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, Sep 10, 2007
TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE. CONVERTER "RATTLES", NEEDS REPLACEMENT. PRIOR COMPLAINT TO DEALER ABOUT "LURCHING" AND "CLUNKING" WERE FOUND TO BE "NON-DUPLICATIVE" DURING WARRANTY PERIOD. *JB
Structure, Sep 8, 2007
PAINT PROBLEMS PAINT KEEPS ON BLISTERING AND PEELING ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. *TR
Air bags, Aug 16, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO MISS A WILD HOG IN THE ROAD. SHE DROVE INTO THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP WHERE IT CURRENTLY REMAINS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2007, fire
I WAS GOING BACK HOME TO MIAMI AND MY CAR 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE EXIT OF THE MIDTOWN TUNNEL IN NEW YORK CITY. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT MOTOR AT THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE POLICE USED 3 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS BUT ALL THE EFFORT THEY DID WAS NOT ENOUGH. MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE. THE MOTOR, THE SEATS , ALL THE INTERIOR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROY BY THE FIRE. THE FIREMAN ARRIVED AFTER A FEW MINUTES, BUT IT WAS TO LATE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR CASH BRAND NEW FROM SAWGRASS FORD IN FT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA. I DID NOT HAVE FULL COVER AND I LOST EVERY THING.. I WAS IN NEW YORK WITH MY FAMILY AND WITH NO CAR TO GO BACK HOME.. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING THAT HAPPEN TO THAT CAR. I AM SURE THIS IS NOT FAIR TO ME OR TO ANYBODY. THE CAR WAS A 2003 AND ONLY HAD ABOUT 46,000 MILES. *JB
Structure, Aug 13, 2007
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. SIX MONTHS AGO I NOTICE A SPLIT ON THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE NEAR THE REAR WINDOW. THE SPLIT WAS ON THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT SOMEONE DAMAGED MY VEHICLE. THEN I NOTICED WHEN IT GETS REALLY HOT THE SPLIT CLOSES UP AND DISAPPEARS. I CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL THEY SAID NO. I TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT THERE OUGHT TO BE. I TOOK A SURVEY. THERE WERE AT LEAST 1 OUT OF EVERY 5 FORD EXPLORERS HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY STRESS ON THE VEHICLE(WHAT EVER THAT MEANS) I THINK FORD NEEDS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT CAN BECOME "UNSIGHTLY" *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 10, 2007
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND FIXED AT A COST OF 1479.67 PAID BY THE OWNER (ANGELA MORGAN). VEHICLE REQUIRED SERVICING AS IT BEGAN STALLING WHILE IN TRAFFIC (ATLANTA). CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS CAUSED OTHER ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND AS THIS CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS EXTEND BEYOND THE FORD 2002 MODELS; I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER 2003. PLEASE CONTACT ME ANGELA MORGAN *TR
Power train, Aug 3, 2007
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER FAILED. I'M TOLD THIS IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM BUT FORD WON'T STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT. *JB
Structure, Jul 25, 2007
THE PLASTIC TRIM PANEL ON THE REAR HATCH OF MY FORD EXPLORER XLS CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, WITH NO PROVOCATION. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. MY LOCAL DEALER SERVICE REP SAID THEY HAD REPAIRED "DOZENS OF THEM", AFTER HE TOLD ME FORD WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT. THE CRACK EXPANDS AND CONTRACTS NOTICEABLY WITH TEMPERATURE CHANGES, AND I BELIEVE THE COMPOSITE IS NOT PROPERLY FORMULATED RESULTING IN INSTABILITY OF THE MATERIAL DURING TEMPERATURE CHANGES. CLEARLY, THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT FOR WHICH FORD SHOULD PROVIDE A REMEDY. MY EXPLORER STILL LOOKS GREAT, AND THIS IS THE ONLY BLEMISH. AT THE QUOTED COST OF OVER $700 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HATCH ASSEMBLY (THE ONLY OPTION OFFERED), I WILL LIVE WITH THE ANNOYING CRACK AND TELL EVERYONE I SEE ABOUT FORD'S UNWILLINGNESS TO HELP. *JB
Structure, Jul 24, 2007
2003 FORD EXPLORER. LIFTGATE PANEL CRACKED FROM RIGHT UNDER GLASS ALL THE WAY TO BOTTOM OF PANEL RIGHT THRU THE MIDDLE OF FORD EMBLEM. APPEARS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. FROM ALL I READ FORD WILL NOT FIX PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH IT IS THEIR FAULT. *TR
Power train, Jul 23, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A CLICKING SOUND DURING DECELERATION. A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AS A WORN OUT RANGE HUB IN THE TRANSFER CASE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE COULD NEVER GET OUT OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE, WHICH BURNS MORE GAS AND ACTIVATES COMPONENTS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 73,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF
Structure, Jul 19, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE, OR IT LOOKS TO BE SEVERAL STRESS CRACKS BELOW THE BACK GLASS OF THE HATCH. THEY RANGE ANYWHERE FROM AN INCH TO SEVEN OR EIGHT INCHES. I TOOK THIS TO THE FORD HOUSE IN HALTOM CITY, THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE BUT TO CHECK WITH OTHER OWNERS TO SEE IF THIS IS HAPPENING TO THEIR EXPLORER. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED LITERALLY AT LEAST 75 EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME THING. THE ONES I HAVE SPOKE WITH HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD DOES NOT WANT TO REPLACE THIS COST. I THINK AFTER 2003, FORD CHANGED THE WAY THEY MADE THE BACK HATCH AND IT DOESN'T HAVE THE SAME SEVEN OR EIGHT INCH MOLDING UNDER THE GLASS. I AM AFRAID THAT IF I OPEN THE GLASS SECTION ON MINE OR CLOSE IT, IT WILL BREAK THE GLASS OR THE GLASS WILL COME OUT. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS?*JB
Power train, Jul 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PRESSED THE RESET BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD, WHICH DEACTIVATED THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FEATURE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR OPEN LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2007
CRUISE CONTROL TURNS OFF DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES ON MULTIPLE DATES. 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4 DOOR, 4WD 4.0L-6 CYLINDER. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 16, 2007
CONSTANT LOUD SQUEAL COMING FROM SERPENTINE BELT, REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP AND I HAD TO PURCHASE, STILL SQUEAL, WARRANTY AND REPLACED, STILL SQUEALED DEALERSHIP CALLED FORD, FORD SUGGESTED STRONGER BELT THAT NORMALLY DOES NOT GO IN THIS TRUCK. CURRENTLY NO SQUEAL. TOTAL BELTS: 4 *TR
Electrical system, Jul 4, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THAT CUTS OFF AFTER TAKE OFF, BUT WHILE YIELDING TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR BRAKING TO MAKE A TURN. THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS AND THE CAR MUST BE BROUGHT TO A FULL STOP TO PLACE IN PARK AND RESTART. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO OUR LOCAL DEALER, DICK MASHETER, WHO HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, BUT HAPPENED TWICE YESTERDAY.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2007
WHEN WE STARTE D OUR CAR FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER IT HAD SAT AT AN AIRPORT PARKING LOT FOR A WEEK, WE HEARD A TICKING NOISE UPON START UP OUF OUR VEHICLE (2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER WITH V8 ENGINE). UPON TAKING IT TO A REPAIR SHOP THEY STATED THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE VALUE GUARD AREA IN THE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE BOTH CYLINDER HEADS (PER FORD NEED TO REPLACE BOTH & CANNOT REPLACE JUST ONE). THE COST OF THIS REPAIR WOULD BE $4,000.00. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR OUR MODEL & YEAR. WITH ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS WE HAVE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR, IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE FORD LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND POSSIBLE HAVE A RECALL. THANK YOU.
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2007
TL-THE REAR END OR THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. YOU PUSH ON THE ACCERLARTOR THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND THEN IT SLAMMED INTO GEAR. IT YOU COME TO A STOP SING SOME TIMES IT WILL GO AND SOMETIMES NO IT FEELS AS IT SOME THING DROPS FROM UNDER THE TRUNCK.
Structure, Jun 22, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A SEVEN-INCH CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING OF THE HATCHBACK DOOR HINGE. RECALL # 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) WAS FOUND. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE CONTACT FEELS THAT IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 46,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Structure, Jun 22, 2007
2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK 6" VERTICAL CRACK IN PLASTIC BELOW HATCHBACK WINDOW. RECALL 04V442000 DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VIN NUMBER HOWEVER IS SAME PROBLEM. SPENT 40 MINUTES ON PHONE WITH FORD AND THEY STATED THAT I MUST COMPLETE A COMPLAINT FORM. *TR
Tires, Jun 15, 2007
MY MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN TIRE BLEW OUT AT THE SIDEWALL. IT WAS A CLEAR SUNNY DAY, 30 MPH, ON A SMOOTH HIGHWAY. I CHECK MY TIRE PRESSURE REGULARLY SO I KNOW THE TIRE WAS PROPERLY INFLATED. I CONTACTED MICHELIN AND THEY REFERRED ME TO MELODY LAKES TIRE AND AUTO. MY WIFE CALLED AND THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD HER IT WOULDN'T DO ANY GOOD TO COME IN BUT SHE COULD. THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD MY WIFE THE PROBLEM WAS "HEAT INFRACTION?" AND IT WAS NOT COVERED. IT IS INCREDIBLE TO ME A RECEPTIONIST, OVER THE PHONE, CAN DIAGNOSE TIRE PROBLEMS. MICHELIN, NOR THE DEALER HAD ANY INTENTIONS TO DETERMINE WHY A BLOWOUT OCCURRED, LET ALONE TRY TO FIX IT. I WILL FORWARD THIS COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA AND HOPEFULLY YOU WILL HAVE TO LISTEN TO THEM. I HAVE 4 MORE OF THOSE DEFECTIVE TIRES WHICH I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL BLOW!! UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB
Structure, Jun 7, 2007
I HAVE 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. ONE MORNING IN MID-MARCH OF THIS YEAR, I OBSERVED A CRACK IN THE PLATIC PANEL UNDER THE WINDOW ON THE TAILGATE. MY WIFE AND I KNEW WE HAD NOT HAD ANY TYPE OF IMPACT IN THAT AREA THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE PANEL TO CRACK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE WITH A SERVICE TECHNICIAN ABOUT IT. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS JUST OVER 3 YEARS OLD AND HAVE JUST OVER 30K MILES ON IT, THE CRACKED PANEL WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT HE HAD SEEN A NUMBER OF THESE PROBLEMS AND IT WAS CAUSED BY THE WAY THE PANEL WAS ATTACHED. I HAD THE CRACK REPAIRED - COST OVER $400. I SENT A LETTER TO THE FORD CUSTOMER RESPONSE CENTER IN DETROIT WITH PICTURES AND COPIES OF THE REPAIR INVOICE ASKING THEM TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR COST. AFTER 30 DAYS, I HAD NOT HEARD FROM THEM. SO I SENT COPIES OF THE LETTER BY CERTIFIED MAIL TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, THE CUSTOMER RESPONSE CENTER AND TO THE CEO OF FORD. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED ME AND SAID THIS WAS A FORD PROBLEM, NOT A DEALERSHIP PROBLEM, SO THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT GOING TO TAKE ANY ACTION. I FINALLY RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE FORD CUSTOMER RESPONSE CENTER, AND THEY WANTED TO KNOW IF I WOULD ACCEPT A 50% REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR. I AGREED ONLY TO FIND OUT THE NEXT DAY FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND ALL OVER THE INTERNET. I AM VERY UPSET THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY COULD BE SO UNETHICAL TO NEGOTIATE A SETTLEMENT THAT IS CLEARLY EVIDENT A DESIGN FLAW. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REIMBURSE ANY OWNER OF A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHO HAS THIS CRACKED PANEL REPAIRED. I ALSO THINK A CLASS ACTION SUIT SHOULD BE BROUGHT AGAINST FORD SEEKING COMPENSATORY AND PUNITIVE DAMAGES FOR FAILING TO REIMBURSE FOR THE REPAIR AND ACTING UNETHICALLY BY TRYING TO PLACE SOME OF THE BLAME ON THE OWNERS BY TRYING TO NEGOTIATE THE REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT FOR A FLAW THAT IS CLEARLY THEIR OWN FAULT.
Electrical system, Equipment, May 31, 2007
THE MESSAGE CENTER ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER CAN'T BE SEEN IN DAYLIGHT CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO READ THE COMPASS , MILEAGE, MILES /GAL, ANY READOUT OF THE AUTO. ALMOST CAUSED MY WIFE AND I TO RUN OFF THE ROAD WHILE TRYING TO READ THE COMPASS. NIGHT READING IS FINE, BUT DAYLIGHT IS TERRIBLE.. THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE FIXED BY FORD BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED TRYING TO READ THE MESSAGE CENTER IN DAYLIGHT. *TR
Visibility, May 27, 2007
FORD TAURUS 2003, WINDSHIELD WAS HIT WITH A STONE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON MAY 10, 2007, A CHIP WAS VISIBLE AND WITHIN A FEW DAYS BECAME A 12 INCH CRACK. HAD REPLACED AT A COST OF $197.34. *TR
Structure, May 26, 2007
WITHOUT IMPACT, '03 FORD EXPLORER LIFTGATE PANEL CRACKED FROM GLASS, AROUND FORD EMBLEM, TO BOTTOM OF PANEL. VERY COMMON PROBLEM. NO COOPERATION FROM FORD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AVAILABLE ON MAY 10, 2007, BUT IT STILL HAS NOT ARRIVED. THE REPAIR IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 56,000.