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: electrical system
81 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT AND FOUR BYSTANDERS PUSHED THE VEHICLE INTO A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,412.
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 19, 2016
MY TRANSMISSION LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON. I WAS ONLY AT 117K MILES WHEN IT HAPPENED. THAT'S TO SOON FOR A TRANSMISSION TO BE ACTING UP ESPECIALLY SINCE IT'S ANEW ONE ACCORDING TO CARFAX THIS IS THE SECOND TRANSMISSION FOR MY EXPLORER. THE FIRST ONE WAS PUT IN ONLY AT 3 YEARS OLD. IT WILL SOMETIMES JERK INTO REVERSE OR TAKE A SECOND TO GO INTO DRIVE WHEN I SWITCH GEARS. MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT ALSO FLASHES WHICH I ASSUME MEANS MY OVERDRIVE NO LONGER WORKS. THE LIGHT ONLY COMES ON AFTER DRIVING OVER 40 MPH. SO IF I'M ON THE HIGHWAY I CAN'T GO THE SPEED LIMIT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT THIS LIGHT COMING ON. I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP IT NEEDS A TORQUE CONVERTER AND A REBUILD. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY TOLD ME TO BUY A NEW CAR. WHEN I GO UP HILLS MY EXPLORER ALSO HAS TROUBLE EVEN THOUGH IT SHOULDN'T. I ALSO NEED A NEW SOLENOID PACK.
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 30, 2016
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THIS EVENING THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN STEADILY BLINKING AND THE TRANSMISSION TOOK WAY TOO LONG TO SHIFT (RPM ALMOST RED LINE) AND WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO 5TH GEAR. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND FIRST NOTICED THE TRUCK NOT SHIFTING AND WITHIN 3 MINUTES OF DRIVING THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. IF YOU TURN THE TRUCK OFF THEN BACK ON THE O/D OFF LIGHT TURNS OFF BUT THE TRUCK STILL WON'T SHIFT CORRECTLY AND THE LIGHT STARTS TO BLINK AGAIN. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 133,000 MILES. I GOOGLED THIS PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Structure, Feb 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH CAUSED THE DOME LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 5, 2015
I BOUGHT MY FORD EXPLORER XLT BACK IN JUNE OF 2015. SINCE THEN I REPLACED MY OXYGEN SENSOR DO TO A FAULT IN THE SYSTEM AND MELTING BACK IN AUG. 20015. THE SUV WOULDN'T START BECAUSE OF IT AND HAD TO BE TOWED. SINCE I PURCHASED AND HAD REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR BY A FORD DEALER, I NOTICED THE SUV HAVING POWER FAILURE EVEN FROM A COMPLETE STOP AND NOW THE OVER DRIVE OFF LIGHT FLASHES; THIS STARTED IN THE BEGINNING OF NOV. 2015 I NOTICED THAT THERE IS OVER 2755 COMPLAINTS OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND FAILURES EXACTLY THE SAME AS MINE, BUT NOT ONE RECALL. THIS IS A ISSUE WITH THE SUV THEMSELVES AND NOT OWNER ERROR. I HAVE CHILDREN AND DON'T WANT TO END UP STRANDED IN THE STREET OR SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO BREAK DOWN OR FAIL AND I REFUSE TO BE THE THE BLAME NOR PAY THOUSANDS TO FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIX A FLAW IN THERE OWN SUV. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE MADE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURE FLAW.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2015
I PURCHASED MY 03 FORD EXPLORER BACK IN 2/15. IT LOOKED LIKE I PURCHASED A VERY VERY GOOD USED VEHICLE. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FINE WITH IT UP UNTIL 2 WEEKS AGO. MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WHEN EVERYTHING IS CLOSED, THE OD LIGHT IS BLINKING NON STOP AND THE TRUNK WINDOW OPENS BY ITSELF WHEN I AM DRIVING. WHEN IM DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS TRYING TO "CATCH UP". LIKE IT KNOWS I'M TRYING TO DO A CERTAIN SPEED BUT ITS WAY BELOW AND AFTER A MIN. OR SO, THEN IT WILL GO THE CORRECT SPEED. I HAD IT HOOKED UP TO A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AND ITS GIVING ME THE CODE OF P7032 (SOMETHING LIKE THAT). SOMETHING ABOUT 2ND GEAR OF TRANS? IVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR.. IVE ALSO READY 100S OF REVIEWS AND COMPLAINTS ON THESE ISSUES. WHAT I DON'T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND IS WHY ISN'T FORD DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS???? IF YOU ARE A MANUFACTURER AND SEE ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND REVIEWS (WHICH I'M SURE THEY DO) THEN WHY AREN'T THESE VEHICLES GETTING RECALLED? I'M NOT RICH IN ANY WAY FASHION OR FORM. I'M A SINGLE MOTHER OF 4 WHO WORKS FULL TIME AND RECEIVES NO GOV'T ASSISTANCE. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT THIS IS A "KNOWN" ISSUE I WOULD NEVER HAVE SPENT MY HARD EARNED MONEY.... DOES ANYONE KNOW IF ANYTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS??
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Sep 10, 2015
ADJUSTED HVAC TEMPERATURE FROM COLD TO HOT. APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS LATER, A LOUD AND REPETITIVE POPPING SOUND CAME FROM THE DEFROSTER VENTS. I WAS STARTLED AND IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE CAR (ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY) TO INVESTIGATE. THE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR IS FAILING. THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE A LOSS OF CLIMATE CONTROL IN THE CABIN. IT CAN GET STUCK ON HOT OR COLD OR ANYWHERE IN BETWEEN. IF IT GETS STUCK IN THE COLD SETTING, THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WILL NOT WORK WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY. IF IT GETS STUCK ON THE HOT SETTING, HEAT-SENSITIVE PASSENGERS MAY BE INJURED BY HEATSTROKE IN THE SUMMER MONTHS SINCE AIR WILL ALWAYS FLOW THROUGH THE VENTS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2015
I BOUGHT MY FORD EXP.SPORT TRAC IN 2005 WITH A FEW MILES ON IT. I SOON FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD A FEW PROBLEMS WITH IT'S INTERIOR LIGHTING. THEN IT WAS THE DOOR LOOKS, THEN IT WAS THE RADIO GOING ON AND OFF BY ITSELF. THEN THE WINDOWS WENT UP AND DOWN ON THERE OWN. NOW THE AC COMES ON AND OFF WHILE IN THE OFF POSITION. AS OF TODAY KNOW ONE KNOWS WHAT AS GOTTEN INTO MY TRUCK AND WHEN I ADJUST MY STEERING WHEEL DONE THE TURNING LIGHTS DONT WORK AND I HAVE EVEN RECEIVED A TICKET FOR IT.
Electrical system, Mar 11, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IGNITED IN FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE HOW THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Electrical system, Nov 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO UNLOCK OR LOCK THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A CHIME SOUNDED AFTER THE FAILURES OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Aug 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE PUSHING WATER INTO THE FUSE BOX WHEN IT RAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Jul 21, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON A CURVE AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF , I WAS ABLE TO STOP ,AND TURN THE CAR ON AGAIN, THAT WAS THE THIRD TIME THAT HAPPENED , THE OTHER TWO TIMES THE CAR WAS AT LOW SPEED , AROUND 30 MPH . *TR
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2014
DRIVING HOME FROM VACATION WITHOUT PROBLEMS, O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON BUT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. STOPPED, TURN KEY OFF, STARTED NO LIGHT. AFTER ABOUT 150 MILES AFTER STOPPING ON TRAFFIC LIGHT O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN. 10 MILES LATER ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON . *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 19, 2014
THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT, 4'4 AND THE OD LIGHT CAME ON. IT DOES SHIFT GEAR FROM 1 TO 2 UNTIL 3000 RPM. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 20, 2014
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS SOME SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. MY RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL DOWN. IT GETS VERY HOT IN MY TRUCK OUT IN THE HEAT. IT STOPPED WORKING ALL OF A SUDDEN AND THE A/C IN THE CAR DOES NOT BLOW. (I DIDN'T BREAK ANY OF THESE THINGS) MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON THE DASH... MY DRIVER'S DOOR SENSOR WENT OUT FOR SOME REASON AND NOW MY VEHICLE THINKS THAT THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN, WHICH DRAINS MY BATTERY AND MY LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF AT TIMES. I HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN THEM ON/OFF. I DISLIKE DOING THAT BECAUSE I'LL FORGET SOMETIMES. MY REAR LIFT-GATE CRACKED ONE DAY TOO. I BELIEVE ITS FROM THE CHEAP PLASTIC. IT'S DANGEROUS AND MY GLASS CAN FALL OUT ANY DAY NOW. I ALSO PINCHED TWO BLOOD CLOTS IN MY HAND FROM OPENING THIS CRACKED REAR HATCH AND HAD TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR IT. PLEASE HELP ME GET THESE THINGS FIXED. THANKS IN ADVANCE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 1, 2014
TRUCK JERKS WHEN TRYING TO PICK UP SPEED PICKS UP SPEED VERY SLOW SOMETIMES DOESN'T WANT TO GO IN DRIVE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2014
RUSTING WIRES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE STEP PLATE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2014
RUSTING WIRES UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE STEP PLATE. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 7, 2013
WHEN I STARTED MY TRUCK, THE INTERIOR DOME LAMP WOULD NOT GO OFF AND DOOR AJAR INDICATOR WAS CHIMING AS IF THERE WAS A DOOR OPEN. I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE AND WALKED AROUND THE CAR OPENING AND CLOSING ALL THE DOORS AS WELL AS THE LIFTGATE AND REAR HATCH GLASS. I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL GOING OFF. AFTER I STARTED DRIVING AND GOT ABOVE 10MPH THE LIGHT AND INDICATOR WENT OFF. I DID A SEARCH ON THE WEB AND FOUND OUT THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORD EXPLORER OWNERS REGARDLESS OF THE YEAR IT WAS MANUFACTURED. ALL OF THE WIRES THAT RUN FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND INTO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE BECOME BRITTLE OVER TIME WHICH EVENTUALLY LEADS TO CRACKS AND BREAKS IN THE WIRES THUS RESULTING IN A ELECTRICAL SHORT. FORD SHOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE GIVEN THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR EXPLORERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 2001 AND 2009. FOR THOSE WHO ARE ELECTRICAL SAVVY, YOU CAN RUN NEW WIRES YOURSELF. FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE NOT, WE HAVE TO RELY THAT SOME MECHANIC ISN'T GONNA RAPE OUR POCKETS AND CHARGE SOME RIDICULOUS PRICE TO FIX IT. THANKS FORD MOTOR COMPANY!! *TR
Electrical system, Apr 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM FUNCTIONS DISABLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. ONCE RESTARTED, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FIVE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED. IN ADDITION, AN UNKNOWN PART WAS REPLACED AT A LATER DATE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO PERSIST AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Electrical system, Feb 2, 2013
THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAS SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *REAR BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND CAUSED MY BATTERY TO DRAIN. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY STATED THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS, THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT THE CAR HAS IS DEFECTIVE. THE MECHANIC ACTUALLY STATED THAT THEY STOPPED MAKING THAT KIND OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, SO THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW KIND OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. BECAUSE THE MECHANIC'S STATEMENT, THIS INFORMED ME THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT CAME WITH THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE. *DOOR AJAR LIGHT SOMETIMES COMES ON FOR NO REASON WHEN ALL DOORS ARE FULLY CLOSED, AND THEN TURNS OFF ON IT'S OWN AFTER A COUPLE DAYS. I CALLED FORD AND THEY STATED THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS AND I NEEDED TO GREASE THE DOOR LATCHED AND CLEAN THE RUBBER LINING ON THE DOORS. I DID ALL THIS AND IT STILL HAPPENS SOMETIMES. I'VE SEEN COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS ONLINE TOO. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE NOW WHEN THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON PEOPLE MAY IGNORE THINKING IT'S THE REGULAR GLITCH, WHEN IT COULD POSSIBLY BE AN OPEN DOOR ONE DAY. *POWER DOOR AND POWER WINDOW MOTOR CONSTANTLY GOES OUT EACH YEAR. I HAVE HAD THIS REPAIRED THREE TIMES NOW. THIS IS ALSO DANGEROUS BECAUSE IN AN EMERGENCY PASSENGERS CAN'T EXIT A WINDOW IF NEEDED. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 11, 2012
SITTING AT A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WENT INTO ACCELERATION GAS PEDDLE WENT TO FLOOR. FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. CHECKED NO CARPET STUCK UNDER THE GAS PEDDLE. FOOT WAS NOT TOUCHING GAS PEDDLE. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS PRESSING THE GAS PEDDLE. CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF. SHUT VEHICLE OFF THEN BACK ON ISSUE WENT AWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED OTHER TIMES TO MYSELF AND MY WIFE. SOMETIMES WHILE PUSHING THE GAS THE GAS PEDDLE LEAVES YOUR FOOT AND CONTINUES TO THE FLOOR ON ITS OWN, PRESSING THE BRAKE AND TURNING VEHICLE OFF SEEMS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS SO IN FREQUENTLY THAT IT IS HARD TO REPRODUCE FOR SERVICE SHOP. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY DECELERATED TO 40 MPH. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT SPARKS WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WERE FLAMES UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Feb 28, 2012
DOOR ADJAR SENSOR FAILS IN 2003 FORD EXPLORER ITS ALL OVER INTERNET. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Feb 20, 2012
MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH INCLUDE THE ELECTRONIC MOTHER BOARD HAVING BEEN REPLACED TWICE (UNDER WARRANTY), CRACKED LIFTGAGE (NOT UNDER WARRANTY COST $300), TRANSMISSION REBUILD APPROX 90,000 ($3000), DOME LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF, DOOR AJAR LIGHTS, ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN, O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND NOW THE FINAL PROBLEM AFTER HAVING REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION IN JULY 2011 IS A DRIVE TRAIN OR DRIVE LINE ISSUE. AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AFTER DROPPING FROM A HIGHER SPEED, A THUMPING HAPPENS. DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN 3 DAYS STILL WITH NO FINAL DETERMINATION. *TR