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.
Structure, Sep 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE LIFT GATE WHICH SEPARATED FROM THE STRUT AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE HINGES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Structure, Sep 23, 2011
BODY MOUNTS PREMATURELY DETERIORATING AND CRUMBLING. BODY RIDES LOOSE ON FRAME, WHICH CAN IMPACT SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND HANDING IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL BODY MOUNTS FOR THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE HAVE FAILED AND FALL APART TO THE TOUCH. SINCE THIS VEHICLE IS A BODY ON FRAME DESIGN, FAILED BODY MOUNTS CANNOT KEEP THE CAB FIRMLY ATTACHED TO THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. APPARENTLY THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED WAS DETECTIVE. *TR
Structure, Sep 23, 2011
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACKED REAR PANEL. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY AND FORD REPAIRED IT AT NO CHARGE. THIS TIME THEY WILL NOT. I WAS TOLD IT WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $300.00 AND IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. THE CRACK DEVELOPS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. *TR
Steering, Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2011
WHEN I WAS SWITCHING THE GEAR FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AT A GAS STATION, THE SHIFTER LEVER WAS SNAPPED OFF. I CANNOT MOVE THE CAR ANY MORE, AND THE KEY GOT STUCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I FIND LOADS OF OTHERS HAVE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AND FORD IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ON THIS DANGEROUS/COULD BE FATAL PROBLEM. *TT
Structure, Sep 15, 2011
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER, RAN TO THE STORE LAST NIGHT TO BUY GROCERIES. LOADED THINGS INTO MY TRUCK, CLOSED THE DOOR AND THINGS WERE FINE. ARRIVED HOME TO REMOVE THE GROCERIES AND THERE WAS A 6 INCH LONG CRACK ON THE REAR HATCH OF MY TRUCK RIGHT BESIDE THE FORD LOGO AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER. I TAKE PRIDE IN MY VEHICLE AND KEEP IT CLEAN AND THE OUTSIDE BODY IS PERFECT; UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT I CALLED FORD AND THERE IS NO RECALL IN REGARDS TO THIS, BUT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. I WANT FORD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF THIS. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL FORD CUSTOMER AND SO HAS BY FAMILY SINCE THE EARLY 1980S. I WILL PROBABLY NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD AS THIS IS JUST ANOTHER ISSUE THAT FORD WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE. *KB
Power train, Sep 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE OVERDRIVE AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,024.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 11, 2011
I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND APPROACHING A RED LIGHT 1/4 MILE AHEAD I RELEASED PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE CAR MAINTAINED 60 MPH AND WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN, I APPLIED THE FOOT BRAKES BUT REALIZED THIS WAS NOT THE ANSWER, IT FELT LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT RELEASING HOWEVER THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT BEING USED, I PLACED THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND BRAKED TO A STOP THE ENGINE WAS RACING. I TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR WITH MY FOOT AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETRACTED , THE ENGINE SLOWED,I CONTINUE MY TRIP AND AFTER DRIVING A FEW MILES FOUND THAT THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK AGAIN,I SELECTED NEUTRAL AND TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR,THE ENGINE WENT BACK TO IDLE.I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED AT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE ACCELERATOR TO MAKE SURE THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT CAUGHT ON THE CARPET, I OPENED THE HOOD TO CHECK THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHICH WAS HIDDEN UNDER A LARGE PLASTIC SHROUD (COVER), I REMOVED THE SHROUD IN AND IMMEDIATELY DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. A SMALL CHEAP SNAP AND LOCK FASTENER IN THE END OF THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD BROKEN ALLOWING THE STIFF CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CONNECTOR TO SLIP FROM ITS CONNECTOR AND RESTRICT OR LOCK THE RETARDING MOVEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE, THE THROTTLE CABLE DOES NOT RETRACT AND THE ENGINE IS STUCK AT A HIGH RPM AND A NOVICE DRIVER WOULD NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO AND WOULD PROBABLY PANIC AND EVENTUALLY THE BRAKES WOULD FADE AND THE DRIVER CRASH. WHEN THE REMEDY IS TO 1) SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND 2) TAP AND RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR QUICKLY WHICH BECAUSE THE CRUISE CABLE IS NOT ATTACHED OR ANCHORED AT IT'S END QUICKLY FREES THE ACCELERATOR CABLE IN MY OPINION THIS CRUISE CONTROL CONNECTOR AND WEAK METAL SPRING TYPE PUSH IN FASTENER IS TOO WEAK AND SUFFERS FROM METAL FATIGUE OVER TIME. I AM JUST GLAD MY WIFE WAS NOT DRIVING ALONE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR
Power train, Sep 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OVERDRIVE BAND WAS FRACTURED AND POSSIBLY HAD CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,029 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,846. UPDATED 11/22/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SHIFTING WAS ERRATIC AT STEADY SPEEDS, THERE WAS A HARD BANG WHEN SHIFTING. THE PCM WAS REPROGRAMMED. THERE WAS A CLUNK NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND 95% OF THE TIME, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR. UPDATED 03/12/12
Power train, Sep 5, 2011
WHILE ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, MY SUV WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE FASTEST IT WOULD GO WAS 35MPH, THE TACHOMETER WAS PEGGED OUT, THE O/D LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON AND OFF AND TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THE NEXT GEAR. ALMOST GOT HIT BY VEHICLES TRAVELING THE SPEED LIMIT WHICH IS 65MPH, BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY FOR ME TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. *TR
Power train, Sep 3, 2011
TRANSMISION FAILURE, REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP. NEW TRANSMISION FAILED WITHIN A WEEK, REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP ALSO REPLACED ALL HUB BEARINGS, EXCESSIVE NOISE. REAR END ALSO HAS EXCESSIVE NOISE. REAR BACK UP SENSOR FREQUENTLY TURNS OFF AND DOES NOT WORK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE STARTED HER VEHICLE IT WAS IDLING IT WAS VERY ROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO ADVISED HER TO NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
Power train, Aug 30, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILURE....O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
Structure, Aug 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS OPEN THE HINGE FAILED CAUSING THE GATE TO FALL ON THE CONTACTS HEAD. THE DEALER WAS STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NUMBER: 04V442000: STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2011
TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE WITH VALVE COVER DAMAGE PROVOKING OIL LEAK AND HEAVY SMOKE OUT OF THE ENGINE, WICH LEAD TO SPILL OF OIL IN THE HIGHWAY (OIL DROPPING) AND ENGINE OUT OF SEQUENCE DUE TO A PLASTIC "CASSET" TENSION BREAK, I HAVE READ OVER THE INTERNET ALOT OF COMPLAINS ABOUT THE SAME INCIDENT
Power train, Aug 16, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IS GONE. *KB
Structure, Aug 15, 2011
DEAR MAYZEL, I APPRECIATE YOUR TIMELY RESPONSE, BUT I MUST ADMIT THAT I AM MORE THAN A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED (AND CONFUSED). I AM READING FORD EXPLORER RECALL #04V442000, "FORD RECALLS 2002-2003 FORD EXPLORER VEHICLES FOR LIFTGATE GLASS" (SEE BELOW), AND IT SEEMS TO COVER MY MODEL YEAR AND MY SITUATION EXACTLY. THE LIFT HINGE HAS STRIPPED OUT THE BOLT THREE TIME, LEAVING THE GLASS TO HANG FROM THE OTHER HINGE (AND STRUTS). CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY THIS RECALL WOULD NOT APPLY? SINCERELY, BILL DASCOMB DEAR WILLIAM, THIS IS MAYZEL FROM FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I HAVE READ YOUR EMAIL REGARDING THE BACK HATCH GLASS CONCERN OF YOUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I AM TRULY SORRY TO HEAR THAT YOU ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE WITH YOUR VEHICLE. I HAVE PERSONALLY CHECKED OUR RESOURCES AND VERIFIED THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY RECALLS OR CSP'S AT THIS TIME. MANY FACTORS ARE USED TO DETERMINE THESE SUCH AS WARRANTY STATUS, VEHICLE HISTORY, CUSTOMER CONTACTS, DEALERSHIP COMMENTS AND SO FORTH. I HAVE REVIEWED IF ANY AVAILABLE COVERAGES MAY ASSIST IN YOUR REPAIR REQUEST. THERE IS NOT ACTIVE ESP TO COVER THE PART OR THE REPAIR AND THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF ANY APPLICABLE WARRANTY. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOUR VEHICLE BE INSPECTED BY A FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF ANY SYMPTOMS YOUR VEHICLE MAY BE EXPERIENCING. ONCE YOU HAVE THE REPAIRS COMPLETED, I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU KEEP THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT FOR THE REPAIRS, SO THAT IN CASE A RECALL WILL BE ISSUED IN THE FUTURE, THESE RECEIPTS MAY BE REVIEWED BY YOUR DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE MANAGER FOR A POSSIBLE REFUND. THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING FORD. SINCERELY, MAYZEL CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Wheels, Aug 15, 2011
AT ABOUT 85K MILES, THE STUDS ON THE REAR TIRES OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER BEGAN BREAKING-OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND TWICE WHILE GETTING MY TIRES ROTATED. I HAVE PROBABLY REPLACED ALMOST 20 STUDS IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS DIAGNOSES FROM MECHANICS AND ALL HAVE BEEN WRONG. FINALLY, A SERVICE MANAGER AT QUIRK FORD IN QUINCY, MA ADMITTED THAT HE DID NOT KNOW THE PROBLEM. OF COURSE, I HAVE ALREADY PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED - TO NO AVAIL. THE SERVICE MANAGER CONTACTED TECNICIALS AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL AND THEY RECOMMENDED SEVERAL THINGS. THE SERVICE DEPT AT QUIRK FORD HAD ALREADY DONE ALL OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE PAST. THE CORPORATE LEVEL TECHNICIANS CLAIM THAT THEIR IS NOT HISTORY OF THIS IN OTHER VEHICLES, BUT A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE. THERE ARE COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM 2002-2004 EXPLORER OWNERS IDENTIFYING THE SAME DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Aug 15, 2011
O/D LIGHT SPONTANEOUSLY CAME ON. CAN NOT BE TURNED OFF. TRANSMISSION TAKES OFF SLOW. FIRST GEAR SLAMS INTO SECOND, WITH SLOW TAKEOFF CAUSES CARS BEHIND ME TO STOP SHORT BECAUSE MY TAKEOFF IS VERY SLOW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2011
ENGINE & MULTIPLE PARTS IN 2003 FORD ARE NOT 2003, THEY ARE 2001 & 2002. 2002 ENGINE AND EARLIER HAD A TSB FOR THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES & OILING. EVEN THOUGH TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THAT COMPLAINT, MINE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE 2003, NOT AFFECTED BY THOSE PROBLEMS, SO SERVICE DID NOT REPAIR FOR TSB. LATER ON TIMING JUMPED BECAUSE GUIDES NOT REPLACED, BENT VALVE AND RUINED THE ENGINE TO TUNE OF $5,000, PLUS PARTS SPENT TO GET TO THAT POINT & RENTAL CARS. SHOULD BE NOTED THE FIRST REPLACEMENT MOTOR INSTALLED BY FORD RAN ONLY 15 MINUTES BEFORE IT BLEW FROM TIMING CHAIN DEFECT/POOR MANUFACTURING. HISTORY: BEFORE END OF 75,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY I TOOK THE SPORT TRAC INTO THE DEALER TO TAKE CARE OF ALL THE LITTLE COMPLAINTS. ONE COMPLAINT WAS SLIGHT RATTLE TYPE OF SOUND WHEN THE CAR WAS COLD/COLD MORNING. DEALER SUGGESTED AN ENGINE FLUSH & TO SWITCH TO FULL SYNTHETIC OIL. THAT DID HELP FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES. ENGINE RATTLE CAME BACK, ONLY VERY OCCASIONAL BUT WORSE SOUND THAN BEFORE ON REAL COLD MORNINGS. WAS COASTING TOWARD RED LIGHT, LIGHT CHANGED & I GAVE IT GAS, ENGINE STARTED MISSING SEVERELY AS I TOOK OFF W/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. LIMPED THE CAR HOME. PUT CODE READER ON & STARTED REPLACING PARTS CALLED FOR, MOSTLY TUNE UP, THEN EGR COMPONENTS, ETC., NEW CODE THROWN AFTER EVERY REPAIR. SMOG PARTS FOR 2003 DID NOT FIT, I HAD TO TAKE THE PARTS BACK & EXCHANGE THEM FOR 2001. WHEN ENGINE WAS CHANGED SERVICE REP TOLD ME ENGINE IN CAR WAS 2002, EVEN HAD TO REPLACE THERMOSTAT HOUSING BECAUSE ROUTING WAS DIFFERENT, ANGLE INCORRECT, NOT 2003, I TOOK PICTURES OF BLOCK & #'S, NOT A 2003, IT IS 2002 (PICTURES SHOW MY ENGINE, NO DIRT ACCUMULATION AT ALL). CARB STATES I CANNOT INSTALL AN ENGINE OLDER THAN THE CHASSIS INTO THE CAR, MOST ESPECIALLY OLDER SMOG COMPONENTS. CAN FORD? CAN FORD SELL A CAR AS NEW, SPECIFIC MODEL YEAR, BUT USE LEFTOVER PARTS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS & STILL CALL IT A NEW CAR? ISN'T THIS FRAUD? HOW CAN VEHICLE BE REPAIRED, TSBS FOLLOWED, ETC.? *TR
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2011
BOUGHT PRE-OWNED EXPLORER AND AFTER $84,000 MILES (WHEN I NOTICED - SO, PROBABLY WELL LESS) THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I'M FINDING WAY TOO MANY OCCURRENCES ONLINE FOR THIS TO BE AN OCCASSIONAL THING. *TT
Suspension, Aug 5, 2011
BROKEN COIL SPRINGS FRONT AND REAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TRY AND SWING AROUND TO THE RIGHT ON SLIPPERY SURFACES. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *TT
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO START THE VEHICLE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES WITHIN THE PAST SIX MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,600.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 5, 2011
2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORTRAC, INTERMITTENTLY BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR, PEDAL VIBRATES, UNABLE TO STOP. NO ACCIDENT YET BUT VERY SCARY SITUATION. SCHEDULED TO HAVE DEALER INSPECT ON 8/8/2011. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. NO ERROR CODES ON VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS. THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT!! *TT
Seats, Jul 28, 2011
MANUFACTURER LATENT DEFECT - DRIVER SEAT BASE FRAME TRACK BROKEN. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 26, 2011
2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF HIS VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN RECALL # 11V352000 *TGW