MotorDeets

2001 Ford Expedition: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2001 Ford Expedition: 6 recalls, 578 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

6vehicle recalls
578owner complaints
38mention a crash
16best combined mpg
2001 Ford Expedition
Photo: Ethan Llamas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Equipment Vehicle recall #00V396000 · 2000 · 495,000 vehicles

What's wrong: " the affected expedition/navigator owner guides do not identify the locations of seating positions equipped with tether anchorages, and do not provide instructions for securing child seats to these tether anchorages. The f150 sc owner guides do not provide the procedure for securing child seats to the tether anchorages. The taurus/sable owner guides do not identify the center rear seating position as having latch…

Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the child seat May not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.

The fix: Owners will be provided with owner guide inserts revised to provide the required information, and instructions for affixing these inserts to their owner guides. Customers will also be advised that if they prefer, their dealer will affix the inserts to their owner guides.

Airbags Vehicle recall #01V082000 · 2001 · 268 vehicles

What's wrong: The inflator canister in the driver air bag module May have an inadequate weld near the igniter.

Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the driver air bag May not deploy as intended, potentially resulting in reduced occupant protection, or a burn injury.

The fix: Dealers will install a driver air bag module. Owner notification began March 19, 2001.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #01V227001 · 2001 · 1,400,000 vehicles

What's wrong: Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle May not fully latch. Ford crown victoria built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 Mercury grand marquis built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. Lincoln town cars built at wixom assembly plant from 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. Lincoln navigators built at michigan…

Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the restraint system May not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began July 25, 2001.

Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #01V258000 · 2001 · 1,083,000 vehicles

What's wrong: 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…

Why it matters: Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

Body & structure Vehicle recall #03V094000 · 2003 · 3,674 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain pickup truck, van, and MINI van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, Inc. these units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.

Why it matters: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.

The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003.

Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #05V388000 · 2005 · 4,500,000 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat, smoke, or burn.

Why it matters: A fire at the switch could occur.

The fix: By letter dated September 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to…

4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Tires Recall #01X001000 · 2001 · 13,000,000 vehicles

What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone wilderness at 15, 16, and 17 inch tires mounted on Ford trucks and suvs. Ford reports tread separation can occur due to a combination of the sensitivity of the tire design to stress, aging, and manufacturing differences between…

Why it matters: Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.

The fix: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.

Fuel system Equipment recall #06E056000 · 2006 · 58,640 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors May not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection May believe that the quick connector is fully attached.

Why it matters: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.

The fix: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006.

Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash

The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.

Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E067000 · 2006 · 19,413 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain maxzone headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/nos. 331-1129l-asn and 331-1129r-asn, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the photometric requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.

The fix: Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on July 28, 2006.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 95 mention a fire, 63 injuries and 5 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling122
Electrical118
Speed control / throttle101
Tires59
Visibility (wipers, glass)41
Transmission & drivetrain40
Seat belts36
Body & structure25

What owners describe

The 2001 Ford Expedition has 578 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 36 Expedition model years for complaints (2.2× the average Expedition year). Complaints peaked in 2005 (79 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 90,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (890 complaints, 7 recalls), 2002 (340 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive141916Regular
5.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive121714Regular
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive131714Regular
5.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive111513Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Ford Expedition.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2001 Ford Expedition manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2001 Ford Expedition manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2001 Ford Expedition manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2001 Ford Expedition manual

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FAQ

Does the 2001 Ford Expedition have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Ford Expedition, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2001 Ford Expedition problems?

Owners have filed 578 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (122), electrical (118), speed control / throttle (101).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Ford Expedition get?

EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2001 Ford Expedition repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Expedition years

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