2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Feb 26, 2010 · Body, Suspension · 71,760 miles · OR

The emails below chronicle my attempt to have the ford motor company address what I feel to be a safety issue. Please note that the components that are the subject to the inquiry are part of the steering. Any failure of these components may result in loss of control of the vehicle. The rubber body mount, strut and control arm bushings on my 2001 sport trac 4wd are crumbling. Please advise what corrective action the ford motor company is taking to address this problem. [xxx] thank you for contacting the ford motor company customer relationship center regarding the concerns you have with your 2001 ford explorer sport trac. We have reviewed the situation, and unfortunately, there are no warranties, field service actions/customer satisfaction programs on your vehicle that would provide assistance for this repair. However, we do suggest that the repair be done by a ford/lincoln-mercury dealership where the technicians are trained to put your vehicle back into factory specifications, and any ford parts replaced will come with a 12 months/12,000 miles warranty. Please be advised that a diagnostic fee may be charged. If additional assistance is required, we suggest that you contact the customer relationship/service manager. They will further assist in facilitating your service/repair needs. Your next steps are to discuss this repair with the service manager at your dealership. Should you feel that we have not adequately addressed your questions, please feel free to contact us via telephone at (800)392-3673 between the hours of 8am and 5pm, local time, monday through friday. Please provide your 10 digit reference number - [xxx] . Sincerely, [xxx] customer relationship center ford motor company.

Filed Oct 30, 2009 · Body · 71,760 miles · OR

The rubber body mount,strut and control arm bushings on my 2001 sport trac 4wd are crumbling.

Filed Dec 18, 2008 · Suspension · 48,936 miles · NY

2001 ford sport trac 49,000 miles have had lower ball joints replaced two yrs ago and yesterday 12-17-2008 had the uppers replaced. All four were perm sealed type. I am 64yrs old and have never before had ball joint problems. Please force car companies to go back to grease fittings on such an important part of a vehicle.

Filed Jul 2, 2006 · Steering, Suspension · 49,000 miles · FL

Premature steering component failure. 48,000 tie rod ends, 59,000 upper control arms, lower ball joints, rack and pinion, and power steering pump.

Filed Aug 20, 2003 · Brakes, Suspension · ME

At 31,000 miles brakes and rotors had to be replaced, and again at 57,000 miles. Have taken it to dealer on several occasions because the brakes squealed, especially when pressure is applied. Tech said the brakes needed to seed. Problems with front brakes has been ongoing. Is this normal or are there other sport trak owners experiencing the same kind of problems with their brakes. (has lead to tires cupping, bushings needing replacement, front end alignments, ball joint replacement, etc.)