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, Jan 23, 2018
WE HAD PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BOUT A YEAR AGO AND WHEN WE GOT IT WE WENT TO GET TIRES AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND THEY ENDED UP REPLACING UPPER ND LOWER BALL JOINTS, CONTROL ARM AND SWAY BAR ON PASSENGER SIDE.THIS WAS 6/20/2017. IT WASN'T MAKING ANY NOISE UNTIL 1/3/2018. I WAS GOING DOWN CITY STREET AND SOMETHING POPPED AND THEN IT STARTED ROARING. IF YOU PUT IN 4WD IT ROARS LOADER AND JERKS. 1/23/18 REPLACED DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL HUB AND BEARINGS. IT STILL ROARS WHILE ACCELERATING SPEED BUT NOT AS BAD IN 2WD BUT PUT IN 4WD ITS REAL LOUD AND JERKS YOU . I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE FOR THIS YEAR MODEL SPORT TRAC AND IT SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. EVERYTIME GET ONE THING FIXED ON FRONT END SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS TO IT. YOU CAN DRIVE IT BUT IF YOU GET OVER 10-15 MPH THE ROARING GETS WORSE AND IT LOCKED THE THE WHOLE WHEEL UP AND JERKED THE TRUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD
Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2018
WHENEVER WE ARE DRIVING IN THE CAR, MY WIFE AND I GET DIZZINESS AND NAUSEA. MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER SAY THERE IS AN EGGY SMELL SOMETIMES. MOSTLY, NO ODOR BUT AN OVERWHELMING SENSE OF DIZZINESS ONLY WHEN WE ARE IN THAT CAR TO THE POINT WE AVOID DRIVING AS MUCH. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR YEARS. I THOUGHT IT WAS A SEAL ISSUE CREATING A WEIRD PRESSURE INSIDE THE CAR UNTIL IN MY RESEARCH FOR A SOLUTION I CAME ACROSS NEWS STORIES ON CARBON MONOXIDE IN OTHER FORD EXPLORERS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 20, 2018
CAR HAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND WILL STALL AND BOTH HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS, OR WHEN IDLING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND POWER ASSIST FAILS, IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER OR TO BRAKE POSING A SERIOUS RISK TO SAFETY. THIS FIRST STARTING HAPPENING ABOUT ONCE A WEEK LAST NOVEMBER, AND NOW IT'S PRETTY OFTEN. STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR, EXCEPT TO TEST DRIVE AS WE'RE TRYING TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. WE THINK IT'S EITHER THE FUEL OR VACUUM SYSTEM AND ARE CONTINUING TO NARROW DOWN THE PROBLEM. I AM NOT SURE IF BRAKING WILL WORK AT ALL WHEN IT FAILS, AS FORTUNATELY IT HASN'T STALLED GOING DOWNHILL. I PUT ALL MY STRENGTH INTO BOTH BRAKING AND STEERING (I'M A PRETTY STRONG WOMAN) TO GET IT TO SAFETY. IT MAY SIMPLY BE STOPPING DUE TO INERTIA.
Engine, Dec 29, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED TO HIGH AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2017
VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AFTER DOOR CLOSED. SHARDS OF GLASS FLEW OUTWARD
Suspension, Structure, Oct 16, 2017
THE CAB TO FRAME MOUNTING BOLT BUSHINGS, AND STEERING STABILIZER BUSHINGS ARE HAVE AND ARE CRUMBLING. ALL NEED TO BE REPLACED. I FEEL FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE TO FIX IT. I JUST INHERITED THIS TRUCK AND JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU.
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2017
BROKEN GEAR SHIFTER
Steering, Power train, Sep 5, 2017
SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INSIDE STEERING COLUMN OF MY WIFE'S EXPLORER WHEN CHANGING FROM PARK TO DRIVE TO EXIT FROM A BOAT LAUNCH RAMP WITH NO BOAT ON THE TRAILER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED ON A FLATBED WRECKER TO MY GARAGE. BROKEN ELEMENT ( SEE PHOTOS) WAS NOT REPLACEABLE BY ITSELF. STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, BUT RATHER A FAULTY /WEAK COMPONENT THAT REPRESENTS A DANGER. I HAVE NOTED REPORTS OF IDENTICAL INCIDENTS ONLINE. THUS FAR, NEITHER THE DEALER NOR FORD NATIONAL "CUSTOMER SERVICE" IS PREPARED TO REIMBURSE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2017
I CONTACTED FORD REGARDING RECALL WITH THE LIFT GATE. THERE WAS RECALL IN 2004 FOR MY VEHICLE THAT WAS TAKEN CARE OF IN 2005. IN 2016 THE SAME THING HAPPEN WHERE THE LIFT GATE BOLTS BROKE AND THE GATE FELL AND THE GLASS SHATTERED ALL OVER ME. I WENT THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND GOT IT REPAIRED. AT THE TIME I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS RECALL I BOUGHT THE CAR USED SO I HAD NO IDEA OF THE CALL. FORD TOLD TO CONTACT A DEALER THE DEALER SHOP MANAGER TOLD ME FORD WILL NOT REFUND MY DEDUCTIBLE SINCE THEY REPAIRED IT UNDER THE RECALL. ALL I WANT IS MY 250 BACK BECAUSE THE SAME THING HAPPEN THAT THEY SO CALLED REPAIRED. IS THERE ANY WAY YOU CAN ASSIT ME. I DO HAVE MY BILL FROM THE REPAIR SHOP THAT MY INSURANCE STATE FARM TOOK CARE OF. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED I WAS CLOSING THE LIFT GATE WHEN IT FELL DOWN AND GLASS SHATTERED.
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT AND FOUR BYSTANDERS PUSHED THE VEHICLE INTO A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,412.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2017
GREETINGS THE PROBLEM THE CABIN NOT WELL SEALED FROM ANY FUMES PLUS THE A/C DOOR INSIDE TO KEEP THE AIR RECYCLE FALLING OFF NOT WELL SECURE CONSEQUENTLY GETTING FUMES FROM THE OUTSIDE AND ALSO I CAN SMELL THE CABIN IN THE MORNING WHEN I GET INSIDE FROM EITHER OIL LEAKS AND EXHAUST BURNS, IT NEEDS ATTENTION PROMPTLY SINCE FORD DOES CARE OR GET CONCERN ON ANY PROBLEM. IT HAS BEING HAPPENING MORE SINCE 2006 AND ALSO THE TRUCK INSULATION IT IS BAD SINCE MOST COLD WEATHER PENETRATES THE CABIN WHEN YOU DRIVING YOU CAN FEEL THE AIR COMING IN. IT NEEDS TESTING AND RECALL, IT HAS BEING INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF FUMES COMING IN FROM THE OUTSIDE OTHER TRUCKS. YOU MAY HAVE TO DO THE FUME SMOKE TEST HOW MUCH IT GOES INSIDE THE CABIN.
Wheels, Jul 13, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE LUG NUTS BECAME DETACHED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AND INCLUDED ALL OF THE WHEELS. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE LUG NUTS ON ALL OF THE WHEELS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Structure, May 10, 2017
AWOKE THE MORNING OF MAY 10, 2017 TO FIND THE ENTIRE BACK LIFTGATE AND WINDOW EXPLODED OUTWARDS AND INWARDS OF OUR FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF OUR HOME, WE ARE RURAL, SO NO EVIDENCE OF SOMEONE PURPOSELY BREAKING IT. OUR SHERIFF IN CASCADE COUNTY, MONTANA, STATED IT APPEARS TO BE SOMETHING INTERNAL PROBABLY THE LIFT STRUTS EXPLODING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM AS STATED ON MANY ONLINE SITES, AND MANY FORD EXPLORERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS PARTICLAR MODEL VIN NUMBER DID NOT SHOW UP AS RECALLED, ALTHOUGH WE SIT HERE LOOKING AT THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM. WE WOULD APPRECIATE SOMEONE LOOKING INTO THIS, AS IT COULD HAPPEN TO ANYONE AND PROVE TO BE VERY DANGEROUS IF THIS VEHICLE WERE BEING DRIVEN WHEN THIS EXPLOSION OCCURED. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS ASAP.
Power train, May 9, 2017
TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND CLUNKS, IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE ESTIMATE REPAIR IS AROUND $ 3,400. WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN.
Structure, May 8, 2017
THE BACK LIFT GATE HAS A CRACK. I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON PRACTICALLY EVERY OTHER EXPLOER OF THIS YEAR. I CONTACTED FORD SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND THEY SAID SINCE IT WAS A DEFECT THAT WAS NOT A DANGER THEY WOULD NOT RECALL OR REPAIR IT.
Seat belts, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2017
CHAT CONVERSATION START 5:57PM GREETINGS, I SAW YOU COMMENTARY ABOUT THE FORD EXPLORER EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN, WELL I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, I AM A MECHANIC I FIGURED MAY BE THE FILTER WAS CLOGGED WELL IT WAS NO FILTER, WHAT I FOUND THE VENT DOOR FELL OFF FROM THE PLACE WHERE IT SUPPOSE TO OPEN AND CLOSE LAYING DOWN ON THE FAN, SO I REINSTALLED BACK AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED, IT IS A POOR DESIGN FROM THE FORD COMPANY. I WAS LOOSING HEAT DURING WINTER AND NOT BE COOL AT THE SUMMER LOOSING THE THRU VENT OUT PLACE. FORD NEEDS TO FIX ALL THIS PROBLEMS ALONG WITH SEAT BELTS, REAR WINDOW QUARTER PANEL CRACKED NO ONE IS GETTING FORD TO DO RECALLS ON THIS ITEMS VERY POOR CONSTRUCTION.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 30, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A JERKING MOTION AND THE ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSORS, ABS SENSORS, AND ABS PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 163,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Visibility, Structure, Jan 19, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jan 10, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IMMEDIATELY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWDERY DUST FROM THE DEPLOYED AIR BAG CLOUDED HIS VISION AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO REAR END THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE CRASH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION THAT INVOLVED FOUR VEHICLES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS AND PAINS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD, FROM WHERE IT WAS LATER PICKED RETRIEVED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,700....UPDATED 02/22/17 *BF *CN
Structure, Jan 8, 2017
THE REAR PANEL OF MY 2003 EXPLORER CRACKED TODAY FOR NO REASON. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN I "GOOGLED" THE PROBLEM, IT SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD ONCE ADDRESSED.
Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2017
BACK GLASS EXPLODED. WHEN I PRESSED THE GATE RELEASE BUTTON, GLASS EXPLODED ON MY AND MY FOSTER CHILD I WAS HOLDING.
Engine, Dec 12, 2016
WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, THE SPARK PLUGS HAVE BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE SIX TIMES REQUIRING SIX DIFFERENT TOWS HOME. THE VEHICLE IS UNRELIABLE FOR ME (DISABLED, SINGLE MOM) WHO HAS TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER AND I TO DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS. I FEEL UNSAFE AND IT IS NOT SAFE FOR MY DAUGHTER, BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO TRADE OR GET ANOTHER VEHICLE. I THINK FORD SHOULD COME GOOD FOR THIS DEFECT. *TR
Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2016
REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I WENT TO OPEN THE DOOR AND IT JUST EXPLODED.
Power train, Dec 3, 2016
TRUCK WAS RUNNING FINE. THEN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IT WOULD SLIP OUT OF GEAR WHILE I WAS COMING OFF OF OR ONTO EXIT RAMPS. SEEMED LIKE AS THE ENGINE DECELERATED IT WOULD SLIP INTO NEUTRAL. SOMETIMES IT WOULD EVENTUALLY FIND THE GEAR AND SOMETIMES I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, WHICH WAS REALLY SCARY SINCE I WAS IN TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENED. A SHORT TIME LATE (A MATTER OF WEEKS). I NOTICED IT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR WHEN THE TRUCK WAS COLD (AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT. THIS HAS RAPIDLY PROGRESSED INTO ALMOST COMPLETE FAILURE. I CAN STILL GET THE TRUCK TO MOVE IF I SHIFT MANUALLY INTO L1 OR L2 BUT D DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. ADDITIONALLY I NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES MY O/D LIGHT WOULD BE BLINKING AND SOMETIME O/D WOULD GO COMPLETELY OFF AND THE TRUCK WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO HIGH GEAR. I FOUND IF I STOPPED, TURNED THE TRUCK OFF AND RESTARTED IT WOULD OFTEN FIX THE ISSUE. THIS IS NOT LONGER TRUE. I WILL BE TAKING THE TRUCK TO MY MECHANIC ON MONDAY. I LOOKED UP THE ISSUE AND SEE THAT THIS IS COMMON COMPLAINT WITH MANY EARLY 2000 FORD VEHICLES. SHAME THE COMPANY DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IT'S FAILURE AND STAND UP AND FIX IT. I DID NOT HAVE ANY ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS ISSUE BUT I COULD SEE IF THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AS SOMEONE WAS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC OR IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC THAT THIS COULD DEFINITELY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
Visibility, Structure, Sep 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR HATCH DOOR AND THE REAR HATCH WINDOW BECAME UNSECURED AND OPENED DUE TO A CRACK NEAR THE REAR WINDOW WIPER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.