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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 8, 2006
THE VEHICLE'S PAINT IS BUBBLY/BLISTERING ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GERMAN FORD DEALERSHIP WHO NOTED THE CORROSION, TOOK PICTURES, AND INITIATED A REPORT TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY. AT THIS TIME THE DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S 36/36,000 WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, AND IS AWAITING A FORMAL RESPONSE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH OR FIRE. *JB
Structure, Nov 6, 2006
FORD EXPLORER- 2003 LOCATION REAR HATCH OR DOOR. PANEL BELOW WINDOW WHERE FORD EMBLEM APPEARS. PLASTIC BODY PART SPLITS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER EXPLORERS. DEALER SAYS IT IS CAUSED BY REAR WIPER MOTOR BEING HOUSED BEHIND CRACK. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR, THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT, WITHOUT CHARGING CUSTOMER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DEDUCTIBLE. *NM
Structure, Nov 6, 2006
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT, AND YESTERDAY I NOTICED THAT THE BACK PANEL BELOW THE BACK GLASS, HAS A 1/4 CRACK ALL THE WAY DOWN IT! IT IS LOCATED A INCH OR TWO RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN FOR AN ESTIMATE, SINCE I HAVE 59,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, IT ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. WELL, ON THE FORD WEBSITE UNDER MY WARRANTY INFORMATION IT STATES THAT CORROSION AND DEFECTIVE PARTS ARE COVERED FOR 5 YEARS REGARDLESS OF MILES DRIVEN. WELL WHAT DOES THIS FALL UNDER? I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF OTHER MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, THAT I AM NOT GOING TO PUT MORE MONEY IN IT FOR THIS. FORD NEEDS TO COVER IT, OR START SOME TYPE OF INVESTIGATION FOR A RECALL. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 3, 2006
I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THE END OF APRIL 2006 AT TIME OF PURCHASE ABS LIGHT WAS ON- DEALER FIXED PROBLEM WITHIN FIRST 1 1/2 WEEKS OF PURCHASE AFTER ORDERING A PART. NOW 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE THE CHECK ENGINE AND O/D LIGHT COME ON UNEXPECTANTLY. WITHIN 1 WEEK OF LIGHTS COMING ON CAR STOPS ON ME UNEXPECTANTLY. WHEN TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR I AM TOLD I NEED A NEW ALTERNATOR AND A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AS THE SUV SLIPS OUT OF 2ND AND 5TH GEARS. I DIDN'T PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DUE TO THINKING IT WAS STILL UNDER ORIGINAL WARRANTY AND JUST PURCHASED. I FELT THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE OVERHAULED THE VEHICLE AND MADE SURE EVERYTHING WAS WORKING UP TO PAR. I NOW HAVE A REPAIR BILL OF ALMOST $2000 AND DON'T FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.
Power train, Oct 27, 2006
2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSES TRANSMISSION TO LURCH AND SLIP UNEXPECTEDLY. FEARFUL OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION MIGHT LOCK UP. FORD IS AWARE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2002 AND LATER MODELS. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2006
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IS EXPERIENCING SIMILAR SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY OTHER FIRE VICTIMS: CRUISE CONTROL TOTALLY INOPERATIVE, PERSISTENT ABS ALERTS, "LOW OIL PRESSURE" ALERTS (SOMETIMES JUST DAYS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE), AND STEERING ISSUES. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IS PROVIDING SERVICE AT MY EXPENSE BUT PRETENDED THAT THEY HAD NO IDEA AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND READING TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER FIRE VICTIMS, I AM TERRIFIED. IN MY SUBDIVISION, HOUSES STAND ONLY A FEW FEET APART...THE HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION PROHIBITS ANY PARKING ON THE STREET. THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER MODELS SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY.
Steering, Oct 24, 2006
WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, WHICH IS ON AN INCLINE, I PROCEEDED TO START THE CAR AND SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INTO MY HAND. I WAS FORTUNATE BECAUSE I WAS NOT ON THE ROAD OR HIGHWAY, NOR DID I BACK OVER A CHILD, CAT OR DOG, ETC. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS IF I WERE ON TRAIN TRACKS AND THE TRAIN WAS COMING AND I COULDN'T GET OUT OF GEAR, OR TRY TO PARK ON A HILL IN SAN FRANCISCO, OR DOWNSHIFT TO MAKE IT UP A MOUNTAIN GRADE. TOWED VEHICLE TO TUTTLE CLICK FORD. RECEIVED QUOTE FROM THEM AS WELL AS SANTA MARGARITA FORD. (OVER $600 DIFFERENCE. QUOTE WAS DOUBLED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TUTTLE CLICK VS OVER THE PHONE QUOTE!) CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO AUTOMOTIVE PLUS WHERE A RELIABLE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN, AS FORD RECOMMENDED. ALSO, A RENTAL CAR WAS NEEDED, AND THERE WAS A "DIAGNOSTIC" CHARGE OF $50. I SAVED THE OLD PART FOR INSPECTION/LEGAL ACTION. *NM
Power train, Oct 22, 2006
HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. AT 13,000 MILES MY TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING. HAD TO TOW MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEIR INITIAL ASSESSMENT WAS THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN DUE TO A "FACTORY DEFAULT". THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE MY ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. AFTER 3 WEEKS, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, MADE NO REPAIRS AND DID NOT REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THE PROBLEM MYSTERIOUSLY FIXED ITSELF. NOW AT 28,000 MILES, MY TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING EVERYTIME INTO 3RD GEAR, SOMETIMES JUST REVVING INSTEAD OF GOING AND THEN JERKING VERY HARD INTO GEAR. FORD DEALERSHIP STATES THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. I HAVE HEARD THE SAME COMPLAINT ABOUT FORD EXPLORERS AFTER 2002 AND TRANSMISSIONS GOING OUT TOO EARLY. FORD NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND RECALL THOSE PARTS. IT FEELS AS IF THEY ARE BLOWING ME OFF UNTIL MY WARRANTY EXPIRES SO THEY WON'T HAVE TO FIX MY CAR. I AM SCARED DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THAT I WILL GET REAR ENDED EVERY TIME MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND GOES INTO NEUTRAL. I HAVE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS. I AM GOING BACK ON MONDAY, STILL TRYING TO GET THEM TO FIX MY CAR... *NM
Structure, Oct 19, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY UNLOADING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR GATE HINGES FRACTURED AND THE GLASS DROPPED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND INFORMED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN BECAUSE THE HINGES HELD THE GLASS AND THE INCIDENT COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AFFECTING OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD.
Seat belts, Oct 14, 2006
THE SEAT BELT IS CUTTING THROUGH THE PLASTIC ON THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT WHERE THE BELT COMES OUT OF THE HOLE, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD WEAR OUT THE BELT AND CAUSE IT BREAK IN AN ACCIDENT. *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 10, 2006
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE GATE LIFT OF MY EXPLORER OPENED ON IT'S OWN. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS QUITE NEW. I REPORTED IT TO FORD AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THAT UNLESS IT MALFUNCTIONED WHILE THEY WERE IN POSSESSION OF IT, THEY COULD NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. I NOW TIE DOWN THE GATE WHEN CARRYING PRECIOUS CARGO, MY DOGS. *JB
Steering, Equipment, Sep 28, 2006
I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER NEW, EVER SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE, I BELIEVE THE FIRST 6 MONTHS IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS. ISSUES WITH WINDOWS, PAINT BUBBLING AFTER HAVING THE PROTECTIVE COAT PUT ON IT. THERE HAVE BEEN FAR TO MANY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE TO EVEN RECALL. I TRIED ONCE TO GET IT REPLACED UNDER THE LEMON LAW AND WAS TOLD IT DID NOT QUALIFY. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 39,000 MILES ON IT AND ALREADY HAS HAD 2 RACK AND PINIONS REPLACED. WHEN I ASKED FORD IF THERE WAS A RECALL THEY SAID THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT, WHEN I SAID HOW CAN A 36,000 MILE VEHICLE ALREADY NEED 3 RACK IN PINIONS THERE RESPONSE WAS WELL ITS ACTUALLY ONLY TWO, I SAID NO IT ORIGINALLY HAD A RACK IN PINION WHEN I PURCHASED IT SO IT IS ON ITS 3RD. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ELECTRICAL REPAIRED IN THE REAR WINDOW AS WELL AND NOW IT HAS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. WHEN I CALLED TO SET UP AN APPT. WAS TOLD I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT FIXED IT THE FIRST TIME, THEY TOLD ME KNOW BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HONOR MY WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A FORD WARRANTY. I CALL THE SHOP BACK COMPLAINING WHY WAS I SENT THERE, THEY SAID BECAUSE IT WAS THE ORIGINAL SHOP AND THEY SHOULD HAVE SERVICED IT. THIS IS THE PROBLEM, YOU TAKE THE VEHICLE IN WITH PROBLEMS NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT AND WHEN THEY DO THEY FIX IT AND IT BREAKS AGAIN. SO AT THIS POINT MY REAR WINDOW DOES NOT OPEN, I AM ON MY 3RD RACK IN PINION, HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE GAUGES NOT WORKING AND SO ON AND SO ON. THIS IS THE WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. HERE I PURCHASED A NEW ONE SO I WOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT CAR PROBLEMS AND THAT IS ALL I HAVE HAD SINCE DAY ONE. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND A FORD TO ANYONE NOR WOULD I PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE. SORRY THING FOR ME, WAS IF I DID NOT PAY CASH FOR IT, I WOULD HAVE DEFAULTED ON THE LOAN AND THEY COULD HAVE KEPT THE VEHICLE. *NM
Suspension, Sep 21, 2006
FORD HAS DEFECTIVE HUB ASSEMBLIES ON THE 2003 EXPLORERS. LEADING UP TO THE DEFECTIVE HUBS GOING OUT, THERE IS A VERY LOUD ROARING NOISE COMING FROM WHAT EVER WHEEL THE BEARING IS GOING OUT ON. NO ACCIDENT WAS INVOLVED BUT IT WAS DEFECTIVE AND WAITING TO HAPPEN. WHEELS DO COME OFF OF VEHICLES WHEN THE BEARINGS GO BAD. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM THEY HAVE. I REPLACED BOTH FRONT HUBS 9-15-05 WITH 41,000 MILES ON THEM. HAVE JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT HUB AGAIN THIS WEEK WITH UNFORTUNATELY 15,000 MILES ON IT WHICH THEY ONLY WARRANT IT TO 12,000 MILES. I HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM AT A BIG EXPENSE TO ME. AT THIS TIME, I JUST CRINGE WAITING TO HEAR ANOTHER ONE START ROARING AND GOING OUT. I DO HAVE ALL THREE WHEEL HUBS THAT THE BEARING HAS GONE OUT. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING HEAVY BRAKING, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES VIBRATED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ABS SENSOR 7 TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.
Visibility, Sep 11, 2006
TEMPERATURE CONTROL DOES WORK. FAILURE OF BLEND DOOR OR EVAPORATOR ASSEMBLY HEAT DOES NOT WORK AND WINDSHIELD DEFROST DOES BLOW WARM AIR. BLEND DOOR MOTOR OR PLENUM BOX IS AT FAULT.*JB
Structure, Sep 9, 2006
THE PANEL DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW IN MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS DEVELOPED LARGE CRACKS IN IT. AFTER TALKING TO THE DEALER, IT WAS VERY EVIDENT THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT AS THEY SAID THEY SEE A MINIMUM OF 10 PER YEAR AND THAT FORD WILL NOT FIX IT UNLESS IT IS UNDER WARRANTY. MY VEHICLE HAS 68,000,MILES ON IT. I ALSO HAVE SEEN THIS DEFECT LISTED MULTIPLE TIMES IN AUTOMOBILE DEFECT WEBSITES SUCH AS WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. *NM
Structure, Sep 7, 2006
THE REAR PANEL BELOW MY WINDOW ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I WENT SNOW SKING AND AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT THIS SCENARIO IS COMMON. THE PANEL GETS MOISTURE BEHIND IT AND FREEZES, THEN CRACKS. I HAVE A FORD MANUFACTURER WARRANTY, AND I AM STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE, AND CONTACTED THE LOCAL MEDIA, WHO SUGGESTED YOUR WEBSITE. NO ONE IS WILLING TO FIX THE PROBLEM, AND ONE DAY IT WILL FALL OFF WHILE I AM IN TRAFFIC. CURRENTLY I HAVE NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. I ADVISED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE THAT I WOULD NEVER FIX THE PROBLEM. I WOULD KEEP IT THERE AS A CONSTANT REMINDER OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE. CHECK OUT THE INTERNET (AUTOBEEF.COM) LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2006
VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHEN DRIVING---BOTH LOW AND HIGH SPEED--BRAKES, STEERING, ELECTRICAL, GAS--ALL QUIT. AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE CAR WILL START AGAIN. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. DEALER, VISTA FORD, SAYS NOTHING WRONG/CAN'T DUPLICATE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2006
WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4.0L V6 THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WITH NO WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES RANDOMLY. TWO TIMES WERE ON A HIGHWAY COASTING TO A TOLL BOOTH. EACH OF THOSE TIMES I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THE THIRD TIME WAS ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. *NM
Seats, Aug 28, 2006
REF FORD TSB 05416 FEB 06 - FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IN 2003 EXPLORER BEGINS TO MAKE NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING, SLOWING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. DEALER HEARS PROBLEM, NO PARTS AVAILABLE, AGREE TO RETURN WHEN PARTS RECEIVED. MAR 06 - PARTS RECEIVED (RETAINER CLIPS) AND REPAIRS MADE PER TSB 05416 AUG 06 - SAME PROBLEM AGAIN, DEALER RECOMMENDS REPLACING SEAT TRACK FRAME. WILL NOT COVER UNDER TSB AND CLAIMS "BUMPER-TO-BUMPER" EXTENDED WARRANTY ALSO WILL NOT COVER. NOW IN CAT AND MOUSE GAME WITH FORD REGARDING THIS OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT IS POSSIBLY SAFETY RELATED AS WELL. *JB
Power train, Aug 21, 2006
2003 FORD EXPLORER 63,000 MILES OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING 2 DAYS AGO. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP THEY RAN A CHECK ON IT AND THE CODE CAME UP: PO741-TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID INTER/MECHANICAL FAILURE. I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPLACE THE SOLENOID PACK AND THAT IT WOULD BE 218.00 PLUS LABOR. WENT TO PICK IT UP 3 HOURS LATER AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW AND SHOULD NOT NEED A TRANSMISSION REPLACED! *NM
Power train, Aug 20, 2006
LESS THAN 2 YRS AFTER PURCHASE OF A NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BOWER 4X4 V8 FROM A DEALER, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED GRINDING AND SLIPPING. DEALER SERVICE RECORDS DOCUMENTED MY CONCERNS AND THEIR INABILITY/UNWILLINGNESS TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM DUE TO THE LACK OF A "SERVICE WARNING" LIGHT. SUBSEQUENT VISITS WITH THE SAME ISSUE BROUGHT SIMILAR RESULTS FROM THE DEALER. WARRANTY EXPIRED LESS THAN ONE YEAR BEFORE I FINALLY GOT A WARNING LIGHT AND THE NEWS FROM MY DEALER WAS THAT IT MEANT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR JUST UNDER $6500. WITH ABSOLUTELY NO HELP FROM ANY LEVEL OF FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED FOR JUST OVER $3000 - OBVIOUSLY NOT BY FORD. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Aug 15, 2006
4 ITEMS 1 - HAVE OWNED THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER FOR 7 MONTHS. WHILE TEST DRIVING, I NOTICED A HUM NOISE COMING FROM REAR TIRES. WAS TOLD IT WAS TREAD NOISE. WE TOOK IT FOR OIL CHANGE AT VERY WELL RESPECTED NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE SHOP. I WAS INFORMED I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE REAR HUB ASSEMBLY THAT IS WAS CRITICALLY BROKEN. WAITING TO CONTACT LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR RESOLUTION BASED ON TSB RESEARCH I HAVE DONE. 2 - WHINING NOISE FROM AIR CONDITIONER WHEN ACCELERATING. DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. SAW THIS ALSO ON TSB. CONTACTING LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. 3 - ABS LIGHT RANDOMLY COMES ON. DON'T KNOW WHY AND NO PATTERN TO WHEN. CONTACTING LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. 4 - CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THIS WEEKEND, USING CRUISE CONTROL. STOPPED QUICKLY FOR A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN I STARTED GOING AGAIN, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULDN'T WORK AND HASN'T WORKED SINCE THEN. I DON'T KNOW IF IT HAS TO DO WITH THE BRAKES. I NOTICED FORD RECALLED SOME CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISMS IN OTHER VEHICLES BUT NOT IN THE 2003 EXPLORER. *JB
Structure, Aug 12, 2006
AFTER OPENING THE HATCHBACK TO PUT GROCERIES INSIDE, THE WINDOW FELL. AFTER INSPECTING IT, IT TURNS OUT THE HINGE ON HATCHBACK BROKE CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL. IT HIT MY LEFT ARM AND FOREARM CAUSING SEVERE BRUISING, OTHER THAN THAT NOBODY ELSE WAS HURT AND THE WINDOW DID NOT FALL OFF COMPLETELY. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS ASKED TO DROP IT OFF FOR INSPECTION. WAS EVENTUALLY FIXED. BUT I CAN'T HELP TO WONDER IF IT WILL HAPPENED AGAIN AND IF THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE WORSE. *JB
Power train, Aug 9, 2006
AT 58,000 MILES, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR AXLE SEALS DEVELOPED SUBSTANTIAL LEAKAGE NECESSITATING IMMEDIATE REPAIR. FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT MADE NO MENTION THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND REQUIRED FULL PAYMENT BY ME FOR COST OF REPLACEMENT. *JB