBLEM FOUR TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND ONCE TO ANOTHER. I HAVE SINCE HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE PROBLEMS THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS. I HAVE FOR MONTHS TRIED TO SOLVE THIS THROUGH THE PROPER CHANNELS . THIS WAS NOT RESOLVED AND I HAVE DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE SO. I HAVE NEVER ASKED THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN TO FIX IT OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER ONE EQUIVALANT TO THIS ONE . THEY KEPT LETTING ME LEAVE THE SERVICE DEPT THINKING IT WAS FIXED ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT DAY OR A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER AFTER DRIVING IT THAT IT WAS NEVER FIXED. I HAD AN ACCIDENT THAT NEVER NEEDED TO HAPPEN AND I HAVE BEEN OUT MONEY OUT OF MY OWN POCKET BECAUSE OF THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I NEED THIS PROBLEM INVESTIGATED AND SOLVED . YOU MAY BE MY LAST HOPE BEFORE I HAVE TO OBTAIN A LAWYER FOR THIS DEALERSHIP AND FORD..THANK YOU [XXX], [XXX] , PARROTTSVILLE, TN [XXX] [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ID
759285
Incident
Feb 24, 2002
Brakes
Filed Feb 14, 2002
ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED 3 TIMES. DEALER HAS REPORTED THAT HIGH PITCHED SQUEAL IS COMMON FROM FACTORY. BRAKE PADS REPLACED TWICE, FRONT CALIPERS REPLACED LAST VISIT.*AK
NHTSA ID
758250
Incident
Jun 1, 2001
Brakes
Filed Sep 28, 2001
WHILE TRAVELING AND WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL HEARD GRINDING NOISE. CONSUMER PULLED WHEEL OFF, AND NOTICED PADS WERE WORN OUT. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ID
897041
BrakesTires & wheels
Filed Jul 26, 2001
RE BRAKES: THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE SHOES/PAD TWICE ANDS ROTORS ONCE. RE TIRE/WHEELS THEY COULD NOT GET THEM TO BALANCE OUT TRIED 4 TIMES ( GOODYEAR TRIED TWICE) TOTAL OF 6 TIMES. AGAIN A WEEK AND A HALF LATER, IT PULLS LEFT WHEN BRAKING, AND VIBRATION IS BACK AGAIN. I HAVE SPOKE WITH WAYNE ( SERVICE MGR) AND AL MC DONALD ( GENERAL SALES MGR). I HAVE INFORMED THEM OF THE NEVADA LEMON LAW # NRS 597.630 HE SAID TO INFORCE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GET A "LAWYER". PLEASE NOTE I ONLY MARKED THE FIRST TIME OF THE PROBLEMS I HAVE FULL DOC'S OF EVERY VISIT ON THESE ITEMS. PLEASE HELP! THANK YOU, CRYSTAL DEL GIUDICE. *AK (TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)
NHTSA ID
749211
Incident
Jun 25, 2001
Brakes
Filed Jun 27, 2001
1 injury reported
CONSUMER STATES SHE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT TRAVELING AT 30 MPH ON DRY PAVEMENT, CONSUMER STATES SHE WAS UNABLE TO COME TO A QUICK STOP AND COMPLETE STOP, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SOME INJURIES DURING COLLISION, CONSUMER IS QUESTIONING ABS WHICH DOES FEEL SPONGY OR THE FACT THAT SHE WAS DRIVING WITH THE WILDERNESS TIRES THAT ARE ALSO QUESTIONABLE RIGHT NOW.*JB
NHTSA ID
561807
Incident
May 31, 2001
BrakesHeating & air conditioningEngine+1 more
Filed Jun 12, 2001
IHAVE LOST CONTROLL OF THIS VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE STEERING AND OVERALL HANDLING ,MY TIRES ARE ALSO PLAYING A ROLL IN THIS I BELEAVE THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED IN RAIN OR SNOW . I FEEL THIS VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE FOR MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN! I'VE ALREADY HAD THE VEHICLE INTO AUBURN MOTOR SALES FOR 6 DAYS FOR COMPLAINTS OF LACK&SURGE OF POWER,BAD SULFER SMELL AT IDLE ROLLING IDLE(UP&DOWN), EXTREMELY POOR GAS MILEAGE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DIOGNOSE PROBLEM. AS OF TODAY I'VE LOST 21 DAYS OF USE ,ON A VEHICLE I'VE ONLY HAD ABOUT4 AND A HALF MONTHS KNOW THEY SAY I NEED AN ENGINE THAT I'M STILL WAITING ON. I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP I DIDN'T FEEL THIS VEHICLE WAS SAFE AND WANTED IT REPLACED .I GOT KNOW WHERE, WHEN THEY FOUND OUT I GOT LEMON LAW PAPERWORK THEY TOLD ME FORD WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT PURSUE IT THROUGH THE STATE. I DON'T SEE HOW THEY CAN TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE STUCK WHEN YOU PURCHASED A NEW VEHICLE AND IT HAS COMPROMISED YOUR SAFETY TIME&TIME AGAIN! MY SALESMAN TOLD ME TO LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE I WAS STILL HERE TO TALK ABOUT IT!!! I DON'T FIND THIS VERY AMUSING ,I WONDER IF FORD KNOWS HOW HE FEELS IN MY OPINION HE WAS TELLING ME I COULD OF BEEN DEAD!!! BRENDA. *AK (TIRESIZE: 255/70/16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 255/70/16 )
NHTSA ID
746742
Incident
Mar 26, 2001
Brakes
Filed Jun 4, 2001
Crash reported
BRAKING SYSTEM UNRESPONSIVE AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, WHICH BELIEVE IS THE RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. NOW AFTER ONLY 3.5 MONTHS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS VERY SOFT. BRAKE PEDAL HAS TO BE PRESSED ALMOST TO END OF RANGE OF LIMIT BEFORE VEHICLE WILL START TO SLOW DOWN.*AK
NHTSA ID
746383
Incident
Mar 3, 2001
Brakes
Filed Apr 30, 2001
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE PULLS TO RIGHT, AND A SQUEALING NOISE OCCURS, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NHTSA ID
887104
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own