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.
Power train, Mar 14, 2010
FORD 2003 EXPLORER OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON. BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE TO BE TOLD FORD HAS THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY'VE DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT. COULD BREAK DOWN ON STREET AND STRAND MOTORIST. NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. I FEEL MY FAMILIES SAFETY WAS JEOPARDIZED BY FORDS NEGLECT. *TR
Structure, Mar 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS CLOSING THE REAR LIFT GATE THE HINGE BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. PRIOR TO THE RECENT FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE REPAIR WAS INSUFFICIENT AND FAILED TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,000.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 10, 2010
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND WAS CLOSING THE WINDOW OF THE BACK HATCH WHEN THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGE FAILED AND BROKE AND THE WINDOW BECAME DISLODGED AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD. MY SON WAS STANDING NEXT TO ME AND THANKFULLY THE WINDOW DIDN'T FALL OUT COMPLETELY AND LAND ON HIM! I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM, YOUR AGENCY DID NOT IDENTIFY MY VEHICLE AS BEING AFFECTED AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT AT THEIR COST. AGAIN, THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE YOUR AGENCY DID NOT IDENTIFY MY VEHICLE AS BEING AFFECTED BY THIS DEFECT. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE WINDOW IS HANGING BY THE STRUTS AND THE LEFT HINGE. FURTHER, I HAVE GONE ONLINE AND SEEN THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM AND IT WAS NOT COVERED BY FORD'S RECALL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS THAT WINDOW COULD HAVE FALLEN OUT AND LANDED ON MY SON! THANKFULLY, I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED MORE EXTENSIVELY. I THINK IT IS REASONABLE TO EXPECT THAT A WINDOW OR A DOOR IS NOT GOING TO FALL OFF A HINGE AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A SERIOUS INJURY. SAFETY IS A REASONABLE EXPECTATION! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Mar 9, 2010
THE VEHICLE IS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. HAS 142,000 MILES. HAD TIRE ROTATION AT 137,000 MILES IN JAN 2010. ON 3/6, WE DROVE 120 MI FROM HOME TO BALTIMORE, PARKED IN PARKING LOT FOR 6 HOURS. DROVE 50 MI TO TYSON'S CORNER VA, PARKED IN HOTEL PARKING LOT. ON 3/7, WE DROVE 15MI TO DAUGHTER'S HOME IN ARLINGTON. LEFT CAR THERE FOR 7 HOURS. DROVE BACK HOME ALONG ROUTES 66, 495 AND THEN 95. WENT ABOUT 60 MI WHEN I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING A BIT. KEPT DRIVING FOR MAYBE 5 MI BEFORE I HEARD A NOISE FROM THE FRONT END NEAR THE WHEELS. DECIDED TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY AND GET TO A SERVICE STATION TO CHECK TIRE PRESSURE. CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE AND BEGAN TO BACK OUT WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF. THERE WAS ONLY 1 LUG STUD REMAINING THAT WAS BROKEN OFF ABOUT 1/2 " ABOVE THE BRAKE DRUM. THE OTHER 4 LUG STUDS WERE MISSING, AND SEEMED TO BE SHEERED OFF ABOUT 1/2" BELOW THE DRUM. THANKFULLY, THE WHEEL DID NOT FALL OFF ON ROUTE 95, ELSE WE AND, MOST LIKELY OTHERS, WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY BODY SHOP, ALSO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AND HAD THE TIRE ROTATION DONE. LOOKING AT SOME FORUMS, IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS NOT THE FIRST/ONLY TIME THAT A FORD EXPLORER HAS LOST A TIRE BY BROKEN LUG STUDS DISAPPEARING. I WILL GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND THEN WILL SELL THE VEHICLE. I WILL ALSO HAVE THE OTHER LUG POSTS INSPECTED, BUT WHO KNOWS IF ANYONE WILL SEE ANYTHING. I BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IF NONE HAVE ALREADY BEEN DONE. THANK YOU. *TR
Power train, Mar 9, 2010
THE O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD,SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND WHEN I ACCELERATE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ROUGH,FORD SAYS IT IS NOT A COMMON PROBLEM,BUT I HAVE VISITED SEVERAL SITES TODAY WITH COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER CONSUMERS,ALL MAKES,ALL MODELS OF FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. I HAVE 2003 FORD EXPLORER .THE VEHICLE JUST WENT OVER 80,000 MILE. *TR
Structure, Mar 4, 2010
THE REAR LIFT GATE CRACKED DOWN THE CENTER. EVERY FORD EXPLORER LIFT GATE I SEE HAS A CRACK DOWN THE CENTER. THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE GATE. THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 2, 2010
1. FUEL GAUGE JUST STOP WORKING AFTER REFILLING THE VEHICLE. 2. THE FAILURE JUST HAPPENED AND NOW IT DOES NOT DETECT GAS IN THE ENGINE. 3. THE FAILURE HAPPENED SHORTLY AFTER GETTING A NON-RELATED ITEM FIXED ON FEBRUARY 27, 2010. *TR
Structure, Feb 26, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE CRACK IN THE BACK PANEL NEXT TO THE EMBLEM. I CAME OUT TO MY CAR AND IT WAS CRACKED ALL THE WAY FROM THE WINDOW SEAL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH. I CALLED THE 800 NUMBER THAT FORD GAVE ME TO CALL AND THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO RECALL AND THE PART. THERE ARE SEVERAL THOUSAND PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT. THE LOCAL BODY SHOP TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS IN FORDS DESIGN OF THE PANEL. THEY HAVE ZERO REINFORCEMENT NEXT TO THE EMBLEM TO CLOSE THE DOOR WHICH IS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DOOR, WHERE NORMAL PEOPLE PUSH TO CLOSE IT. THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE EXPLORERS FROM 02-03 IS VERY WELL KNOWN AND QUITE POSSIBLE OVER TIME COULD CAUSE A WEAKENING IN THE REAR WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE AND EVENTUALLY LOSE IT'S SUPPORT AND FALL. *TR
Structure, Feb 22, 2010, crash
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE BACK HATCH BELOW THE WINDOW IS CRACKED. I'VE SEEN MANY WITH THE SAME DEFECT IN PARKING LOTS. ONE WOMAN I SPOKE WITH SAID HERS FLEW OFF INTO THE WINDSHIELD OF A MINIVAN & CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I E-MAILED FORD MOTOR CO. THEY WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND WITH SO MANY VEHICLES SO EASILY FOUND IN PARKING LOTS WITH THE SAME DEFECT IS CONCERNING ME. I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE THIS FIXED RIGHT NOW WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST? *TR
Structure, Feb 22, 2010
TL-*THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT PORTION ON THE LIFTGATE HAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES JUST UNDER THE GLASS. THE CONTACT FEELS THIS CAN BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER VEHICLES WHOSE REAR GLASS HAS BROKEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2010
I BOUGHT MY 2003 EXPLORER NEW. APPX. 2-3 YEARS AGO (DON'T HAVE EXACT DATE YET, STILL SEARCHING FOR INFO) IT WOULD SUDDENLY STALL AND SHUT OFF. THE RPM INDICATOR WOULD ALSO JUMP REALLY FAST. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS AN IDLE ISSUE AND "FIXED" IT. A FEW DAYS AGO, I NOTICED A SIMILAR ISSUE AND NEARLY CRASHED. AS I WAS ROUNDING A CORNER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED, THEREBY CAUSING MY POWER STEERING TO FAIL. I QUICKLY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, RESTARTED IT AND REGAINED STEERING, VERY NEARLY COLLIDING WITH A VEHICLE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE CAR SEEMED OKAY FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT THEN DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. TWO NEAR HEAD-ON COLLISIONS ARE TWO TOO MANY. I STOPPED USING THE VEHICLE AND HAD MY DEALER LOOK AT IT. THEY CALLED ME YESTERDAY AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE, WHICH WILL COST $332 TO REPLACE. I CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE (TSB 0335, FEB. OF 2003). I NEED THIS VEHICLE SO I WILL HAVE TO GET IT REPAIRED, BUT THINK FORD SHOULD TAKE SOME KIND OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT. I HOPE IT DOESN'T TAKE SOMEONE HAVING A SERIOUS COLLISION DUE TO THE DEFECT FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE. THANK YOU FOR ANYTHING YOU CAN DO. *TR
Power train, Feb 19, 2010
OVER DRIVE LIGHT IS BLINKING; TRANSMISSION IS REVVING HIGH.. ONLY HAS 79,000 ON IT! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 30, 2010
WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER - 4WD AT TIMES THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL EITHER WORK, NOT WORK AT ALL, WORK AFTER BEING WARMED UP, WORK AFTER SHUTTING THE MOTOR OFF AND RESTARTING, WORK WITH THE SPEED ACCELERATING CONTINUOUSLY AT DANGEROUS LEVELS, OR INDICATE IT IS WORKING BUT IS NOT. AFTER VIEWING SEVERAL SITES WHERE MANY OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, WE WENT TO OUR DEALER. OUR DEALER REPLACED A DEFECTIVE DEACTIVATION PRESSURE SWITCH THAT CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO REACT ERRATICALLY. THEY USED IDS HOOK UP TO LOCATE PROBLEM AT A COST TO US OF $325.89. AFTER TALKING TO SOMEONE AT THE DEALERSHIP, IT BECAME APPARENT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM, AND IT IS A DEFECTIVE PART THAT IS CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO OCCUR. THE DRIVER THAT DOES NOT DETECT THE INCREASING SPEED OR PANICS WHEN IT OCCURS COULD HAVE A SERIOUS OR DEADLY ACCIDENT. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPLACE THESE PARTS AT NO COST TO THE OWNERS AT NO COST, ESPECIALLY SINCE OUR VEHICLE HAS JUST 39,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Wheels, Jan 30, 2010
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS WITH ONLY 74500 MILES ON IT AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY HAVE GONE BAD. I KNOW THAT THESE WILL FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES. *TR
Power train, Jan 28, 2010
2003 O/D LIGHT BLINKING, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON LIGHT TURNED ON. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS DETECTED. LOTS OF FORDS TRANSMISSIONS SEEM TO HAVE FLAWS NEED TO FORCE A RECALL.*CW
Visibility, Jan 25, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED THE REAR WINDOW WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT DOES NOT SHATTER ON ITS OWN. THE MANUFACTURE ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Power train, Structure, Jan 24, 2010
2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT - OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTING FLASHING AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO SECOND GEAR. ENGINE REVS TO 3200 RPMS AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE BEFORE FEATHERING THE GAS TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR. VERTICAL CRACK IN FIBERGLASS TAILGATE PANEL JUST BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS. NO IMPACT TO TAILGATE OCCURRED-CRACK JUST APPEARED. *TR
Structure, Jan 23, 2010
2003 FORD EXPLORER , 70,000 MILES REAR LIFT GATE CRACKED IN MIDDLE SPLITTING OFF IN "Y" SHAPE THERE WAS NO IMPACT DONE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. HEARD LOUD POP TOLD THAT FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING & I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET.*TR
Visibility, Jan 21, 2010
TEMPERATURE BLEND DOOR STARTS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE AND THEN THE HEATER STARTS PUTTING OUT COLD AIR. THE FRONT WINDOW DOESN'T DEFROST. NO HEAT IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TEMPERATURES OUTSIDE CAN REACH 0 DEGREES. THE AVERAGE COST TO REPAIR THE PART IS $734. *TR
Structure, Jan 21, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXAMINING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE CRACK ON THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
Structure, Jan 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. SHE STATED WHILE UTILIZING THE REAR LIFTGATE TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT, THE REAR LIFTGATE FELL CAUSING THE GLASS TO SHATTER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ALTHOUGH THE EXACT SAME FAILURE OF HER VEHICLE IS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000- STRUCTURE, STRUCTURE BODY, HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE, HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS AS A RESULT OF NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE04045, HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO DATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Power train, Jan 19, 2010
2003 FORD EXPLORER "O/D OFF" LIGHT BLINKING. *TR
Power train, Jan 13, 2010
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT AND THE O/D LIGHT CONSTANTLY BLINKS. THE TRANSMISSION IS SLUGGISH SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND MY CAR FAILED AN EMISSIONS INSPECTION DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE READ HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM EVEN AFTER A TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPAIRED OR REPLACED. HOPING THIS PROBLEM COULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE THIS IS TOO WIDE SPREAD FOR IT TO BE A CONSUMER ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Jan 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE WHICH INCLUDES A PLASTIC PART JUST BELOW THE WINDOW. THE FORD MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND HE SHOULD CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. UPDATED 2/26/10 *CN UPDATED 07/09/10.*JB
Suspension, Jan 13, 2010
I SUGGEST YOU CHECK THE ONE URL SHOWN BELOW - THERE ARE OVER 400 EXAMPLES OF FORD SPRINGS FRACTURING BECAUSE OF A DEFECT IN THE SPRING MATERIAL. HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_SPRINGS.HTML I HAVE TWO BROKEN SPRINGS - I CALLED FORD TO ASK IF THEY WOULD FIX THE DEFECT OF COURSE THEY SAID NO WAY - NHTSA HAS NOT FORCED US TO DO A RECALL. *TR