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: power train
356 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jun 12, 2006
2003 EXPLORER ENGINE STALLING AND SURGING WHEN DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP. *TS ***NAR*** THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE PCM. 8JB
Power train, Jun 6, 2006
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION. IT CLUNKS OUT OF GEAR WHEN LETTING OFF THE GAS GOING FROM SECOND TO FIRST GEAR. IT ALSO SEEMS TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION AT TIMES AS IT ACTS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL GOING FROM FIRST TO SECOND ON OCCASION. I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES. THE "SAID" THE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WITH ONE THAT WAS REBUILT, BUT IT ACTED THE SAME WAY. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK AND WAS NOW TOLD THAT UNTIL IT ACTUALLY BREAKS, THEY WILL NOT WORK ON THE TRANSMISSION ANY LONGER. *JB
Power train, Apr 16, 2006
2003 EXPLORER - TRANSMISSION GOES INTO *NEUTRAL* WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD AND/OR 3RD AND 4TH. A SOLENOID BODY HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES AT DECREASING MILEAGE INTERVALS. NOW FAILING FOR 5TH TIME WITH 2,000 MILES SINCE LAST *FIX*. FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE WITH FREEWAY TRAFFIC. PURSUING BBB ARBITRATION FOR REPURCHASE AS FORD IS UNABLE TO REPAIR. *NM
Power train, Apr 5, 2006
REAR AXLE NOISE, REPLACED AT A PRICE OF 1200 DOLLARS. *JB
Power train, Apr 3, 2006
NHTSA 10003163. NOISE FROM CONVERTER HOUSING. SUV HAS 42,272 MILES AND DEALER ESTIMATED $1200.00 REPAIR. FORD KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH TSB #17050. *JB
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
Suspension, Power train, Mar 1, 2006
HAVE HAD MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF MILES ON IT. HAVE HAD REAR BRAKE SENSOR REPLACED 2 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY, FRONT AXLE SEAL REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND REAR AXLE BEARING REPLACED WITH 44000 MILES AND NOW THE REAR AXLE SEAL IS LEAKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE MECHANIC WHO DOES MY REPAIRS STATED THE AXLE SEALS ARE ON BACKORDER DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF EXPLORERS THE SEALS ARE DEFECTIVE ON. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFORMATION ON THE SEALS AS I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. COULD YOU PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS DEFECT. I BELIEVE THERE WERE SEVERAL DEFECTIVE PARTS USED ON THE 2003 FORD EXPLORERS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED OR REPORTED. THANK YOU. *JB
Power train, Feb 22, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING CORNERING AND EMERGENCY MANEUVERS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCKS UP. THERE IS ALSO A SHUDDER IN THE STEERING AT THIS TIME. THIS HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE LAST 4,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH PACK REQUIRED REDESIGN. THERE IS A NEW CLUTCH PACK AVAILABLE AT THE CONSUMER'S COST.
Power train, Feb 16, 2006
FORD EXPLORER DOES NOT SHIFT FROM 1ST INTO 2ND GEAR, ALLOWING VEHICLE TO MOVE INTO INTERSECTION THEN STALL UNTIL TRANSMISSION EVENTUALLY SLIPS INTO GEAR. FORD TECH LINE WANTS US TO DRIVE UNTIL THE PROBLEM OCCURS CONTINUOUSLY SO THE PROBLEM WILL BE EASY TO FIND. DEALER HAS RESET CPU, REPLACED VALVE BODY, AND NOW PLACED AN "ADDITIVE" IN TRANSMISSION. OBVIOUSLY HAVING NO IDEA AS TO THE REAL PROBLEM. *JB
Power train, Feb 14, 2006
ROARING SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK END OF THE TRUCK. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 7, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH HESITATION WHEN THE SPEED WAS KEPT CONSTANT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. THE HESITATION PROBLEM CONTINUED, THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WHILE BACKING INTO THE DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. ALTHOUGH THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE HIT THE CONTACT'S HOME RESULTING IN A NECK SPRAIN INJURY. THE ACCELERATION CONTINUED UNTIL THE SHIFTER WAS MOVED INTO DRIVE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ACCELERATION. ALSO, CONTACT COMPLAINED THAT ABS LIGHT WAS ON AND PEDAL FELT STIFF. VEHICLE RAN ROUGH. IN ADDITION, REMOVED AND INSTALLED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAIN CONTROL VALVE BODY. *AK
Power train, Feb 4, 2006
REAR AXLE IS LEAKING AND THERE IS A HUMMING NOISE ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND THEW TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. I HAVE 75000 MILE WARRANTY AND VEHICLE HAS ONLY 45,500 MILES ON IT. *NM
Power train, Feb 4, 2006
PURCHASED NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER. AT AROUND 9000 MILES HAD REAR END REPLACED DUE TO INFAMOUS LOUD WHINING NOISE. PROBLEM IMPROVED...BUT WAS NOT COMPLETELY FIXED. AFTER COMPLAINING THAT THERE WAS STILL SOME NOISE, SALE FORD IN KINGSTON, NC SAID IT WAS "UNEVEN TIRE WEAR." REPLACED 2 TIRES. WHEN TAKEN BACK AND TOLD THERE WAS STILL A PROBLEM, WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY HAD "DONE ALL THEY COULD DO EXCEPT OFFER US A GOOD DEAL ON A TRADE." (LIKE WE WILL EVER BUY FROM THEM AGAIN). AT 59,000 MILES, WE ARE NOW HAVING REAR END "CHATTER" WHEN STARTING OR STOPPING. FORD IS CRAP AND SO IS THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE. *NM
Power train, Wheels, Jan 9, 2006
WHINING NOISE COMING FROM REAR BECAME LOUDER 41,000 MILE ON ODO DEALER ADVISED REAR WHEEL BEARINGS SEALS AND STRUT INSERTS, WE HAD THE REPAIRS MADE $1000.00 ONE YEAR LATER WE NOTICED MORE NOISE AND CHATTER WHEN TURNING,DEALER ADVISED REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS REBUILD, AND NEW CLUTCH PACKS. WE ARE HAVING THE REPAIRS MADE AT THIS TIME. THESE ARE EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *JB
Power train, Dec 1, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE WAS MAKING A CLANKING NOISE AND IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR. THE DEALER HAD THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES AND UPGRADED THE TRANSMISSION. THEY REPLACED PARTS IN THE REAR END OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE PARTS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, Nov 30, 2005
VIBRATION IN FRONT END OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT DETERMINED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. RESOLUTION HAS NOT OCCURRED TO DATE. BALANCED ALL DRIVE LINES BUT STILL VIBRATES. VIBRATION STOPS WHEN FRONT DRIVE LINE IS DISCONNECTED. NEXT APPROACH IS TO CONTINUE THROUGH REST OF DRIVE TRAIN. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Nov 10, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT, A FEW MONTHS AGO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON AND THE 4X4 WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT AND TOLD US THEY REPLACED A SPEED SENSOR, THEY ALSO FOUND 2 REAR AXLE SEAL LEAKS AND SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THOSE, THEN IN OCTOBER OF '05 I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WAS JERKING BETWEEN 30 AND 40 MPH AND UPON ACCELERATION ON HILLS NOT MENTION THAT I COULD HEAR SOMETHING HAPPENING UNDERNEATH MY VEHICLE, THEY PUT IT UP ON THE RACK AND CAME BACK OUT AND SAID THE CLUTCH IN THE REAR END WAS SCORCHED AND NEEDED TO HAVE THE WHOLE REAR END REPLACE, SO I DID BUT WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT BACK HOME AFTER THE REPAIR IT STARTED JERKING AGAIN, AND AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF WORRY AND WONDER ANOTHER DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT THE TRANSFER CASE IS BAD, MY EXPLORER IS TRYING TO ENGAGE ITSELF IN 4X4, SO NOW I AM HAVING THE TRANSFER CASE REPLACED! MY EXPLORER HAS 41,000 ON IT RIGHT NOW AND FORD HAS NOT BEEN MUCH OF A HELP, I HAVE TO PAY $1500 FOR THE TRANSFER CASE, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT, I WILL BUY A FOREIGN CAR. FORD REALLY NEEDS TO LOOK INTO ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THESE VEHICLES AND I WILL DO ANYTHING I CAN TO PROMOTE THAT. *NM
Power train, Oct 25, 2005
REPEATED FAILURE OF REAR AXLE, DRIVE TRAIN NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE BETWEEN45-65MPH.
Power train, Oct 23, 2005
LOUD WHINE COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *NM
Power train, Oct 20, 2005
I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 2WD IN SEPTEMBER 1, 2003. WITH 20,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A WHINE FROM THE REAR END THAT WAS AUDIBLE FROM 45 MPH TO 65 MPH. THE NOISE WOULD STOP WHEN I LET OFF ON THE GAS AND WOULD RESUME WHEN THE GAS WAS REAPPLIED INDICATING A BEARING FAILURE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LEITH FORD OF WENDELL, NC, WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THEY REPLACED THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY UNDER WARRANTY ON JULY 9, 2004 WITH 21,899 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE REPLACEMENT REAR AXLE MADE THE SAME WHINE FROM 45 MPH TO 65 MPH INDICATING REAR BEARING FAILURE. THE COMPLETE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED BY LEITH FORD UNDER WARRANTY. THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WAS ORDERED FROM FORD ON OCTOBER 20, 2004 WITH 32980 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE ASSEMBLY WAS RECEIVED AND INSTALLED WITH 36,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. WITH 63,280 MILES ON THE VEHICLE I RETURNED THE VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 17, 2005 TO LEITH FORD TO CHECK OUT THE SAME WHINE IN THE REAR END FROM 45 MPH TO 65 MPH. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR BEARINGS WERE FAILING AND ORDERED A REAR DIFFERENTIAL KIT TO REBUILD THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY. *NM
Power train, Oct 18, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NEVER FIND THE ORIGIN OF THE NOISE. THE FOURTH TIME WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY FOUND THAT THE ORIGIN OF THE NOISE WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE DEALER CHANGED THE TORQUE CONVERTER ON 9-22-05. THE CONTACT SOLD THE CAR A FEW DAYS AFTER 9-22-05. THE CONTACT WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE SERVICE THEY RECEIVED FROM THE DEALER. WHEN THEY WERE TRYING TO MAKE THE TRADE, THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED THEM $13,000.00, AND WHEN THEY WENT BACK THE DEALERSHIP OFFERING THEM $10,000.00. THE CONTACT WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE SHE FELT THERE MAY BE A DEFECT IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER, AND SHE WANTED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP'. *AK
Power train, Oct 4, 2005
I OWN A FORD EXPLORER 2003 V6 TRUCK I HAVE HAD FORD VEHICLES FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS. MY ISSUE IS WITH FORD SERVICE AND THE TRUCKS TRANSMISSION. I WAS IN THE SERVICE BAY ON AUGUST 17 FOR ROUTINE RECALL STUFF AND ADDED SOME BASIC SERVICES TO MY VISIT. OIL CHANGE, FLUSH AND TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE/CHECK WAS IN ORDER. $500 LATER I AM OUT THE DOOR. 25 DAYS AFTER THE INITIAL VISIT I AM BACK AT FORD WITH CONCERNS ABOUT MY TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMS TO BE WHINING AND REVVING HIGH WHILE CHANGING INTO 2ND AND OR 5TH GEAR. THE FLUID ALL OVER MY DRIVEWAY CERTAINLY DIDN'T GIVE ME A COMFORTABLE FEELING. FORD SERVICE CONFIRMED A PROBLEM BUT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE IT UNLESS THEY TORE IT APART. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE END OF THE MONTH BECAUSE THE TRANS MECHANIC WOULD BE ON VACATION THROUGH END OF MONTH. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR MY TRUCK TO "ONCE AGAIN" VISIT THE FORD SERVICE FOR AN OVERNIGHT VISIT. ON SEPTEMBER 29TH. DROPPED IT OFF AND NEVER GOT A CALL FOR THREE DAYS. ON OCTOBER 3 END OF BUSINESS DAY, I CALLED. THEY SEEMED TO HAVE FORGOTTEN MY VEHICLE AND WOULD WORK ON IT THE NEXT DAY. TUESDAY I GET A CALL IN THE MID MORNING STATING THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION OR A REBUILT ONE . PRICING RANGES FROM $2600 TO $3400. THEY COULDN'T TELL MY WHY OR ANY MORE SPECIFICS ON HOW AN ENGINE WITH 47K NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. ESPECIALLY SINCE IT WAS RECENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR ROUTINE TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE LESS THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN...I HAVE HAD MANY FORDS FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN A TRANSMISSION GO UP UNDER 50K MILES. WHETHER THE SERVICE GUYS DIDN'T TIGHTEN UP SOMETHING RIGHT OR FORD HAS AN INFERIOR PRODUCT; I FEEL THAT I SHOULD NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE. *NM
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 30, 2005
ENGINE CUT OFF WHILE RUNNING, WHEN I TURNED ON HIGH BEAMS. ENGINE RPMS AND ENGINE ACCELERATED, WHEN I TURNED ON HIGH BEAMS LOSS CONTROL OF ACCELERATION, WHEN FOG LIGHTS WERE TURNED ON. MESSAGE CENTER FLASHED "CHECK TRANSMISSION", O/D OFF (OVERDRIVE OFF) FLASHED, WHEN FOG LIGHT WERE TURNED ON. *NM
Power train, Aug 26, 2005
2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER AWD 4DR VIN [XXX] UNDER WARRANTY - 33125 MILES WHEN IN REVERSE EXPERIENCE BANGS/JERKS - DEALER STATED IT WAS TRANSMISSION SHIFT SOLENOID PACK AND REPLACED 6/05 - CONTINUED TO BANG/JERK INTO REVERSE UNTIL APPROX 1 MONTH LATER, VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE WHETHER IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, ALONG WITH LOUD WHINING NOISES - DEALER COULD NOT LOOK AT VEHICLE FOR ONE WEEK AT WHICH TIME FLAT BEDDED AT OWNERS COST AS NOW AT 37,000 MILES (OUT OF WARRANTY OF COURSE) FORD INSPECTED TRANSMISSION AND HAS DENIED REPAIR/REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY. AT 37,000 MILES ONE WOULD NOT EXPECT A TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. OWNER ESCALATING THIS ISSUE TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. DEALER HAS BEEN GREAT, AFTER READING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM THIS WEBSITE, IT APPEARS FORD CORPORATION IS IN TOTAL DENIAL OF A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM FOR 03 EXPLORERS. *JB UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 12, 2005
2ND REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDING REPLACEMENT (REPLACED REAR END AND BOTH AXLE BEARINGS). THIS REPLACEMENT AT 73,971 MILES. PREVIOUS REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENT ABOUT 12K MILES EARLIER. NEITHER REPLACEMENT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER 2 FAILURES AND THE SECOND AT ONLY 12,000 MILES. *JB