2001 Ford Explorer: windshield wiper failure

5 of the 375 complaints about the 2001 Ford Explorer describe windshield wiper failure.

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

Is there a fix? 7 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Windshield wiper failure by model year

2026
1
2025
3
2024
1
2023
2
2022
5
2021
12
2020
8
2019
2
2018
6
2017
20
2016
4
2015
7
2014
7
2013
10
2012
3
2011
4
2010
1
2008
1
2006
6
2005
5
2004
7
2003
10
2002
18
2001
5
2000
31
1999
191
1998
56
1997
23
1996
7
1995
4
1994
3
1993
1
1992
1
1991
2

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 Jun 4, 2009 · Acceleration, Electrical · 194,462 miles · LA

When I have used my speed control I have had smoke come out of the top of my steering column twice. The smoke comes through the hole for my emergency light button on the top of my steering column. This happened recently for the third time. The ford dealer is charging $652.63 to replace the wire harness and the switch that controls wipers, hazard lights, blinkers, etc. The recall was replaced, and they say the two are not related. Apparently this could cause an electrical fire as would the recall part. The SUV is a ford explorer 2001 v8 xlt.

Filed Dec 22, 2005 · Locks · NY

2001 ford explorer hood flew open and broke the hinges. *ts this failure resulted in damage to the hood and hinges, wiper blades and cowl area (ohio traffic crash report).

Filed Oct 12, 2003 · Electrical, Visibility · 38,730 miles · TX

There was a warning indicator that was originally illuminated green. When the indicator turned blue the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. The indicator was for the lighting system, and the dealer made some repairs, but did not inform the consumer of what was done. Currently, the indicator is not on at all, and the dealer cannot determine why it is not working. Also, the rear window windshield wiper was not operating. Dealer stated motor had to be replaced. *ak *ph

Filed Jul 6, 2000 · Steering, Transmission · CA

Truck was purchased new with 13 total miles. Windshield wipers are not working fuses are fine and the interior dome light is not working fuses are fine. While shifting from drive to reverse the truck begins to stall also while shifting from reverse to drive the truck begins to stall.