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, Jul 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW EXPLODED. DURING THE INCIDENT THE TEMPERATURE OUT DOORS WAS ABOUT 70F. LAST YEAR, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE GATES DEFECTIVE HINGES, ACCORDING TO RECALL # 04V442000 INSTRUCTIONS. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE INCIDENT BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD POOR QUALITY GLASS MAY HAVE USED TO PERFORM THE RECALL WORK. THE CONSUMER HAD THE WINDOW REPAIRED AT HIS EXPENSE, HOWEVER DAYS LATER HE HEARD A NOISE AND UPON INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE INSIDE PANEL OF THE LIFTGATE WAS VERY LOOSE AND IT LOOKED AS THOUGH IT WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. UPDATED 08/02/06. *JB
Structure, Jul 1, 2006
EXPLORER LIMITED. SIX MONTHS INTO OWNING THIS CAR, BOUGHT AT APPROXIMATELY. 32,000 MILES, I NOTICED THERE WAS BUBBLING ON THE HOOD OF CAR. IT WAS ON THE FRONT OF THE HOOD ON BOTH SIDES ABOVE HEAD LAMPS AS WELL AS IN THE MIDDLE (POINT OF THE OF THE HOOD). EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT KENNY ROSS IN PITTSBURGH WILL NOT WORK WITH ME IN GETTING REPAIRED. ONE OF THEIR COLLISION MEN SAID I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER HE SAID IF IT IS UNDER WARRANTY NOT A PROBLEM. THEN THE HEAD GUY OF THE COLLISION DEPARTMENT SAID EVEN IF I HAD A WARRANTY THE HOOD WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED ONLY UNDER THE 12 MONTHS, 12,000 MILES WARRANTY (???). JUST THE BASIC RUN AROUND AND THEY INSULT YOUR INTELLIGENCE. THE PAINT IS NOW CRACKING AND PEELING OFF. I NOTICED THE BUBBLING AT ABOUT 39,000+ MILES AND JUST REPORTED IT TO FORD MAY OF THIS 2006, ALTHOUGH I DID MENTION IT TO THE GUY THAT SOLD ME THE CAR A YEAR OR SO AGO. IN ADDITION I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN FROM THIS SO CALLED DEALERSHIP THINKING I WAS GETTING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, WHICH WAS IMPLIED, ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE EXTENDED SERVICE ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. BUYER BEWARE BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE TO DISCLOSE THE DIFFERENCE. WHY WOULD I BUY AN ESP WHEN I CAN EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR JUST ABOUT THE SAME PRICE. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Structure, Seats, Jun 30, 2006
HELLO. I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER INCLUDING SEVERAL SAFETY ISSUES. THE FIRST COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHICH SHIFTS ROUTINELY ON ACCELERATION AND DE-ACCELERATION. THIS CONCERNS ME IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND THE SEAT MALFUNCTIONS. THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE GEAR SHIFTER NOT GOING INTO PARK EASILY. I HAVE TO JIGGLE IT TO INTO PARK. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE PARK AND MY VEHICLE MIGHT ROLL. THIRDLY, MY REAR LIFT GATE TRIM HAS HAD TO BE REPAIRED AT LEAST 3 TIMES. I AM CONCERNED THAT ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NO SAFETY ISSUE, THERE POSSIBLY COULD BE DUE TO THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES BEING RECALLED AND REPRESENTATIVE INFORMING ME THAT THE REASON THAT I CONTINUE TO HAVE A CRACK APPEARING IS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. THIS CONCERNS ME B/C I FREQUENTLY UTILIZE THE LIFT GATE TO RETRIEVE GROCERIES AND OTHER ITEMS AND DO NOT WANT THE WINDOW TO FAIL AND FALL ON MY HEAD. THE REMAINDER CONCERNS ARE REGARDING THE FUNCTION OF MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE 3 OF THE WINDOW MOTORS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRANSMISSION HAS HAD TO BE FIXED TWICE (SHIFTING MODULE MALFUNCTION). FINALLY, THE FUEL GAUGE HAD TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO IMPROPER FUEL READINGS. I GUESS ALL THESE ITEMS COULD BE VERY PROBLEMATIC AS WELL B/C I COULD RUN OUT OF GAS AND BE STRANDED WITH MY CHILD, MY VEHICLE MIGHT NOT SHIFT PROPERLY LEAVING ME STRANDED. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. PS. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT AS I WAS COMPLETING THIS PROCESS I REMEMBERED THAT MY VEHICLE HAD A HIGH PITCHED WHINE THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED. I DO NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED BUT IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
Structure, Jun 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PAINT LOOKED BUBBLY LIKE A BLISTER ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE HOOD. THE CORROSION WAS LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF THE HOOD CLOSEST TO THE HEAD LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THERE WAS A VAST AMOUNT OF INFORMATION ON THE MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE REGARDING THE DEFECTIVE PAINT WHICH WAS OBSERVED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH OR FIRE.
Structure, May 9, 2006
REAR HATCHBACK WAS TAKEN TO FORD FOR A RECALL REGARDING THE HATCHBACK. PRIOR TO THAT, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE HATCHBACK, I.E. ACCIDENTALLY OPENING. NOW JUST BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF THE HATCHBACK, IT IS CRACKING. SIMILAR TO MANY OWNERS LISTED ON THIS SITE. *NM
Structure, May 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD. THIS OCCURRED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. UPON INSPECTION, A FRACTURE WAS OBSERVED ON THE FRAME OF THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE . THE FRACTURE BECAME LARGER OVER TIME. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FRACTURE, BUT RECOMMENDED REMOVING THE BOLTS, AND ADDING A METAL PATCH TO THE FRAME. UPDATED 06/07/2006. *AK *TS
Structure, Mar 28, 2006
MOLDED RUNNING BOARD BROKEN UNDER NORMAL USE, ONE DEALER ACCUSED ME OF HAVING A CHILD JUMP ON THE RUNNING BOARD - REASON UNKNOWN. ANOTHER DEALER TOOK PHOTOS AND SENT TO DETROIT, WARRANTY REPAIR REFUSED? *JB
Structure, Mar 8, 2006
PLASTIC UNDER (ATTACHED TO) REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW CRACKED. CRACK IS 10 TO 12 INCHES LONG. ENTIRE LIFTGATE NEEDS REPLACING. FORD SAYS I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL EXPLORER ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SAME DEFECT. *JB
Structure, Mar 5, 2006
AFTER HAVING ABOUT OF FREEZING WEATHER MY WIFE NOTICED A CRACK ON THE PLASTIC PANEL ATTACHED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR HATCH BACK WINDOW. I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER UPON WHICH I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING AND THAT THEY REPLACE QUITE A FEW OF THESE EVERY YEAR. BUT BEING THAT MY WARRANTY EXPIRED IN AUGUST OF 2005 THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR REPLACEMENT. I FEEL FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *JB
Structure, Feb 27, 2006
THIS MORNING I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE TAILGATE OF MY 2003 EXPLORER XLT. IT WAS NOT THERE TWO DAYS AGO. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND HE SAID THAT THE PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL SO I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHARGES. HE HAS PERSONALLY SEEN MANY OF THESE. I HAVE BEEN ON SEVERAL FORUM SITES AND KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IS ANYTHING BEING DONE FROM FORD'S SIDE? *JB
Structure, Feb 6, 2006
PANEL UNDER TAILGATE WINDOW CRACKED AND SPLIT WHILE VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY ON COLD DAY. VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD TAILGATE HINGES REPLACED UNDER RECALL. DEALERSHIP ADVISES THAT MANUFACTURER DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR/REPLACE. DEALER ESTIMATE OF $401 TO REPAIR. *JB
Structure, Feb 2, 2006
OUR FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE LIKE IT IS EVERY NIGHT. IN THE MORNING WE WENT OUT TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE BACK OF THE EXPLORER WHEN WE NOTICED THAT THE BACK TOP HATCH WAS CRACKED. IT CRACKED RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE FORD SIGN. WHEN WE CLOSED THE HATCH AFTER NOTICING IT IT PINCHED MY FINGERS. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT NOT A RECALL AND THAT HE UNDERSTOOD THAT IT WAS DANGEROUS AND TOLD US TO CONTACT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. MY HUSBAND CONTACTED THEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. FORD GAVE US AN ESTIMATE TO FIX IT AND IT WOULD BE ABOUT $400. THE PROBLEM WITH THE HATCH BEING CRACKED IS THAT IF SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE THIRD ROW SEAT AT ANY TIME THE GLASS COULD POP OUT AND HIT THEM IN THE HEAD. WHEN YOU DO OPEN THE HATCH YOUR FINGERS GET PINCHED IF THEY ARE IN THE WRONG PLACE. WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE PROBLEM FIXED YET. *NM
Structure, Jan 19, 2006
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 1/12/06 AT 6:15 AM. IT WAS RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY HOOD FLEW UP. I COULDN'T SEE A THING. I HAD TO MERGE OVER 3 LANES TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE THE HOOD OF MY TRUCK COMPLETELY COVERED MY FRONT WINDOW. WHEN I GOT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY A HIGHWAY PATROL STOPPED. HE SAID THAT HE WAS AMAZED THAT I WASN'T SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN DEAD. I GOT THE HOOD TO COME BACK DOWN. THE HOOD WOULDN'T LATCH BECAUSE IT WAS BENT UP. I HAD TO DRIVE 15 MPH DOWN THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY UNTIL I COULD TAKE AN OFF RAMP. I HAD TO TAKE ALL THE BACK ROADS AND DRIVE DOWN THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO GET BACK HOME. MY HUSBAND AND I PULLED UP THE HOOD AND WERE SHOCKED TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. THE HOOK THAT LOCKED DOWN MY HOOD WAS GONE. THE ENTIRE HOOD HINGE AND ATTACHMENT WAS MISSING. THE ONLY WAY WE KNEW IT WAS EVER THERE WERE THE 2 SCREWS THAT HELD IT THERE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. THEY KIND OF DISMISSED IT LIKE I WAS OVERSTATING THE FACTS. THE HOOD WAS SHUT. I DIDN'T HIT A POT HOLE OR ANYTHING. MY HUSBAND TOOK THE TRUCK OVER TO THE DEALERSHIP. AS SOON AS THEY SAW IT THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. IT HAD TO BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THEY SAID THEY HAD TO LOOK IT OVER AND TALK TO THEIR MANAGER AND THEN THEY WOULD CALL US. WE CALLED BACK ON FRIDAY, 1-13-06. THEY ASSURED ME IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT AND THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE THE HOOD, GRILL AREA UNDER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND DO SOMETHING WITH THE TO FRONT QUARTER PANELS BECAUSE THEY WERE BENT UP FROM THE HOOD FLIPPING UP. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE DONE BY TUESDAY AND AT NO COST TO ME. IT IS 1/19/06 AND THEY TOLD MY HUSBAND THEY HAVEN'T ORDERED ANYTHING AND THEY SAID THEY HAVEN'T HAD THE TIME. THEY SAID THEY AREN'T PUTTING NEW PARTS BACK ON MY TRUCK. WHY IS THAT. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR FORD'S MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE KILLED ME. *JB
Structure, Dec 21, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS. THE REAR LIFT GATE ON THIS VEHICLE HAS CRACKED DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP HERE AND THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO FIX THIS PIECE DUE THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF THE INITIAL WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH I HAVE THE PREMIUM ESP PLAN AND THE FACT THAT TEMPERATURES GOT TO BELOW FREEZING (27 DEGREES F). THIS IS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE DEALT WITH SINCE THE PIECE LOCATED ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND FREEZING TEMPERATURES. THIS IS A PART I BELIEVE SHOULD BE COVERAGE AGAINST DEFECT. COST OF $57.00 PLUS INSTALLATION AND PAINTING. I WOULD LIKE ANY HELP IN THIS MATTER. *JB
Structure, Dec 9, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SHE HEARD THE LIFTGATE GLASS EXPLODE. NOTHING HIT THE GLASS AND THE HYDRAULIC SHAFT RELEASED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A LOCAL MECHANIC, BUT THEY HAVE NOT DIAGNOSED WHAT HAPPENED. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT WILLING TO ASSIST WITH REPAIRS, THEREFORE, THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. *AK
Structure, May 26, 2005
2003 FORD EXPLORER REAR HATCH GLASS SHATTERED WHILE PARKED.*MR *JB
Structure, Apr 4, 2005
COMPLAINT REGARDING RECALL 04S20 RELATING TO THE REAR LIFT GATE.*** NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER STILL HAD NOT RECEIVED A CALL OR LETTER AS TO WHEN TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED. *JB
Structure, Mar 8, 2005
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000, CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE HINGES ON THE LIFTGATE. CONSUMER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED SINCE THE DEALER HAS MADE NOT CONTACT WITH HER FOR THE SERVICE DATE. *AK *TC
Structure, Feb 22, 2005
THE PLASTIC MOLDING AROUND THE REAR GLASS ON THE LIFTGATE CRACKED. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE GLASS MAY FALL OUT WHILE OPENING THE LIFTGATE OR WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK.....THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY DEALERSHIP THAT THIS HAPPENED TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. IF NOT UNDER WARRANTY THE CONSUMER MUST PAY. THE CONSUMER'S GAS GAUGE FAILED WITH ONLY 2500 MILLES OVER WARRANTY. *AK
Structure, Feb 19, 2005
WHEN COLD, BELOW 35 DEGREES F, THE REAR HATCH WILL NOT FULLY OPEN. THE HATCH STOPS AT HEAD HEIGHT. I'VE HIT MY HEAD TWICE. FORD HAS SAID BECAUSE THE HATCH OPENS WHEN IT'S WARM, THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IT'S A MINOR HEAD BUMP, BUT HAS POTENTIAL TO DAMAGE AN EYE BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE HATCH SHEET METAL PROTRUDES. THE SUV IS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER.*AK
Structure, Feb 17, 2005
AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL LETTER FOR THE LIFTGATE, THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO OBTAIN REPAIR, SINCE THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. LIFTGATE RECALL NHTSA 04V442000
Structure, Feb 16, 2005
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THE LIFTGATE, AND NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIR. NHTSA LIFTGATE RECALL 04V442000 *JB *SC
Structure, Feb 12, 2005, crash
MY AUNT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE VEHICLE ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE FRONT PILLAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE COLLAPSED ALLOWING THE ROOF TO COLLAPSE ALMOST DOWN TO THE LEVEL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS ALSO A LACK OF AVAILABILITY OF SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS ON THE VEHICLE. THE ACCIDENT RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Structure, Feb 6, 2005
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR HINGES ON REAR WINDOW OF HATCH AND WAS ADVISED NOT TO OPEN UNTIL HINGES WERE REPLACED, WHICH I DID NOT. NOTICED THE FIBERGLASS UNDER THE WINDOW CRACKED APPROXIMATELY 4 INCHES TO THE LEFT OF THE LATCH. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER AND THE WARRANTY ADMINISTRATOR SAID THE FIBERGLASS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL. THE WARRANTY ADMINISTRATOR SAID HE WOULD SEND A REQUEST FOR FORD TO REPAIR THE FIBERGLASS UNDER THE GLASS BUT DOESN'T KNOW IF THEY WILL SINCE THEY HAVE DENIED PAYING FOR A FEW OF THESE THAT HE HAS ALREADY SUBMITTED. I AM CONVINCED THIS DAMAGE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE DEFECTIVE HINGE AND FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD REPAIR MY VEHICLE. *JB
Structure, Jan 31, 2005
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. OWNER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN OCTOBER 2004. OWNER HAS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE DEALERSHIP, BUT IS CONSTANTLY BEING TOLD THAT PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE RECALL ARE UNAVAILABLE. *AK