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
1,313 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Mar 12, 2013
ALTHOUGH THIS DEFECT DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY, THE POTENTIAL WAS THERE FOR SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THIS OR FOLLOWING VEHICLES. SPECIFICALLY, THE DEFECT WAS THE REAR STRUT/SPRING ASSEMBLIES I.E. BROKEN AND SHIFTED COIL SPRING. AS THIS PART SITS CLOSE TO THE FUEL TANK, THE PIECE OF SPRING THAT BROKE OFF COULD HAVE EASILY PUNCTURED THE FUEL TANK RESULTING IN POSSIBLE FIRE. IT COULD ALSO HAVE WEDGED AGAINST A BRAKE LINE, THUS CAUSING A BRAKE FAILURE AND/OR SUSPENSION FAILURE/MISALIGNMENT CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT. IN ADDITION, IF THE PIECE OF SPRING, WEIGHING ABOUT THREE (3) POUNDS HAD FALLEN OUT, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO A FOLLOWING VEHICLE OR IT'S OPERATOR HAD IT BOUNCED UP AND PENETRATED A WINDSHIELD. THE REASON FOR THE LAPSE IN TIME IN MY REPORTING THIS CONDITION IS BECAUSE I THOUGHT PERHAPS IT WAS JUST A ONE TIME ISOLATED FAILURE TO MY VEHICLE. HOWEVER, IN TALKING TO OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS, AS WELL AS SEVERAL AUTO REPAIR SHOPS, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON FAILURE ON SIMILAR VEHICLES. IF THIS WAS A SIMPLE REPAIR TO A COMPONENT THAT HAD LITTLE OR NO AFFECT ON THE VEHICLES PERFORMANCE OR DID NOT PRESENT A SAFETY CONDITION, I WOULD HAVE PROBABLY JUST WRITTEN IT OFF TO NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. HOWEVER, WITH MY KNOWLEDGE OF AUTOMOBILES, AND A CONDITION THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE DAMAGE AS WELL AS PERSONAL INJURY, AS WELL AS BEING A QUITE EXPENSIVE REPAIR, I FELT COMPELLED TO REPORT IT TO THE PROPER PEOPLE WHO PERHAPS HAVE A LARGER DATA BASE THAN I DO, AND TAKE ACTION AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO MANDATE A RECALL OR REIMBURSEMENT TO THOSE FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AS I HAVE. *TR
Structure, Mar 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES WERE LOOSE AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE REAR GLASS WINDOW WOULD FALL FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000. *TR
Power train, Mar 11, 2013
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD, I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT IT WAS A HARD SHIFT FROM 1ST TO SECOND GEAR, THE RPM WOULD GO TO ALMOST 4000RPM, THEN ALMOST SLAM INTO GEAR. MY O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WHEN I GOT HOME I RESEARCHED IT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THERE ARE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD TRANSMISSIONS, AFTER CONTACTING FORD THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME I WAS OUT OF LUCK THEY WOULDN'T HELP,,,, I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL FORD CUSTOMER FOR YEARS AND SO HAS THE REST OF MY FAMILY AND MY BUSINESS USES FORD VEHICLES. SOMEONE NEEDS TO RESEARCH THIS, FORD IS GETTING AWAY WITH A BIG INJUSTICE BY MAKING A SUBSTANDARD TRANSMISSION THAT IS COSTING THEIR CUSTOMS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. BUT ALL FORD WILL SAY IS IF THE NHTSA DECIDES TO INVESTIGATE AND SEES ITS A PROBLEM THEN THEY WILL ACT ON IT. *TR
Power train, Feb 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED GEARS INDEPENDENTLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE OVER DRIVE INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Power train, Feb 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP GEARS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, A LARGE AMOUNT OF FUEL SPRAYED OUT OF THE FILLER NECK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Structure, Feb 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE HAD CRACKED UNDERNEATH THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 04/18/2013 *JS
Steering, Feb 7, 2013
WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT DETACHED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION, UNABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. TOWED IT TO OUR HOUSE WHERE MY UNCLE WAS ABLE TO FIX IT. HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN. THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A WEAK PIECE OF METAL IN THE ALLOY CONNECTING THE GEAR SHIFT TO THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Suspension, Feb 5, 2013
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 2, 2013
THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAS SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *REAR BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND CAUSED MY BATTERY TO DRAIN. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY STATED THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS, THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT THE CAR HAS IS DEFECTIVE. THE MECHANIC ACTUALLY STATED THAT THEY STOPPED MAKING THAT KIND OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, SO THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW KIND OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. BECAUSE THE MECHANIC'S STATEMENT, THIS INFORMED ME THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT CAME WITH THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE. *DOOR AJAR LIGHT SOMETIMES COMES ON FOR NO REASON WHEN ALL DOORS ARE FULLY CLOSED, AND THEN TURNS OFF ON IT'S OWN AFTER A COUPLE DAYS. I CALLED FORD AND THEY STATED THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS AND I NEEDED TO GREASE THE DOOR LATCHED AND CLEAN THE RUBBER LINING ON THE DOORS. I DID ALL THIS AND IT STILL HAPPENS SOMETIMES. I'VE SEEN COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS ONLINE TOO. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE NOW WHEN THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON PEOPLE MAY IGNORE THINKING IT'S THE REGULAR GLITCH, WHEN IT COULD POSSIBLY BE AN OPEN DOOR ONE DAY. *POWER DOOR AND POWER WINDOW MOTOR CONSTANTLY GOES OUT EACH YEAR. I HAVE HAD THIS REPAIRED THREE TIMES NOW. THIS IS ALSO DANGEROUS BECAUSE IN AN EMERGENCY PASSENGERS CAN'T EXIT A WINDOW IF NEEDED. *TR
Structure, Feb 2, 2013
2/14/2007 I NOTICED THERE IS A FRACTURE/CRACK BETWEEN THE TAILGATE DOOR OPENER AND THE WINDOW. THE FRACTURE/CRACK BECOMES MORE/LESS WIDER DEPENDING ON HOW HOT OR COLD IT IS OUTSIDE. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED IT WOULD CAUSE ME BETWEEN $400-$800 TO GET IT FIX AND THE WHOLE AREA WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY STATED THAT IT SHOULD NOT CAUSE MUCH PROBLEM UNLESS SOMEONE HITS THE BACK OF MY CAR OR I CLOSE THE TAILGATE NOT SOFT ENOUGH, WHICH COULD DAMAGE THE WINDOW. SINCE THEN, I HAVE NOTICED THAT ALL EXPLORERS THAT I SEE HAVE THE SAME FRACTURE/CRACK ON THE TAILGATE DOOR ON THE SAME AREA LOCATION. I ALSO HAVE SEEN MANY MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ONLINE. THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECT THAT IS CAUSING THE FRACTURE ON THE TAILGATE DOOR BELOW THE WINDOW. THIS COULD CAUSE INJURY IF THE WINDOW BREAKS OR THERE IS ISSUE WITH THE DOOR OPENER HINGE. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Feb 2, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING THE SUN VISOR DROPPED, AND STARTED TO DANGLE AND SWING TOWARDS MY FACE. IT STARTLED ME AND I SWERVED THE CAR A LITTLE, TRIED TO DODGE THE VISOR FROM HITTING ME IN THE FACE/HEAD, AND THEN PULLED INTO A PARKING AREA. I NOTICED THE SUN VISOR HINGE HAD CRACKED AND THE WIRING CAME LOOSE. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER QUICK LANE AND THEY STATED IT WOULD COST ME BETWEEN $120-$250 DEPENDING ON THE COLOR AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REWIRED DURING INSTALLATION. THIS COULD CAUSE SOMEONE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY, AND THERE IS NO REASON THIS PART SHOULD OF BROKEN LIKE THIS. *TR
Equipment, Jan 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE A/C HEATER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR. IN ADDITION, THE A/C FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 03/07/13*LJ UPDATED 03/11/2013 *JS
Power train, Jan 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESET THE PROBLEM BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION CENTER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Air bags, Jan 18, 2013
TRAVEL APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES PER HOUR SOUTHBOUND ON SR-99 BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND 3 MONTH OLD SON, BOTH IN APPROPRIATE CHILD SAFETY SEATS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT, I DID NOT SWERVE, NOR STEP ON THE BREAKS. NOTHING OCCURRED IN THE VEHICLE TO WARRANT OR CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THE FORCE OF THE AIRBAGS STRUCK MY HEAD CAUSING HEAD AND NECK PAIN, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR EVEN DEATH HAD I SWERVED AND IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE OR CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH OUT OF CONTROL. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Dec 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 -10 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE HATCH BACK WINDOW DETACHED AND FELL FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE HINGES TO THE REAR WINDOW WERE SEVERELY RUSTED, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS LATER CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE PASSED STATE INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 148,000.
Structure, Nov 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED NEAR THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD LOOK FURTHER INTO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Power train, Nov 14, 2012
VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO UPPER GEARS. O/D LIGHT BLINKS ON AND OFF. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE TO FORD. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR OR COMPENSATE OWNERS FOR THIS KNOWN DANGEROUS AND FAULTY TRANSMISSION ISSUE ON MANY 2000-2003 EXPLORER'S. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Structure, Nov 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE IN THE TRIM THAT HELD THE REAR WINDOW IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. ...UPDATED 12/17/12 *BF
Power train, Nov 1, 2012
WHILE I WAS MERGING FROM ONE ROAD TO THE NEXT THE EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FELT LIKE IT POPPED OUT OF GEAR. WHEN I CONTINUED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS WITHOUT ME "FEATHERING" THE GAS. TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAD TO PAY $2000+ TO REPAIR/REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Structure, Oct 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD DEVELOPED A CRACK ON THE TAILGATE OF THE VEHICLE UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THERE HAD NOT BEEN ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO ISSUE A RECALL AND REFERRED HER TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Structure, Oct 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE WINDOW DETACHED FROM THE HINGES AND CRACK THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE HINGES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DOOR WAS STILL CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO KEEP THE RECEIPTS IN CASE OF ANOTHER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 16, 2012, crash
I WAS BACKING UP TO THE GARAGE TO UNLOAD THE STUFF IN THE BACK AND THE CAR MADE A LOUD WHINNING NOISE AND TOOK OFF FAST..I COULDN'T STOP THE TRUCK.. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 11, 2012
SITTING AT A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WENT INTO ACCELERATION GAS PEDDLE WENT TO FLOOR. FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. CHECKED NO CARPET STUCK UNDER THE GAS PEDDLE. FOOT WAS NOT TOUCHING GAS PEDDLE. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS PRESSING THE GAS PEDDLE. CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF. SHUT VEHICLE OFF THEN BACK ON ISSUE WENT AWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED OTHER TIMES TO MYSELF AND MY WIFE. SOMETIMES WHILE PUSHING THE GAS THE GAS PEDDLE LEAVES YOUR FOOT AND CONTINUES TO THE FLOOR ON ITS OWN, PRESSING THE BRAKE AND TURNING VEHICLE OFF SEEMS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS SO IN FREQUENTLY THAT IT IS HARD TO REPRODUCE FOR SERVICE SHOP. *TR
Structure, Oct 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.