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: structure
389 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Apr 11, 2008
I HAVE A 03 EXPLORER. AND MY HATCH CRACKED IN 07. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER SEEING OTHER MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE PART AND IT COST ME ROUGHLY $800.00 TO FIX. I FEEL AS THOUGH FORD SHOULD RECALL THE PART AND REFUND ALL THE CUSTOMERS WHO HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, AND HAD TO SPEND $$ TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
Structure, Apr 1, 2008
THE REAR HATCH ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORE XLT CRACKED IN 3 SEPARATE PLACES. THE VEHICLE IS PRIMARILY HOUSED IN A GARAGE. I CALLED FORD TO REPORT THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT FULLY COVER THE DEFECT. THEY WOULD "HELP" SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I FEEL THE CRACKS ARE A FLAW IN MANUFACTURING OR PRODUCT DESIGN. THEY SHOULD BE COVERED ENTIRELY BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Structure, Mar 30, 2008
REAR DOOR CRACK IN THE MIDDLE ON FORD EXPLORER, BELOW THE WINDOW, PROBABLY BECAUSE THE MATERIAL THE FRAME IS MADE OF IS JUST PLASTIC. I KEEP SEEING PEOPLE IN MY TOWN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WONDER IF THERE IS A FORMAL COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS DEFECT. I CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT NO ONE HAS COMPLAINED. THIS IS NOT JUST A COSMETIC PROBLEM, BUT A SAFETY PROBLEM. SOMETIMES WHEN I AM DRIVING THE DOOR WINDOW GETS OPEN. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP ME AND OTHER CUSTOMERS WHO OWN A FORD EXPLORER AND WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Mar 26, 2008
THE PANEL JUST BELOW MY BACK WINDSHIELD HAS A CRACK IN IT WHICH HAS OCCURRED FOR NO REASON AT ALL. AFTER SPEAKING WITH SOME AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED TO HEAR THAT ABOUT 99% OF THESE HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WOULD COST ME ALMOST $400 TO DO SO. I CALLED FORD AND THEY ONCE AGAIN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM BUT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. AT THAT TIME I ASK TO SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR AND WHEN SPEAKING WITH HER I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. (WHICH I FIND HARD TO BELIEVE SINCE 3 DEALERS HAVE NOW TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM.) MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS IF I DO NOT FIX THIS RIGHT AWAY THAT I WILL LOSE THIS PIECE AND IT WILL END UP HURTING SOMEONE. *TR
Structure, Mar 25, 2008
CRACK IN BODY OF TAILGATE WITH NO CAUSE; CRACK STARTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BACK WINDOW AND RUNS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PLASTIC PANEL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT IS A KNOW DEFECT, BUT WILL NOT FIX IT. IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD ALONE, THERE ARE AT LEAST 4 OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS ! IT TAKES AWAY FROM THE TRADE-IN VALUE OF MY CAR. *TR
Structure, Mar 17, 2008
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. FIRST, I NOTICED A SMALL CRACK IN THE TAILGATE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. WITHIN TWO DAYS, THE CRACK SPREAD THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE APPLIQUE AND THROUGH THE FORD EMBLEM. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT, HOWEVER, THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL. WE PURCHASED AN EXTENDED 75,000 MILE WARRANTY, BUT THIS CRACK HAPPENED AT 78,000 MILES. FORD SAID THEY WOULD NOT FIX BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND NO RECALL ON THEIR END. *TR
Structure, Mar 14, 2008
BODY PANEL BELOW REAR GLASS ON LIFT GATE IS CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. I NOTICED THIS ON MANY EXPLORERS OF THE SAME APPROX. AGE WHILE SHOPPING FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, Mar 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW HATCH HAS A PIECE OF PLASTIC UNDER THE GLASS, WHICH HOLDS THE WINDOW IN PLACE. THE PLASTIC HAS CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE WINDOW. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. UPDATED 04/02/08. *LJ
Structure, Feb 29, 2008
REAR TAILGATE MOLDING BELOW WINDOW CRACKED. APPEARS TO BE A PREVALENT FLAW BASED ON INTERNET RESEARCH. CALLED FORD AND THEY ADVISED IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM HOWEVER WERE NOT PLANNING TO RECALL. I BELIEVE THIS IS RELATED TO THE PRIOR RECALL OF REAR LIFTGATE GLASS AS THIS PART WAS NEW POST RECALL. *TR
Structure, Feb 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW SUDDENLY BLEW OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE, BUT THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE CAUSE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE SHOP BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,000. UPDATED 03-31-08 *BF AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE GAS IN THE STRUTS THAT HOLD THE TOP PORTION OF THE REAR HATCH CAN EXPLODE WHEN COLD WEATHER IS A FACTOR. UPDATED
Structure, Feb 20, 2008
PANEL BELOW GLASS ON LIFT GATE DEVELOP A CRACK. *TR
Structure, Feb 11, 2008
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4WD. APPROXIMATELY 12 MONTHS AGO, THE REAR TRIM PANEL BENEATH THE REAR WINDOW CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE. I CONTACTED MY NEAREST DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT WHILE FORD HAD RECOGNIZED THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM, THEY DID NOT PLAN TO ISSUE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OR RECALL. THE DEALER SERVICE REPS EVEN AGREED THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS WELL AS MANY COMPLAINTS ON-LINE. TODAY THE REAR HATCH LEFT LATCH BROKE OFF CAUSING THE ENTIRE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW TO NEARLY FALL OFF. THE PROBLEM COULD POSSIBLY BE RELATED DUE TO THE EARLIER CRACK CAUSING THE WEIGHT OF THE REAR GLASS TO SHIFT, PLACE TOO MUCH STRAIN ON THE LEFT LATCH. THE DEALER IS REPAIRING THE BROKEN LATCH, WINDOW MOLDING AND REAR HATCH STRUTS, UNDER AN EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN BUT STILL WILL NOT REPAIR THE PREVIOUS CRACKED TRIM PANEL. THIS IS INDICATIVE OF FORD'S FAILURE TO BACK UP THEIR PRODUCT AND THEY HAVE LOST A LONG TERM CUSTOMER. *TR
Structure, Feb 11, 2008
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4WD. APPROXIMATELY 12 MONTHS AGO, THE REAR TRIM PANEL BENEATH THE REAR WINDOW CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE. I CONTACTED MY NEAREST DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT WHILE FORD HAD RECOGNIZED THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM, THEY DID NOT PLAN TO ISSUE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OR RECALL. THE DEALER SERVICE REPS EVEN AGREED THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS WELL AS MANY COMPLAINTS ON-LINE. TODAY THE REAR HATCH LEFT LATCH BROKE OFF CAUSING THE ENTIRE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW TO NEARLY FALL OFF. THE PROBLEM COULD POSSIBLY BE RELATED DUE TO THE EARLIER CRACK CAUSING THE WEIGHT OF THE REAR GLASS TO SHIFT, PLACE TOO MUCH STRAIN ON THE LEFT LATCH. THE DEALER IS REPAIRING THE BROKEN LATCH, WINDOW MOLDING AND REAR HATCH STRUTS, UNDER AN EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN BUT STILL WILL NOT REPAIR THE PREVIOUS CRACKED TRIM PANEL. THIS IS INDICATIVE OF FORD'S FAILURE TO BACK UP THEIR PRODUCT AND THEY HAVE LOST A LONG TERM CUSTOMER. *TR
Structure, Feb 9, 2008
2003 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED REAR HATCH WITHOUT IMPACT. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE COLDER THAN NORMAL. THERE ARE TWO VERTICAL 1/4" CRACKS THAT APPEARED SUDDENLY BELOW THE REAR HATCH LIFT GATE WINDOW. WE HAD NOT USED THE BACK LIFT DOOR OR THE LIFT GATE WINDOW IN SEVERAL DAYS. *TR
Structure, Feb 3, 2008
CRACKED HATCH ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WORRIED THAT PANEL WILL FALL OFF. FORD DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT. HAVE READ THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE AROUND COUNTRY HAVE SAME PROBLEM NO MATTER WHAT CLIMATE IS. FEEL THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF PANEL FALLING OFF WHILE DRIVING AND CREATING AN ADVERSE INCIDENT WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY. *TR
Structure, Feb 1, 2008
REAR GLASS APPLIQUE UNDER REAR HATCH HAS CRACKED TWICE, FIRST TIME UNDER WARRANTY, SECOND TIME IT IS NOT COVERED. *TR
Structure, Jan 26, 2008
CRACK IN LIFTGATE OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER; NOTE: 2ND TIME IT HAS CRACKED, AFTER REPLACEMENT ONCE...NOW ABOUT 25,000 MILES LATER, SAME PROBLEM WITH NEW LIFTGATE. CRACK JUST "APPEARS". *TR
Structure, Jan 26, 2008
I PURCHASE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN THE SAME YEAR. LAST YEAR MY WIFE NOTICED A CRACK ON THE LIFTGATE DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THE CRACK WAS ABOUT 4 INCHES LONG AND NARROW IN WIDTH. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALERS BODY SHOP AND WAS TOLD BY THE MANAGER " THAT I SEE THIS ALL THE TIME IN ALL OF FORDS SUV'S INCLUDING THE LINCOLN AND MERCURY MODELS. IT IS A DEFECT FROM THE FACTORY AND ONE THAT FORD WILL NOT RECALL". HE GAVE ME A ESTIMATE OF $350 AND ADVISED THAT I GO TO THE DEALER AND TALK TO SOMEONE THERE. I DID SO AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THERE WERE 2 REASONS WHY THEY WOULD NOT FIX THE CAR FOR ME. THE 1ST IS THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE 2ND WAS THAT I DID NOT BUY THE CAR FROM THEM, I PURCHASED THE CAR AS A DEMO FROM ANOTHER DEALER. I WAS GIVEN A NUMBER TO CONTACT FORD WHICH I DID AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING THAT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT HE WOULD HAVE THE REGIONAL REP FROM FORD CONTACT ME WHENEVER HE WAS IN TOWN. HE ALSO STATED THAT IF FORD WOULD NOT HELP ME THEN HE WOULD FIX THE CAR FOR HALF PRICE THE COST. I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM IN A YEAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AS THE BODY SHOP MANAGER AT THE DEALER SAID, THIS IS A FLAW THAT FORD MOTOR CO. IS AWARE OF AND WILL NOT RECALL. MY CAR NOW HAS 3 CRACKS ON THE LIFTGATE AND I LIKE SO MANY OTHERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM. WE ARE DESPERATELY SEEKING HELP FROM SOMEBODY IN HOLDING FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS. THANK YOU! *TR
Structure, Jan 25, 2008
WHEN I GOT TO MY CAR THIS MORNING, THE MIDDLE OF THE BACK REAR PANEL OF MY '03 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER SERIES HAD CRACKED FROM BETWEEN THE WINDOW TO THE LATCH - RIGHT UNDER THE FORD EMBLEM. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT - NOTHING THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS DAMAGE. LUCKILY THERE ARE ONLY 51K MILES ON THE TRUCK, AND THE DEALER IS WILLING TO FIX WITH A $75 DEDUCTIBLE. *TR
Structure, Jan 24, 2008
HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2003/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML THE LINK ABOVE IS BASICALLY WHAT I EXPERIENCE - A CRACK IN MY BACK BODY PANEL - NO WRECK - NOTHING TO CAUSE IT - JUST SITTING THERE! FORD WILL NOT REPLACE - THEY CLAIM IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY - AS IF A BODY PANEL SHOULD CRACK BY ITSELF! *TR
Structure, Jan 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. IN AN ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK IN THE TAILGATE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Structure, Jan 18, 2008
BACK HATCH SPLIT ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Structure, Jan 14, 2008
2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH BAD RECALL REPAIR WORK. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE WRONG. HE STATES THAT THE HINGES WERE SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER REPLACED THE STRUTS AND HINGES. *KB WHEN THE CONSUMER TRIED TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED THE FIRST TIME HE WAS TOLD THE STRUTS LOOKED FINE. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HINGE BEGAN TO SEPARATE AND THE WHOLE LIFTGATE SUBSEQUENTLY SHIFTED; THE GAP BETWEEN THE LIFTGATE AND THE BODY WAS NO LONGER SYMMETRICAL BUT WAS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHILE DECREASED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. AS A RESULT, THE LIFTGATE NO LONGER LATCHED OR WOULD ONLY LATCH WITH A GREAT DEAL OF PRESSURE APPLIED WHEN CLOSING IT. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE TWO HINGES AT THE TOP OF THE REAL HATCH GLASS SECTION THAT ATTACHED TO THE ROOF OR BODY OF THE VEHICLE THAT WERE BROKEN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LIFTGATE LATCH, TRIM PANEL AND THE REAR TAILLIGHT WERE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF THE DEFECTIVE HINGE AND SHOULD BE FIXED WITHOUT CHARGE. RECALL# 04V442000 *JB
Structure, Jan 5, 2008
2003 FORD EXPLORER, AFTER HAVING SERVICE COMPLETED , JAN '07 NOTICED AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS VERTICAL CRACK ON REAR HATCH PANEL RIGHT OF FORD EMBLEM. DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT BECAUSE THERE WAS ROAD SALT COVING THE BACK HATCH AND I COULDN'T CONFIRM WHAT HAD HAPPENED.HOWEVER THERE WAS NO IMPACT MARKS. I HAVE NOTICED A NUMBER OF OTHER SAME YEAR EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME VERTICAL CRACK. IWILL TRY TO PURSUE WITH FORD. *CN
Structure, Jan 3, 2008
IN JULY 2006, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED A HAIRLINE CRACK ABOVE THE FORD EMBLEM ON THE BACK WINDOW/LIFTGATE PANEL. WITHIN 1 WEEK, THE CRACK HAD GONE ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE LIFTGATE. IN HOT WEATHER, THE CRACK IS BARELY VISIBLE (BECAUSE THE PLASTIC SEEMS TO SWELL); IN COLD WEATHER, THE CRACK IS AT LEAST 1/8-1/4" WIDE. I'M CONCERNED OF WEAR ON REMAINING COMPONENTS SINCE I HAVE NO IDEA IF WATER/SNOW JUST GO THROUGH THE CRACK OR GET INSIDE THE PANEL ITSELF. IS THERE A FIX OFFERED BY FORD FOR THIS SINCE IT IS APPARENTLY A DESIGN/COMPONENT FLAW?*CN