2001 Ford Explorer: check engine light

5 of the 375 complaints about the 2001 Ford Explorer describe check engine light.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 27 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

2026
2
2025
3
2023
4
2022
15
2021
13
2020
44
2019
4
2018
34
2017
60
2016
115
2015
31
2014
20
2013
45
2012
22
2011
20
2010
7
2008
12
2007
10
2006
34
2005
21
2004
22
2003
38
2002
89
2001
5
2000
20
1999
15
1998
12
1997
24
1996
14
1995
9
1994
14
1993
1
1992
2
1991
3

What owners say

Filed Nov 15, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 187,000 miles · MN · fire

I was driving and I saw and smelt smoke. I immediately could tell where it was coming from because I saw the smoke coming out of the hazard light on top of my steering wheel, it then turned into a flame,it was inside of the steering wheel. I pulled off to the side of the road because fortunately I had water with me and I poured a little bit of water on the flames that were coming out of where the hazard light is. This has happened 2 times,with the final result being 2 fires. It happened a 3rd time with just smoke. I no longer have the ability to use my windshield wipers and some of my interior lights no longer work. I don't know if this has caused other problems ie...my check engine light being on as well as my cruise control working when it wants to and other times not working at all plus the buttons on the inner side of the steering wheel being hot to the touch! I'm terrified to drive my own car!

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Fuel system · 76,500 miles · CA

I purchased this car on october 8,2003. Three days after I bought it the check engine light came on. I brought the car back four times back to back. The first time they said nothing was wrong. The second and third time the same thing. On the fourth attempt, they had me take it to one of "their" mechanics. He said it was a bad switch in the system. Not even a whole week later, the check guage light came on. The car lot where I bought it from said they were not going to look at my car because out of the kindness of their heart they've already looked at it. So I took it to a ford dealership, they fixed it and said it was a problem with transmission, and the steering wheel. They car lot said it was not their problem. I had to pay out of my pocket for some problems that are still under warranty. Then the first time the check engine light came on I later found out that a sales person who was not certified mechanic, tried to fix the car when they said they were sending it to a mechanic. I'm still having problems and it seems like there just getting worse!

Filed Jun 20, 2003 · Engine, Suspension · DC

While driving the engine light was flashing , suddenly the vehicle lost power. Dealer stated, spring broke over the third valve. Consumer indicated that the vehicle was not any longer under warranty so she had to pay.

Filed Apr 29, 2002 · Engine · OH

Temperature indicator light flashed, afterwards engine stalled. Dealer has replaced thermostat.*akthe service engine light illuminated, vehicle started to smoke while in motion at a speed of 65 MPH. Vehicle was taken to dealer where he was informed he had a blown head gasket. Consumers insurance company did a test where it was determined out that a faulty thermostat was the cause.

Filed Jun 25, 2001 · Acceleration, Suspension · ME

Vehicle idled up and down and up and down all the time like its was recycling. Vehicle experienced some loss of power. In may of 2001, consumer took vehicle into dealer for a sulphur smell. Dealer told consumer that vehicle was fine. On 31st of may, engine light came on, and would not go out. Took back to dealer, and the dealer stated consumer needed a new engine. Also, vehicle would not stay on raod when ground was wet. Dealer replaced stabilizer.