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: suspension
77 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Sep 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. AS A MECHANIC WAS REPAIRING THE EMISSIONS MODULE ON THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,000. EQ-10203418-4200, RECEIVED 12/12/07 (2 DOC). UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Suspension, Apr 22, 2007
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, WITH 59K MILES, DEVELOPED A LOUD ROARING ROAD NOISE THAT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM THE TIRES. INSPECTION BY THE FORD DEALER IDENTIFIED 3 DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS. THE RIGHT FRONT AND BOTH REARS. I KNOW THAT WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE SO I INSTRUCTED THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE 4TH BEARING WHICH THEY SAID WAS NOT MAKING NOISE BECAUSE I WOULDN'T RISK A FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. I KEPT THE OLD BEARINGS AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DETERMINE WHICH ONE THEY THOUGHT WAS GOOD. THEY ARE ALL EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ROTATE AND THERE IS VERY OBVIOUS ROUGHNESS DURING ROTATION. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED THE COST OF THE FIRST THREE. MY PRIMARY CONCERN IS THE SHORT LIFESPAN OF BEARINGS. THE FRONT BEARINGS WERE SO BAD THAT I FEEL SURE AN EXTENDED TRIP WOULD HAVE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. MY SECOND CONCERN IS THAT FORD HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM. ON-LINE RESEARCH HAS CONFIRMED THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST TO HAVE BEARING FAILURE BEFORE 60K ON A 2003 EXPLORER. *TR
Suspension, Apr 19, 2007
I WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER INVESTIGATING A "SQUEEKING" COMPLAINT THAT MY LEFT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACING AT A COST OF OVER $300.00. AT THE TIME, IT HAD AROUND 38,000 MILES AND WAS "OUT OF WARRANTY". MY REGULAR NON-DEALER MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS, AND THE COST WAS ABOUT RIGHT. I PURCHASED 2 BEARING ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACED THE LEFT ONE. NOW, ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER, THE RIGHT ONE IS MAKING SO MUCH NOISE I CAN'T HEAR THE RADIO, SO I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT. I HATE TO THINK ABOUT SPENDING $500.00+ EVERY COUPLE OF YEARS REPLACING THESE BEARINGS WHEN EVERY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED, ALL GM BY THE WAY, WENT OVER 100,000 MILES WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE DEALER NEVER MENTIONED, AND ACTUALLY DENIED, ANY TSB'S OR PROBLEMS WITH THE BEARINGS. *TR
Suspension, Mar 12, 2007
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FRONT HUB/WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY. *JB
Suspension, Mar 9, 2007
THE VEHICLE SHAKES OR VIBRATES WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT AT LOW SPEEDS. *JB
Suspension, Feb 27, 2007
I WAS TURNING ON TO MY STREET WHEN I HEARD AVERY LOUD BANG AND MY CAR STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. AS I SAT THERE IN SHOCK IT APPEARED THAT MY CAR WAS TILTED DOWN ON THE LEFT SIDE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS LEANING. THE BODY OF MY CAR WAS RESTING ON THE TOP OF THE TIRE. SINCE I COULDN'T DRIVE IT I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE TO BE LOOKED AT. AFTER MY CAR WAS INSPECTED FOR THE REASON FOR THE BANG I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. ALSO, THE SWAY BAR WAS BROKEN AND THE FRONT STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING WERE BROKEN. WHAT COULD I DO BUT HAVE THE REPAIRS MADE. I HAD TWO NEW FRONT COIL SPRINGS PUT ON (I WASN'T TAKING ANY CHANCES WITH THE OTHER SPRING), A NEW SWAY BAR, A NEW STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING PUT ON AT A COST OF $444.64. I HAD JUST COME OFF OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH. IF THE SPRING WOULD HAVE BROKEN THERE, I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN. I STILL HAVE THE BROKEN SPRING. IT STILL HAS THE PROTECTIVE COATING ON IT. SO CORROSION COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR. *NM
Suspension, Power train, Feb 14, 2007
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WAS SERVICED AT DICK EDWARDS FORD IN JUNCTION CITY , KS TO REPLACE A LEFT HAND REAR AXLE SHAFT SEAL ON THE 12TH OF FEBUARY 2007. VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP AT THE DEALERSHIP BY MY WIFE. ON THE 13TH OF FEBUARY SHE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK (ABOUT 3-5 MILES) SHE CALLED ME ON HER CELL PHONE AND SAID SHE COULD HEAR NOISES, SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND THE REAR OF THE CAR WAS MOVING AROUND AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS LOW. I TOLD HER TO PROCEED HOME WITH CAUTION. WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME I LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE, AND NOTED THE LH REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS AT A 30 DEG ANGLE. I CALLED DICK EDWARD FORD AND THEY INFORMED ME TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. TODAY THEY IMPLIED IT WAS A BEARING FAILURE. I LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE, SPOKE TO THE MECHANIC AND I NOTED IT WAS A REAR AXLE SHAFT RETENTION NUT MALFUNCTION. THE NUT HAD BACKED OUT ON THE AXLE TO THE POINT THAT THE ASSEMBLY WAS ABOUT DEPART FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC WANTED TO BLAME THE AXLE BEARING, WHICH WAS DESTROYED. THIS NUT IF IMPROPERLY TORQUED, OR THE ASSEMBLY IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY PRIOR TO TORQUING THE NUT, THE NUT CAN BECOME LOOSE AND BACK OFF, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS RH THREAD, THERE IS NOT A COTTER PIN OR ANYTHING HOLDING THIS THING TOGETHER, ONLY A TORQUED NUT. THEY THEN TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR IT AS IT WAS A COINCIDENCE THIS HAPPENED. I REFUSE TO PAY. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE SETTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN PICTURES AT THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT WAS TAKEN APART. IF MY LOVED ONE HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE DOING 70 MPH THIS WOULD HAVE PROBABLY HAVE ALLOWED THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO DEPART FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT. AND POSSIBLE DEATH TO HER AS WELL AS OTHERS. HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES OUT THERE WITH THE SAME POOR ENGINEERING DESIGN ? *JB
Suspension, Sep 21, 2006
FORD HAS DEFECTIVE HUB ASSEMBLIES ON THE 2003 EXPLORERS. LEADING UP TO THE DEFECTIVE HUBS GOING OUT, THERE IS A VERY LOUD ROARING NOISE COMING FROM WHAT EVER WHEEL THE BEARING IS GOING OUT ON. NO ACCIDENT WAS INVOLVED BUT IT WAS DEFECTIVE AND WAITING TO HAPPEN. WHEELS DO COME OFF OF VEHICLES WHEN THE BEARINGS GO BAD. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM THEY HAVE. I REPLACED BOTH FRONT HUBS 9-15-05 WITH 41,000 MILES ON THEM. HAVE JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT HUB AGAIN THIS WEEK WITH UNFORTUNATELY 15,000 MILES ON IT WHICH THEY ONLY WARRANT IT TO 12,000 MILES. I HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM AT A BIG EXPENSE TO ME. AT THIS TIME, I JUST CRINGE WAITING TO HEAR ANOTHER ONE START ROARING AND GOING OUT. I DO HAVE ALL THREE WHEEL HUBS THAT THE BEARING HAS GONE OUT. *NM
Suspension, Power train, Mar 1, 2006
HAVE HAD MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF MILES ON IT. HAVE HAD REAR BRAKE SENSOR REPLACED 2 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY, FRONT AXLE SEAL REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND REAR AXLE BEARING REPLACED WITH 44000 MILES AND NOW THE REAR AXLE SEAL IS LEAKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE MECHANIC WHO DOES MY REPAIRS STATED THE AXLE SEALS ARE ON BACKORDER DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF EXPLORERS THE SEALS ARE DEFECTIVE ON. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFORMATION ON THE SEALS AS I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. COULD YOU PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS DEFECT. I BELIEVE THERE WERE SEVERAL DEFECTIVE PARTS USED ON THE 2003 FORD EXPLORERS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED OR REPORTED. THANK YOU. *JB
Suspension, Feb 16, 2006
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE LOWER BALL JOINTS IN MY 2003 SPORT TRAC MULTIPLE TIMES. AT 37000 AND AT 60000 MILES. *NM
Suspension, Dec 4, 2005
I WAS HAVING A ROARING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. I ROTATED MY TIRES, PURCHASED A NEW SET OF TIRES AND THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY INSPECTED IT AND SAID THAT I NEEDED BOTH , LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. I HAD THEM REPAIRED AND I KEPT THE OLD PARTS AND THEY ARE AVAILABLE. THIS CORRECTED MY PROBLEM. IT IS FAULTY PARTS THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED. MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, SO THE EXPENSE WAS ALL ON ME. COST ME $572. IF BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED, ITS OBVIOUS THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. I HAD 41704 MILES AT THE TIME I HAD THEM REPLACED. I CONTACTED FORD , THEY TOOK MY INFORMATION, BUT SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP ME, THERE HAD BEEN NO OTHER COMPLAINTS. *NM
Suspension, Sep 13, 2005
2003 FORD EXPLORER REAR END NOISE STARTED AT ABOUT 30000 MILES. *NM
Suspension, Aug 25, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING ON 8-24-05 THE BALL JOINT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. THE VEHICLE JUST PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AT A DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE IS COMPANY OWNED. THE COMPANY IS AWARE THAT THE CONSUMER HAS FILED THIS COMPLAINT.*AK
Suspension, Jul 13, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATES HE TOOK HIS CAR TO CANDY FORD BECAUSE HE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ANOTHER DEALER HAD MENTIONED TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE A WHEEL BEARING. HE ASKED CANDY FORD TO CHECK OUT THE CAR BEFORE PUTTING A WHEEL BEARING ON THE CAR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING ON THE CAR WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING THE CAR TO BE SURE THAT WAS WHAT IT NEEDED. A MAN THAT WORKS AT CANDY FORD TOLD HIM THAT ON THE WORK ORDER IT WAS LISTED THAT THEY HAD CHANGED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WITHOUT CHECKING THE CAR OUT. HE WAS CHARGED $280.00 FOR SOMETHING THAT IS NOT FIXED. HE IS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM; AND IT IS GETTING WORSE. THE DEALER ASKED HIM TO LEAVE THEIR PREMISES. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THAT THEY WOULD FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST THEM. *JB
Suspension, Electrical system, Air bags, Tires, Wheels, May 7, 2005, crash, fire
PASSENGER-FRONT TIRE RECEIVED AN IMPACT IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS HIT WAS A "SIDE-CRASH" WHERE ONLY THE TIRE AND A SMALL AREA OF THE OUTSIDE FRAMING ABOVE THE WHEEL WERE DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TRUCK SPARKED AND IGNITED ON IMPACT. THE TRUCK WAS IN FULL FLAMES IN THE TIRE AND ENGINE AREA WITHIN 9-11 MINUTES. THE FIRE BURNED OUT THE CENTER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD, THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA, THE DASHBOARD/GLOVE COMPARTMENT, AND THE TIRE AREA WITHIN THAT TIME FRAME. I WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN THE OTHER DRIVER COLIDED WITH MY TRUCK AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH; THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY/RAINY BUT IT HAD NOT RAINED YET DURING MY MORNING TRAVEL. THE AIR
Suspension, Mar 17, 2005
THERE'S A LOUD ROARING NOISE IN THE REAR END WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS IS DUE TO A GLITCH IN THE REDESIGNED REAR END, BUT THERE IS NO SOLUTION AT THIS TIME FOR IT. *AK
Suspension, Feb 15, 2005
I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER 2WD , I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEED TO BE REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE. THERE IS POSSIBLY A DEFECT WITH THESE PARTS.*AK
Suspension, Nov 23, 2004
A ROARING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF MY 2003 EXPLORER AND AN INSPECTION AT THE DEALER CAME UP AS POOR TIRE WEAR. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED BUT THE NOISE NEVER WENT AWAY, IT WAS JUST SLIGHTLY QUIETED THEN BECAME PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER OVER THE PAST EIGHT MONTHS. I HAD IT INTO AN OIL CHANGE STATION AND A TIRE DEALER BEFORE TAKING IT BACK TO ANOTHER FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD ON NOVEMBER 22,2004 THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A FRONT WHEEL BEARING GONE BAD. I NOW NEED THAT PART REPAIRED AND MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE NOT HAD THE WORK DONE YET BUT THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST IS $400. I DO NOT FEEL THIS PART SHOULD BE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AT THIS TIME. THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD. *JB
Suspension, Nov 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH REAR LEAF SPRINGS FAILED. AS A RESULT, REAR END COLLAPSED, AND VEHICLE COULD NOT BE BE DRIVEN. DEALER STATED THE PART WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY 2005. *AK *SC
Suspension, Oct 13, 2004
THE REAR-END OF THE VEHICLE MADE A HUMMING NOISE WHEN TRAVELING BETWEEN 30 MPH AND 45 MPH. THE OWNER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AS WELL AS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO WAS NOT DOING ANYTHING TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *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
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
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 15, 2004
VARIOUS COMPLAINTS INVOLVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT.*MR CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT NOISE ON VEHICLE WAS COMING FROM REAR. REPAIRS AND/OR REPLACEMENTS WERE MADE ON: FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSIONS, TRANSFER CASE, AND SEALS IN THE REAR AXLE DUE TO LEAK. NOW, CONSUMER IS WAITING FOR A NEW AXLE ASSEMBLY TO BE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE. ALSO, A COOLING SYSTEM NOISE ON VEHICLE BUT DEALER COUDN'T FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. *LA
Suspension, Feb 24, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP SERVICED VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Suspension, Feb 9, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF VIBRATION PROBLEM. . STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED WHEN MAKING TURNS OR WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP, WHO ROTATED THE TIRES. THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK