MotorDeets

Ford Explorer Sport problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Explorer Sport from 1993 to 2005: 736 owner complaints and 9 recalls across 10 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (188), 2002 (133), 1998 (121). Best fuel economy: 18 mpg combined (2001).

Ford Explorer Sport
Photo: Theshadow97 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Body & structure110
Transmission & drivetrain96
Engine & cooling71
Electrical67
Seats65
Speed control / throttle58
Suspension58
Latches & locks55

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199305–
1997037–
19980121–
1999093–
2000171–
2001518818
2002313317
200306517
2004018–
200505–

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 Ford Explorer Sport.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

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

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

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

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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
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Ford Explorer Sport?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (188), 2002 (133), 1998 (121).

How many recalls has the Ford Explorer Sport had?

Across 1993–2005, NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).