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, Oct 15, 2008
FACTORY PAINT BLISTERING ON HOOD. VEHICLE IS 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS 44,000 MILES. THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON A LONG LIST OF INTERNET SITES. FORD IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THIS ISSUE. APPARENTLY THIS IS AFFECTING 2000-2005 VEHICLES. *TR
Power train, Oct 2, 2008
I HAVE A 2003 4WD 4.0 6 CYL. FORD EXPLORER WITH 84,000 MILES ON IT. MY OVER DRIVE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. I HAVE JUST SEEN ONLINE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND FORD IS NOT RECALLING OR DOING ANYTHING TO HELP WITH REPAIRS. *TR
Power train, Oct 2, 2008
2003 FORD EXPLORER PURCHASED NEW. OUT OF THE BLUE CHECK TRANSMISSION AND O/D OFF LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. AT DEALERSHIP NOW FOR REPAIR ESTIMATE. WHILE RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I WAS AMAZED TO SEE THE NUMBER OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM ON THE EXACT SAME CAR. I SPOKE WITH FORD TODAY & THEY TOLD ME SORRY AND TO "HAVE A GOOD DAY". I AM MORTIFIED AT THE PROBLEM AND THE LACK OF ASSISTANCE FORD IS WILLING TO PROVIDE WITH THIS OBVIOUSLY LARGE SPREAD PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Sep 30, 2008
BUBBLING AND PEELING PAINT. *TR
Power train, Sep 30, 2008
I CAN'T SEEM TO GET THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL TO STOP LEAKING - NEITHER CAN MY MECHANIC. MY MECHANIC HAS REPLACED THE "CRUSH WASHER" (WHERE THE DRIVELINE CONNECTS TO THE DIFFERENTIAL) A COUPLE OF TIMES. I WAS TOLD THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS MANUFACTURED BY DANA. I DON'T WANT TO REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL BECAUSE MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT HALF-SHAFT WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO BE REPLACED ALSO... THE THREADS ON THE END OF THE SPINDLE HAVE RUSTED OFF. I'LL PROBABLY ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE THE (LF) WHEEL BEARING. (I THINK I'LL HAVE TO BECAUSE I HAD TO HAVE THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACE BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS BACK WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 36,000 MILES ON IT) NOT CRITICAL STUFF HERE - JUST A NUISANCE. THANKS. *TR
Visibility, Sep 26, 2008
2003 FORD EXPLORER - 65K MILES - BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR 7.6HP FAILED CAUSING A/C TO REMAIN IN ON POSITION WITH NO HEAT OR DEFROSTER. *TR
Structure, Sep 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT PRESSED THE BUTTON ON HER KEY FOB TO OPEN THE GLASS ON THE REAR HATCH. AS A RESULT, ONE OF THE TWO HINGES FRACTURED AS THE WINDOW WAS OPENING. SHE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE GLASS, BUT APPARENTLY IT WAS MISALIGNED. DUE TO EXCESSIVE PRESSURE, THE GLASS SHATTERED AND DEBRIS FELL ONTO THE CONTACT AND THE GROUND. SHE CALLED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE COVERAGE DATE FOR THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE DEALER WOULD HAVE TO PERSONALLY PETITION TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER ON HER BEHALF. AS OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,600 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,600.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2008
AS MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING STALL, MY VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN CAUGHT OFF. WE WERE UNABLE TO GET IT RESTARTED. AFTER MECHANICS CHECKED IT OUT, I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE MOTOR. DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND, BECAUSE WE HAVE ONLY 38,208 MILES ON OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER; AND A WEEK BEFORE THAT WE HAD A COMPLETE OIL CHANGE. I CONTACTED OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER AS WELL AS FORD IN DETROIT AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THEM. I TOLD THEM WE HAD NO WARNING OF A PROBLEM, THE INDICATOR NEVER CAME ON AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION AT ALL THAT WE HAD A PROBLEM, NO NOISE OR ANY SIGNS OF TROUBLE. WITH ONLY A FEW MILES ON THE CAR, I TOLD THEM I FELT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. BECAUSE THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY CALLS SINCE MY COMPLAINTS, THEY FELT IT WAS NOT A FORD'S PROBLEM AND THAT IT WAS A SITUATION I HAD TO TAKE CARE OF. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE AND I THINK FORD SHOULD HANDLE THIS PROBLEM. NO WAY SHOULD I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY MOTOR WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES. IT'S NOT FAIR THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR A JOB THAT I BELIEVE FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR. TELL ME, WHAT DO I DO? *TR
Wheels, Sep 19, 2008
ONE OF THE RIMS ON OUR FORD EXPLORER FELL OFF THE CAR AT HIGH SPEED AND, ACCORDING TO FORD, IT CAME WITHIN SECONDS OF FALLING OFF ON A PREVIOUS OCCASION (ALSO AT HIGH SPEED). THESE ARE THE FACTORY RIMS THAT CAME WITH THE CAR WHEN WE BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2003. THE DEALER HAS NOW DETERMINED THAT THE RIMS ARE SO RUSTED THAT WHEN THEY ARE REMOVED FOR SERVICE AND THEN REPLACED WITHOUT HAVING THE RUST REMOVED, THE SURFACE OF THE RIM IS ROUGH AND DOES NOT "MATE" PROPERLY AGAINST THE HUB. EVENTUALLY, THE RUSTED MATERIAL STARTS TO FLAKE OFF, WHICH CAUSES THE RIM TO LOOSEN AGAINST THE HUB AND THE LUGS TO SNAP OFF. THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT IDENTIFIED BY FORD UNTIL AFTER THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT (JULY 4, 2008). THE RIMS HAVE BEEN CAUSING PROBLEMS SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2005, WHEN THE CAR WAS TWO YEARS OLD AND UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY (WE ALSO HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT EXPIRED A FEW MONTHS AGO). DESPITE HAVING THE CAR SERVICED AT FORD DEALERS AT LEAST 11 TIMES BETWEEN SEPTEMBER OF 2005 AND JULY OF THIS YEAR, NOBODY EVER TOLD US THAT THE RIMS WERE SO DEFECTIVE THAT THEY COULD FALL OFF AT ANY TIME. OUR DEALER HAS OFFERED TO PAY HALF THE COST OF NEW RIMS, BUT WE REFUSE TO PAY A SINGLE CENT. WE HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS PROBLEM, WHICH COULD HAVE KILLED OUR FAMILY TWICE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2003 EXPLORER IN AUGUST 2006; MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. BY OCTOBER THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS LATER, I WAS BACK BECAUSE MY CAR WAS JERKING. NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AT THAT TIME. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THE STARTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AS WOULD THE RECENTLY INSTALLED ALTERNATOR. I RETURNED LESS THAN A MONTH LATER WITH THE SAME JERKING ISSUE, ONLY THIS TIME I NOTIFIED THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THE O/D LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON. FURTHERMORE, MY CAR HAD ACTUALLY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. AGAIN, NOTHING WAS FOUND. BY EARLY DECEMBER, I WAS BACK. MY CAR HAD STALLED ON A FEW MORE OCCASIONS AND WOULD NOT "PICK UP". THAT IS, EVEN THOUGH THE RPM'S WOULD REACH ANYWHERE FROM 2500 - 4000, MY CAR COULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 25 - 30 MPH. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED WORK. I GOT MY CAR BACK A FEW DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND DECIDED LAST MINUTE TO HEAD TO THE MOUNTAINS. AS SOON AS I REACH A SLIGHT ELEVATION, THE CAR CEASED TO ACCELERATE AND WHAT'S MORE, A THICK HEAVY CLOUD OF BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE REAR AND PERSISTED FOR AT LEAST TWO MILES. I HEADED BACK DOWN THE MOUNTAIN FOR HOME. I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY KEPT IT FOR AT LEAST A WEEK AND A HALF TO REPAIR THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND OTHER TRANSMISSION RELATED ISSUE. IN EARLY FALL 2007, I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR SOME STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IT ENDED UP COSTING $2500.00 TO REPAIR. I RETURNED IN NOVEMBER FOR MORE WORK, THIS TIME FOR THE SAME TORQUE CONVERTER AND SOLENOID ISSUE AS A YEAR AGO. DURING THIS TWO YEAR PERIOD, MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE TOTAL REPAIR COST FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP IS ANYWHERE FROM $5000 - $9000, OF WHICH I PAID AT LEAST $2500 OUT OF POCKET. MY WARRANTY HAS SINCE EXPIRED AND I AM WORRIED THAT THESE SAME ISSUES WILL RECUR, AS I HAVE READ THEY HAVE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL ISSUED. *TR
Power train, Sep 7, 2008
THIS VEHICLE IS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED WITH A SEVERE ROAR COMING FROM THE REAR END. THERE IS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN OUT AT REPAIR SHOPS BUT NO RECALL. IT COULD RESULT IN THE GEARS LOCKING DOWN AND LOSING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. IT IS A DEFECT OF THE FORD MOTOR CO AND SHOULD BE UNDER RECALL. THE COST OF REPAIR IS AROUND $1400.00. THE NOISE IS SO LOUD THAT IT COULD BLOCK THE ABILITY TO HEAR ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT USING A CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING IN THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO HEAR THE OTHER PERSON. I UNDERSTAND THAT ALL FORD,LINCOLN, AND MERCURY SUV'S ARE A PART OF THIS TECH-BULLETIN. THE YEARS THAT ARE AFFECTED ARE 2002-2006. PLEASE CONSIDER ISSUING A RECALL SOON. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 4, 2008
ON 9/4/08, DRIVING IN TOWN, I WAS AT A RED LIGHT, PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE, THEN PREPARED TO BRAKE, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED KEPT ACCELERATING. I HAD TO RIDE MY BRAKES TO KEEP MY CAR FROM GOING ANY FASTER. WHEN I LET OFF THE BRAKE, THE ACCELERATOR TOOK OFF AGAIN ON ITS OWN AT A FAST RATE! I PULLED OVER TO TURN OFF MY CAR, WAITED FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES AND PROCEEDED AGAIN. AFTER DRIVING 5 MILES IT STARTED UP AGAIN, I RODE ON MY BRAKES THE REST OF THE WAY HOME AND THEN HAD MY HUSBAND FOLLOW ME TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, WHERE IT IS RIGHT NOW. *TR
Power train, Sep 2, 2008
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE BUYING IT FROM VOGLER FORD IN CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS. A FEW MONTHS AGO THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ALL THE TIME AND IT SHIFTS HARD GOING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. I SEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF I COULD REPLACE A PART ON IT. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE TRANSMISSIONS. HAVE THEY RECALLED ANY FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS FROM FORD VEHICLES. *TR
Structure, Sep 2, 2008
THERE IS A CRACK ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION LIFT GATE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER CARS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE SAME CRACK IN THE SAME SPOT. *TR
Visibility, Aug 29, 2008
MY BACK REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE I WAS AT WORK. IT HAPPEN AT 400AM SO IT WAS NOT HOT. *TR
Structure, Aug 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE WAS DAMAGED AND CRACKED. THE DEALER STATED THAT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILED COMPONENT, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 10/16/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/17/08. *JB
Visibility, Aug 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW, IT COMPLETELY SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,843.
Power train, Aug 24, 2008
SEVERE REAR END NOISE HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. REAR DIFFERENTIAL NOW NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT WORK WITH ME ON THE COST OF THESE REPAIRS. I HAVE ALSO HAD A SENSOR REPLACED TWICE AND IT IS NOW BROKEN AGAIN. *TR
Structure, Aug 15, 2008
PAINT PEELING OFF MY CAR. *TR
Structure, Aug 10, 2008
VERTICAL CRACK IN THE BACK HATCH OF MY FORD EXPLORER 2003 JUST BELOW THE GLASS AND GOING DOWN. *TR
Tires, Aug 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS BF GOODRICH TIRES, SIZE P245/65R17, RUGGED TRAIL T/A. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE KEEPS LOSING AIR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VALVE STEM, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE TIRE IS FINE FOR TWO WEEKS AND THEN NEEDS TO BE INFLATED AGAIN. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,300.
Power train, Structure, Equipment, Aug 5, 2008
FACTORY REAREND WAS REPLACED IN MY 03 FORD EXPLORER. SINCE THEN THE PROBLEM OF GRADUAL REAREND DETERIORATION HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. IF THE REAREND FAILS CATASTROPHICALLY THEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR. FORD MOTORS DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN, BUT IT DEFINITELY IS. FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLES WITH THE DEFECTIVE REARENDS AND FIX THEIR PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Aug 3, 2008
THERE IS A VERTICAL CRACK THAT JUST APPEARED IN THE REAR HATCH OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WE TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF OUR VEHICLES AND THIS TRUCK IS RARELY DRIVEN. IT IS ALSO PARKED IN OUR GARAGE EXCEPT WHEN BEING DRIVEN. I HAVE READ THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON IN THIS TRUCK. OUR "DOOR AJAR" LIGHT AND WARNING REGULARLY INDICATES THAT THE DOOR IS NOT CLOSED PROPERLY. IT HAS EVEN FLUNG OPEN WHILE WE ARE DRIVING. WE HAVE THE THIRD ROW SEAT IN THIS MODEL AND KEEP MY TWO 5 YEAR-OLDS IN THAT SEAT. IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND WE HAD TO PULL OVER SUDDENLY TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THERE IS A SERIOUS DEFECT IN THIS DESIGN WHICH CAN CAUSE INJURY TO THOSE IN THE VEHICLE OR AROUND YOU SINCE THE HATCH OPENING OUT OF NO WHERE IS STARTLING. *TR
Suspension, Jul 31, 2008
ON 7/15/08 WE BROUGHT OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A TUNE-UP. WE THEN FOUND OUT OUR FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACING. OTHER PROBLEMS OCCURRED TOO. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND UPPER CONTROL ARM ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WE ALSO HAD A FRONT PINION SEAL LEAKING. THE COST OF THE TUNE-UP WAS $555.54 WHILE ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS COSTS US $1402.30. WE WERE PREPARED TO PAY FOR THE TUNE-UP BUT NOT FOR ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS. WE ASKED IF FORD COULD HELP OUT BEFORE THIS WORK WAS DONE BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID WE WERE OUT OF WARRANTY SO WE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY AND HAVE IT FIXED BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THESE WERE SAFETY ISSUES. SOON AFTER WE LEFT THE DEALERSHIP WE NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIRES. WE BROUGHT OUR EXPLORER BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 7/31/08 ONLY TO FIND OUT THE OTHER FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAD GONE. THEY TOLD US IT WOULD COST ANOTHER $365 AND AGAIN WE ASKED IF FORD COULD HELP OUT AND THEY SAID WE WOULD NEED TO CALL FORD OURSELVES. WHICH WE DID IN THE WAITING ROOM OF THE DEALERSHIP. FORD DID NOT WANT TO HELP AT ALL. I EXPLAINED TO FORD ALL THE COMPLAINTS I FOUND ON THE NHTSA SITE AS WELL AS THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WE WERE HAVING WITH OUR EXPLORER. FORD FINALLY SAID THEY WOULD COVER $265 BUT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $100 AS A DEDUCTIBLE. WE SAID NO AND TRIED TO EXPLAINED TO FORD THAT THESE PARTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND THAT FORD SHOULD COVER ALL THE EXPENSES. FORD SAID IT WAS UP TO THE NHTSA SITE TO ISSUE A RECALL AND UNTIL THAT TIME FORD WILL NOT PAY FOR THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE SERVICE MANAGER THEN SAID HE WOULD COVER THE $100 BUT WE WOULD HAVE TO GO AFTER FORD ON OUR OWN FOR THE PAST EXPENSES. WE HAD THE PART FIXED BUT WE WANT FORD TO STEP UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING AND ADMIT THESE PARTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND COVER THE COSTS. OUR EXPLORER HAS ONLY 73000 MILES AND WE FEEL THESE PARTS SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE. FORD SHOULD CARE MORE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS SAFETY. *TR
Structure, Jul 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE HAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT OPENED THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS AND, WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE IT, THE LIFTGATE WOULD NOT SHUT CORRECTLY. THE HINGE SPLIT INTO TWO PIECES. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT IF HE ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE REAR LIFTGATE, THE GLASS WILL SHATTER. HE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE, BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000.