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, Apr 4, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH 43000 FAILURE MILEAGE) A CRACK ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE MADE THE HATCHBACK FLY UP WHILE DRIVING. THERE WAS RECALL 04V442000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER ABOUT THE CRACK, OR THE HATCH FLYING UP. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44264.*AK
Power train, Mar 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND WAS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO PARK. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE IN GEAR IT HESITATED AND JERKED BEFORE ENGAGING. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPAIRED TWICE PREVIOUSLY AT 18,000 MILES AND 27,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED THE SAME REPAIR AT 58,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,742.*AK
Power train, Mar 23, 2007
PURCHASED A 2003 EXPLORER XLT IN NOVEMBER 2003. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS NOTICED A LEAK THAT ORIGINATED FROM DIFFERENTIAL AREA. TOOK TO DEALER WAS TOLD A SEAL HAD TO BE REPLACED AND EVERYTHING SHOULD BE OK. TOOK A FAMILY TRIP RECENTLY, THE FIRST ONE IN THE EXPLORER ON MARCH 17, 2007 AND REAR AXLE SEAL FAILED ON A 1,200 MILE ROUND TRIP. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED, I EVEN EXPLAINED THERE WERE SEVERAL TSB CONCERNING MY ISSUE, I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT A RECALL THEREFORE IT WASN'T COVERED. I WAS TOLD BY FORD TO GO AND HAVE IT DIAGNOSED BY LOCAL DEALER, SAME ONE THAT FIXED THE PROBLEM ORIGINALLY. I HAD PROBLEM'S DIAGNOSED, CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT DEALER WOULD PROVIDE "CUSTOMER CARE AFTER WARRANTY". CALLED DEALER WAITING FOR REPLY FOR NEXT STEP. MY EXPLORER ONLY HAS 33,600 MILES WHILE 1,200 MILES WERE PLACED IN THE LAST FEW DAYS, AND WARRANTY EXPIRED 4 MONTHS BACK. *AK
Visibility, Mar 20, 2007
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED NEAR THE LOCATION OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THE NHTSA WEBSITE LISTED SEVERAL RELATED COMPLAINTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE DEFECT, AND WILL NOT AUTHORIZE THE REPAIR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 49,000.*AK
Structure, Mar 12, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE PANEL ON THE REAR GATE UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW ON THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN OPEING S THE LIFTGATE IT FELT SHAKY AND UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THIS CAUSES THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INFORMED HER THE BACK PANEL ON THE REAR LIFTGATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 120,000 MILES. *AK
Suspension, Mar 12, 2007
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FRONT HUB/WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY. *JB
Suspension, Mar 9, 2007
THE VEHICLE SHAKES OR VIBRATES WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT AT LOW SPEEDS. *JB
Power train, Mar 8, 2007
2003 FORD EXPLORER FAULTY TRANSMISSION. *JB
Power train, Mar 7, 2007
NOISE AT REAR END OF VEHICLE. DIAGNOSIS REAR AXLE AND REAR END. REPLACE REAR AXLE AND REAR END KIT (REBUILD). THE NOISE WAS NOTICEABLE FOR SOMETIME AND BECAME WORSE. I HAVE REVIEWED NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD ADDRESS. THERE WERE SERVICE BULLETINS THAT REFERENCED IMPROPER FLUID USE BY MANUFACTURER. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 6, 2007
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE HOOD RELEASED. FORTUNATELY, THE SAFETY LATCH PREVENTED THE HOOD FROM COMPLETELY RELEASING. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE. 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2007
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD & STARTED SLOWING DOWN AS I CAME INTO TOWN. I WAS COASTING ALONG AND MY CAR STALLED OUT. I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE IT HAD CUT OUT, I STILL HAD STEERING & BRAKES BUT I HAD TO RESTART MY VEHICLE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER (I HAD JUST BOUGHT IT 6 DAYS PRIOR) AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT. THEY WORKED WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND CAME BACK WITH "NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT". THEY SAID THERE WASN'T EVEN A RECORD OF THE INCIDENT TAKING PLACE. *JB
Visibility, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Mar 2, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED ABOUT THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON, AND WHEN IT WAS ON, THE AIRBAG DEACTIVATED WHICH WAS A SAFETY PROBLEM. IT HAPPENED ALL THE TIME. THE FUSES HAVE BEEN CHANGED UNDER WARRANTY, AND NOW THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, IT WAS NO LONGER REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS TOLD BY ONE SERVICE STATION THAT IT WAS STANDARD FOR THE FUSES TO BLOW BECAUSE OF THE FUSE BOX LOCATION. ANOTHER SERVICE STATION TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THIS WAS NOT TRUE THAT THE FUSE BOX WAS TO HIGH IN THE CAR FOR PEBBLES TO BE ABLE TO GET INTO THE FUSE BOX. ALSO, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WON'T TURN OFF BY THEM SELVES, EVEN WHEN THE KEYS WERE OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WERE CONSISTENTLY ON. MOREOVER, THE ELECTRONIC SEAT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. SHE HAD THE SEAT REPAIRED TWICE AND IT FAILED AGAIN. FINALLY, CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE'S UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE CLANKED STOPPING, TURNING TO GO FORWARD, OR JUST SITTING STILL. THE FIRST TIME THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR SHE WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT IT WAS THE DRIVER'S SEAT THAT WAS CAUSING THE CLANKING NOISE, AND THE SECOND TIME SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE WAS NOT SOMETHING THEY COULD IDENTIFY BECAUSE DURING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING IT DID NOT SHOW A SPECIFIC FAILURE CODE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 114000.*AK
Suspension, Feb 27, 2007
I WAS TURNING ON TO MY STREET WHEN I HEARD AVERY LOUD BANG AND MY CAR STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. AS I SAT THERE IN SHOCK IT APPEARED THAT MY CAR WAS TILTED DOWN ON THE LEFT SIDE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS LEANING. THE BODY OF MY CAR WAS RESTING ON THE TOP OF THE TIRE. SINCE I COULDN'T DRIVE IT I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE TO BE LOOKED AT. AFTER MY CAR WAS INSPECTED FOR THE REASON FOR THE BANG I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. ALSO, THE SWAY BAR WAS BROKEN AND THE FRONT STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING WERE BROKEN. WHAT COULD I DO BUT HAVE THE REPAIRS MADE. I HAD TWO NEW FRONT COIL SPRINGS PUT ON (I WASN'T TAKING ANY CHANCES WITH THE OTHER SPRING), A NEW SWAY BAR, A NEW STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING PUT ON AT A COST OF $444.64. I HAD JUST COME OFF OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH. IF THE SPRING WOULD HAVE BROKEN THERE, I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN. I STILL HAVE THE BROKEN SPRING. IT STILL HAS THE PROTECTIVE COATING ON IT. SO CORROSION COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR. *NM
Structure, Feb 27, 2007
CRACK IN BACK HATCH BY FORD EMBLEM. *NM
Power train, Feb 26, 2007
I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORE AND I STARTED TO HERE AND NOISE FROM THE REAR END WHEN I TOOK OFF FROM A DEAD STOP. I DIDN'T WORRY ABOUT IT RIGHT ANY,THEN IT KEPT GETTING WORSE, SO I TOOK IT IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY SAID THE CLUTCH WAS BAD IN THE DIFFERENTIAL AND IT WOULD BE BETWEEN 500 TO 700 TO FIX. THIS EXPLORER ONLY HAS 49,000 MILES ON IT. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR AND I KNOW IT HAS NEVER BEEN BEAT ON. I STILL DO NOT HAVE MY TRUCK BACK YET IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS NOW. I AM ABOUT UP TO 1200 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME THING ON THE INTERNET. I JUAST CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY DON'T HAVE A RECALL. *JB
Power train, Feb 26, 2007
I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. I QUICKLY NOTICED A NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN SPEEDS OF 55-60 MPH WERE ACHIEVED. AFTER BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WAS NOT ONLY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BUT EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE FORD EXPLORER. SHOULD THIS TYPE OF REPAIR THAT COULD RESULT IN HUMAN INJURY, BE ADDRESSED BY FORD. I AM HOPEFUL THAT YOUR ANSWER WILL BE YES! *JB
Power train, Feb 21, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISES, WINING, AND GRINDING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED: CLUTCHES, RING, PINION, CARRIER BEARING, PINION BEARING, AND PINION SEAL. THE CONTACT HAD TO UPDATE THE AXLE SEALS. AT THE TIME OF THE ORIGINAL FAILURE THE VEHICLE HAD AN ODOMETER READING OF 37,000 MILES AND THE WARRANTY HAD JUST LAPSED. THE CONTACT DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THE WEATHER WAS A FACTOR, AND THE SOUNDS WERE ALWAYS WHEN SHE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT STARTED VERY SLOWLY AND BECAME AN EVERY DAY OCCURRENCE. *AK
Power train, Feb 21, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH 51,000 MILES. ON 2/13/2007 O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND SERVICE TRANSMISSION MESSAGE APPEARED IN MESSAGE CENTER. TOOK TO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY THE TORQUE CONVERTER. HAD IT TRANSFERRED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHERE THEY REMOVED THE TRANSMISSION PAN AND FOUND METAL SHAVINGS. THEY SAID IT IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND I WILL NEED A PARTIAL OR FULL REBUILD, THEY WILL NOT BE SURE UNTIL THEY REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION. THEY ALSO MENTIONED THEY HAVE SEEN THIS IN MULTIPLE VEHICLES AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE A LARGE NUMBER OF EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Feb 17, 2007
BRAKE & ACCELERATOR PEDALS TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. MANY TIMES APPLYING BRAKES WILL HIT ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME AND THE ACCELERATOR WINS. PRIMARILY GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE OR DRIVE TO REVERSE, BUT HAS ALSO HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC. (V8 2003 FORD EXPLORER) . *NM
Suspension, Power train, Feb 14, 2007
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WAS SERVICED AT DICK EDWARDS FORD IN JUNCTION CITY , KS TO REPLACE A LEFT HAND REAR AXLE SHAFT SEAL ON THE 12TH OF FEBUARY 2007. VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP AT THE DEALERSHIP BY MY WIFE. ON THE 13TH OF FEBUARY SHE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK (ABOUT 3-5 MILES) SHE CALLED ME ON HER CELL PHONE AND SAID SHE COULD HEAR NOISES, SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND THE REAR OF THE CAR WAS MOVING AROUND AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS LOW. I TOLD HER TO PROCEED HOME WITH CAUTION. WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME I LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE, AND NOTED THE LH REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS AT A 30 DEG ANGLE. I CALLED DICK EDWARD FORD AND THEY INFORMED ME TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. TODAY THEY IMPLIED IT WAS A BEARING FAILURE. I LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE, SPOKE TO THE MECHANIC AND I NOTED IT WAS A REAR AXLE SHAFT RETENTION NUT MALFUNCTION. THE NUT HAD BACKED OUT ON THE AXLE TO THE POINT THAT THE ASSEMBLY WAS ABOUT DEPART FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC WANTED TO BLAME THE AXLE BEARING, WHICH WAS DESTROYED. THIS NUT IF IMPROPERLY TORQUED, OR THE ASSEMBLY IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY PRIOR TO TORQUING THE NUT, THE NUT CAN BECOME LOOSE AND BACK OFF, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS RH THREAD, THERE IS NOT A COTTER PIN OR ANYTHING HOLDING THIS THING TOGETHER, ONLY A TORQUED NUT. THEY THEN TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR IT AS IT WAS A COINCIDENCE THIS HAPPENED. I REFUSE TO PAY. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE SETTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN PICTURES AT THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT WAS TAKEN APART. IF MY LOVED ONE HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE DOING 70 MPH THIS WOULD HAVE PROBABLY HAVE ALLOWED THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO DEPART FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT. AND POSSIBLE DEATH TO HER AS WELL AS OTHERS. HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES OUT THERE WITH THE SAME POOR ENGINEERING DESIGN ? *JB
Power train, Feb 14, 2007
TL*- WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE AND THE BACK OF THE SUV BEGAN TO VIBRATE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS AT AN ANGLE. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THE DEALER FORGOT TO PUT THE LUGS:NUTS BACK ON THE WHEEL. THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR AXLE SHAFT FAILED ,ALMOST CAUSINGA CRASH AFTER THE DEALER HAD WORKED ON IT. ONLY ONE NUT WAS HOLDING THE SHAFT IN PLACE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THIS WAS ALSO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE WEATHER WAS OVERCAST AND 20 DEGREES. IT SNOWED, BUT THE ROAD WAS DRY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED THE NEXT DAY TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 60000.*AK
Visibility, Structure, Feb 13, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW THAT CRACKED IN HALF VERTICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ,AND WHEN HE GOT TO THE VEHICLE HE FOUND IT THAT WAY. HE HAD NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THAT DAY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, THE REAR WINDOW OF EXPLODED . THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 48000.*AK
Structure, Feb 12, 2007
CRACKED PANEL BELOW GLASS ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER, BOTH ON MINE AND MY WIFE'S EXPLORER, BOTH BOUGHT BRAND NEW WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER. *NM
Structure, Feb 9, 2007
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE PLASTIC PANEL JUST BELOW THE TAIL GATE WINDOW HAS CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE 100'S OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS. *JB
Air bags, Seats, Feb 6, 2007, crash
1. WHILE STOPPED ON THE INTERSTATE WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO MOVE, MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER SUV TRAVELING AT PRESUMABLY HIGHWAY SPEED. AS A RESULT, MY SUV WAS PROPELLED FORWARD, HITTING THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. 2. **DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.** PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED (THE DRIVER WAS THE ONLY PASSENGER). **THE BASE, AND POSSIBLY THE BACK, OF THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE.** (I WAS RESTRAINED IN A SEAT BELT.) I HIT THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, HITTING MY HEAD QUITE HARD ON THE RUBBER GASKET EDGE OF THE MOONROOF, AND WHEN LANDING I THINK I HIT MY NOSE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN I LANDED, THE BASE OF THE SEAT BROKE...WHEN LOOKING AT IT FROM THE SIDE (LOOKING AT THE CONTROLS), THE BASE OF THE SEAT HAS A BEND IN IT LIKE AN UPSIDE-DOWN V, AND THE SEAT BACK APPEARS TO BE RECLINED. I STILL HAVE A KNOT AND PAIN ON THE TOP OF MY HEAD, MY NECK IS STIFF AND NOW SOMETIMES POPS/CRACKS/CRUNCHES WHEN I TURN MY HEAD, MY LEFT SHOULDER JOINT IS VERY SORE, AND I HAVE SOME DULL INTERMITTENT LOWER BACK PAIN. BESIDES TEMPORARY BLEEDING IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I AM UNAWARE OF ANY DAMAGE TO MY NOSE. 3. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN DONE. INSURANCE DAMAGE ESTIMATE IS PENDING, BUT I EXPECT IT WILL BE CONSIDERED TOTALED. *JB