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2001 Ford Expedition visibility problems

44 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000.

owner complaints
44
of this car's complaints
8%
typical mileage
80,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Windshield
    19
  • Windshield wiper/washer
    4
  • Power window devices and controls
    4
  • Windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring
    3
  • Windshield wiper/washer: motor
    3
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
    2
  • Windshield wiper/washer: linkages
    1
  • Sun/moon roof assembly
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Expedition visibility problems in other years

1997200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Ford Expedition visibility

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Wipers 39

Related recalls

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motorReported August 8, 2001 · 1,083,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 01V258000 · Recall details

What 2001 Ford Expedition owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 23, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 112,000 miles · MO

Wipers fail, came within inches of major crash several times, due to poor or no visibility from rain or snow because of wipers complete failure. Also, power windows fail, interior lights fail, radio fails, 4 wheel drive fail and it was stated on line that air bag failure is also a problem. Can not drive in rain or snow! When looking up the gem module part (generic electronic module) it was stated in several online parts sources that the 2001 ford expedition had a windshield improperley sealed at the factory on the assembly line. Thus water leaks on the gem module shorting it out; and it was stated that in several of the same vehicles that their entire fuse box fails which is located directly under the gem module which is mounted on top of the fuse box causing entire electrical failure. I feel it is the responsibility of ford to recall these vehicles and fix the problem. It is an assembly line failure, I can not renew my licence due to safety standards until this issue is addressed and ford corrects the problem.

Filed Jul 28, 2014 · Visibility · 240,000 miles · CO

Water appears to have leaked into the electrical system causing the wipers to not function at all. When the wipers are turned on, we hear the wiper motor click; but wipers do not clear the windshield.

Filed Sep 3, 2013 · Visibility · CA

The light for the wipers system has been on since we bought the car from the dealership. It has never been able to spray fluid.

Filed Oct 27, 2010 · Electrical, Visibility · 98,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford expedition. The contact stated that the electrical system malfunctioned, the instrument panel would illuminate suddenly without warrant, the radio would engage independently, and the windshield wipers would activate without the keys being in the ignition. In addition, the contact stated that the windshield wipers would not engage while the vehicle was turned on. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer who advised the contact that water was leaking into the vehicle through the windshield and the windshield would need replacing. The windshield was replaced yet the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or diagnose where the leak was coming from. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer advised the contact that they could offer no assistance without an accurate diagnosis. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000 and the current mileage was approximately 121,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2010 · Acceleration, Electrical · 90,000 miles · TX

Leaking windshield causing different systems to act unpredictably. Currently AC blower fan circuit blown (fixed 4x), cruise control dead after intermittently working (high potential of fatality if acceleration out of control). Radio comes on an off. Check engine light on continuously. Numerous codes showing up even after deleting. This problem has been occurring for years ( at least 4 years). The windshield has to be replaced as per technician but I strongly feel that ford should just plug the leak for all the expeditions and navigators being affected by this. Others have had more serious problem - windows opening and closing automatically (no user action).

Filed Feb 24, 2010 · Visibility · 130,108 miles · KY

Drivers side window actuator failed causing window to suddenly drop into door while driving at highway speeds in 25 degree weather. This is my first occurrence with this happening (but I just bought this used truck less than a week ago) but in doing research it appears to be a very common problem resulting in numerous accidents.

Filed Feb 14, 2010 · Electrical, Visibility · 73,700 miles · LA

Leaking windshield and electrical problems on our 2001 expedition, worried about a possible fire.

Filed Jan 22, 2010 · Body, Electrical · 102,000 miles · CA

Was driving down the road in heavy rain when windshield wipers stopped working. Could not see 2 feet infront of me, so I was forced to pull over on a busy road. Put the truck in park, and wipers started working. Put back in drive and they stopped. Finally the rain slowed enough for me to drive with out the wipers, very unsafe! When I got home, I turned the key off, pulled them out of the ignition and the heater kept running. I had to turn it to off position. Lights on gauge cluster were flickering too. Opened driver side door and radio stayed on. Had to manually turn that off as well. Smelled something burning, so I quickly unhooked the battery. Came back a couple hours later, connected battery, now vehicle wont start! Will turn over, but wont crank. Did some research and found that this is a very common problem with many different ford vehicles! Problem is caused by a faulty windshield, allowing water to leak into the cab, behind the dash, and get water on the gem and fusebox, creating corrosion. These problems could be very unsafe! Possible fire from electric short, possible injury/death from wipers quitting while driving. Ford should take responsibility for their faulty design!

Filed Jul 22, 2009 · Electrical, Visibility · 99,750 miles · NJ

I have experienced a windshield leak on my 2001 ford expedition. This has lead to unwanted electrical activity when the vehicle is unattended. This has included the radio coming on or the blower motor running and even the starter engaging with the key removed. I am very concerned about a possible fire!

Filed Mar 17, 2009 · Electrical, Visibility · 50,000 miles · VA

Windshield leaking water causing erratic and unpredictable intermittent electrical failures in a 2001 ford expedition. Windshield wiper operation is effected by water intrusion into the fuse panel and gem as stated in ford motor company advisory. When vehicle is placed into drive it operation of the windshield wipers is either non operational or only operational when vehicle is placed back into park. This a major safety issue which has been swept under the rug by ford motor company. This issue has been documented by numerous complaint on this web site alone. But until someone is injured or killed well this issue come to light and action to correct the problem which effect many families that use these vehicles everyday rain or shine. These incidents have been going on for more than three years.

Questions about the 2001 Ford Expedition visibility

Does the 2001 Ford Expedition have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 44 complaints about the visibility of the 2001 Ford Expedition, 8% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2001 Ford Expedition visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2001 Ford Expedition visibility?

Yes, 1 recall: 01V258000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Expedition have the most visibility problems?

The Ford Expedition model years with the most visibility complaints are 1999 (123 complaints), 2000 (72 complaints) and 1998 (61 complaints).

Other 2001 Ford Expedition problems

Engine 137Electrical 118Acceleration 101Tires 59Transmission 40Seat belts 36Body 25Brakes 24Fuel system 22Suspension 21Airbags 19Lights 8Steering 8Locks 7Wheels 6Driver assistance 3Seats 1

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