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, Dec 6, 2007
2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT VERTICAL CRACK IN FIBERGLASS TAILGATE PANEL JUST BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS (NO IMPACT TO TAILGATE OCCURRED - CALLED DEALERSHIP AND THEY NOTED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 4, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TWO REAR ROTORS RUSTED TWO INCHES FROM THE TOP. THE REAR ROTORS, REAR BRAKES, AND PARKING BRAKE DISINTEGRATED DUE TO THE CORROSION FROM THE ROTORS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE CORROSION; HOWEVER, ALL THE COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000. UPDATED 03/14/08. *LJ
Wheels, Nov 30, 2007
ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK YESTERDAY I NOTICED AN UNUSUAL VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL OF MY EXPLORER ? ALMOST FELT LIKE A FLAT SPOT ON THE TIRE. ALSO HEARD SOME SQUEAKING /SQUEALING WHICH WAS MUCH WORSE IN TURNS. WHEN I GOT HOME I CHECKED AND FOUND: - ONE WHEEL STUD AND NUT COMPLETELY MISSING - ONE WHEEL STUD LOOSE/BROKEN (TRIED TO TIGHTEN NUT BUT IT KEPT SPINNING FREELY) - ONE LOOSE LUG NUT. THE REMAINING TWO LUG NUTS WERE TIGHT. BY TIGHTENING THE ONE LOOSE NUT IT ALLOWED ME TO DRIVE ON CAR WITHOUT THE VIBRATION ? AT THAT POINT HAD ONLY THREE FUNCTIONAL LUG NUTS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND THEY CLAIM CORROSION CAUSED THE FAILURE, BUT ONLY ON THAT WHEEL. REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE HUB WAS REQUIRED AS YOU CANNOT REPLACE INDIVIDUAL STUDS. IT WOULD HAVE COST $400, BUT BECAUSE OF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY IT ONLY COST ME THE $50 DEDUCTIBLE. MY FEELING IS I SHOULD NOT HAVE EVEN HAD TO PAY FOR THAT, THIS APPEARS TO ME TO BE A DEFECT OR DESIGN FAILURE. FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS & REPORTS ON MYCARSTATS.COM. *TR
Power train, Nov 27, 2007
VEHICLE PURCHASED IN 2003 AFTER 1 YEAR ROARING NOISE BEGAN IN REAR AXLE. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER AND DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER ASSEMBLY REPLACED. VEHICLE NOW HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY. (ROARING NOISE) *TR
Structure, Nov 27, 2007
THE REAR TAILGATE ON MY FORD EXPLORER HAS A VERTICAL CRACK THAT RUNS THROUGH THE FORD MEDALLION ON THE BACK. MY NEIGHBOR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS EXPLORER AND REPLACED IT. WHEN I LOOKED ON A GOOGLE SEARCH, I FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS. NOT REPLACED, THE PIECE WILL FALL OFF AND POSSIBLY CREATE A ROAD HAZARD. *TR
Structure, Nov 20, 2007
PAINT BUBBLING UP ON FRONT OF HOOD ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 19, 2007
MY 2003 EXPLORER SUDDENLY DEVELOPED A CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL BENEATH THE REAR WINDOW. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF IT PROGRESSES THE GLASS WILL HAVE NO SUPPORT AND BREAK. I SPOKE WITH FORD AFTER LEARNING THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE SUV'S AND WAS TOLD IF I HAD NO WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 15, 2007
ON MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR FUSES REPEATED BLOW AND ALSO THE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH EVERY TIME YOU HIT A BUMP ALL THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS COME ON AND SOME TIMES THEY JUST FLICKER OFF AND ON FOR NO REASON. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRING IN MY VAN AND I HAVE HEARD THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS TO BE LOOKED INTO. *TR
Power train, Nov 13, 2007
2003 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4.6L V-8 AWD, TRANSMISSION FAILED DURING MORNING COMMUTE. I HEAR NOISE, THE CAR LOST SPEED, AND "O/D OFF" WAS FLASHING. I COULD BARELY MERGE THE CAR TO THE FAR RIGHT LANE AND MANAGE TO GET THE CAR TO THE OFFICE. *TR
Structure, Nov 4, 2007
WE PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4X4 IN JUNE 2006. ONE MORNING IN MID-FEB 2007, WE DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE LIFEGATE GLASS APPLIQUE THAT STARTED FROM THE TOP DOWN, APPROXIMATELY 8" LEFT FROM THE CENTER OF THE GATE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACT TO THE PLASTIC, BUT RATHER A STRESS CRACK. SINCE THAT TIME, THE CRACK HAS GROWN WIDER AND ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE. NOW, ANOTHER CRACK HAS STARTED ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE APPROXIMATE 6" FROM THE CENTER OF THE LIFTGATE. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN MID-FEB 2007 AND THEY STATED WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CRACKED LIFTGATE AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $800. WE CONTINUE TO OBSERVE OTHER FORD EXPLORER'S IN THE LOCAL AREA WITH SIMILAR CRACKS IN THEIR LIFTGATE PLASTIC APPLIQUE. *JB
Suspension, Tires, Nov 4, 2007
1) IMPROPER ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS 2) DESTRUCTION OF ALL 4 GOODYEAR TIRES 3) FORD DENIED TO REPLACE TIRES ALTHOUGH THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (05-11-11) PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE. *JB
Power train, Oct 28, 2007
I'M NEVER BUYING ANOTHER FORD. LAST WEEK THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON IN MY FORD EXPLORER. I DROVE IT RIGHT HOME AND GOT THE MANUAL OUT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. "TRANSMISSION PROBLEM" WAS WHAT THE MANUAL INDICATED, AS WELL AS SEVERAL WEBSITES I REVIEWED. I DIDN'T WORRY AT FIRST, SINCE I FIGURED THIS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. MY EXPLORER IS JUST UNDER 5 YEARS OLD AND JUST UNDER 60K MILES. SURELY THERE WOULD AT LEAST BE A 60K POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. NO ONE WOULD BUY A VEHICLE IF THEY KNEW THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ONLY LAST 59K MILES. WELL, THE DEALER TOLD ME A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED (5TH AND 2ND GEARS WERE WORN DOWN), THAT IT WOULD COST $3500, AND THAT IT IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. AND TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY HE CHARGED ME $90 TO TELL ME THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD (SOMETHING I OBVIOUSLY KNEW) - ISN'T THIS SIMILAR TO STEALING? I THEN ASKED HIM WHAT TRADE IN VALUE I COULD GET (NOT THAT I REALLY WOULD BUY ANOTHER POOR QUALITY FORD, BUT I WANTED TO EXPLORE ALL OPTIONS). $5500 IS THE MOST THEY COULD GIVE. I LAUGHED - SINCE I HAD TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THE VEHICLE. IT TOLD ME THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT THE VEHICLE EITHER - SO MUCH FOR THEM REALLY STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THEY KNOW THE QUALITY IS POOR. OBVIOUSLY I WAS QUITE IRRITATED. I ASKED WHAT CAUSED THIS. NONE OF THE POSSIBILITIES APPLIED SINCE I TOOK GOOD CARE OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT SERVICED ACCORDING TO THE MAINTENANCE MANUAL. IN FACT, THE DEALER (COVER FORD IN AUSTIN) DID THE 30K CHECKUP. I SPENT $1K ON THAT (AND PROBABLY GOT RIPPED OFF). I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST AND HAD IT FIXED FOR UNDER $2500. HE INFORMED ME THAT HE SEES A LOT OF ISSUES LIKE THIS WITH EXPLORERS - PROBABLY A POOR DESIGN AND POOR QUALITY. ALSO, JUDGING BY VARIOUS WEBSITES THERE ARE INDEED LOTS OF COMPLAINS LIKE THIS. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 27, 2007
THE MESSAGE CENTER LIGHTS ARE NOT VISIBLE IN THE DAYTIME UNLESS DRIVER IS IN A SHADED SPOT CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO GET ANY OF THE READOUTS! *TR
Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2007
PAINT IS BUBBLING UP AND PEELING ON MY ROOF IN 3 AREAS. I CAN SEE THE METAL. *JB
Wheels, Oct 25, 2007
MY HUSBAND HAD JUST PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN WHEN HE FELT THE VEHICLE CRASH TO THE GROUND AND SAW THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE ROLL INTO SOMEONE'S FRONT YARD. HE EXITED THE CAR TO FIND THE LUGS BROKEN IN HALF. MY THREE YEAR OLD IS VERY UPSET, KEEPS TALKING ABOUT BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. WE ARE UNCERTAIN AS TO THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK, WE HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR YET. THERE IS BODY DAMAGE THAT IS VISIBLE, WHO KNOWS WHAT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK LOOKS LIKE. I DO HAVE IN MY POSSESSION ONE OF THE LUG NUTS, THERE ARE TWO MORE AT THE BODY SHOP. WE COULDN'T FIND THE REMAINING TWO, WHO KNOWS WHEN THEY WERE LOST. THIS IS THE THIRD INCIDENT I HAVE HEARD OF THIS MONTH OF THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENING (WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM). *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 18, 2007
WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING WEST ON ROUTE 64 IN THE LEFT HAND LANE NEAR ROCKY MOUNT, NC AT A SPEED OF 70 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY A LOUD NOISE AND THEN THE VEHICLE PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING MY SON TO RUN A MOTORCYCLIST OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID BEING HIT. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A SHOP AND THE DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT BEARING ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL. *JB
Structure, Oct 5, 2007
THE REAR WINDOW ON THE LIFTGATE OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IMPLODED AS I WAS WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE WINDOW DID NOT JUST CRACK...IT SHATTERED INTO PIECES. MY CAR WAS NOT HIT BY ANOTHER CAR OR BY AN OBJECT. AN INITIAL PROBLEM AROSE BEFORE THIS EVENT. A CRACK FORMED ON THE MOLDING JUST BELOW THE WINDOW WHERE THE FORD SYMBOL IS LOCATED. THIS IS AN ISSUE I HAVE READ ABOUT FROM OTHER PEOPLE WITH EXPLORERS. I HAVE READ OTHER CASES OF THE LIFTGATE WINDOW SHATTERING BUT MORE OFTEN DURING OPENING OR CLOSING OF THE WINDOW. IN THIS CASE, I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Oct 3, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLUMPED AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL, BRAKE, ROTOR, LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND AXLE WERE DAMAGED. REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000. UPDATED 01/09/08.*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS AND REAR END VIBRATING. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Structure, Oct 1, 2007
2003 FORD EXPLORER "EDDIE BAUER" ~49,000 MILES. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHOWS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACT. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE NEAR STANDARD. PLASTIC PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW SPLIT IN TWO AND HAS ~1/16" GAP. SPLIT IS VERTICAL AND VERY NEAR CENTER OF PANEL. IT PASSES UNDER CENTER OF "FORD" OVAL SYMBOL. NOT SURE IF THERE IS DANGER OF REAR WINDOW OR BROKEN PANEL PIECES FALLING OFF VEHICLE. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN, STILL ATTEMPTING TO GET MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR APPARENT DEFECT. *TR
Tires, Sep 30, 2007
COMPAINT IS ABOUT B.F. GOODRICH TIRES (LT 265/75R16) TIRES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED PERFECTLY, ROTATED EVERY 7500 MILES. TOTAL TIRE MILEAGE ABOUT 61,XXX. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED. I HAD SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE COSTING OVER $2800.00, PLUS REPLACEMENT OF ALL TIRES DUE TO LACK O FAITH IN THE BF GOODRICH TIRES. THE BODY WORK/REPAIRS WILL BEGIN THIS WEEK. *TR
Structure, Sep 26, 2007
PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW CRACKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I'M CONCERNED OF A SAFETY HAZARD AFTER READING ON INTERNET THAT THE PANEL CAN FALL OFF AFTER THIS CRACK. IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET BECAUSE FORD CLAIMS IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ITS EXTENDED PREMIUM WARRANTY. *TR
Power train, Sep 24, 2007
I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN JUNE OF 07 WITH NO PROBLEMS IN SEPT OF 07 I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A LOAD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SOUNDING LIKE A TIRE WAS FLAT OR SOMETHING WAS RUBBING. I TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE REAR DIFF WAS OUT ON THIS AND IT WAS GOING TO COST SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIX. I CONTACTED FORD THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSED TO FIX IT AND SAID THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY SO THEY WEREN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I NOW SIT HEAR WITH SOMETHING THAT I OWE MONEY ON AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX. I HAVE A WIFE AND A SON AND THIS IS OUR ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION. I AM VERY UPSET THAT FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS LIKE THEY SHOULD. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM BUT WITH NO SOLUTION. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Sep 20, 2007, fire
MY SPORT TRUCK 2003 CAUGHT ON FIRE ON MARCH 26, 2007 I REPORTED COMPLAIN TO FORD AND THEY SAY THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. TODAY SEPTEMBER 20/07 MY FRIEND CAR HAS A RECALL FOR THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH POSING THE RISK OF AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR AND FORD DOES NOT WANT TO ADMIT THAT THE REASON FOR THE FIRE WAS IT. MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I WAS DRIVING WITH ALL MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. I DID NOT HAVE FULL COVERAGE ON MY CAR SINCE MY CAR WAS PAID IN FULL WHEN I BOUGHT IT IN SAGRASS FORD IN FT. LAUDERDALE FLORIDA. *JB
Suspension, Sep 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. AS A MECHANIC WAS REPAIRING THE EMISSIONS MODULE ON THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,000. EQ-10203418-4200, RECEIVED 12/12/07 (2 DOC). UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 11, 2007
WHILE TRYING TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL IT WILL SOMETIMES WORK AND OTHER TIMES WILL NOT WORK. WHEN IT DOESN'T WORK THE GREEN INDICATOR LIGHT JUST FLASHES WHEN PUSHING THE SET BUTTON. ALSO THE AREA AROUND THE BUTTONS GETS VERY WARM. IT SEEMS THAT IT WORKS LESS IN WARM WEATHER THEN IN COOL. *JB UPDATED 11/07/07 *TR