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, Aug 17, 2009
ADD TO THE PILE. WE HAVE A FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, 2003 BUILT 2004 MODEL. I HAVE HAD THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPAIRED AT MY COST BUT THE CAR STILL KICKS WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE. WE LIVE IN AUSTRALIA. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO HAVE TWO ADDITIVES PUT INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND REPLACE THE SOLENOID. THE ADDITIVES ARE NOT EVEN AVAILABLE FROM FORD IN AUSTRALIA. THEY SELL IT BUT NO PARTS. AMAZING. I EVEN HAD TO SOURCE THE PARTS FOR THE REAR DIFF MYSELF FROM THE U.S. FORD AUSTRALIA COULD NOT GIVE A PRICE, DATE ETC. THEY TOOK THE MONEY BUT DID NOT WARN ANYONE ABOUT THE FACT THAT YOU ARE DRIVING A TIME BOMB. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A FORD DEALER. I ONLY WISH THERE WAS A WAY TO PROVE THEY KNEW AND DID NOT DISCLOSE. IT WOULD BE AN INTERESTING CLASS ACTION AGAINST THE DEALERS IF FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I JUST WANT TO GET RID OF IT BUT CAN'T IN CLEAR CONSCIENCE DUMP IT ON SOME OTHER POOR BUGGER. THIS CAR HAS SUFFERED FROM EVERY PROBLEM FROM FLASHING ABS TO DIFF TO TRANSMISSION. THE LAST TIME THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED THE CAR ROLLED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF THE CAR CONSIDERING IT WAS PUT INTO REVERSE. *TR
Power train, Jul 29, 2009
TRANSMISSIONS IN 2003 FORD EXPLORERS . FIRST TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 62,500 MILES AND SECOND NEEDS REPLACING AT 87,000 MILES. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT IS THE FORD TRANSMISSION PROBLEM FOR THAT YEAR OF EXPLORER MAY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Jul 28, 2009
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY AND THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. CHECK ENGINE CAME ON. TOOK 2003 FORD EXPLORER TO GET CHECKED BY FORD DEALERSHIP. RESULT: TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REQUIRED REPLACING. FORD EXPLORER ONLY HAD 83,000 MILES. $3,000 DOLLARS TO REPLACE. TOLD THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG FORD EXPLORERS. *TR
Power train, Jul 15, 2009
2003 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE DEFECTIVE REAR RING AND PINION GEARS. STARTING WITH A WHINE, THE MISALIGNMENT AND WEAR COULD CAUSE THE DRIVE TRAIN TO SEIZE UP. REPLACEMENT PARTS BY DEALERSHIPS ARE ALSO INFERIOR, AND ONLY PROVIDE ~ 40-45K MILES OF RELIEF. *TR
Power train, Jun 30, 2009
I BOUGHT MY 2003 EXPLORER IN 2002 AT 110 MILES. WITHIN THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY THE AIR CONDITIONING HAD A URINE SMELL AND KNOCKING NOISE IN THE REAR BUT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO FIX IT. AS A RESULT I HAVE A SLOW LEAK WHICH MEANS IT HAS TO BE CHARGED EVERY YEAR. IN FEB 2007 A CRACK FORMED IN THE REAR PANEL THEY DIDN'T WANT TO FIX. OCTOBER 2007 AT 45000 MILES I NEEDED WHEEL BEARINGS FOR INSPECTION. AT 48000 MILES WHEN I PAID MY TRUCK OFF MAY 2008, WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE 0/D LIGHT & SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON RESULTING IN MY GEARS SLIPPING. I FOUND OUT THROUGH SEVERAL SHOPS THAT MY 2ND AND FIFTH GEARS WERE BURNED OUT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE SOLENOID BODY, THEN HAS TO GO IN TO CHECK FOR MORE. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BECAUSE I HAD NO EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH WAS A WASTE OF TIME BECAUSE FORD WASN'T COOPERATING. SO NOW IT'S JUNE 2009 AND I'M STILL DRIVING IT A WHOLE YEAR LATER BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED. I LEARNED HOW TO DRIVE THE TRUCK BUT I'M REMINDED EVERYDAY ABOUT THE PROBLEMS. PARK TO REVERSE IS A STRUGGLE, IT DOESN'T START EASILY SOMETIMES, IT HAS NO POWER WHILE DRIVING, ABS AND DOOR AJAR LIGHTS STAY ON, AND REVERSE ALARM WHEN TO CLOSE DOESN'T WORK, AND INSTEAD OF BEING HAPPY I PAID IT OFF IT'S NOTHING BUT A FEELING OF FRUSTRATION, ANGER, AND REGRET FOR BUYING FROM FORD. *TR
Power train, Jun 24, 2009
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SOMETIMES WILL LOCK THE SHIFTER AT REVERSE AS I MOVE IT TO PARK. IT FEELS LIKE IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO PARK, BUT IT REALLY STOPS (AND WON'T MOVE) AT REVERSE. LETTING OFF THE BRAKE, ASSUMING IT IS IN PARK, CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS. *TR
Power train, Jun 11, 2009
TODAY I GOT IN MY FORD EXPLORER AND NOTICED THAT MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING. SO, PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS AND SOON RIGHT AFTER THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON..I THEN LOOK THROUGH THE MANUAL AND IT INDICATES THAT IF THESE LIGHTS WERE TO COME ON PLEASE TAKE IT TO SERVICE ASAP. I DID THE FOLLOWING AND TOOK THE SUV TO PEP BOYS. I DESCRIBED MY PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HE SAID PLEASE DON'T TELL ME IT'S A FORD EXPLORER....I HESITATED AND LOOKED AT HIM WITH A PUZZLED LOOK ON MY FACE AND SAID YES. WHY ? I SAID. WELL FORD EXPLORERS ARE KNOWN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THAT I SHOULD CHECK TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS. I THEN WENT TO FORDS WEBSITE AND FOLLOWED THE DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO CHECK FOR ANY RECALLS ON YOUR VEHICLE AND ENTERED MY VIN# AND GOT BACK NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. WITH ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND CONSUMERS CRYING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM HOW CAN WE ALLOW A CAR GIANT LIKE FORD TO GET AWAY WITH THIS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM? AT LEAST THEY SHOULD HAVE THE DECENCY TO INFORM YOU THAT THERE CARS HAVE BEEN KNOWN FOR HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS DATING BACK TO 1995. THE LIST OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I HAVE WAS RUDE AWAKENING AND VERY DISTURBING TO SEE. WE NEED A RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM REGARDLESS OF WHAT IT TAKES. PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY IF YOU NEED TO. *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
Power train, May 19, 2009
I CURRENTLY OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. ABS LIGHT HAD BEEN SHOWING SOMETIMES AND GAINED A SMALL VIBRATION IN THE ENGINE. THEN ONE DAY BY A TURN OF THE KEY THERE WAS A LOUD THUMB SOUND AND IT NEVER STARTED AGAIN. PUT A NEW STARTER ON GOT IT STARTED BUT IT HAD A MAJOR PECKING SOUND COMING FROM TRANSMISSION. TOOK TRANSMISSION OUT AND FOUND THAT THE TORQUE HAD A BAD RATTLE IN IT. REPLACED TORQUE AND RESTARTED ENGINE AND STILL HAD ANOTHER SMALL PECKING SOUND IT WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE DROPPED OIL PAN AND FOUND TO HAVE A BALANCE SHAFT CHAIN GUIDE BUSTED AND THE TIMING CHAIN WAS LOOSE. SO BY THE TURN OF THE KEY RESULTED IN TORQUE LOCK UP IN WHICH CAUSED STARTED DRIVE TO BUST AND ALL THE PRESSURE WHEN THE NEW STARTER KICK IN BROKE TORQUE LOOSE AND CAUSED THE CRANK TO OVER SPIN THE TIMING CHAIN IN WHICH BROKE CHAIN GUIDE. SO LUCKY IT HAPPENED BY THE TURN OF THE KEY INSTEAD OF DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. *TR
Power train, May 11, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I RECENTLY WAS PULLING OUT OF MY GARAGE WHEN I REALIZED I NEEDED TO CHECK AND SEE IF I HAD MY GLOVE AND SHOES IN THE BACK FOR MY SOFTBALL GAME. I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND POPPED THE TRUNK, WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY CAR THE CAR KICKED BACK INTO REVERSE AND STARTED TO ROLL. LUCKILY THE DOOR CAUGHT ON THE GARAGE DOOR AND BENT IT, BUT NO ONE WAS HURT. CLEARLY, THE TRANSMISSION KICKED BACK INTO REVERSE WITHOUT ME DOING IT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ITEM I HAVE NOTICED SOMETHING 'SCREWY' LIKE THIS WITH MY CAR, IT HAS BEEN ACTING UP A TIME OR TWO BEFORE. *TR
Power train, May 7, 2009
II PURCHASED A 2003 EXPLORER, 2-11-03. KEPT HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING OUT OF REVERSE, AND FINALLY, 3-8-04, AND AGAIN, 9-13-04, AND WAS TOLD BY DEALER THE PROBLEM WAS NOT VALID, AND WOULD EVENTUALLY GO AWAY, WITH NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. I CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS, ON AND OFF, AND NOW HAVE OVER 89,000 MILES ON VEHICLE, AND IT IS HAPPENING MORE AND MORE. SOMETIMES, I HAVE TO CONTINUE CUTTING THE ENGINE OFF, RESTART, AND KEEP TRYING TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT OUT OF REVERSE. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION, EITHER FROM FORD, OR DEMPEWOLF, THE DEALER. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, BUT, ENOUGH TO MAKE ME NERVOUS THAT ONE DAY IT MIGHT NOT BACK UP AT ALL. WHEN IT DOES SHIFT, THE FORCE ALMOST THROW ME OUT OF THE SEAT. IT IS A SCARY SITUATION. I ALWAYS TOOK MY VEHICLE TO DEMPWOLF FOR SERVICING, AND TO TRY AND GET THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM RECTIFIED. I HAVE MY MAINTENANCE RECEIPTS, ALL OF THEM! *TR
Power train, Apr 30, 2009
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I JUST READ THE ARTICLE IN THE PAPER REGARDING TRANSMISSION HAZARDS. I CAN HONESTLY SAY I DO BELIEVE THESE SUV'S DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION SLIPPING IN AND OUT OF GEAR ON THERE OWN. I HAVE SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE MINE HAS DONE IT. ONE TIME I HAD PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE AND IT JUMPED FORWARD AND I ACTUALLY RAN OVER THE CURB IN FRONT OF ME BUT THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN REVERSE. THERE IS PROBLEMS REGARDING THIS SUV. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO CARMAX WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM BUT IT STILL DOES IT. THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW. IT WILL DO IT RANDOMLY. I DON'T KNOW THE REASON BUT I DO THINK IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *TR
Power train, Apr 18, 2009
WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND TRANS STARTED SLIPPING. O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND THEN NEXT DAY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO A DEALER WHO TOLD ME I NEED TO EITHER REBUILD MY TRANS FOR $3200 OR PUT IN A REBUILT FROM FORD FOR OVER $4000 WHICH WOULD GIVE ME A 100K MILE WARRANTY, 64K MORE THAN THE BRAND NEW ONE THAT WAS IN THE CAR WHEN I BOUGHT IT. CAR HAD 74,500 MILES ON IT BUT WAS LESS THAN 3 WEEKS OVER THE 5 YEAR/ 75K EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED FROM FORD. I CALLED THE CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP NUMBER AND THE WARRANTY PEOPLE NUMEROUS TIMES AND NO ONE OFFERED ANY HELP. I EVEN OFFERED TO BY A NEW FORD IF THEY WOULD GIVE ME A FAIR TRADE ON MY OLD ONE, IT SEEMED AS IF AFTER DRIVING FORD'S FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS THEY DID NOT WANT ME AS CUSTOMER ANY LONGER. I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP AND FIXED IT FOR $2000 AND I JUST TRADED IT FOR A NEW NISSAN PATHFINDER WHICH COST ME LESS, HAS MORE POWER AND GETS BETTER GAS MILEAGE. I AM HAPPY TO SAY I HAVE OWNED MY LAST FORD. *TR
Power train, Apr 14, 2009
WE WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE FROM WI TO MN AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND THE FORD EXPLORER WAS NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY AND A FEW TIMES WAS STUCK AT 50+ MPH EVEN THOUGH THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON. WE RETURNED TO OUR HOME AND TOOK THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHO SAID THE REPORT INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DESIGN OF THE TRANSMISSION ON THESE VEHICLES DOESN'T ALLOW THE OWNER TO CHECK FLUID LEVELS. IT FELT LIKE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND THE VEHICLE NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY AND ACTUALLY "REVVING" AND STAYING AT 50+ MPH WHILE THE CRUISE WAS NOT ON. *TR
Power train, Apr 6, 2009
I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER ON THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT CAME ON AND BEGAN FLASHING. I BROUGHT IT IN TO GET CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. SUPPOSEDLY NEED TO CHANGE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I AM NOT THE FIRST AND AFRAID THAT I WON;T BE THE LAST WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! *TR
Power train, Mar 20, 2009
THREE DAYS AGO I GET INTO MY TRUCK AND START TO DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD AND MY TRUCK DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEARS. THEN WHEN IT FINALLY DID IT JERKED REALLY HARD AND I BOUT WENT INTO A DITCH. THEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. LATER THAT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TRY TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL BUT YOU CAN'T IN THIS TRANSMISSION. WHEN I GOOGLE THIS PROBLEM I FIND ALL THESE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM I HAVE. THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT ON MY TRUCK AND IT ONLY HAS 69,000 ON IT. I OWNED AN OLDER MODEL EXPLORER AND HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION TWO TIMES IN IT. THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM FORD HAS WITH THESE VEHICLES AND THEY AREN'T DOING ANYTHING TO HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS FIX IT OR FIX IT THEMSELVES. I THINK THIS BEING SUCH A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH FORD EXPLORERS THAT FORD SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE CONSIDERING YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOUR TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO GO OUT DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I HOPE THAT YOU CAN FIND SOME SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 17, 2009, crash
HAD TO REPLACE WIRE HARNESS TO TRANSMISSION AFTER 85,000 MILES NOW THE OVERDRIVE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS FLASHING. *TR
Power train, Jan 11, 2009
JUST HAD TRANSMISSION SERVICED LAST WEEK. NOW O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING AND CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT IS COMING ON. SEE BY INTERNET THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THE FORDS. *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
Power train, Dec 11, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION IN OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER ONLY 58,000 MILES. FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN READING, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH 2003 EXPLORERS AND I WANTED TO DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM WE HAD. I CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY REFUSED ANY HELP. *TR
Power train, Nov 26, 2008
I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AROUND 27 OCT 29TH 2008, TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR WHAT I PRESUMED WAS PERHAPS A NEEDED TRANSMISSION FLUSH, THE SERVICE MANGER TOLD ME THAT I HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION CAN GO AT ANY TIME, TWO DAYS, TWO MONTHS OR TWO YEARS, TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME THAT NIGHT, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ENGAGE, HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AAMCO FOR A FREE DIAGNOSTIC, WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REBUILT AT A COST RANGING FROM 2500 TO 3500, I THEN CALLED FORDS NATIONAL NUMBER TOLD THEM THAT I AM A (4) TIME EXPLORER OWNER AND ASK IF THERE IS ANY HELP OR ASSISTANCE THAT I CAN RECEIVE FORM FORD, I WAS TOLD THAT FORD WILL HONOR ANY PRICE ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO ME BY ANY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR MY TRANSMISSION, I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM WHAT NATIONAL HAD TOLD ME, THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION FOR $2200 OUT OF THE DOOR, LATER THAT DAY THAT NUMBER WAS REDUCED TO $1900, I TOLD AAMCO TO PLEASE MOVE MY VEHICLE TO THE DESIGNATED FORD DEALERSHIP, AFTER ABOUT 5 DAYS I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP TELLING ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS FINISHED AND WAS TEST DRIVEN AND EVERYTHING WAS OK,, THEN IT WAS TEST DRIVEN AGAIN LATER THAT DAY AND A PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED AND NOW THE VALVE BODY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF AN ADDITIONAL $400.00. I GOT MY VEHICLE BACK THEN AFTER ABOUT 10 DAYS I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AGAIN AND THERE WAS LEAK SPOTS ON MY DRIVEWAY, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT SOME SEAL IN THE TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING, HOWEVER IT IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I SHOULD REPLACE SOME SORT OF PUMP WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION FOR AND ADDITIONAL $300.....THIS IS THE CLASSIC BAIT AND SWITCH, THEY ARE THE PROFESSIONAL AND SHOULD BE COMPETENT AND EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX A TRANSMISSION. THE $1900 IS NOW $ 2600; I AM DONE WITH FORD AFTER OVER 15 YEARS OF LOYALTY. *TR
Power train, Nov 25, 2008
O/D LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING, LATER ABS LIGHT ON. AAMCO SAID TRANNY WAS GOING OUT...PROBABLY TORQUE CONVERTER BUT COULD BE SEAL. RECOMMENDED JUNK YARD TRANNY. HE SAID THAT FORD HAD ALL KIND OF TROUBLE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Oct 23, 2008
VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN JULY, 2008 AND MECHANIC AT COUNTRY FORD NOTED NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING ON VACATION IN OCT. 2008, I NOTICED NOISE IN REAR WHICH WAS NOTICEABLE AT 35-40 MPH AND GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO COUNTRY FORD AND THEY FOUND THE REAR CARRIER BEARINGS WORN AND HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. COST WAS $1132. VEHICLE NOT UNDER WARRANTY (52,000 MILES). VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AS PER FORD GUIDELINES AT COUNTRY FORD SERVICE, LEVITTOWN, NY. *TR
Power train, Oct 2, 2008
I HAVE A 2003 4WD 4.0 6 CYL. FORD EXPLORER WITH 84,000 MILES ON IT. MY OVER DRIVE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. I HAVE JUST SEEN ONLINE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND FORD IS NOT RECALLING OR DOING ANYTHING TO HELP WITH REPAIRS. *TR
Power train, Oct 2, 2008
2003 FORD EXPLORER PURCHASED NEW. OUT OF THE BLUE CHECK TRANSMISSION AND O/D OFF LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. AT DEALERSHIP NOW FOR REPAIR ESTIMATE. WHILE RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I WAS AMAZED TO SEE THE NUMBER OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM ON THE EXACT SAME CAR. I SPOKE WITH FORD TODAY & THEY TOLD ME SORRY AND TO "HAVE A GOOD DAY". I AM MORTIFIED AT THE PROBLEM AND THE LACK OF ASSISTANCE FORD IS WILLING TO PROVIDE WITH THIS OBVIOUSLY LARGE SPREAD PROBLEM. *TR