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
Suspension, Power train, Service brakes, Jul 28, 2014
I HAVE HAD THREE INCIDENTS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE FIRST INCIDENT INVOLVED THE SUSPENSION ( SWAY BARS SNAPPED, TIRES HAD TO BE REPAIRED). SECOND INCIDENT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE AND A WIGGLING DRIVE SHAFT ALONG WITH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ( PARTS DEEMED DEFECTIVE BY MECHANICS) , AND EMERGENCY BRAKES THAT SNAPPED OFF IN MY MECHANICS HANDS BECAUSE THEY WERE RUSTY. NOW IT IS TRANSMISSION WORK FOR A POSSIBLE FAULTY SENSOR. FORD NEEDS TO RECALLS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED DUE TO CATASROPHIC EQUIPMENT FAILURE! IVE CALLED THEM EVERY TIME AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUES BUT REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THEN DOCUMENT THEM AND SAY HAVE A NICE DAY! *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 19, 2014
THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT, 4'4 AND THE OD LIGHT CAME ON. IT DOES SHIFT GEAR FROM 1 TO 2 UNTIL 3000 RPM. *TR
Power train, Jul 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND THE OVER DRIVE WARNING SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
Power train, Jul 8, 2014
TRANSMISSION OD LIGHT FLASHING, SLAMMING INTO GEAR WHILE SHIFTING. WE HAD THE PAN DROPPED AND FOUND PIECES OF THE GEARS INSIDE... NEED A TOTAL REBUILD OR NEW TRANSMISSION. AFTER READING ALL OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL I BELIEVE FORD NEEDS TO MAKE SOME KIND OF RECALL.... *JS
Power train, Engine, Jun 22, 2014
MY SON PURCHASED THIS EXPLORER BRAND NEW AND I BOUGHT IT FROM HIM FOUR YEARS AGO AND I LOVE THIS AS IT IS THE BEST DESIGN IN THE SUV'S, AND I CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW VEHICLE AS I AM NO YOUNG GAL ANY MORE. WE HAVE MAINTAINED IT FAITHFULLY AND HAVE HAD NO SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH IT AND IS AT 145000. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK GOING 55 MPH AND THE O/D LIGHT COMES ON AND I PUSH THE BUTTON AND IT WOULD NOT GO OFF. I PULLED OVER AND TRIED THE BUTTON A FEW TIMES-NOTHING. I SHUT IT OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON-NO LIGHT WAS ON-PROCEEDED DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE LIGHT TURNS BACK ON AND IT WILL NOT SHIFT AND IS STRAINING SHIFT. I TOOK IT IN TO JIFFY LUBE TO GO AHEAD AND GET ANOTHER OIL CHANGE AND LET THEM CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT ACCESS IT TO CHECK THE FLUID-THEY SUGGESTED A TRANSMISSION FLUSH AT $200-WHY CAN'T THEY ACCESS IT? WOULDN'T A DIP STICK SAVE A LOT OF TROUBLE? AS I LOOK AT ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION TROUBLES IN THE EXPLORERS, I AM VERY SHOCKED. PLEASE CAN YOU HELP ME OUT HERE AS I CANNOT AFFORD HIGH MAINTENANCE BILLS THAT WOULD BE CHARGED THROUGH A DEALER. JUST TELL ME IF THERE IS A SIMPLE SOLUTION TO FIXING IT SO THAT MY BROTHER MAY REPAIR IT AND GET IT BACK ON THE ROAD. ONE RESPONSE IS AS SUCH: AFTER TALKING TO 2 FORD REPS TODAY, AND TURNED DOWN FLAT FOR HELP, I HAVE DECIDE ITS NOW A QUEST.... FORD STATED THEY DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS FOR THE NHTSA TO OPEN UP AN INVESTIGATION TO POSSIBLY ORDER A RECALL...... SOOOO, FOR ALL THOSE THAT HAVE ISSUES, CALL FORD AND ALSO MAKE A COMPLAINT ON THE NHTSA SITE WWW.NHTSA.GOV OR CALL THEM AT 1-800-424-9393. MY FAMILY IS A FORD FAMILY AND WE CURRENTLY HAVE 5 FORDS IN OUR HOUSEHOLD, A MUSTANG, FORD F150, FORD FOCUS, EXPEDITION, AND THE EXPLORER THAT IS HAVING ISSUES. THIS ISN'T INCLUDING EXTENDED FAMILY. FORD IS ABOUT TO LOSE FUTURE BUSINESS.... *TR
Power train, Jun 11, 2014
I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND WHEN I SHIFTED TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO REVERSE SO HARD THAT IT HIT THE VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED BEHIND ME. *TR
Power train, Jun 9, 2014
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 1, 2014
TRUCK JERKS WHEN TRYING TO PICK UP SPEED PICKS UP SPEED VERY SLOW SOMETIMES DOESN'T WANT TO GO IN DRIVE. *TR
Power train, May 31, 2014
O/D OFF DASH LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. ADVISED TO REPORT THIS KNOWN COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2003 FORD EXPLORER MODELS. *TR
Power train, May 28, 2014
I HAVE HAD TO HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED 3 TIMES SO FAR ON THIS VEHICLE. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE AND TALKING TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOPS IN THE AREA, THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM (AT LEAST FOR THE FORD OWNER) WITH THIS YEAR OF THE FORD TRANSMISSION. ONE ESTIMATE IS THEY SEE THIS YEAR AT LEAST 4-5 TIMES IN A TWO WEEK SPAN. THE ENTIRE 2003 FORD TRANSMISSION SEEMS FAULTY AND COSTING CUSTOMERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX. FORD HAS BEEN ASKED TO INVESTIGATE THEIR TRANSMISSION FOR THIS YEAR WITH NO RESOLVE (AT LEAST NOT TO THE PUBLIC). IF A TRANSMISSION FAILS ON AN UPHILL AND THE OWNER DOES NOT CATCH ON FAST THEY MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, May 18, 2014
FORD EXPLORER 2003 34.656 MILES GARAGE KEPT O/D LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AT 25MILES HR. TRANSMISSION SERVO PORTS NEED TO BE BORED & SLEEVED. HYDRAULIC PRESSURE LOW AT SERVO PORTS. UPDATED 11/24/2014 *JS
Power train, May 15, 2014
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 45000 MILES. NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. COST $3200. OUT OF WARRANTY. ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS 11 YEARS OLD IT HAS NOT MUCH MILEAGE. A TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 45000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2014
THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO LET OFF ON MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO GET MY CAR TO SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR. SOMETIMES I WOULD PUSH ON THE ACCELERATOR AND AT 4000 RPM, MY CAR WOULD SHIFT. AFTER TAKING THE CAR INTO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP, THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT THE BAND FOR SECOND GEAR SNAPPED AND A ROD STARTING GRINDING WHICH DISPERSED METAL INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE ROD AS WELL AS THE GEARS, SOLENOID, AND THE TORQUE CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COST OF THIS REPAIR WAS 1700 DOLLARS. SHOULD MY TRANSMISSION BE GOING OUT THIS SOON? WHY WASN'T THERE A RECALL FOR THIS TRANSMISSION? *TR
Power train, Apr 14, 2014
O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING IN THE EARLY GEARS. *JS
Power train, Apr 7, 2014
THE VEHICLE IS A CLOSED TRANSMISSION ..CONSUMER HAS NO WAY OF CHECKING OR MAINTAINING LEVEL..OR CHECKING THE COLOR OR IF CLUTCH SHARDS ARE PRESENT...CONSUMER HAS TO PAY $115 TO EVEN HAVE TRANSMISSION LEVEL CHECKED...CONSUMER CANNOT PERFORM PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ON THEIR VEHICLE...THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FORD OWNERS THAT FORD IS NOT WILLING TO ADDRESS. *TR
Power train, Apr 5, 2014
I HAVE KEPT UP WITH FORD'S SUGGESTED SERVICING INTERVAL FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS HALFWAY THROUGH AN EXTENDED DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE READING ON MY SCANGAUGE II WAS IN EXCESS OF 235 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND THE O/D OFF LIGHT COMES ON AND THE DASHBOARD CONTAINED ERROR MESSAGE OVERHEATING TRANSMISSION. I PULLED OVER TO A GAS STATION AND SAW THAT THERE WAS NO TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE THAT WAS READILY APPARENT. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, I HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID SERVICED AND THE OVERHEATING ISSUES SEEM TO HAVE REDUCED, BUT SEVERAL TECHS AT VARIOUS TRANSMISSION SHOPS NOW SEE ERROR CODES P0732 AND P0755. I NOW NOTICE GEARS 1 AND 2 ARE SEVERELY SLIPPING, AND I WAS INFORMED THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE A TOTAL REPLACEMENT COSTING OVER $3,000. I DO NOT HAVE THIS KIND OF MONEY JUST LYING AROUND, AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 100,000 MILES SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE AMONG 2002-2004 FORD EXPLORERS/MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS/LINCOLN AVIATORS. WHY IN OVER 10 YEARS THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OR WARRANTY I DO NOT KNOW, BUT IT SPEAKS OF GREAT IRRESPONSIBILITY AND DISTRESS IN FORD'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. IF FORD DOES NOT ISSUE ANY TYPE OF RECALL OR WARRANTY FOR FAILURES OF THIS NATURE, I WILL CEASE TO BUY THEIR PRODUCTS. *TR
Power train, Mar 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 185,697.
Power train, Engine, Mar 18, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING WITH THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ENGAGED AT 68 MPH WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND SOME SMOKE WAS PRESENT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF SMOKE IN THE ENGINE AREA. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HOUSING UNIT BEING CRACKED OTHER THAN FOR BEING DEFECTIVE, COLD TEMPERATURE OR HIGH HEAT THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH IT. THE HOUSING UNIT SHOULD NEVER SPLIT APART. THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING UNIT WAS LEAKING. THE OVER DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE FORWARD OR IN REVERSE AND IT ALSO FAILED TO FUNCTION IN FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY MOVE FORWARD IN SECOND GEAR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING FIVE MILES IN SECOND GEAR TO HIS RESIDENCE AT 35 MPH. AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE CONTACT ALSO ADDED ANTI FREEZE TO THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED SHORTLY AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IN REVERSE GEAR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BANDS IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING UNIT WHICH HAS THREE HOSES ATTACHED TO IT. FORD WAS CURRENTLY CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,600. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,620.
Power train, Mar 15, 2014, crash
LOCKED UP AND FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Feb 24, 2014
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 77,000 MILES, JUNE 2010. REPLACED WITH FORD PART AT FORD DEALER. REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION LASTED 3 YRS/8 MOS, AND LASTED 45,000 MILES (8 MONTHS BEYOND WARRANTY). FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM, OR PROVIDE ANY RELIEF WHATSOEVER IN RESOLVING THE PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT ANY POINT, AT ANY TIME, COULD BE VERY VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2014
FLASHING O/D OFF, CHECK TRANSMISSION, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WENT ON. TOOK TO TRANSMISSION SERVICE CO FOR INSPECTION. THERE RESPONSE WAS THIS MODEL FORD TRANSMISSION WAS NO GOOD. THEY FLUSHED SYSTEM, ADDED NEW FLUID AND ASKED THAT I PRAY FOR EXTRA MILES. THAT WAS NOV.'13. NOW FEB '14, TRANSMISSION LIGHTING SAME CHECK LIGHTS. TOTAL RE-BUILD LIKELY AT $2500 +/_. COMPLAINTS ON 2003 EXPLORERS AT CARCOMPLAINTS.COM ARE EXTREMELY OUT OF CONTROL SIGNALING SOMETHING WRONG. PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THIS DEFECT AND THE 2003 EXPLORER IN GENERAL. *TR
Power train, Jan 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.
Power train, Dec 17, 2013
TRANSMISSION FAILURE TOOK TO DEALER ,THEY REBUILT IT.TOOK IT BACK 04/28/05 THEY REBUILT IT AGAIN WITH 27998 MILES ON IT. TOOK IT BACK 08/23/05 WITH 31714 MILES THEY REBUILD IT AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK 02/11/08 BEFORE EXTENDED WARRANTY ENDED ON 02/19/08 THEY SAID COULDN'T FIND PROBLEM .I THINK BECAUSE OF THE LEMON LAW. NOW 12 /17/2013 IT NEEDS ANOTHER TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Oct 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS. THE OVER-DRIVE AND TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATORS WERE ALSO ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Power train, Aug 9, 2013
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT HIGH SPEED. O/D AND TRAMISSION LIGHTS CAME ON TRAMISSION DIED! *TR