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
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2012
I PAYED 18,000 FOR MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE FLEX FUEL IN 2006. ITS A VERY NICE LOOKING SUV BUT I ONLY DROVE IT FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL. I BELEAVE A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS. MY CONCEARN IS THAT ITS DEFECTIVE ALL AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND I COULD STILL DRIVE IT IF I WASNT IN FEAR FOR MY LIFE. I HAVE HAD IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THEY WANTED ME TO PAY THEM TO TAKET OUT THE TRANNY AND WANTED WAY TO MUCH FOR ANY PARTS,SO I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A TRANSMISSION PLACE THAT BEEN AROUND A LONG TIME AND HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS WRONG.REPLACED THE SELENOID FOR LIKE 900 AND MY IT RAN FINE FOR LIKE 2 WEEKS UNTIL I PUT IN 4 W/D THAN MY O/D LIGHT STARTED BLIKING AGAIN AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED, THE O/D LIGHT ELUMINATED THE FIRST TIME MY TRANSMISSION EVER SLIPPED.AND IF I WENT AND DROVE IT RIGHT NOW IT WOULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND SOME PEOPLE MIGHT STILL DEPEND ON THERE DEFECTIVE EXPLORER TO GET SOMEWHERE.IT ACCELERATES BY ITS SELF IT SOMETIMES DOSNT WANT TO GO IN GEAR AND IF THIS IS ELECTRICAL SOMEONES VEHICLE COULD STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY WITH NO WARNING BUT A BLINKING O/D LIGHT.AND WORST THING IS, IF FORD WOULD RECONIZE THIS PROBLEM WITH OUT SELLING NEW TRANSMISSIONS THAT WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH I COULD HAVE IT FIXED BUT NO ONE BUT FORD KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG AND THEY OBVIOUSLY DONT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT OR KNOW IF THEY ADMIT THEIR MISTAKE IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW I WANT MY MONEY BACK.I BET YOU THEY WOULDNT EVEN TAKE MY EXPLORER ON A TRADE IN. AND IF YOU JUST GOOGLE FORD EXPLORER ANYTHING FROM 1999 TO 2007 I THINK....ITS GOING TO HAVE LIKE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE AND PROBALY LIKE FROM 40,000 MILES UP, WAY TO EARLY FOR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. *TT
Power train, Electrical system, May 11, 2011
FIRST I MUST SAY I LOVE THIS TRUCK. ITS MY SECOND ONE AND BOTH HAD SAME PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ALL OF A SUDDEN TRUCH LURCHED FORWARD THEN O/D OFF LITE STARTED FLASHING THEN CHECK ENGINE LITE FLASHING.TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND IT CAME UP WITH A PO775 CODE, HE SAID ITS VERY COMMON AND NOT THE FIRST ONE HES SEEN DO THIS. PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID B NEEDS REPLACING FOR ABOUT $400.00 THEN AFTER REMOVING PAN WHOLE TRANSMISSION NEEDED OVERHAUL NOW $2200.00 LATER. I THINK FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD STAND BEHIND IT. ALSO BLEND DOOR STOPPED WORKING AND ALL 4 CALIPERS SEIZED UP. DONT KNOW IF ILL EVER BUY ANOTHER FORD.ALSO POWER WINDOWS QUIT WORKING, BROKEN WIRE IN DOOR. NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE.I THINK A CLASS ACTION SUIT SHOULD BE STARTED AGAINST FORD FOR REPAIRS ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS.I CANT AFFORD TO DUMP HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS TRUCK AFTER PAYING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR IT.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2010
THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SINCE I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN AUGUST OF 2003. BUT IRONICALLY THEY HAVE ALL APPEARED AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. IN SEPTEMBER 2007 THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT NO LONGER WORKED. IT COST ME $2000 AND A WEEK WITHOUT A CAR, TO GET IT FIXED. IN AUGUST 2009 THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW WOULD NO LONGER WORK. IN SEPTEMBER 2009 MY SUV STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING ON THE HEATER. SINCE WE LIVED IN A WARM CLIMATE THIS DID NOT CONCERN US MUCH, AS THE HEAT HAD WORKED EVEN WITH THE CLICKING SOUND. BUT WE MOVED TO A COLDER CLIMATE AND THE HEATER WENT OUT IN MARCH 2010. IN APRIL 2010 THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE MECHANIC, HE SAID IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR SHIFTED FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND FROM 4TH TO 5TH GEAR. HE COULD NOT GIVE ME ANY MORE INFORMATION AND WAS NOT WILLING TO FIX MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEM (HE SUGGESTED I GO ELSEWHERE BECAUSE HE WAS NOT AN EXPERT IN TRANSMISSIONS). IN MAY 2010 THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING OFF. AFTER SPEAKING TO MECHANIC AGAIN, HE SAID IT WAS RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IN AUGUST 2010 THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT STARTED COMING ON RANDOMLY, EVEN WHEN THE DOOR IS NOT OPEN. AND IN SEPTEMBER 2010, I NOTICED MY ABS LIGHT WILL COME ON RANDOMLY. IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE TRIGGERED BY ANY SPECIFIC REASON, AND DOES NOT ALWAYS COME ON. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Wheels, Sep 20, 2010
93,000 MILES AND ABS LIGHT AND LOUD GRINDING NOISE (IN ADDITION TO APPLIQUE CRACK IN REAR). NEED TO REPLACE BOTH REAR HUB BEARINGS, BRAKE PAD ROTORS, AND PARKING BRAKE SHOES. SEARCH THE WEB ON THESE PROBLEMS, AND OVER 3 HUNDRED COMPLAINTS SEEN ON JUST ONE SITE FOR 2003 EXPLORERS ALONE. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2009
I HAVE EXPERIENCED ALL OF THE WARNINGS THE NHTSA LISTED FOR FORD DRIVERS REGARDING POSSIBLE IMMINENT FIRES INCLUDING GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK MODE. MY PROBLEM IS THE RECALL ONLY INCLUDES 1995-2002 EXPLORERS AND I HAVE A 2003 EXPLORER. THE MANUFACTURE DATE IS 02/03. IS IT POSSIBLE THE PLANT STILL HAD THE TEXAS INSTRUMENT CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH IN STOCK FROM 2002 AND INSTALLED IT IN MY VEHICLE? APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE IS THE MOST RECENT DATE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GET OUT OF THE PARK MODE ON THAT PARTICULAR DATE (8/27/2009). THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WARNING HAS BEEN AN ON AND OFF PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST THE LAST 2 YEARS. BRAKE LIGHT WARNING ON DASHBOARD ONLY A COUPLE OF TIMES. THE MALFUNCTIONING CRUISE CONTROL LAST HAPPENED ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO AND MAY HAVE HAPPENED AGAIN BUT DON'T REMEMBER WHEN FOR SURE. THE ONLY ITEM I HAD CHECKED OUT WAS THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. NOVEMBER 21, 2008 THEY REPLACED THE DIFFERENTIAL SPEED SENSOR, I HAVE YET TO FIND OUT IF THAT IS RELATED TO THE RECALLED SWITCH. IT FIXED THE ANTILOCK BRAKE DASHBOARD LIGHT FROM COMING ON MOSTLY. IT HAS COME ON AFTER THAT, BUT ONLY A COUPLE OF TIMES AND ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 15, 2009
THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES AS THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS COME ON. I HAD THIS OCCUR ONCE IN THE PAST AND THE DEALER REPLACED A SWITCH / RELAY BUT NOW IT IS OCCURRING AGAIN... MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY ... IN FACT, IT IS ILLUMINATED MORE THEN NOT NOW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, May 22, 2009
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR NO REASON (HAS SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED IN 2006). THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND WON'T ALLOW ME TO LOCK/SET MY ALARM ON MY VEHICLE PLUS IT LEAVES THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ON FOR A WHILE (STARTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO). I AM NOW EXPERIENCING A BANGING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CHANGE THE TEMPERATURE (HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONING)(STARTED IN LAST 4 MONTHS). I HAVE TO TURN THE FAN ON HIGH TO GET IT TO STOP. IT WILL DO IT EVEN IF THE TEMP IS OFF SOMETIMES. IT ALSO WILL NOT LOCK INTO GEAR WHEN PUT INTO PARK ON AN INCLINE (MY DRIVEWAY)...WITHOUT ROCKING BACKWARDS INTO GEAR(STARTED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS). *TR
Electrical system, Dec 24, 2008
DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON AND TURNS ON INTERIOR LIGHT WHICH MAKES DRIVING DIFFICULTY. INTERIOR LIGHT COME ON WITH NO WARNING. VEHICLE HAS NO DAMAGE AND PERIODS OF EXTENDED WET WEATHER CAUSES SENSOR TO MALFUNCTION. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 5, 2008
WHEN I PULL DOWN MY STEERING WHEEL, THE LEFT BLINKER DOES NOT WORK NEITHER DOES THE BRAKE LIGHTS. IF THE WHEEL IS UP EVERY THING WORKS. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE WARNING INDICATOR FOR THE DOORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND WOULD NOT DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO DEFECTS. THE FAILURE PERSISTED OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. THE CONTACT ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN PARKED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AGAIN; HOWEVER, IT BEGAN TO STALL SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Electrical system, Oct 31, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN APRIL OF 03. WHEN WE TOOK RECEIPT OF THE VEHICLE THE DOME LIGHT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND WE TOOK OVER THE VEHICLE. FROM ABOUT 6000 MILES WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING OR NOT STARTING IN COLD OR HUMID WEATHER. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE TO THE DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY 8-10 TIMES A YEAR FOR VARIOUS PROBLEMS. WE HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING CONCERNS WITH THE VEHICLE; THE DOME LIGHTS HAVE BEEN OUT, THE REAR DRIVER WINDOW HAS GONE OUT, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON NUMEROUS TIMES, THE LIGHT FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS COME ON SEVERAL TIMES, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED OR LOCKED AND UNLOCKED WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH. WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING OR NOT STARTING IN COLD TEMPERATURES OR WHEN IT IS HUMID OR DAMP OUTSIDE. THEY HAVE REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER TWICE AND REPLACED VARIOUS SENSORS. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO PUT A FLIGHT RECORDER ON THE CAR TO TRY AND DETERMINE WHAT THE SENSORS WERE DOING AT THE TIME. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE THE AUTO WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR WAS IN PARK, THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS. WE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR STARTING HARD OR STALLING OR NOT STARTING AND ARE FRUSTRATED THAT NOTHING SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO BE DONE FOR IT. I HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE VEHICLE HOOKED UP TO THE MACHINE AND IT IS SHOWING A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SENSORS NOW. THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP STATED THE IGNITION COILS ARE RUSTY AND SHOULD NOT BE THIS WAY FOR THE CAR HAVING 60,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER THE ORIGINAL 3 YEAR WARRANTY WAS UP ON THE VEHICLE I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP I WANTED AN ADDITIONAL WARRANTY WHICH THE DEALER SUPPLIED WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED. I REALIZE WITH IT BEING AN "INTERMITTENT PROBLEM" IT MAY BE HARD TO DIAGNOSE, BUT FORD HAS RECEIVED THEIR MONEY FOR THE PRODUCT, I DON'T THINK IT'S TOO MUCH TO EXPECT A "RELIABLE" CAR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS MATTER. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2003 EXPLORER IN AUGUST 2006; MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. BY OCTOBER THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS LATER, I WAS BACK BECAUSE MY CAR WAS JERKING. NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AT THAT TIME. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THE STARTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AS WOULD THE RECENTLY INSTALLED ALTERNATOR. I RETURNED LESS THAN A MONTH LATER WITH THE SAME JERKING ISSUE, ONLY THIS TIME I NOTIFIED THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THE O/D LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON. FURTHERMORE, MY CAR HAD ACTUALLY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. AGAIN, NOTHING WAS FOUND. BY EARLY DECEMBER, I WAS BACK. MY CAR HAD STALLED ON A FEW MORE OCCASIONS AND WOULD NOT "PICK UP". THAT IS, EVEN THOUGH THE RPM'S WOULD REACH ANYWHERE FROM 2500 - 4000, MY CAR COULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 25 - 30 MPH. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED WORK. I GOT MY CAR BACK A FEW DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND DECIDED LAST MINUTE TO HEAD TO THE MOUNTAINS. AS SOON AS I REACH A SLIGHT ELEVATION, THE CAR CEASED TO ACCELERATE AND WHAT'S MORE, A THICK HEAVY CLOUD OF BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE REAR AND PERSISTED FOR AT LEAST TWO MILES. I HEADED BACK DOWN THE MOUNTAIN FOR HOME. I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY KEPT IT FOR AT LEAST A WEEK AND A HALF TO REPAIR THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND OTHER TRANSMISSION RELATED ISSUE. IN EARLY FALL 2007, I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR SOME STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IT ENDED UP COSTING $2500.00 TO REPAIR. I RETURNED IN NOVEMBER FOR MORE WORK, THIS TIME FOR THE SAME TORQUE CONVERTER AND SOLENOID ISSUE AS A YEAR AGO. DURING THIS TWO YEAR PERIOD, MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE TOTAL REPAIR COST FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP IS ANYWHERE FROM $5000 - $9000, OF WHICH I PAID AT LEAST $2500 OUT OF POCKET. MY WARRANTY HAS SINCE EXPIRED AND I AM WORRIED THAT THESE SAME ISSUES WILL RECUR, AS I HAVE READ THEY HAVE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL ISSUED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 15, 2008
STALLING WITH NO WARNING. FORD FOUND NOTHING. THEY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM. SAID I SHOULD GET AN AFTER MARKET COMPUTER. OK *TR
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2008
I PURCHASED MY 2003 FORD FOCUS IN 2005 AND EVER SINCE THE IGNITION SWITCH GETS STUCK BUT IT HAS GOT STUCK OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS . *CN
Electrical system, Dec 6, 2007
VEHICLE ENGINE STOP WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. DRIVING AS NORMAL, APPROX 30 MPH WHEN VEHICLE JUST STOPS. EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER OR BRAKE. PERFECT WEATHER, NO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES--NORMAL TEMPERATURE, ETC. INCIDENT OCCURRED TWICE, APPROX ONE YEAR APART. TOOK INTO REPAIR SHOP TO DIAGNOSE, NO CODE LEFT ON COMPUTER. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 6, 2007
STRING OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES A THE SAME TIME - RESULTED IN LOSS OF VEHICLE FOR 3-4 DAYS AND WE HAD TO RENT A CAR TO FILL IN WHILE IT WAS GETTING REPAIRED - FULL BATTERY FAILURE, FAILURE OF THE 4WD COMPONENT, BROKEN OR DETACHED WIRE IN DRIVER'S DOOR, RESULTING IN INABILITY TO LOCK/ALARM THAT DOOR WITH REMOTE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 15, 2007
ON MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR FUSES REPEATED BLOW AND ALSO THE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH EVERY TIME YOU HIT A BUMP ALL THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS COME ON AND SOME TIMES THEY JUST FLICKER OFF AND ON FOR NO REASON. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRING IN MY VAN AND I HAVE HEARD THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS TO BE LOOKED INTO. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 27, 2007
THE MESSAGE CENTER LIGHTS ARE NOT VISIBLE IN THE DAYTIME UNLESS DRIVER IS IN A SHADED SPOT CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO GET ANY OF THE READOUTS! *TR
Electrical system, Jul 4, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THAT CUTS OFF AFTER TAKE OFF, BUT WHILE YIELDING TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR BRAKING TO MAKE A TURN. THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS AND THE CAR MUST BE BROUGHT TO A FULL STOP TO PLACE IN PARK AND RESTART. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO OUR LOCAL DEALER, DICK MASHETER, WHO HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, BUT HAPPENED TWICE YESTERDAY.
Electrical system, Equipment, May 31, 2007
THE MESSAGE CENTER ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER CAN'T BE SEEN IN DAYLIGHT CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO READ THE COMPASS , MILEAGE, MILES /GAL, ANY READOUT OF THE AUTO. ALMOST CAUSED MY WIFE AND I TO RUN OFF THE ROAD WHILE TRYING TO READ THE COMPASS. NIGHT READING IS FINE, BUT DAYLIGHT IS TERRIBLE.. THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE FIXED BY FORD BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED TRYING TO READ THE MESSAGE CENTER IN DAYLIGHT. *TR
Electrical system, May 15, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXCURSION DIESEL TURBO 6.0 ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES SINCE THE ABOVE DATE FOR A/C PROBLEMS & SHUTTING OFF ON ME. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERIES ON 4 OCCASIONS IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS. THEY HAVE FOUND ONE SHORT IN FEBRUARY & AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERIES AGAIN IN APRIL 2007 THE VEHICLE DIED ON ME. WHILE I AM DRIVING THE LIGHTS TURN OFF & I LOSE POWER. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND & CORRECT THE PROBLEM & I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I HAVE TO PICK UP MY 4 CHILDREN AND FEEL I AM PUTTING THEM AT RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT.*AK
Electrical system, Equipment, Apr 26, 2007, crash
WE WERE INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON THE BELOW DATE. A PERSON WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND HIT OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA AT APPROX 40 MPH. THERE WAS OVER $ 6,000 IN DAMAGE ON OUR VEHICLE. WHEN OUR VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO US FROM THE BODY SHOP 6 WEEKS LATER, OUR HEATER, WHEN TURNED ON WAS MAKING A LOUD BANGING SOUND. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS KNOCKED LOOSE FROM THE IMPACT. IT IS NOW APRIL 2007, AND WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET OUR INSURANCE COMPANY TO FIX THIS. WE TOOK OUR 2003 FORD TO CAPITAL FORD IN CARSON CITY, NEVADA WHERE WE BOUGHT 3 NEW FORD VEHICLES. CAPITAL FORD TOLD THE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. ALLSTATE , OUR INSURANCE COMPANY TOLD US THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY "AT OUR OWN EXPENSE" TO TAKE THE DASH APART ON THIS VEHICLE TO SEE IF THIS WAS ACCIDENT RELATED, AT 10 HOURS LABOR AT $ 90 PER HOUR! I HAVE CHECKED ALL RECALLS WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND CALLED FORD DIRECTLY, AND HAVE FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH THIS HEATER. PLEASE HELP US! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 6, 2007
ON FEBRUARY 2007 I WAS DRIVING THE EXPEDITION IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFICWHEN I NOTICED THAT CAR BEGAN TO FEEL VERY HEAVY. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS GOING DOWN DESPITE FACT THAT I WAS PRESSING DOWN THE GAS PEDAL, AND SUDDENLY ALL OF THE ENGINE LIGHTS TURNED ON. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND START THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEM ,BUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT WILL DO THE SAME THING ALL OVER AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND EVER SINCE THEY ARE AWAITING FOR PARTS TO COME IN ,AND THEY HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. FORD D REFUSES TO GIVE ME EITHER A RENTAL OR A LOANER. FORD CONSUMER DEPARTMENT SUCKS.*AK
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 3, 2006
I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THE END OF APRIL 2006 AT TIME OF PURCHASE ABS LIGHT WAS ON- DEALER FIXED PROBLEM WITHIN FIRST 1 1/2 WEEKS OF PURCHASE AFTER ORDERING A PART. NOW 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE THE CHECK ENGINE AND O/D LIGHT COME ON UNEXPECTANTLY. WITHIN 1 WEEK OF LIGHTS COMING ON CAR STOPS ON ME UNEXPECTANTLY. WHEN TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR I AM TOLD I NEED A NEW ALTERNATOR AND A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AS THE SUV SLIPS OUT OF 2ND AND 5TH GEARS. I DIDN'T PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DUE TO THINKING IT WAS STILL UNDER ORIGINAL WARRANTY AND JUST PURCHASED. I FELT THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE OVERHAULED THE VEHICLE AND MADE SURE EVERYTHING WAS WORKING UP TO PAR. I NOW HAVE A REPAIR BILL OF ALMOST $2000 AND DON'T FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2006
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IS EXPERIENCING SIMILAR SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY OTHER FIRE VICTIMS: CRUISE CONTROL TOTALLY INOPERATIVE, PERSISTENT ABS ALERTS, "LOW OIL PRESSURE" ALERTS (SOMETIMES JUST DAYS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE), AND STEERING ISSUES. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IS PROVIDING SERVICE AT MY EXPENSE BUT PRETENDED THAT THEY HAD NO IDEA AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND READING TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER FIRE VICTIMS, I AM TERRIFIED. IN MY SUBDIVISION, HOUSES STAND ONLY A FEW FEET APART...THE HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION PROHIBITS ANY PARKING ON THE STREET. THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER MODELS SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY.