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, Apr 21, 2004
SOON AFTER PURCHASE THE EXPLORER (2WD) DEVELOPED AN AXLE WHINE FROM 55-70 MPH ON ACCELERATION. IT'S QUIET ON COAST. THE LOCAL DEALER FOUND A TSB (#16898). THEY REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT AS SPECIFIED. THE ONLY CHANGE WAS THE RANGE OF THE WHINE, NOW 58-63MPH. BACK TO DEALER ON 1/8/04. THEY SAID A FIX WAS IN THE WORKS, CALL BACK IN 3 MONTHS. CALLED TODAY (4.21), NO FIX AND NO DATE. PS: SURE SOUNDS LIKE A BAD RING/PINION TO ME...*AK
Power train, Apr 1, 2004
WHILE ON ANY TYPE OF INCLINE OUR FORD EXPLORER XLT ROLLS BACK WHILE IN DRIVE. AFTER TELEPHONING FORD MOTOR COMPANY, I WAS TOLD BY ANN TO TAKE THE ISSUE UP WITH THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. SHE SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE ISSUE OF THE ROLLBACK WHILE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE ON AN INCLINE. WHEN WE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED IT, THEY SAID THEY WOULD WORK WITH US AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY. IN EARLY DECEMBER AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP MANAGER AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER, I WAS TOLD THAT THE 8 CYLINDER VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED HAS A DIFFERENT TRANSMISSION THAN THE 6 CYLINDER. WHILE THE 6 CYLINDER EXPLORERE DOES NOT ROLL BACK ON AN INCLINE WHILE IN DRIVE, THE 8 CYLINDER MODEL DOES. I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS SIMPLY THE WAY THE TRANSMISSION IS DESIGNED AND THAT CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ELIMINATE THE ROLL BACK ISSUE. WHEN I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE ON DEC. 7, 2003, TONY (SERVICE DEPT. MANAGER) TOLD ME THAT CLAUDIA WOULD BE CALLING ME WITHIN THE NEXT WEEK TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF ARRANGEMENTS WITH ME ALONG THE LINES OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DUE TO THE FACT THAT PERHAPS THE TRANSMISSION WOULD EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS DOWN THE ROAD. MY MAIN CONCERN WITH THE ROLL BACK ISSUE IS THAT MY DAUGHTER IS GOING TO BE DRIVING THIS SUMMER, AND WE CANNOT ALLOW HER TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. FOR AN INEXPERIENCED, NEW DRIVER TO OPERATE THIS VEHICLE COULD HAVE THE POTENTIAL OF TURNING INTO AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE VEHICLE ROLL BACK WHILE ON AN INCLINE IN DRIVE. THIS IS THE FIRST NEW VEHICLE MY WIFE & I HAVE EVER PURCHASED AND WE ARE EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED, NOT ONLY ABOUT THE ROLLBACK ISSUE BUT BY FORD'S LACK OF INTEREST IN THE ROLLBACK ISSUE. REPEATED EMAILS TO FORD MOTOR HAVE GONE UNANSWERED, AND AS OF THE DATE OF THIS COMPLAIN NEITHER CLAUDIA OR ANYONE FROM FORD MOTOR CO. HAS CONTACTED ME.*AK
Power train, Mar 29, 2004
PURCHASE VEHICLE ON JULY 30, 2003. REAR AXLE WHINE DURING SPEEDS BETWEEN 45 - 60 DURING ACCELERATION/ DECELLERATION DIAGNOSED ON 13 OCTOBER 2003. ADVISED THAT ENGINEERS WERE WORKING ON A FIX AND NO SERVICE WAS TO BE PERFORMED. VERY DISPLEASED AT THE ATTITUDE OF FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES AND THE LACK OF SERVICE RECEIVED WITH FORD VEHICLE. FILED COMPLAINT WITH SETTLEMENT DISPUTE BOARD AND WITH BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. NEXT STEP IS TO CONTACT ATTORNEY TO FILE LEMON LAW. ALSO, CONSUMERS NEED TO GET OUT INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC THAT FORD IS SELLING THESE VEHICLES KNOWING THERE IS A PROBLEM AND IS NOT WILLING TO FIX THEM.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Mar 27, 2004
BRAKE PEDAL GOES DOWN TO THE FLOOR INTERMITTENTLY.THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETTY ISSUE.THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM YET.TOOK IN THE SHOP FOR MORE THAN 3 TIMES.ALSO THE OIL LEAK FROM THE REAR MAIN SEAL,HARSHE SHIFT IN TRANSMISSION ,POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE,OIL PAN GASKET LEAK ,MASTER CYLINDER LEAK ,COIL (SPARK PLUG) FAILURE.*AK
Power train, Mar 24, 2004
TRANSMISSION BEGAN LOCKING UP WHEN VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE TO BACK-UP. *NM
Power train, Mar 9, 2004
I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 EXPLORER XLT IN MID-FEBRUARY 2003. AT ABOUT 9500 MILES THE SUV DEVELOPED A WHINING NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. LOCAL FORD DEALER CONFIRMS NOISE, BUT IS UNABLE TO FIX AS "FORD ENGINEERS HAVE NOT YET FOUND A FIX" ALSO AT 3800 MILES THE AT FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED-NOT REPLACED. LOCAL DEALER IS SUPPOSED TO LET ME KNOW. AS OF 3/9/04 NO WORD. THIS SUV IS A POOR VEHICLE.
Power train, Feb 23, 2004, crash
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, COLLIDING INTO A TREE. *AK
Power train, Feb 10, 2004
2003 EXPLORER XLT, 2WD: LOUD NOISE COMING FROM DRIVELINE FROM 30 THROUGH 70 MPH. DEALER CHANGED DIFFERENTIAL GEAR SET--NO FIX. THEN CHANGED THE DRIVESHAFT--NO FIX. I NOW HAVE 26,000 MILES ON IT AND THE NOISE IS SO LOUD IT IS DISTRACTING. FORD SAYS THEY HAVE NO FIX (TRANSMISSION? AXLES? ANOTHER BAD RING AND PINION SET?). DEALER SAYS ONE OF THEIR STAFF HAS A 2003 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM....STILL NO FIX.*AK
Power train, Feb 6, 2004
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER 2WD XLT STARTED MAKING WHINNING NOISES WHEN PLACED INTO GEAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER NINE TIMES WITH OVER $1200 WORTH OF WORK. REALLY DON'T HAVE ANY FAITH IN THE TECHNICIANS OR SERVICE MANAGER. GOING THROUGH ARBITRATION NOW TO HAVE THE LEMON REPURCHASED BY FORD.*AK
Power train, Feb 5, 2004
2003 FORD EXPLORER - LOUD WHINING NOISE FROM REAR DRIVE LINE AROUND 55-70 MPH. *JB
Power train, Feb 2, 2004
ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE ENGINE WAS STARTED THEN WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE AUTO WON'T SHIFT INTO REVERSE. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS. UPON INCREASING THE RPM BY 50-100 THE CAR SLAMS INTO REVERSE AND LUNGES 2-3 FEET. *JB
Power train, Feb 2, 2004
ABOUT A MONTH AFTER WE PURCHASED OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT, WE NOTICED A WHINING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WE NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO WORK ON IT. THEY SAID FORD IS INVESTIGATING THE NOISE AND COULD GIVE NO TIME FRAME ON WHEN IF WOULD BE FIXED. ASKED US TO JUST BE PATIENT.. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE, AND THE WAY CUSTOMER RELATIONS HAS BEEN DEALING WITH US, FORD SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED. WE ARE CURRENTLY RESEARCH THE LEMON LAWS. WE DO NOT WANT A BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT MAKES THIS AWFUL WHINE (WHICH IS GETTING WORSE DAY BY DAY). WHO KNOWS IF IT IS SAFE, GIVEN FORD'S TRAC RECORD! *JB
Power train, Jan 30, 2004
CAR VIBRATES AT HIGHWAY SPEED. HAVE HAD IN SHOP THREE TIME NOW. THE FOURTH IS COMING. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT, FIXED SOME BENT METAL, AND ARE NOW GOING TO REPLACE THE REAR.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
I HAVE RECENTLY BOUGHT 2 BRAND NEW FORDS FROM CHAMPION FORD IN SHREVEPORT LOUISIANA. MY BRAND NEW FORD XLT EXPLORER 2 DOOR SPORT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR VARIOUS REPAIRS LONGER THAN I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 09/27/2003 SINCE THEN THE HOOD HAD TO BE RE-PAINTED, BOTH SIDE BODY MOLDING HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT CAME LOOSE , BOTH BOTTOM EXTERIOR BODY DOOR TRIM HAD TO BE REPLACED, INTERIOR TRIM PIECE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW BROKE AND HAD TO BE RE-PLACED, BUT THE MAIN PROBLEM IS A VIBRATION IN THE MOTOR/TRANSMISSION THAT VIBRATES THE DASH I HAVE SPENT ALREADY OVER $60.00 IN GAS BACK AND FORTH TO DEALERSHIP, ME AND MY WIFE HAVE TAKEN OFF TWO DAYS AT WORK COSTING US OVER $500.00 IN LOSS OF PAY, I HAVE ALREADY PAID THE FIRST TRUCK NOTE AND INSURANCE PAYMENT AND NOW THE TRUCK IS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MORE WEEK OF REPAIRS. ON 10/17/2003 THE TRUCK WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND MY WIFE DROVE ANOTHER EXPLORER OF THE SAME MAKE/MODEL AND HAD NO PROBLEMS I THEN WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MGR. THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS INHERENT TO THIS MAKE/MODEL. I THEN APPROACHED THE SALE MGR. WITH THE HOPES OF EITHER EXCHANGING OR TRADING UP TOO THE 4 DOOR MODEL TO HELP DEFRAY THE PROFIT LOSS. IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY DEPRECIATED SOME $4000.00 AND THAT TO SWAP VEHICLES IT WOULD COST ME AN ADDITIONAL $75.00 AN UP A MONTH CAR NOTE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO BASICALLY TOLD ME I WAS STUCK WITH THE VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE VEHICLE LONGER THAN I HAVE HAD IT. I WAS SENT FROM EMPLOYEE TO EMPLOYEE MGR. OF THIS TO MGR. OF THAT. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION OR IDEAS YOU COULD PROVIDE ME WITH THIS SITUATION. THIS VEHICLE IS TO BE MY WIFE'S TRUCK AND I WOULD LIKE HER IN A SAFE TRUCK THAT IS SAFE FOR HER TO TRAVEL IN. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ALREADY REPLACED THE COSMETIC FAULTS BUT HAS STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS OF DOUBTFUL OUTCOME.
Power train, Dec 14, 2003
WHEN DIRVING VEHICLE AT SLOW SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HAS REAR ENDED YOU, AS THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME THREE OR FOUR TIMES AND IS MORE FREQUENT WITH MY WIFE AS IT IS HER VEHICLE. TODAY MY WIFE WAS BACKING UP AND IT FELT LIKE SOMEONE RAN INTO THE FRONT OF HER AS THE VEHICLE LURCHED BACKWARD. SHE SAID IT REALLY BOUNCED HER HEAD. TODAY IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED IN REVERSE. THIS IS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER, V-8 XLT 2WD. I HAVE SOME TIME OFF LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO THE DEALER.*AK
Power train, Dec 4, 2003
MY WIFE AND I BOUGHT A NEW 2003 EDDIE BAUER EXPLORER VIN [XXX] WITH 1 MILE REGISTERED ON IT. WE PURCHASED IT 9/15/03, SINCE DAY ONE THE VEHICLE HAS HAD A WHINE IN THE REAR, A VIBRATION AT 55 MPH. COMPLAINTS TO FORD AS WELL AS TO THE LEN STOLER DEALERSHIP,11275 REISTERSTOWN ROAD, OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117 PHONE 410-356-2635 HAS BROUGHT NOTHING BUT FRUSTRATION. THE VEHICLE CAN'T BE FIXED IS WHAT WE ARE TOLD! BUT AFTER 5 VISITS, IT IS BEING WORKED ON NOW FOR THE VIBRATION 12/04/03, THE WHINE IN THE REAR STILL CANNOT BE FIXED. NOTIFICATIONS FROM FORD TO ITS SERVICE CENTERS: DRIVELINE AXLE CONCERNS FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY 509000 DEALING WITH PROBLEM 17054 QUOTE: 2002- 2004 EXPLORER 4 DR-REAR AXLE WHINE, SOME 2002-2004- EXPLORER 4DR VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AXLE WHINE AT NORMAL OR DURING ACCELERATION. TO SERVICE, PERFORM NORMAL DIAGNOSTICS. IF SPECIFIC ROOT CAUSE IS NOT IDENTIFIED, BE AWARE THAT ENGINEERING IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING VIA THE QUICKER SERVICE FIX PROCESS. A SERVICE PROCEDURE WILL BE PUBLISHED AS SOON AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUBMIT CONCERN REPORTS FOR ANY VEHICLE WHICH EXHIBITS THIS CONDITION. MONITOR OASIS FOR UPDATES.-THIS IS ONE OF OUR PROBLEMS, DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIX IT AT THIS POINT, SO WE ARE STUCK WITH A WHINING REAR IN NEW VEHICLE. THE SECOND PROBLEM WITH OUR VEHICLE IS TRYING TO BE FIXED, QUOTE: 17107 2002-2004 EXPLORER 4X4 DRIVELINE VIBRATION OR DRONE/BOOM AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SOME 2002 -2004 EXPLORER 4X4 VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION OR DRONE/BOOM AT 55 - 75 MPH. ELECTRONIC VIBRATION ANALYZER [XXX] READING WILL FALL UNDER 1ST ORDER REAR DRIVESHAFT AT 2700 RMP . IF CONCERN IS TILL PRESENT IN 3RD GEAR AND ISOLATED TO THE DRIVELINE, A PREMIUM BALANCED DRIVESHAFT IS AVAILABLE. INSTALL 3C5Z-4602-AA DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLY, REFERRING TO WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION 205-00 FOR PROCEDURE. IF VIBRATION PERSISTS AFTER REPLACING DRIVESHAFT, REINDEX AT PINION FLANGE 90 DEGREES AT A TIME, FOR 360 DEGREES, UNTIL VIBRATION IS MINIMIZED. *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Nov 26, 2003
NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER 2WD 4.0 6CYL PROB BEGAN AT 500-700 MILES. EXCESSIVE VIBRATION AND WHINING NOISE AT SPEEDS FROM 40-70 MPH. VEHICLE APPEARS TO STRUGGLE WHEN ACCELERATING, AND CRUISING SPEEDS. DEALER UNRESPONSIVE AFTER LEARNING THAT FORD ENGINEERS ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM AND HAVE NO CURRENT FIX. DEALER UNWILLING TO EXPLORE A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE, OR REFUND. FORD FEILD SERVICES ENGINEER ADMITTED TO ME THAT APPROXIMATELY 50% OF NEW EXPLORERS HAVE THIS FAULTY "RING & PINION GEAR" AND THAT VENDORS ARE WORKING TO CERTIFY REPLACEMENT PARTS.
Power train, Oct 18, 2003
EXCESSIVE WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL/DRIVE AXLES/DRIVESHAFT AREA OF THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50 AND 60 M.P.H. *LA
Power train, Oct 17, 2003
I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD EXPLORER 4WD, V8 - SEPT. 22, 2003. ABOUT 3.5 WEEKS LATER IT BEGAN TO SHAKE AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. I HAVEN'T GOTTEN 1100 MILE ON IT BEFORE IT BEGAN ITS DOWNWARD SPIRAL. I TOOK IT INTO BE REPAIRED ON 10/13/03 REGARDING THE WHINING BUT I FORGOT TO MENTION THE VIBRATION-- IT ONLY HAPPEN ON 2 OCCASION THUS FAR. BUT THE WHINING IS CONSTANT - AROUND 50 MILE AND ABOVE. I WAS BY THE SERVICE PERSON THE ENGINEERS ARE WORKING ON IT AND I AM TO WAIT UNTIL THEY FIND A CURE FOR IT. I AM NOT TRUSTING THEM WITH MY SAFETY, I WAS TOLD IT WAS IN THE DRIVELINE/AXLE /DRIVESHAFT- THE NAME CHANGES BUT STILL THE SAME EXPLANATION - NO FIX AS OF YET. COULD BE LONG-TERM OR NOT AT ALL. I WANT THIS VEHICLE REPLACE - ASAP. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Seats, Oct 8, 2003
PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES, TRANSMISSION AND SEAT RECLINER HANDLE.*MR DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *CB
Power train, Oct 8, 2003
HAD TO REPLACE REAR AXLE SEALS ON 2003 EXPLORER WITH 500 ON NEW VEHICLE. *LA
Power train, Oct 7, 2003
WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35 MPH AND UP CONSUMER HEARD LOUD NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. DEALER STATED THE NEED TO REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL. *AK
Power train, Sep 25, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN AS IF THE BRAKES WERE BEING PRESSED. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK THE TRANSMISSION. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *NLM
Power train, Sep 17, 2003
I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD EXPLORER 4WD V8 JUNE 4, 2003. ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER,AND LESS THEN 2,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, I STARTED TO NOTICE A VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MPH. THE VIBRATION BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE AND I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AT STAR FORD IN GLENDALE IN EARLY AUGUST. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BELIEVES THE VIBRATION IS COMING FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN, PROBABLY THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY. I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM ON 2002 - 2003 4WD MOUNTAINEERS AND EXPLORERS AND THAT THE ENGINEERS AT FORD WERE WORKING ON FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. AFTER DISCUSSING THE VEHICLE'S PROBLEM WITH THE QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER AT STAR FORD, I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE VIBRATION PROBLEM. BUT, THE ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE VIBRATION DID NOT WORK. NOW, I AM LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT HAS A VIBRATION, THAT SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN, WHICH THE ENGINEERS AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OR CAUSE, AND THE MECHANICS AT THE DEALER CANNOT FIX. I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED AND WOULD LIKE THE VEHICLE REPLACED OR MY MONEY REFUNDED. *JB
Power train, Sep 12, 2003
THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY IN THE REAR END. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED MANUFACTURER'S TSB ON ISSUE ADVISED PROBLEM CAUSED BY REAR AXLE.*AK *PH *PH