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: engine and engine cooling
87 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Structure, Jul 31, 2013
2003 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HUMMING/WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR END OF VEHICLE AND A FREQUENT LEAK IN THE DIFFERENTIAL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SEVERAL COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE RING AN PINION, BEARINGS, SEALS AND GEAR AND PINION WERE ALL REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE ISSUE REMAINED UNRESOLVED. ALSO, THE REAR HATCH WAS CRACKED. WHEN THE CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT A REPLACEMENT AND ITS COST, THE DEALER ADVISED AGAINST THE REPLACEMENT/REPAIR AS THE NEW HATCHES HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. A DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A DAMAGED THERMOSTAT HOUSING.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2012
TRANSMISSION LIGHT FLASHING AND I AM TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR REBUILT. THIS TRANNY SHOULD BE MORE DURABLE, FORD IS BETTER THAN ALL THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ONLINE ABOUT THIS SITUATION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2012
FAULTY CYLINDER HEAD CAUSING A THROWN SPARK PLUG, AND A BROKEN COIL PACK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2011
RATTLING NOISE IN 4.0 LITER-SOHC 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. DEALER REPLACED REAR TENSIONER. NOISE REMAINED. DIAGNOSIS SAID ENGINE NOISE IS COMING FROM REAR CASSETTE AND POSSIBLY FRONT ONE. ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND TAKEN APART TO REPLACE TIMING CHAIN CASSETTES FOR @ $4K. THE CAR ONLY HAS 53,070 MILES ON IT. ONLINE SEARCH VERIFIES AN OBVIOUS ISSUE PATTERN AND COMPLAINTS TO AN INFERIOR QUALITY CASSETTE MATERIAL REQUIRING LABOR INTENSIVE ENGINE REMOVAL REPAIR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 2, 2011
TIMING CHAIN BROKE, WITH NO WARNING, BENT ALL THE VALVES AND WASN'T EVEN DRIVING IT. HAD JUST STARTED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE AND BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY WITH CAR IDLING VERY ROUGH. PULLED BACK IN DRIVEWAY AND OIL WAS POURING OUT UNDERNEATH, DUE TO CHAIN HAD BUSTED THE VALVE COVER. WELL HAD TO PULL THE MOTOR, REPLACED GUIDES, CASSETTES, AND TENSIONERS, WITH 2000.00 JUST IN PARTS ALONE. HAD CAR BACK FROM MECHANIC NOT EVEN 3 WEEKS AND ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AS IF A ROD WAS KNOCKING. WENT BACK TO MECHANIC AND TENSIONERS WERE THE CAUSE OF TIMING-CHAIN "CLANK". APPARENTLY THEY (FORD) DESIGNED THESE TENSIONERS WITH "PLASTIC" GUIDES WHICH SHRED OFF INTO THE HYDRAULIC TENSIONER PICK UP TUBE THEREFORE CLOGGING UP THE HOLE FOR OIL TO GET TO CHAIN AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO UNLESS YOU GET UPDATED TENSIONERS DIRECTLY FROM FORD AT 100.00 EACH. THERE ARE 3 TIMING CHAINS AND MULTIPLE TENSIONERS AS WELL, WHICH CONTINUE TO GO OUT AFTER 30,000 MILES AND NEED REPLACING, WHICH MOST CAN BE REPLACED WITH MOTOR IN BUT SOME CANT THEREFORE I HAVE HAD MOTOR OUT TWICE NOW, AT 2500.00 EACH TIME. THERE WAS AN ONP TO OWNERS BUT FORD WOULD ONLY COVER COST UP TO 100,000 MILES AND ONLY IF OWNERS COMPLAINED!! OTHERWISE THEY WOULD NOT FIX!!! WELL THIS IS A BAD DESIGN ON FORDS PART WITH PLASTIC TENSIONERS TO GUIDE YOUR TIMING CHAIN!!! NOW THEY HAVE UPDATED WITH A TOUGHER NYLON "PLASTIC". BUT HAVE NOT RECALLED THE OLD ONES SO UNLESS YOU ORDER DEALER PARTS YOU RECEIVE THE OLD PARTS WHICH ARE NO GOOD AND WILL END UP MAKING YOU SPEND MORE MONEY AND FOR THE LAST 12MONTHS, I HAVE HAD MY CAR 3 WEEKS DUE TO CANT AFFORD THE ENORMOUS REPAIR BILL, WHICH FORD KNEW ABOUT ALL ALONG, BUT FAILED TO RECALL PLASTIC PARTS UNLESS SOMEONE COMPLAINED. ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE THE 1996-2006 YEAR MODEL EXPLORES WITH 4.0 SOHC V-6 MOTORS. SOMETHING DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE DONE!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 2, 2011
TOOK EXPLORER TO DEALERSHIP TO GET THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECKED AND GOT A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE AND STRIPPED THE THREADS IN THE HEAD BUT NOT ON THE SPARK PLUG. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE STARTED HER VEHICLE IT WAS IDLING IT WAS VERY ROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO ADVISED HER TO NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2011
TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE WITH VALVE COVER DAMAGE PROVOKING OIL LEAK AND HEAVY SMOKE OUT OF THE ENGINE, WICH LEAD TO SPILL OF OIL IN THE HIGHWAY (OIL DROPPING) AND ENGINE OUT OF SEQUENCE DUE TO A PLASTIC "CASSET" TENSION BREAK, I HAVE READ OVER THE INTERNET ALOT OF COMPLAINS ABOUT THE SAME INCIDENT
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2011
ENGINE & MULTIPLE PARTS IN 2003 FORD ARE NOT 2003, THEY ARE 2001 & 2002. 2002 ENGINE AND EARLIER HAD A TSB FOR THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES & OILING. EVEN THOUGH TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THAT COMPLAINT, MINE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE 2003, NOT AFFECTED BY THOSE PROBLEMS, SO SERVICE DID NOT REPAIR FOR TSB. LATER ON TIMING JUMPED BECAUSE GUIDES NOT REPLACED, BENT VALVE AND RUINED THE ENGINE TO TUNE OF $5,000, PLUS PARTS SPENT TO GET TO THAT POINT & RENTAL CARS. SHOULD BE NOTED THE FIRST REPLACEMENT MOTOR INSTALLED BY FORD RAN ONLY 15 MINUTES BEFORE IT BLEW FROM TIMING CHAIN DEFECT/POOR MANUFACTURING. HISTORY: BEFORE END OF 75,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY I TOOK THE SPORT TRAC INTO THE DEALER TO TAKE CARE OF ALL THE LITTLE COMPLAINTS. ONE COMPLAINT WAS SLIGHT RATTLE TYPE OF SOUND WHEN THE CAR WAS COLD/COLD MORNING. DEALER SUGGESTED AN ENGINE FLUSH & TO SWITCH TO FULL SYNTHETIC OIL. THAT DID HELP FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES. ENGINE RATTLE CAME BACK, ONLY VERY OCCASIONAL BUT WORSE SOUND THAN BEFORE ON REAL COLD MORNINGS. WAS COASTING TOWARD RED LIGHT, LIGHT CHANGED & I GAVE IT GAS, ENGINE STARTED MISSING SEVERELY AS I TOOK OFF W/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. LIMPED THE CAR HOME. PUT CODE READER ON & STARTED REPLACING PARTS CALLED FOR, MOSTLY TUNE UP, THEN EGR COMPONENTS, ETC., NEW CODE THROWN AFTER EVERY REPAIR. SMOG PARTS FOR 2003 DID NOT FIT, I HAD TO TAKE THE PARTS BACK & EXCHANGE THEM FOR 2001. WHEN ENGINE WAS CHANGED SERVICE REP TOLD ME ENGINE IN CAR WAS 2002, EVEN HAD TO REPLACE THERMOSTAT HOUSING BECAUSE ROUTING WAS DIFFERENT, ANGLE INCORRECT, NOT 2003, I TOOK PICTURES OF BLOCK & #'S, NOT A 2003, IT IS 2002 (PICTURES SHOW MY ENGINE, NO DIRT ACCUMULATION AT ALL). CARB STATES I CANNOT INSTALL AN ENGINE OLDER THAN THE CHASSIS INTO THE CAR, MOST ESPECIALLY OLDER SMOG COMPONENTS. CAN FORD? CAN FORD SELL A CAR AS NEW, SPECIFIC MODEL YEAR, BUT USE LEFTOVER PARTS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS & STILL CALL IT A NEW CAR? ISN'T THIS FRAUD? HOW CAN VEHICLE BE REPAIRED, TSBS FOLLOWED, ETC.? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 2, 2011, crash
CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE IN REVERSE AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE BRAKE WAS APPLIED TO NO AVAIL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, May 10, 2011
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED BLEW A SPARK PLUG RIGHT OUT OF THE ENGINE. VERY SCARY & VERY LOUD WHILE GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE. I THOUGHT FOR SURE THE ENGINE BLEW. *TR
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
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 21, 2010
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER-4.6 LITER V8 4 WHEEL DRIVE, THE VEHICLE HAS 158,000 MILES AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SPARKPLUG BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. I WAS TRAVELING ON A BUSY STATE ROAD WHEN THE ENGINE MISS FIRED AND THEN HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE ENGINE WENT TO MISSING BAD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE AND CHECKED TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING. I LIMPED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT AND PROCEEDED TO REINSTALL THE PLUG AND COIL PACK. THE FORCING PUSH OF THE PLUG BROKE THE COIL PACK AND TORE THE PLUG BOOT. I JUST REPLACED THE COIL PACK AND PLUG BOOT ASSEMBLY AND REINSTALLED THE PLUG BCK IN. I FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE IS COMMON ON THE 4.6 LITERS, A FRIEND AND SHADETREE MECHANIC DID A MOTOR SWAP IN AN EXPEDITION WITH THIS SAME MOTOR FOR THE SAME REASON CAUSE THE PLUG IN CYLINDER #4(PASSENGER REAR) TORE THE THREADS COMING OUT AND LET LOOSE METAL INTO THE PISTON JOURNAL AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS THE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 92000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO PICK UP SPEED. ALL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER YET THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES IN THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 40,900.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2010
I BOUGHT MY 2003 EXPLORER NEW. APPX. 2-3 YEARS AGO (DON'T HAVE EXACT DATE YET, STILL SEARCHING FOR INFO) IT WOULD SUDDENLY STALL AND SHUT OFF. THE RPM INDICATOR WOULD ALSO JUMP REALLY FAST. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS AN IDLE ISSUE AND "FIXED" IT. A FEW DAYS AGO, I NOTICED A SIMILAR ISSUE AND NEARLY CRASHED. AS I WAS ROUNDING A CORNER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED, THEREBY CAUSING MY POWER STEERING TO FAIL. I QUICKLY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, RESTARTED IT AND REGAINED STEERING, VERY NEARLY COLLIDING WITH A VEHICLE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE CAR SEEMED OKAY FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT THEN DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. TWO NEAR HEAD-ON COLLISIONS ARE TWO TOO MANY. I STOPPED USING THE VEHICLE AND HAD MY DEALER LOOK AT IT. THEY CALLED ME YESTERDAY AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE, WHICH WILL COST $332 TO REPLACE. I CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE (TSB 0335, FEB. OF 2003). I NEED THIS VEHICLE SO I WILL HAVE TO GET IT REPAIRED, BUT THINK FORD SHOULD TAKE SOME KIND OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT. I HOPE IT DOESN'T TAKE SOMEONE HAVING A SERIOUS COLLISION DUE TO THE DEFECT FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE. THANK YOU FOR ANYTHING YOU CAN DO. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 27, 2009, fire
OUR FORD EXPLORER SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING IN AN INTERSECTION. PEOPLE BEGAN PUSHING MY WIFE, BABY SON, AND TWO OTHER SONS OUT OF THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRUCK BEGAN SMOKING AND THEN THE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES. WE LOST THE TRUCK (WHICH ONLY HAS TWO PAYMENTS LEFT AND WHICH WAS IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER), OUR CAR SEATS, AND A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO SMOKE, FIRE, AND WATER DAMAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO BE SUMMONED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 27, 2009
NO NOISE/WARNING. THE CAR HAD BILLOWING BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. ON INSPECTION OIL WAS GUSHING FROM A VALVE AT THE BACK OF THE ENGINE AND BURNING, IT NEARLY BURST INTO FLAMES. IT WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO FOUND THE TIMING CHAIN HAD BROKEN, SLASHING A VALVE COVER AND CUTTING INTO THE BACK OF THE ENGINE. IT CAN BE FIXED FOR $3,000 PLUS TAX ESTIMATE, BUT THE FORD DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDS AGAINST THIS AND SAYS IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE /REFURBISHED ENGINE $5,000 PLUS TAX. FORD REFUSE TO ACCEPT THIS IS A DEFECT, DESPITE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET. THE CAR WAS A FORD EXPLORER 2003 WITH ONLY 60,720 ON THE CLOCK. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND MAINTAINED IT WELL. I STILL HAVE PAYMENTS ON IT SO AM SELLING IT FOR $2000 TO COVER THE PAYMENTS. IT WAS A $34,000 CAR. *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
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2009, fire
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN I NOTICED MY VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE THIS TAPING NOISE. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SEE WHAT IT COULD BE THEN NOTICED IT WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I DIDN'TTT FEEL SAFE CONTINUING TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY SO DROVE TO THE NEXT EXIT AND GOT OFF. THE NOISE STARTED TO GET LOUDER SO I PULLED INTO A GAS STATION AND WAITED FOR SOMEONE TO COME PICK ME UP BECAUSE I DIDN'T FEEL THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. AS I WAS SITTING THERE WITH THE CAR TURNED OFF, SOMETHING ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE HOOD BURST INTO FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME OUT AND PUT VEHICLE FIRE OUT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2009
2003 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 SOHC ENGINE RATTLE NOISE.I GUESS THERE IS ALOT OF ISSUES DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. TIMING CHASIS *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Dec 15, 2008
I PUT THE DATE OF INCIDENT AS THE DATE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I PUT THIS DATE AS SUCH BECAUSE EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT RUN AROUNDS BY THE SERVICE PROVIDERS AND CONSTANT REPAIRS EVERY 3-7 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST MAJOR REPAIR OCCURRED WHEN I HAD OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 18 MONTHS, AT 35,998. IT HAD AN $1800 TRANSMISSION JOB. SUBSEQUENT REPAIRS HAVE BEEN FOCUSED TRANSMISSION ISSUES (ALWAYS SOMETHING SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT THAN PREVIOUS), ENGINE FUNCTION, AND OTHER MECHANICAL ISSUES. AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS PURCHASED, BUT DUE TO THE PARAMETERS OF THE WARRANTY, ALL ISSUES WERE NOT FIXED BECAUSE THEY "WERE NOT ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED", (I.E. AN INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION ISSUE THAT HAD BEEN OCCURRING FOR 30,000 MILES). NOW THAT WE ARE OUT OF OUR WARRANTY VEHICLE, WE HAVE AN OVERPRICED VEHICLE THAT IS STILL OWED ON THAT WILL CONTINUE TO NEED SIGNIFICANT REPAIRS. THE MOST RECENT ISSUE IS THE HEATING ELEMENT, INCLUDING THE ACTUATOR AND BLEND DOOR FUNCTION. THIS FAULTY PIECE WILL FAIL IN THE COLD POSITION. THIS CAUSES A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU ARE FACED WITH A REPAIR THAT YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE AFFORD (SINCE THEY CAN RUN UP TO $1200) AND HAVING HEAT IN THE WINTER. WITH THE CURRENT AUTO INDUSTRY HAVING THE ISSUES THEY ARE, THEY NEED TO BEGIN TO MAKE QUALITY VEHICLES THAT AREN'T MADE TO BREAK JUST TO GET MORE MONEY OUT OF CUSTOMERS. TO HAVE CONTINUED CUSTOMERS, A COMPANY MUST HAVE A CONSISTENT PRODUCT THAT PEOPLE CAN TRUST. THE CURRENT AMERICAN AUTO INDUSTRY DOES NOT HAVE THAT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 24, 2008
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HEATING SYSTEM STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN I TURNED IT ON, THEN I FOUND THAT IF I TURNED IT TO COOL SIDE THE CLICKING STOPPED, NOW THERE IS NOT HEAT AT ALL ONLY COLD AIR. I AM TOLD BY A FORD MECHANIC THAT IT IS A BROKEN BLEND DOOR, AN EXTREMELY COMMON & COSTLY REPAIR SINCE THE BLEND DOOR IS IN A RIDICULOUS SPOT BEHIND THE DASHBOARD THAT TAKES 6-8 HOURS OF REPAIR TO REMOVE & REPLACE THE $20 PART. I FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER FORD OWNERS DATING BACK TO THE 1993 FORD RANGER MODEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM...WHY IS THIS NOT FORCED TO BE A RECALL FOR FORD TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM? THE PIN THAT BREAKS ON THE BLEND DOOR IS PLASTIC, ANY NIMROD KNOWS HEAT AND COLD WILL CAUSE PLASTIC TO BECOME BRITTLE AND BREAK, THUS YOU WOULD THINK THAT MAKING THE PIN METAL WOULD HAVE BEEN A SOLUTION YEARS AGO, IT IS ONLY A 3-4 INCH PIN...NOT THAT EXPENSIVE TO FIX BUT SURE IS COSTLY TO FIX THIS NUTTY ERROR FOR FORD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 10, 2008
I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER 2003 WITH 93000 MILES AND THE O/D LIGHT AS WELL AS THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. FROM MY RESEARCH IT SEEMS THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT FORD REFUSES TO ADDRESS ON THE CAR MENTIONED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 20, 2008
RE: FORD MOTOR COMPANY FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS ILLEGALLY CHARGING CUSTOMERS FOR COMPUTER ENGINE UPDATES. IN JULY OF 2008 MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER 2003. . I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT BUERGE FORD THAT MY ENGINE CODES HAD TO BE UPDATED PER FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THEY UPDATED THE ENGINE CODES IN 15 MINUTES AND CHARGED ME $128.00 DOLLARS FOR UPDATING FORDS NEW ENGINE COMPUTER CODES. THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS THAT IF THE ENGINE CODES ON MY FORD EXPLORER XLT 2003 NEEDED TO BE UPDATED TO FORDS NEW ENGINE CODES A RECALL SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED, OR THE CHARGE SHOULDN'T BE PASS ON TO THE CONSUMER. A RECALL WAS NEVER DONE, AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS BEEN ILLEGALLY PASSING ON THIS CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER FOR YEARS, WITHOUT A RECALL NOTICE. NOTHING WAS AT FAULT AT MY END. I HAVE A COPY OF MY BILL FOR YOUR RECORDS ON THIS ILLEGAL CHARGE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR NOT IMPLEMENTING A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR SUV'S, CAR'S AND TRUCKS. SINCERELY. JEFFREY ROTH *TR