2003 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 1,313 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 69 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 66 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearDec 11, 2007
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
Campaign 07E104000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgate, hinge and attachmentsSep 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK.
IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL HAVE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES REPLACED. FOR THE VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2002, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE STRUT BRACKET. ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM MARCH 3, 2002 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2003, THE DEALERS WILL ONLY REPLACE THE HINGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. A POSTCARD WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 27, 2004, ADVISING THEM THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V442000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureMar 7, 2003
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.
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Campaign 03V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
59 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Nov 5, 2011, crash
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I HAD STOPPED AND WAS WAITING FOR A MAIL CARRIER TO FINISH PUTTING MAIL IN A MAILBOX WHEN I WAS REAR-ENDED. THE OTHER DRIVER HIT ME AT HIGH SPEED. I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY PUSHED INTO THE MAIL CARRIERS VEHICLE---EVEN THOUGH HE TRIED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. I DON'T BELIEVE I HIT THE MAIL CARRIER AT HIGH SPEED, BUT STILL IT DID CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BACK BUMPER OF HIS VEHICLE AND LIGHT DAMAGE TO MY FRONT BUMPER. THE TRUCK THEN REAR-ENDED ME AGAIN DUE TO HIS SPEED AND INABILITY TO STOP. NEITHER AIR BAG IN THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO THE DAMAGE FROM THE REAR-END HIT. THE ONLY DOOR ON MY VEHICLE THAT OPENED CORRECTLY WAS THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. MY SEAT ON THE FRONT IS APPARENTLY BROKE AND LAYING FLAT. THE CARGO AREA WAS PUSHED INTO THE THIRD SEAT, THE THIRD SEAT INTO THE SECOND SEAT, ETC... I'M NOT SURE IF THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED OR NOT. BUT, IF THEY SHOULD HAVE THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO. I BELIEVE MY INJURIES WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS SEVERE IF THE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED. I HAVE WHAT I GUESS MAY BE CLASSIC WHIPLASH TYPE INJURIES. BACK PAIN, NECK PAIN, AND SHOULDER PAIN; AS WELL AS, MY ELBOW WAS HURT; AND BOTH WRIST FROM TRYING TO GRAB THE STEERING WHEEL TO PREVENT MYSELF FROM BEING THROWN INTO THE STEERING COLUMN OR WINDSHIELD DURING THE SECOND HIT FROM THE REAR. ANYTHING YOU CAN TELL ME THAT WILL HELP WITH THESE QUESTIONS? I AM BEING ASKED BY OTHER PEOPLE THAT KNOW ABOUT THE WRECK WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Air bags, Jul 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED A DEFECT WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT DID NOT OFFER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 08/10/11
Air bags, Jun 7, 2011
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. I STARTED MY CAR UP THIS MOURNING TO GO TO WORK. I STEPPED OUT OF THE CAR TO REMOVE AN EMPTY CUP WHEN I HEARD A POP FROM INSIDE MY CAR. AS I TURNED AN LOOKED I SAW MY CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. AS I WENT BACK TO THE CAR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. THIS CAR IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. IT HAS 130000 MILES ON IT. I AM AFRAID OF THIS HAPPENING TO THE DRIVERS SIDE BAG NOW AS I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TO THIS MODEL. *TR
Air bags, Equipment, Oct 23, 2009
OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THE AIR BAG LIGHT BLINKS THEN STAYS ON CONSTANTLY WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY WHETHER MY AIR BAG IS ACTUALLY WORKING OR NOT. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET APPARENTLY SEVERAL OTHER FORD OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO I HAVE A CRACKED PANEL ON THE BACK HATCH , I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME CRACK AND AT THE SAME LOCATION , TOOK THE FORD DEALER IN CLARKSVILLE INDIANA WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO WEATHER , WAS TOLD SEVERAL FORD EXPLORER OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM BUT UNFORTUNATELY FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT NOT DOING A RECALL. WAS TOLD WOULD COST AROUND $300 TO REPLACE THE PANEL THE FORD DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTED ME TO FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THEY HAVE SEEN TOO MANY THEMSELVES. *TR
Air bags, Feb 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE DRIVER TO SUSTAIN MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CODE WAS DISPLAYED DURING THE TESTING, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND SENT A LETTER WITH A CHECK FOR $1,000 TOWARDS THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Air bags, Aug 16, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO MISS A WILD HOG IN THE ROAD. SHE DROVE INTO THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP WHERE IT CURRENTLY REMAINS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000.
Visibility, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Mar 2, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED ABOUT THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON, AND WHEN IT WAS ON, THE AIRBAG DEACTIVATED WHICH WAS A SAFETY PROBLEM. IT HAPPENED ALL THE TIME. THE FUSES HAVE BEEN CHANGED UNDER WARRANTY, AND NOW THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, IT WAS NO LONGER REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS TOLD BY ONE SERVICE STATION THAT IT WAS STANDARD FOR THE FUSES TO BLOW BECAUSE OF THE FUSE BOX LOCATION. ANOTHER SERVICE STATION TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THIS WAS NOT TRUE THAT THE FUSE BOX WAS TO HIGH IN THE CAR FOR PEBBLES TO BE ABLE TO GET INTO THE FUSE BOX. ALSO, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WON'T TURN OFF BY THEM SELVES, EVEN WHEN THE KEYS WERE OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WERE CONSISTENTLY ON. MOREOVER, THE ELECTRONIC SEAT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. SHE HAD THE SEAT REPAIRED TWICE AND IT FAILED AGAIN. FINALLY, CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE'S UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE CLANKED STOPPING, TURNING TO GO FORWARD, OR JUST SITTING STILL. THE FIRST TIME THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR SHE WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT IT WAS THE DRIVER'S SEAT THAT WAS CAUSING THE CLANKING NOISE, AND THE SECOND TIME SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE WAS NOT SOMETHING THEY COULD IDENTIFY BECAUSE DURING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING IT DID NOT SHOW A SPECIFIC FAILURE CODE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 114000.*AK
Air bags, Seats, Feb 6, 2007, crash
1. WHILE STOPPED ON THE INTERSTATE WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO MOVE, MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER SUV TRAVELING AT PRESUMABLY HIGHWAY SPEED. AS A RESULT, MY SUV WAS PROPELLED FORWARD, HITTING THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. 2. **DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.** PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED (THE DRIVER WAS THE ONLY PASSENGER). **THE BASE, AND POSSIBLY THE BACK, OF THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE.** (I WAS RESTRAINED IN A SEAT BELT.) I HIT THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, HITTING MY HEAD QUITE HARD ON THE RUBBER GASKET EDGE OF THE MOONROOF, AND WHEN LANDING I THINK I HIT MY NOSE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN I LANDED, THE BASE OF THE SEAT BROKE...WHEN LOOKING AT IT FROM THE SIDE (LOOKING AT THE CONTROLS), THE BASE OF THE SEAT HAS A BEND IN IT LIKE AN UPSIDE-DOWN V, AND THE SEAT BACK APPEARS TO BE RECLINED. I STILL HAVE A KNOT AND PAIN ON THE TOP OF MY HEAD, MY NECK IS STIFF AND NOW SOMETIMES POPS/CRACKS/CRUNCHES WHEN I TURN MY HEAD, MY LEFT SHOULDER JOINT IS VERY SORE, AND I HAVE SOME DULL INTERMITTENT LOWER BACK PAIN. BESIDES TEMPORARY BLEEDING IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I AM UNAWARE OF ANY DAMAGE TO MY NOSE. 3. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN DONE. INSURANCE DAMAGE ESTIMATE IS PENDING, BUT I EXPECT IT WILL BE CONSIDERED TOTALED. *JB
Air bags, Nov 21, 2006, crash
ON 11/07/06 WAS IN HEAD ON COLLISION WITH 4 INCH STEEL POST, AIR BAG ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER DID NOT DEPLOY. WOULD LIKE TO SEND PHOTOS. *NM
Air bags, Aug 11, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 55-60 MPH WHEN A DOG JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING IT TO HIT THE DOG. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE BODY SHOP TO BE REPAIRED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THEY TOLD HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO BE TESTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE FOR THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIR BAGS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BELONGED TO THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER. *AK
Air bags, Jun 11, 2005
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR ASOLUTELY NO REASON WHATSOEVER. WE WERE JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A LOAD POP. I THOUGHT WE HAD A BLOWOUT UNTIL I SAW MY WIFE SITTING IN THE SEAT IN PAIN. FOR A WHILE SHE COULDN'T EVEN MOVE THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY. WE HEADED HOME IMMEDIATELY, BY THE TIME WE MADE IT HOME SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE AGAIN. BEING A SATURDAY THERE WASN'T ANYONE TO CALL. I WILL BE CALLING FORD FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING.
Air bags, Jun 2, 2005, crash
CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND ROLLED OVER. THERE WERE TWO PASSENGERS INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED AND THE SECOND HAD LESS SERIOUS INJURIES DUE TO THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING ON EITHER SIDE. THE AIR BAG SWITCH WAS ON. *JB *SB *NM
Suspension, Electrical system, Air bags, Tires, Wheels, May 7, 2005, crash, fire
PASSENGER-FRONT TIRE RECEIVED AN IMPACT IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS HIT WAS A "SIDE-CRASH" WHERE ONLY THE TIRE AND A SMALL AREA OF THE OUTSIDE FRAMING ABOVE THE WHEEL WERE DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TRUCK SPARKED AND IGNITED ON IMPACT. THE TRUCK WAS IN FULL FLAMES IN THE TIRE AND ENGINE AREA WITHIN 9-11 MINUTES. THE FIRE BURNED OUT THE CENTER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD, THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA, THE DASHBOARD/GLOVE COMPARTMENT, AND THE TIRE AREA WITHIN THAT TIME FRAME. I WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN THE OTHER DRIVER COLIDED WITH MY TRUCK AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH; THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY/RAINY BUT IT HAD NOT RAINED YET DURING MY MORNING TRAVEL. THE AIR
Air bags, Apr 9, 2005, crash
DRIVING ON SEMI-CLEAR ROAD ABOUT 40 MPH, AIR TEMPERATURE WAS -7 DEGREES. HIT BLACK ICE AND WENT OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A DITCH. THE EXPLORER HIT A TREE STUMP ON THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF BUMPER AND WHEEL. THE TRUCK DID NOT ROLL OVER DURING THE ACCIDENT. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE WEARING THE SEAT BELT/SHOULDER BELT. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURE/COMPRESSION OF THE L1 VERTBRAE (SPINE) DUE TO THE SEAT BELT (SEAT-BELT SYNDROME). THE TRUCK SUSTAINED HEAVY DAMAGE TO THE FRONT, FRONT WHEEL AND ENGINE AREA. THE REPAIR MECHANIC DID PERFORM A CHECK OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM DURING THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE SYSTEM CHECKED OUT AS NORMAL. NO AIR BAG SYSTEM PART HAD BEEN REPLACED DURING THE REPAIR. *AK
Air bags, Mar 2, 2005, crash
WHEN THE CONSUMER HIT A DEER AT 35 MPH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO DRIVE. . PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB AFTER HITTING THE DEER THE AIR BAG GASES DEPLOYED AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AFTER IMPACT, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD REMAINED ILLUMINATED. *TT
Air bags, Jan 25, 2005, crash
THE CONSUMER HIT A TELEPHONE POLE AT 30 MPH WHEN HE/SHE TRIED TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER MOTORIST. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY OWNER. *JB
Air bags, Nov 13, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH, THE OWNER WAS HIT FROM THE FRONT OF VEHICLE, INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE YET THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM *TC
Air bags, Oct 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS UNEXPECTEDLY DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED BECAUSE THE RESTRAINT MODULE HAD RECEIVED A SIGNAL FROM THE CRASH SENSORS INDICATING AN EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE THAT EXCEEDED THE THRESHOLD OF ITS DESIGN FOR DEPLOYMENT. *JB
Air bags, Sep 22, 2004
I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER AS A GIFT AND I NOTICED SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT HAD STARTED A SINKING , APPEARANCE IN THE COMPARTMENT AREA THAT HOLDS THE AIR BAG, IT WAS QUESTIONED AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUAT SETTLING. AS THE SINKING WORSEN, MONTHS DOWN THE ROAD, I QUESTIONED IT AGAIN, AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING AGAIN. NOW THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT HAS STARTED SINKING BADLY AND THE COMPARTMENT IS NOW BUDGING OUT TO THE POINT WHERE YOU CAN PUT ALL YOUR FINGERS UNDER AND IN IT. THE BAG CAN DEPLOY AT ANY TIME NOW. IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN ALL OF A SUDDEN AND IT WILL, IT WILL CAUSE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT, POSSIBLE DEATH IF THE SUDDEN FRIGHT CAUSE THE DRIVER TO GO OUT OF CONTROL. MY DAUGHTER SAID THE AIR BAG WAS BEGINNING TO FRIGHTEN HER AND SHE AGAIN ATTEMPTED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE AT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM, AGAIN SHE WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND THAT THE CAUSE SEEM TO BE ELSEWHERE, YET IN FACT IF THE ISSUE HAD BEEN ADDRESSED WHEN I FIRST BROUGHT IT TO THEIR ATTENTION,IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CORPORATION, AWAITING A RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF IMMEDIATELY BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH ARISES FROM THIS ISSUE.*AK
Air bags, Sep 11, 2004, crash
WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. QUESTION: ARE AIR BAGS SET TO DEPLOY DEPENDING ON IMPACT SPEED AND OR FORCE?*AK
Air bags, Sep 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR ON A STRAIGHT ROAD IN EXCELLENT CONDITION THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO BRAKING OR ACCELERATING OCCURING AT THE TIME OF THE EVENT. THIS WAS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. 4 OCCUPANTS WERE PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE INCLUDING 2 TODDLERS. *AK
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 20, 2004, crash
CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. *MR THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THE CONSUMER COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING ON IT'S OWN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER CRASHED INTO THE BORDER WALL, SPUN AROUND, AND STOPPED ON THE OTHER SIDE. *SC *JB
Air bags, Jun 21, 2004, crash
I WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED OUT FROM A STOP SIGN DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME WHILE I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. MY EXPLORER EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. DURING THIS ACCIDENT NEITHER OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I AM JUST BEGINING TO MAKE CONTACTS TO TRY AND GET AN EXPLAINATION AS TO WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DIGITAL PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGED VEHICLE ARE AVAILBLE.*AK
Air bags, Jun 12, 2004
2003 EXPOLRER - DEFECTIVE COMPUTER SENSOR MODULE FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM FOR THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. *AK
Air bags, Apr 19, 2004, crash
WHEN DRIVING 65 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A GUARD RAIL HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK