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, Aug 9, 2006
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH 94,000 MILES ON IT. WITHIN 2000 MILES THE REAR END BEGAN HOWLING SO MUCH THAT MY FIANCE IS AFRAID TO RIDE IN THE VEHICLE AS THE THINKS SOMETHING IS READY TO BREAK. I READ SOME FORUM POSTS TO LEARN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2001-2004 EXPLORER. FORD SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM AS IT IS CLEARLY A MECHANICAL FAILURE THAT WILL LEAVE A FAMILY STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *NM
Power train, Aug 1, 2006
DT:* THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHUTTERED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 35MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL FILTER NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. A NEW FUEL FILTER WAS INSTALLED BY THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.
Structure, Aug 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT ON THE EDGES OF THE VEHICLE FRONT HOOD WAS BUBBLED AND PEELED. THE SERVICE DEALER DETERMINED IT WAS CAUSED BY CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REQUESTED THE VEHICLE OWNER TO PROVIDE A REPORT ON THE PAINT ISSUE FROM THE SERVICE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THE REPORT FROM THE SERVICE DEALER
Power train, Jul 20, 2006
CONSISTENT REAR AXLE WHINE FROM 45-65 MILES PER HOUR HIGHWAY DRIVING, DEALER, RAMP FORD IN PORT JEFFERSON, NY REPLACED REAR END THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, AND FINALLY STATED THAT ALL EXPLORERS MAKE THE SAME NOISE. THEY COULD NOT GIVE ME ANY INDICATION WHETHER OR NOT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I DEFINITELY GET THE FEELING THAT THEY WISH I WOULD JUST GO AWAY. THERE ARE NUMEROUS TSB'S ON THIS ISSUE AND I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT. *NM
Visibility, Jul 17, 2006
THE CONSUMER'S 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAD A ROCK CHIP THE WINDSHIELD. A CRACK DEVELOPED FROM THE CHIP. *KB THE CRACK RAN THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE WINDSHIELD ARE POORLY MANUFACTURED. *NM
Power train, Jul 14, 2006
2003 FORD EXPLORER REAR AXLE FAILURE AT 66,266 MILES. REAR END WAS GRINDING WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP AND DURING A LEFT TURN. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE COMPLETE INTERIOR PARTS OF THE AXLE ASSEMBLY. REPLACED RING AND PINION GEARS, REPLACED BEARINGS DUE TO PITTING, REPLACED DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH PACK. *JB
Seats, Jul 11, 2006
THE REAR SEAT (CUSHION PORTION) WAS DISLODGED AND THREW THE PERSON SITTING IN THE SEAT WITH A SEAT BELT ON UP AGAINST THE BACK OF THE FRONT SEAT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH SUDDEN STOPS. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT IT SEVERAL TIMES AND CAN FIND NO WAY TO ANCHOR THAT PORTION OF THE SEAT IN. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2006
2003 FORD EXPLORER OVERHEATED AND LOST COOLANT. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. FIRST 2 TRIPS, PROBLEM NOT FOUND. AFTER 3RD INCIDENT, A CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK WAS FOUND. IN ADDITION TO ENGINE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP, THIS OCCURS MOSTLY IN COLD WEATHER AT LEAST ONCE WEEKLY. UPON TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP (PROBLEM CANNOT BE REPLICATED); THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH, DAMAGE TO A PEDESTRIAN........GEE, HATE TO THINK OF THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES. *NM
Structure, Jul 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW EXPLODED. DURING THE INCIDENT THE TEMPERATURE OUT DOORS WAS ABOUT 70F. LAST YEAR, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE GATES DEFECTIVE HINGES, ACCORDING TO RECALL # 04V442000 INSTRUCTIONS. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE INCIDENT BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD POOR QUALITY GLASS MAY HAVE USED TO PERFORM THE RECALL WORK. THE CONSUMER HAD THE WINDOW REPAIRED AT HIS EXPENSE, HOWEVER DAYS LATER HE HEARD A NOISE AND UPON INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE INSIDE PANEL OF THE LIFTGATE WAS VERY LOOSE AND IT LOOKED AS THOUGH IT WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. UPDATED 08/02/06. *JB
Power train, Jul 7, 2006
MY SUV HAS 86791 MILES ITS A 2003 AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT.. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT STOP SHIFTING AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND $1400.00 LATER ITS FIXED.. WITH THE FORD EXPLORER YOU CAN'T CHANGE OR CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IT'S IN A SEALED CANISTER.. ITS MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED THIS SOON IN A VEHICLE....THIS IS A POOR DESIGN AND FORD WON'T EVEN FACE UP TO IT.. I ALSO FOUND OUT IT IS A PROBLEM NOT ONLY IN MY CAR BUT IN OTHERS.. *JB
Wheels, Jul 5, 2006
I WAS HAVING EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE AND CAR WAS NOT HANDLING PROPERLY DUE TO A BAD DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY. *JB
Wheels, Jul 1, 2006
2003 EXPLORER LIMITED. RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES. I REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AT A LOCAL SEARS. THE WHEELS THAT CAME WITH THE CAR WERE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER MUST HAVE REQUESTED. 17" 5 SPOKE CHROME. AS SEARS WAS REMOVING WHEELS TWO OF THE 4 CENTER CAPS FELL APART AND COULD NOT BE USED AGAIN. AFTER THE TIRES WERE PLACED BACK ONTO MY CAR SEARS REP ASKED THAT I PUT ABOUT 20 MILES ON THE CAR AND BRING IT BACK JUST TO CHECK. ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER AS I WAS RETURNING TO SEARS I HEARD A RUBBING SOUND COMING FROM WHAT APPEARED TO BE THE LEFT FRONT. AS I PULLED INTO SEARS, THE GARAGE THE REP LISTENED AND SAID IT WAS COMING FROM LEFT REAR. AS A MECHANIC PLACED A KEY ON THE LUG NUTS ALL LUGS HAD WORKED THEMSELVES LOOSE AND HE ACTUALLY COULD TURN THEM WITH HIS HAND. I HAD TO PUT MY SPARE TIRE ON AS A REPLACEMENT. A COUPLE OF THE OTHER LUGS ON THE OTHER WHEELS WERE ABOUT A 1/4 TURN LOOSE. I REPORTED THIS TO KENNY ROSS ONLY TO GET NO REAL ANSWER FROM THEM JUST AS I DID WITH THE BUBBLING/PEELING PAINT ON MY HOOD. EVIDENTLY THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE TOLD THEM TO ALWAYS BLAME THEM BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT THEY SEEM TO ALWAYS DO IS BLAME THEIR CORPORATE OFF OFFICE AND THEIR HANDS ARE TIED, YOUR OUT OF WARRANTY, OR WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER. WHAT HAPPENED TO JUST HONESTLY WORKING WITH PEOPLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. NO WONDER THEY ARE IN TROUBLE. ANYWAY ALL FOUR CHROME WHEELS ALSO HAD VISIBLE CRACKING AS WELL AND SEARS SAID THAT THE LUG HOLES ON THE WHEELS ARE SLIGHTLY OBLONG SO THAT IS WHY THE LUGS WORK LOOSE. I HAD TO PURCHASE ALUMINUM SPOKE WHEELS. THIS IS ON A 2003!! GO FIGURE. I ALSO TOLD THE KENNY ROSS REP THAT I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A TOYOTA OR GM. HIS REPLY WAS THIS HAPPENS ON ALL CARS. HAHA, WHAT A RESPONSE AND JUST WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR. NO FORDS IN MY FUTURE AND I WILL UNLOAD THIS ONE AS SOON AS I CAN! *JB
Structure, Jul 1, 2006
EXPLORER LIMITED. SIX MONTHS INTO OWNING THIS CAR, BOUGHT AT APPROXIMATELY. 32,000 MILES, I NOTICED THERE WAS BUBBLING ON THE HOOD OF CAR. IT WAS ON THE FRONT OF THE HOOD ON BOTH SIDES ABOVE HEAD LAMPS AS WELL AS IN THE MIDDLE (POINT OF THE OF THE HOOD). EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT KENNY ROSS IN PITTSBURGH WILL NOT WORK WITH ME IN GETTING REPAIRED. ONE OF THEIR COLLISION MEN SAID I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER HE SAID IF IT IS UNDER WARRANTY NOT A PROBLEM. THEN THE HEAD GUY OF THE COLLISION DEPARTMENT SAID EVEN IF I HAD A WARRANTY THE HOOD WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED ONLY UNDER THE 12 MONTHS, 12,000 MILES WARRANTY (???). JUST THE BASIC RUN AROUND AND THEY INSULT YOUR INTELLIGENCE. THE PAINT IS NOW CRACKING AND PEELING OFF. I NOTICED THE BUBBLING AT ABOUT 39,000+ MILES AND JUST REPORTED IT TO FORD MAY OF THIS 2006, ALTHOUGH I DID MENTION IT TO THE GUY THAT SOLD ME THE CAR A YEAR OR SO AGO. IN ADDITION I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN FROM THIS SO CALLED DEALERSHIP THINKING I WAS GETTING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, WHICH WAS IMPLIED, ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE EXTENDED SERVICE ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. BUYER BEWARE BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE TO DISCLOSE THE DIFFERENCE. WHY WOULD I BUY AN ESP WHEN I CAN EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR JUST ABOUT THE SAME PRICE. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Structure, Seats, Jun 30, 2006
HELLO. I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER INCLUDING SEVERAL SAFETY ISSUES. THE FIRST COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHICH SHIFTS ROUTINELY ON ACCELERATION AND DE-ACCELERATION. THIS CONCERNS ME IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND THE SEAT MALFUNCTIONS. THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE GEAR SHIFTER NOT GOING INTO PARK EASILY. I HAVE TO JIGGLE IT TO INTO PARK. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE PARK AND MY VEHICLE MIGHT ROLL. THIRDLY, MY REAR LIFT GATE TRIM HAS HAD TO BE REPAIRED AT LEAST 3 TIMES. I AM CONCERNED THAT ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NO SAFETY ISSUE, THERE POSSIBLY COULD BE DUE TO THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES BEING RECALLED AND REPRESENTATIVE INFORMING ME THAT THE REASON THAT I CONTINUE TO HAVE A CRACK APPEARING IS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. THIS CONCERNS ME B/C I FREQUENTLY UTILIZE THE LIFT GATE TO RETRIEVE GROCERIES AND OTHER ITEMS AND DO NOT WANT THE WINDOW TO FAIL AND FALL ON MY HEAD. THE REMAINDER CONCERNS ARE REGARDING THE FUNCTION OF MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE 3 OF THE WINDOW MOTORS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRANSMISSION HAS HAD TO BE FIXED TWICE (SHIFTING MODULE MALFUNCTION). FINALLY, THE FUEL GAUGE HAD TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO IMPROPER FUEL READINGS. I GUESS ALL THESE ITEMS COULD BE VERY PROBLEMATIC AS WELL B/C I COULD RUN OUT OF GAS AND BE STRANDED WITH MY CHILD, MY VEHICLE MIGHT NOT SHIFT PROPERLY LEAVING ME STRANDED. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. PS. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT AS I WAS COMPLETING THIS PROCESS I REMEMBERED THAT MY VEHICLE HAD A HIGH PITCHED WHINE THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED. I DO NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED BUT IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2006
ANTS HAVE EATEN INTO THE COMPUTER ON MY 1994 FORD EXPLORER LAST YEAR . THIS YEAR EVEN THOUGH I PUT OUT POISON ON THE GROUND AND SPRAYED THE MOTOR AND INSIDE OF BOTH VEHICLES THEY GOT INTO THE DASH OF MY 03 AND STARTED EATING THE (LOOMS) WHAT EVER THAT IS AND THE WIRING TO MY AIR BAGS. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND WHAT DID THEY DO TO STOP IT? WHAT ARE THEY MAKING THE WIRING OUT OF. *NM
Structure, Jun 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PAINT LOOKED BUBBLY LIKE A BLISTER ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE HOOD. THE CORROSION WAS LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF THE HOOD CLOSEST TO THE HEAD LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THERE WAS A VAST AMOUNT OF INFORMATION ON THE MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE REGARDING THE DEFECTIVE PAINT WHICH WAS OBSERVED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH OR FIRE.
Tires, Jun 25, 2006
GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S TIRES HAVE 1 TO 3 INCH SPLITS APPROX. 1 INCH FROM THE RIM, I HAVE THIS ON ALL 4 TIRES. THEY ARE ON A FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC 2003. *NM
Power train, Jun 12, 2006
2003 EXPLORER ENGINE STALLING AND SURGING WHEN DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP. *TS ***NAR*** THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE PCM. 8JB
Power train, Jun 6, 2006
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION. IT CLUNKS OUT OF GEAR WHEN LETTING OFF THE GAS GOING FROM SECOND TO FIRST GEAR. IT ALSO SEEMS TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION AT TIMES AS IT ACTS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL GOING FROM FIRST TO SECOND ON OCCASION. I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES. THE "SAID" THE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WITH ONE THAT WAS REBUILT, BUT IT ACTED THE SAME WAY. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK AND WAS NOW TOLD THAT UNTIL IT ACTUALLY BREAKS, THEY WILL NOT WORK ON THE TRANSMISSION ANY LONGER. *JB
Structure, May 9, 2006
REAR HATCHBACK WAS TAKEN TO FORD FOR A RECALL REGARDING THE HATCHBACK. PRIOR TO THAT, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE HATCHBACK, I.E. ACCIDENTALLY OPENING. NOW JUST BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF THE HATCHBACK, IT IS CRACKING. SIMILAR TO MANY OWNERS LISTED ON THIS SITE. *NM
Structure, May 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD. THIS OCCURRED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. UPON INSPECTION, A FRACTURE WAS OBSERVED ON THE FRAME OF THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE . THE FRACTURE BECAME LARGER OVER TIME. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FRACTURE, BUT RECOMMENDED REMOVING THE BOLTS, AND ADDING A METAL PATCH TO THE FRAME. UPDATED 06/07/2006. *AK *TS
Wheels, May 4, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHROME ON THE RIMS IS CRACKING. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON ALL FOUR RIMS AND IS DUE TO THE ALUMINUM UNDERNEATH CORRODING CAUSING THE CHROME TO CRACK. THE CONTACT HAS ALERTED NUMEROUS DEALERSHIPS AND NONE OF WHICH HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND EXPLAINED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT REQUESTED TO SPEAK WITH A MANAGER AND WAITING FOR A RETURN CALL.
Child seat, May 1, 2006, crash
I WAS FOLLOWING UP ON THE DEATH OF A 1 MONTH THAT WAS EJECTED FROM A COSCO CHILD SEAT IN A MOTOR VEHICLE TRAIN ACCIDENT. WHILE FOLLOWING UP ON THE DEATH, I WAS LOOKING AT PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE INVESTIGATING AGENCY. I NOTICED THERE WERE NO PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CAR SEAT OR THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE TRAIN HAD STRUCK THE VEHICLE. I WENT TO THE IMPOUND LOT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS STORED AND MET THE FATHER OF THE DECEASED CHILD. HE WAS COLLECTING PROPERTY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE SHOWED ME A STROLLER AND THE CAR SEAT. THE STROLLER HAD BEEN EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS DAMAGED AND THE CAR SEAT WAS STILL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS CAR SEAT AND STROLLER ARE SOLD AS A SET FROM K-MART AND HAD BEEN PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2005 IN HUTCHINSON KANSAS. UPON LOOKING AT THE CAR SEAT WHICH WAS REAR FACING IN THE VEHICLE AND STILL STRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE BY THE SEAT BELT. I WAS INFORMED BY THE CAPTAIN OF THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT THAT ONE OF THEIR OFFICERS TRAINED TO INSTALL CHILD SAFETY SEATS SAID THE SEAT WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. MY CONCERN OF THE ACCIDENT WAS THAT THE STRAP THAT WOULD HAVE GONE OVER THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE CHILD WAS COMPLETELY UNDONE FROM THE LATCH ON THE BACK OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE STRAP ON THE LEFT SHOULDER WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY UNDONE AND I PHOTOGRAPHED THE ROUTING OF THE STRAP BEFORE REMOVING THE SEAT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE OWNER OF THE SEAT GAVE ME THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OFF OF THE SEAT. MODEL # 22-300-SWB; 11/10/04 GBIB. REG NO PA-25334(CN) PERMIT # 1780-333 DOREL JUVENILE GROUP INC. FROM THE IMPACT OF THE TRAIN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR 1/4 PANEL OF THE 20-03 EXPLORER, THE CHILD WAS EJECTED FROM THE CHILD SEAT AND DIED 3 HRS LATER FROM HEAD INJURIES. FROM THE INVESTIGATION, I BELIEVE THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE LATCHING AND HOLDING ABILITY ON THE BACK OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2006
EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN NOISE UPON MORNING FIRST USE. IF YOU LET THE CAR SIT OVERNIGHT AND THEN STARTUP THE CAR, BACK UP OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, AND ACCELERATE NORMALLY DOWN THE RESIDENTIAL STREET, THE COOLING FAN SOUNDS LIKE AN AIRPLANE PROPELLER CHOPPING THE AIR. THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE (A V8) SEEMS SLUGGISH AS THE ENGINE FIGHTS TO SPIN THE FAN AT EVERY INCREASING ENGINE RPM. THE NOISE IS EXCESSIVE AND UNNERVING. ONCE YOU COME TO A STOP SIGN AND THE ENGINE SLOWS TO IDLE, THE FAN RESUMES NORMAL OPERATING MODE AND NO LONGER SPINS AT ENGINE RPM SPEEDS. THIS IS A VERY REPEATABLE EVENT. 3 OUT 5 MORNINGS I HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS. FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE DEALER IDENTIFIES THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT CAN BE WRONG HERE IS THE FAN CLUTCH. BUT UNTIL THE PROBLEM STAYS BROKEN, AND IT WONT AS IT GOES AWAY ONCE YOU GO TO IDLE, THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. MY CONCERN IS MULTIFOLD. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AS IT IS UNNATURAL FOR THE COOLING FAN TO BE SPINNING AT ENGINE RPM. IF THE FAN WERE TO DISINTEGRATE, WHO WILL BE IN THE WAY OF THE HIGH SPEED FRAGMENTS? I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE DAMAGE THAT WOULD OCCUR TO THE VEHICLE IF THE FAN WERE TO LET LOOSE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE FAN'S LIFE IS BEING REDUCED AND WILL SUFFER PREMATURE FAILURE. THE DEALER REFUSES TO REVIEW TSB 17163 -- EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN NOISE. *TT (NHTSA ID #10004057) UNTIL THEY EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER SEEMS TO BE UNCOOPERATIVE AND CHOOSES TO IGNORE THE CUSTOMER'S COMPLAINT. *NM
Power train, Apr 16, 2006
2003 EXPLORER - TRANSMISSION GOES INTO *NEUTRAL* WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD AND/OR 3RD AND 4TH. A SOLENOID BODY HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES AT DECREASING MILEAGE INTERVALS. NOW FAILING FOR 5TH TIME WITH 2,000 MILES SINCE LAST *FIX*. FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE WITH FREEWAY TRAFFIC. PURSUING BBB ARBITRATION FOR REPURCHASE AS FORD IS UNABLE TO REPAIR. *NM