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, Sep 22, 2008
AS MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING STALL, MY VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN CAUGHT OFF. WE WERE UNABLE TO GET IT RESTARTED. AFTER MECHANICS CHECKED IT OUT, I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE MOTOR. DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND, BECAUSE WE HAVE ONLY 38,208 MILES ON OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER; AND A WEEK BEFORE THAT WE HAD A COMPLETE OIL CHANGE. I CONTACTED OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER AS WELL AS FORD IN DETROIT AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THEM. I TOLD THEM WE HAD NO WARNING OF A PROBLEM, THE INDICATOR NEVER CAME ON AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION AT ALL THAT WE HAD A PROBLEM, NO NOISE OR ANY SIGNS OF TROUBLE. WITH ONLY A FEW MILES ON THE CAR, I TOLD THEM I FELT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. BECAUSE THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY CALLS SINCE MY COMPLAINTS, THEY FELT IT WAS NOT A FORD'S PROBLEM AND THAT IT WAS A SITUATION I HAD TO TAKE CARE OF. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE AND I THINK FORD SHOULD HANDLE THIS PROBLEM. NO WAY SHOULD I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY MOTOR WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES. IT'S NOT FAIR THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR A JOB THAT I BELIEVE FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR. TELL ME, WHAT DO I DO? *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, Apr 3, 2008
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND HAS A FLEX FUEL SYSTEM 4.0L 114,000 MILES AT TIMES NOT ALL THE TIME ONCE IN AWHILE I WILL GO TO TURN AND SLOW DOWN THE IDLE JUMPS UP AND DOWN YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE RPS GO NUTS AND THE ENGINE SHUTS ITSELF OFF I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR NOT BEING PREPARED FOR THE SHUT DOWN THE BRAKES THE STEERING ALL GOT HARD TO HANDLE... HAS ANYONE BEEN LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM AT ALL? I HAVE CHANGED SPARK PLUGS THE FUEL FILTER AIR FILTER AND STILL DOES THIS IN WARM WEATHER AS IT DOES IN COLD WEATHER.. ANY CLUE AS TO WHAT I CAN DO? VARY UNSAFE. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR OR TRUCK DO THIS MORE THAN ONCE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2008
THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE IN THE DASH WHEN I TURNED THE HEAT ON. ONE DAY THERE WAS ONE MORE HARD CLICK AND AFTER THAT NO MORE HEAT. SO NOW WHEN I TURN THE HEAT ON THERE'S A CLICKING NOISE AND NO HEAT, WHEN I TURN IT ON COOL THE CLICKING NOISE STOPS. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, ON FEBRUARY 17, 2008, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT WARNING. SEVERAL VEHICLES WERE RAPIDLY APPROACHING THE CONTACT, WHICH NEARLY CAUSED A FATAL CRASH. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRESENT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, AFTER THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, ALL OF THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS ORDERED AND MAY BE AVAILABLE BY NEXT WEEK. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR TWO WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER'S PRESIDENT WAS NOTIFIED ON TWO OCCASIONS AND THE SECRETARY FORWARDED THE MESSAGES TO A LIAISON. THE CONTACT WANTED THE VEHICLE REPLACED, BUT THE LIAISON STATED THAT SHE COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT SAW ON THE NEWS THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL AND FILED CASE NUMBER 0490000518. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO EXISTING RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FOLLOWING FAILURES OCCURRED WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER: ON MARCH 1, 2004, THE RING AND PINIONS FAILED, ON MARCH 31, 2004, THE PINION VALVE LEAKED, WAS DAMAGED, TESTED AND REPAIRED. ON APRIL 14, 2004, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE FRONT PINION SEAL WAS LEAKING AND REPLACED. THE UPPER BEARING WAS ALSO REPAIRED. THE VIN APPEARS TO BE INVALID. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 40,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2008
SAT. JAN. 19, 2008; APPROX. 99,780 MILES - ENGINE STALLED WHILE WE WERE TURNING OFF THE HIGHWAY TO A SIDE STREET. WE HAD JUST DRIVEN APPROX. 20 MILES, SO THE ENGINE WAS WARM. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHEN THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, WHICH CAUSED US TO GO INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS COMING TOWARDS US SO WE COULD STOP, PUT IT IN PARK, AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS IS ABOUT THE FIFTH OR SIXTH TIME IT HAPPENED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 19, 2008
BRAND NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER. REPLACED ENGINE AT 115 K MILES AND NOW THE TRANS IS GOING; SPECIFICALLY, THE O/D LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING AND IT SHIFTS BADLY. I'VE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING ONLINE, WHILE FORD IGNORES THIS FAULTY TRANS. *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
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 3, 2008
SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE NOTICED THE ENGINE MAKES A WHISTLING NOISE IN COLD WEATHER BETWEEN 25-40 MPH. THE NOISE USED TO GO AWAY AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MINUTES. IT NO LONGER DOES. SO FAR THIS WINTER, I HAVE NOTICED THE ENGINE CONTINUING TO MAKE THE WHISTLING SOUND ENTIRE 35-45 MINUTE COMMUTES. THE SPEED NOW RANGES FROM 25-70 MPH AND COMES AND GOES THROUGHOUT THE DRIVE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS KEPT THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS (IN PREVIOUS YEARS) AND HAVE NOT HAD A FIX FOR THIS ISSUE.*CN
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 10, 2007
THE FORD RECALL FOR ENGINE STALLING DOES NOT APPEAR TO APPLY TO THE 2003 EXPLORER, BUT I HAVE DEFINITELY HAD THE ENGINE STALL 5 OR 6 TIMES WHILE I'VE BEEN DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE I'VE BEEN DECELERATING, EITHER FOR A STOP SIGN, TRAFFIC LIGHT, OR TURN. THE ENGINE WAS WARM EACH TIME. I WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE QUICKLY ENOUGH SO THAT NO ACCIDENTS OCCURRED, BUT THE CLOSEST CALL WAS WHEN IT HAPPENED AT A BUSY TRAFFIC LIGHT. I DID NOT WRITE DOWN THE EXACT DATES WHEN IT HAPPENED, SO THE INCIDENT DATE BELOW IS ONLY APPROXIMATE. I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2007, fire
I WAS GOING BACK HOME TO MIAMI AND MY CAR 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE EXIT OF THE MIDTOWN TUNNEL IN NEW YORK CITY. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT MOTOR AT THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE POLICE USED 3 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS BUT ALL THE EFFORT THEY DID WAS NOT ENOUGH. MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE. THE MOTOR, THE SEATS , ALL THE INTERIOR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROY BY THE FIRE. THE FIREMAN ARRIVED AFTER A FEW MINUTES, BUT IT WAS TO LATE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR CASH BRAND NEW FROM SAWGRASS FORD IN FT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA. I DID NOT HAVE FULL COVER AND I LOST EVERY THING.. I WAS IN NEW YORK WITH MY FAMILY AND WITH NO CAR TO GO BACK HOME.. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING THAT HAPPEN TO THAT CAR. I AM SURE THIS IS NOT FAIR TO ME OR TO ANYBODY. THE CAR WAS A 2003 AND ONLY HAD ABOUT 46,000 MILES. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 16, 2007
CONSTANT LOUD SQUEAL COMING FROM SERPENTINE BELT, REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP AND I HAD TO PURCHASE, STILL SQUEAL, WARRANTY AND REPLACED, STILL SQUEALED DEALERSHIP CALLED FORD, FORD SUGGESTED STRONGER BELT THAT NORMALLY DOES NOT GO IN THIS TRUCK. CURRENTLY NO SQUEAL. TOTAL BELTS: 4 *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2007
WHEN WE STARTE D OUR CAR FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER IT HAD SAT AT AN AIRPORT PARKING LOT FOR A WEEK, WE HEARD A TICKING NOISE UPON START UP OUF OUR VEHICLE (2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER WITH V8 ENGINE). UPON TAKING IT TO A REPAIR SHOP THEY STATED THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE VALUE GUARD AREA IN THE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE BOTH CYLINDER HEADS (PER FORD NEED TO REPLACE BOTH & CANNOT REPLACE JUST ONE). THE COST OF THIS REPAIR WOULD BE $4,000.00. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR OUR MODEL & YEAR. WITH ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS WE HAVE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR, IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE FORD LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND POSSIBLE HAVE A RECALL. THANK YOU.
Engine and engine cooling, May 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AVAILABLE ON MAY 10, 2007, BUT IT STILL HAS NOT ARRIVED. THE REPAIR IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 56,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2007
WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION WITH A 5.4 L, V-8 TRITON ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING WE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS BACK FIRING. WE SMELLED GAS AND A BURNING SMELL. WE HAD OUR EXPEDITION TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WERE INFORMED THAT SPARK PLUG #7 HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE HEAD, STRIPPING THE THREADS. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT THE HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $3,500. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THIS EXPEDITION INTO FORD AT 72,723 MILES BECAUSE THE ENGINE LACKED POWER AND SURGED. WE WERE TOLD THAT SPARK PLUG #7 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS PRIOR TO THE FORD'S RECOMMENDATION OF A TUNE UP TO BE DONE AT 100,000. THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUG #7 UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WE WERE CHARGED TO REPLACE THE OTHER SPARK PLUGS. THIS IS THE SAME SPARK PLUG THAT BLEW OUT AT 108,411 MILES. WE HAVE CONTACTED MANY MECHANICS TO SEE WHAT OTHER OPTIONS WERE AVAILABLE. WE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE OUR EXPEDITION REPAIRED BY PLACING A RECOMMENDED PERMANENT THREAD REPLACEMENT INSERT PUT INTO THE #7 CYLINDER; WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS LOW COMPRESSION IN #7 CYLINDER AND NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $6,000. THE MECHANIC SHOPS THAT WE CONTACTED HAVE INFORMED US THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH THE ALUMINUM HEADS ON THE FORD EXPEDITION AND SOME OTHER FORD TRUCKS. A REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA SHOWS THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE FORD ENGINES. WE ARE REQUESTING THAT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION BE COMPLETED AND THAT FORD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECT IN THEIR FORD EXPEDITION ENGINES/HEADS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2007
IN FEBRUARY OF 2006, I TOOK MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN TO HAVE IT FIXED. AT THE TIME, MY VEHICLE ONLY HAD APP. 36,300 MILES ON IT. I HAD TO HAVE ALL THE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY HAD GONE BAD. I WAS TOLD THE SPARK PLUGS SHOULD HAVE LASTED FOR 90,000 TO 100,000 MILES. IN APRIL OF 2007, WITH APP. 43,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THE SPARK PLUG WIRES WERE ARCING AND WERE BURNED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE WIRES WERE ROUTED BADLY AND THAT THEY LAY AGAINST HOT AREAS OF THE CAR. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE ALL THE WIRES. THE GARAGE HAS CALLED ALL THE DEALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS IN MY AREA FOR THE WIRES AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY CAN'T GET THE WIRES, THAT THEY SEEM TO HAVE BEEN PULLED OFF OF THE SHELF. IF THE WIRES ARE ROUTED BADLY AND LAY AGAINST HOT THINGS, I WOULD THINK EVENTUALLY THAT WOULD START A FIRE. THE GARAGE IS GOING TO GIVE ME THE OLD WIRES JUST IN CASE I NEED THEM. I WOULD THINK AN INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE DONE TO SEE IF, IN FACT, THE WIRES ARE ROUTED BADLY AND COULD START A FIRE. *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
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2007
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD & STARTED SLOWING DOWN AS I CAME INTO TOWN. I WAS COASTING ALONG AND MY CAR STALLED OUT. I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE IT HAD CUT OUT, I STILL HAD STEERING & BRAKES BUT I HAD TO RESTART MY VEHICLE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER (I HAD JUST BOUGHT IT 6 DAYS PRIOR) AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT. THEY WORKED WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND CAME BACK WITH "NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT". THEY SAID THERE WASN'T EVEN A RECORD OF THE INCIDENT TAKING PLACE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING TO ANY GEAR AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE OIL NEEDED TO BE CHANGED EVERY MONTH.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2006
VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHEN DRIVING---BOTH LOW AND HIGH SPEED--BRAKES, STEERING, ELECTRICAL, GAS--ALL QUIT. AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE CAR WILL START AGAIN. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. DEALER, VISTA FORD, SAYS NOTHING WRONG/CAN'T DUPLICATE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2006
WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4.0L V6 THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WITH NO WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES RANDOMLY. TWO TIMES WERE ON A HIGHWAY COASTING TO A TOLL BOOTH. EACH OF THOSE TIMES I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THE THIRD TIME WAS ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2006
2003 FORD EXPLORER OVERHEATED AND LOST COOLANT. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. FIRST 2 TRIPS, PROBLEM NOT FOUND. AFTER 3RD INCIDENT, A CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK WAS FOUND. IN ADDITION TO ENGINE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP, THIS OCCURS MOSTLY IN COLD WEATHER AT LEAST ONCE WEEKLY. UPON TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP (PROBLEM CANNOT BE REPLICATED); THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH, DAMAGE TO A PEDESTRIAN........GEE, HATE TO THINK OF THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2006
EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN NOISE UPON MORNING FIRST USE. IF YOU LET THE CAR SIT OVERNIGHT AND THEN STARTUP THE CAR, BACK UP OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, AND ACCELERATE NORMALLY DOWN THE RESIDENTIAL STREET, THE COOLING FAN SOUNDS LIKE AN AIRPLANE PROPELLER CHOPPING THE AIR. THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE (A V8) SEEMS SLUGGISH AS THE ENGINE FIGHTS TO SPIN THE FAN AT EVERY INCREASING ENGINE RPM. THE NOISE IS EXCESSIVE AND UNNERVING. ONCE YOU COME TO A STOP SIGN AND THE ENGINE SLOWS TO IDLE, THE FAN RESUMES NORMAL OPERATING MODE AND NO LONGER SPINS AT ENGINE RPM SPEEDS. THIS IS A VERY REPEATABLE EVENT. 3 OUT 5 MORNINGS I HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS. FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE DEALER IDENTIFIES THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT CAN BE WRONG HERE IS THE FAN CLUTCH. BUT UNTIL THE PROBLEM STAYS BROKEN, AND IT WONT AS IT GOES AWAY ONCE YOU GO TO IDLE, THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. MY CONCERN IS MULTIFOLD. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AS IT IS UNNATURAL FOR THE COOLING FAN TO BE SPINNING AT ENGINE RPM. IF THE FAN WERE TO DISINTEGRATE, WHO WILL BE IN THE WAY OF THE HIGH SPEED FRAGMENTS? I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE DAMAGE THAT WOULD OCCUR TO THE VEHICLE IF THE FAN WERE TO LET LOOSE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE FAN'S LIFE IS BEING REDUCED AND WILL SUFFER PREMATURE FAILURE. THE DEALER REFUSES TO REVIEW TSB 17163 -- EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN NOISE. *TT (NHTSA ID #10004057) UNTIL THEY EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER SEEMS TO BE UNCOOPERATIVE AND CHOOSES TO IGNORE THE CUSTOMER'S COMPLAINT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2006
AROIUND 37,000 MILES I STARTED HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. HALF OF THEM GO OFF WHEN THEY SHOULD AND HALF OF THEM STAY ON WHICH RUNS MY BATTERY DOWN AND I HAVE TO BE JUMPED. THEN AROUND 40,000 MILE I STARTED HEARING A LOUND WHINING NOISE FROM MY REAR END. THE DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. IT IS SO LOUD YOU HAVE TO ALMOST YELL TO TALK TO SOMEONE. THEN AT 47,000 MILES MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON STARTED COMING ON. IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE COOLANT AREA. I AM AFRAID TO TAKE MY VEHICLE OUT OF TOWN AND I OWE TOO MUCH ON IT TO TRADE IT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 10, 2006, crash
1 HISTORY OF ENGINE SURGE, VERY FAST IDLE UPON STARTING SINCE VEHICLE ACQUIRED.-ALL REPORTED TO DEALER.---------------------------------------------------------------- 2.CAR STOPPED, MOTOR OFF. STARTED, PLACED IN REVERSE-TOUCHED ACCELERATOR AND CAR JUMPED BACK FULL SPEED. VERY NARROW PARKING AREA (HAVE PICTURES). HAD TO TURN CAR RAPIDLY TO AVOID LARGE HILL AND TREES -TOO SHORT A DISTANCE TO TURN COMPLETELY AND HIT FRONT LEFT FENDER AND BUMPER GLANCING BLOW OFF TWO TREES. WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND GOT STOPPED AFTER GOING IN A SEMICIRCULAR AND BACKING OVER CONCRETE PARKING BARRIER.-MOTOR STILL RACING--UNABLE TO TURN OFF WITH KEY UNTIL FOURTH OR FIFTH TRY AND THAN MOTOR BUCKED SEVERAL TIME TRYING TO STOP. 3.NO CORRECTIONS TO DATE. REPORTED TO FORD! !*JB