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, Jan 31, 2005
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS WAITING SINCE OCTOBER 2004 FOR REPAIRS. FORD CONTINUOUSLY TOLD HER THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT IN. *AK
Structure, Jan 24, 2005
THE CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE LIFTGATE LATCH. SHE THEN TOOK VEHICLE TO GET SERVICED. RECENTLY WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING, THE BACK WINDOW LITERALLY CAME OFF. SHE WAS AWARE OF A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE. NHTSA'S RECALL #04V442000. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY DENIED THAT THERE WAS SUCH A RECALL. *JB
Structure, Jan 21, 2005
COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL."I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND THE REAR GLASS HATCH HAS A RECALL. RECALL # 04S20 WE FIRST BROUGHT THE PROBLEM TO HAWKINSON FORD'S ATTENTION SEPT 2004. IN OCT 2004 WE RECEIVED A NOTICE AND WERE TOLD THE HINGE HAD TO BE REDESIGNED AND WOULD TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS. JAN 11, 2005 WE HAD THE REPAIRS DONE TO THE HINGES. THE NEXT DAY THE VERY FIRST TIME THE HATCH WAS OPENED BOTH HINGES MOVED I DROVE RIGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. I SPOKE TO PAUL'S THE ASSISTANT MANAGER AND SHOWED HIM THIS PROBLEM, HE WAS AMAZED. WE SET UP ANOTHER APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND REPAIRED. MY CONCERN IF THIS IS THEIR NEW DESIGN, WOW IT LASTED 1 OPENING AND NOW I HAVE MOISTURE IN MY EXPLORER BECAUSE THE WINDOW DOESN'T CLOSE PROPERLY. I CAN ONLY USED THE LIFT GATE AND HAVE TO WORRY IF I DRIVE COULD BUMPS CAUSE THE WINDOW TO FALL OUT. I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO SOMEONE ON THE SUBJECT IN REGARDS TO MY OPTIONS." *NM
Structure, Jan 10, 2005
CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE LIFTGATE BRACKET REPAIRED SINCE NO PARTS WERE DELIVERED TO THE DEALER SINCE RECEIPT OF NHTSA RECALL 04V442000. *AK....CONSUMER WAS ADVISED NOT TO USE TAILGATE WINDOW. HOWEVER THE REMOTE OPERATED WINDOW WAS ONE OF THE REASONS FOR PURCHASING THE FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT TO WAIT FOUR MONTHS FOR REPAIRS WAS RADICULOUS. *AK
Structure, Jan 6, 2005
THE RIGHT HINGES ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE BODY AND THE LIFTGATE BROKE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. CONSUMER WAS WAITING FOR THE PART SINCE SEPTEMBER, AND NO PART WAS AVAILABLE. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE LIFTGATE MAY FALL UNEXPECTEDLY AND CAUSE SEVERE INJURIES TO SOMEONE WHEN OPENED.*AK
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Jan 5, 2005
CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR RECALL 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS REPAIR SINCE OCTOBER. CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD SEVERAL TIMES, AND WAS TOLD THE PARTS HAVE NOT COME IN. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AND UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND RELEASING FOOT OFF IT VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN *TC
Structure, Jan 5, 2005
WHILE AT A STOP, THE FRAME SEPARATED WHICH CAUSED THE REAR HATCH BACK WINDOW TO SHATTER. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOTIFIED. BACK PORTION OF THE DOOR SEPARATED WHEN THE WINDSHIELD EXPLODED. *TC
Structure, Dec 28, 2004
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR HINGES ON REAR WINDOW OF HATCH AND WAS ADVISED NOT TO OPEN UNTIL HINGES WERE REPLACED, WHICH WE DID NOT. NOTICED THE FIBER GLASS UNDER THE WINDOW CRACKED FROM THE WINDOW TO BOTTOM OF WHERE WINDOW LIFTS. TOOK TO FORD DEALER AND SERVICE WRITER SAID THE FIBER GLASS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL BUT HE FELT THE CRACK WAS A RESULT OF HINGE FAILURE. HE OPENED THE REAR WINDOW ON THE HATCH AND WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE IT. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE HINGES BEFORE WE COULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE WRITER HAS SENT A REQUEST FOR FORD TO REPAIR THE FIBER GLASS UNDER THE GLASS BUT DON'T KNOW IF THEY WILL. I AM CONVINCED THIS DAMAGE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE DEFECTIVE HINGE AND FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD REPAIR MY VEHICLE. *JB
Structure, Dec 22, 2004
THE CONSUMER HEARD A WIND NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING DRIVEN, THEN SUDDENLY THE LIFTGATE OPENED BY ITSELF. *JB *AK
Structure, Dec 20, 2004
ON DECEMBER, 11, 2004, MY 10 YEAR OLD SON WENT TO OPEN THE BACK HATCH OF OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER. ON TRYING TO CLOSE THE HATCH, THE LEFT HINGE HOLDING THE GLASS PART BROKE, DROPPING THE GLASS BUT HELD ONTO BY MY SON. ON TRYING TO PLACE THE GLASS IN A SECURE POSITION TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK HOME, THE GLASS EXPLODED AND LACERATED MY OLDER SON'S EYE WHO WAS HELPING TO TRY AND CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE TEAR TO HIS UPPER EYELID WAS EXTENSIVE ENOUGH TO REQUIRE A HOSPITAL VISIT AND 7 STITCHES. FORD IS NOW GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND THAT I WOULD NOT EXPECT ESPECIALLY SINCE MY COMPLAINT IS BASED ON A FAULTY HINGE (RECALLED BUT IN SUPPLY LIMBO), BROKEN GLASS AND AN INJURY TO A MINOR. ALL I WANTED WAS THE CAR TO BE FIXED AND SECURE A LONER CAR. UNBELIEVEABLE THAT THEY WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.*AK
Structure, Dec 15, 2004
RCALL 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS: CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THIS RECALL HONORED BY THE DEALER BECAUSE NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE.*AK
Structure, Dec 2, 2004
CONSUMER WAS WAITING THREE MONTHS FOR RECALL 04V442000 CONCERNING LIFTGATE PARTS TO COME IN. HE CONTACTED FORD MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. CONSUMER WAS VERY CONCERNED. *AK
Structure, Dec 1, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 04007,NHTSA RECALL 04V129000 CONCERNING TAILGATE CABLES. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE.*AK. WINDOW PART OF TAILGATE COULD FALL DOWN AN DHURT CONSUMER IF HE WA SUSIN GIT TO LOAD GROCERIES. CONSUMER SUFFERS FROM ARTHRITIS IN HANDS AND FINGERS, AND USES THS WINDOW CONSTANTLY SINCE THE WHOLE TAILGATE IS TOO HEAVY TO CLOSE. WARNING INDICATED NOT TO USE THE WINDOW. *AK
Structure, Dec 1, 2004
CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR THE REPAIR PARTS TO COME IN FOR RECALL 04V442000 CONCERNING REAR LIFTGATE GLASS FOR FOUR MONTHS. WAS TOLD THE PARTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE LATE NOVEMBER. HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT HERE, AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Structure, Nov 30, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 04007, NHTSA RECALL 04V129000 CONCERNING TAILGATE CABLES. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE.*AK
Electrical system, Structure, Nov 22, 2004
THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW AND THERE WAS RUSTING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD, THE POWER DOORS AND THE SEATS WERE NOT WORKING , THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AS WELL. *JB FIVE WINDSHIELDS HAD BEEN REPLACED DUE TO CONSTANT LEAKING INCLUDING THE MOON ROOF AND THE HEADLINER. THE POWER DOORS DID NOT WORK. WHEN IT WOULD RAIN, MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WOULD BE PRESENT. *SC
Structure, Nov 3, 2004
THE WINDSHIELD, MOON ROOF AND HEADLINER WERE LEAKING. THE CONSUMER HAD THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED AT LEAST 5 TIMES. THE OWNER HAS BEEN CORRESPONDING WITH THE MANUFACTURER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. OWNER IS ASKING FOR A NEW VEHICLE. *JB *SC
Structure, Oct 29, 2004
THE LIFTGATE WINDOW WOULD OPEN WHEN NO ONE WAS NEAR IT AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. BF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE LIFTGATE RECALL AND HOPES THAT THE REPAIR WILL ALSO REPAIR THE WINDOW. *NM CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V442000 *TC
Structure, Oct 14, 2004
THE GLASS BLEW OUT OF THE BACK REAR TRUNK WINDOW. AFTER GOING TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, THE MANUFACTURE STATED THERE WAS A RECALL, HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE INFORMATION. *JB
Structure, Oct 13, 2004
THE LIFT GATE SHEARED OFF THE HINGES WHILE PRESSING THE REMOTE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Suspension, Structure, Aug 16, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH TIRES ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *MR THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END, THE TIRE WERE NOTICED WORN ON THE INSIDE, THERE WAS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR END WHICH WAS TILTED DUE TO A BENT FRAME, THE REAR END LEAKED AS WELL. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. (THREE SETS OF TIRES IN 20K MILES AND ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER, THEY HAD TO REPLACED ONE OF THE BACK TIRES AGAIN) THE NOISE AND VIBRATION REMAINED. *SC *JB
Structure, Aug 16, 2004
WHILE OPENING THE TAILGATE WINDOW, THE RIGHT AND LEFT HINGES BROKE. *AK PE04045.PCO THE BACK WINDOW WAS HANGING BY THE PISTONS. WHEN POPPING UP THE WINDOW USING THE BUTTON IT DID NOT GO UP AUTOMATICALLY. THE TAILGATE WINDOW DOES NOT SHUT PROPERLY.*MR *JB
Structure, Aug 5, 2004
2003 FORD EXPLORER...WHEN OPENING GLASS PORTION OF HATCHBACK, THE RIGHT HINGE FAILED, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL ON MY WIFE'S HEAD, GIVING HER A CONCUSSION. AR HAS 38000 MILES AND HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. HINGE FAILURE DUE TO BOLT SHEARING OFF AT WINDOW. GOING TO GET IT LOOKED AT TOMORROW. *AK PE04045.PCO
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Jul 16, 2004
THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH A BENT FRAME AND A BENT REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. 6 SETS OF TIRES WERE USED AND REPLACED DURING THIS DEFECT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BENT FRAME. HOWEVER, THE DEALER WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *AK THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE DEALERS DIDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE WORN ON THE INSIDE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR END WAS TILTED AND THERE WAS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THIS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS BENT. THREE SETS OF TIRES IN 20K MILES AND ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER, THEY HAD TO REPLACE 1 OF THE BACK TIRES AGAIN. THE NOISE AND VIBRATION REMAINED THE SAME. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE BENT FRAME. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COVER LEAKED. *SC
Structure, Jun 22, 2004
THE LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED WHEN CONSUMER'S SON WAS CLOSING THE LIFTGATE. THE GLASS LANDED IN CONSUMER'S SON HAIR AND FACE. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #10004078 WAS ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. *AK THIS IS A MY2002 VEHICLE AND NOT MY2003 PER CONSUMER_081704.PCO PE04045.PCO