2001 Ford Explorer Sport transmission problems

Filed Nov 7, 2013 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · WA

This has occurred multiple times since I've had the vehicle. I know enough about vehicles to know this is not normal in the early years of 125,000 miles and routine maintenance. When I accelerate from a stopped position the RPM's go up to about 3,000 or so but the vehicle does not accelerate. The o/d light will flash and the vehicle, when it does accelerate, is "sluggish". When I pull over and turn off the vehicle, then turn it back on, it seems to reset the light so that it is no longer illuminated but eventually the issue with the lack of acceleration comes back within the next few miles and usually is a problem between 1st and 2nd gear. It happens like clock work when I leave a driveway and enter traffic which puts me in fear of being hit by an oncoming vehicle. This is definitely a potential hazard and in an attempt to diagnose the problem I have come across multiple entries on "blogs" with similar symptoms that usually begin around 120,000-150,000 miles. In my opinion, the issue causing the problem, and the potential risk to my life and others, should have been recalled years previous. This seems to be too common. Vehicles, in general, should not be operating like this unless there is an extreme lack of care in regards to maintenance. On another note... I've noticed that the various faulty parts that have been recalled are "quick fixes" which translates to me as "cheap fixes". If a company produces a product that fails before it's time or causes danger to it's customers, they should definitely ensure that the problem be remedied. So "man up" ford and address the issue- or the alternative is to quit producing garbage. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 5, 2013 · Transmission · 146,444 miles · ID

When I started from a stop light it took off fine but shifting from 1st to 2nd and then into 3rd the engine raced but would not accelerate. I pushed the o/d off and it seemed to fix the problem. Then over the next few days it became more frequent to the point that I am afraid to pull out into traffic. I worry that I will be hit by not gaining speed to get going. Also merging on the freeway is frustrating and unsafe. The o/d light flashes on and off all of the time now. This has happened over the coarse of a week. This is an automatic transmission 2wd.

Filed Sep 10, 2011 · Transmission · 189,000 miles · WI

Transmission slips while shifting from 2-3 gear or between 30mph-40mph. O/d off light blinks on/off sometimes when this occurs.

Filed Dec 17, 2010 · Transmission · 175,000 miles · TX

The guy before me (and many before him) experienced the same issues I am currently experiencing with my 2001 ford explorer sport: o/d off light begins flashing, feeling loss of power and hard shifting, especially when trying to go from a complete stop. Turn off vehicle, then restart problem goes away. This happens randomly, but more often in cold weather. Nothing coming up on diagnostic.

Filed Dec 14, 2010 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · NY

2001 ford explorer sport. O/d off light begins flashing, feeling loss of power and hard shifting, especially when trying to go from a complete stop. Turn off vehicle, then restart problem goes away. This happens randomly, but more often in cold weather. Nothing coming up on diagnostic.

Filed Sep 9, 2010 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · MD

I own a 2001 ford explorer sport. Recently, it appears that if I am going a steady speed or leaving from a complete stop, the car goes into over drive. This happens to me a min. Of 5 times a day. The button does not work for the over drive, so each time this happens, I have to pull over and turn the car off and back on again. Sometimes the od goes on minutes after I turn the car off and on again. I have not taken it to get fixed because the mechanics have told me it is signs of the transmission failing. I am a college student and can not afford to pay out of pocket 3,000 when the car is only worth 6,000 at best.

Filed Sep 2, 2010 · Suspension, Transmission · 147,000 miles · VT

I have a 2001 ford explorer sport which I bought new. I have always maintained it properly and I babied the vehicle. I have replaced many parts on it in the last three years from ball joints to hub assemblies many expensive repairs. Now it is making noise in the rear end and my mechanic has informed me that the rear end may go at any time. I have researched this and find that many other ford owners are experiencing the same problem but it is not considered a recall. I am not in the financial situation at this time to have this repaired and it is my feeling with so many people having this problem with their explorers it should be considered a recall. I know that this won't make a difference to anyone and I'll just have to struggle along with the problem until I can save the money to have it repaired but you can bet if I hadn't paid my payments while the car was financed through ford motor credit years ago that it would have been repoed in no time flat. Funny how those big companies can keep track of those things but forget about the safety issues of the products they produce. Guess I'll have to go back to a grand prix when I make my next purchase. The fields to fill out ask the question "were there any deaths or injuries" there is no where to check off "not yet" go figure..............

Filed Jul 16, 2010 · Transmission · 177,000 miles · GA

2001 ford explorer sport. O/d off light began flashing, feeling loss of power in early gears, especially when trying to go from a complete stop. Turn off vehicle, no problems until after driving again. Nothing coming up on diagnostic.

Filed Nov 16, 2009 · Electrical, Transmission · 96,000 miles · OH

I have a 2001 ford explorer sport that the 4x4 control module constantly malfunctions. This is a common problem that is widespread and could cause major accidents by losing control of the vehicle during operation in the winter months on snow/ ice. If you research this you'll find the problem existed from when these were new vehicles and ford has no resolution to fix this problem other than replace it with another defective part. Ford's diagnostic computer doesn't even recognize there is a failure in the system creating an even larger danger since here's no way to trace the problem when taken in for service. There should be a recall issued immediately. Ford and motorola have designed and installed a defective part that can kill people if not fixed and has probably caused hundreds of accidents already. The ford part number is 1l54-7h417-AC and the motorola model number is 01mp207c01 and it is described as the 4x4 control module.

Filed Feb 5, 2008 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · GA

2001 ford explorer sport with automatic transmission, 105,000 miles. "o/d off" light blinking after driving for a few minutes. Engine always revs high between gear shifts, especially between first and second, even before the light starts blinking. Changed transmission fluid and filter, but that didn't help. Only occasionally towed small trailer, but mostly just daily driving. Numerous blogs on this subject, so the problem appears to be widespread!