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, Apr 5, 2006
REAR AXLE NOISE, REPLACED AT A PRICE OF 1200 DOLLARS. *JB
Power train, Apr 3, 2006
NHTSA 10003163. NOISE FROM CONVERTER HOUSING. SUV HAS 42,272 MILES AND DEALER ESTIMATED $1200.00 REPAIR. FORD KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH TSB #17050. *JB
Structure, Mar 28, 2006
MOLDED RUNNING BOARD BROKEN UNDER NORMAL USE, ONE DEALER ACCUSED ME OF HAVING A CHILD JUMP ON THE RUNNING BOARD - REASON UNKNOWN. ANOTHER DEALER TOOK PHOTOS AND SENT TO DETROIT, WARRANTY REPAIR REFUSED? *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2006
AROIUND 37,000 MILES I STARTED HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. HALF OF THEM GO OFF WHEN THEY SHOULD AND HALF OF THEM STAY ON WHICH RUNS MY BATTERY DOWN AND I HAVE TO BE JUMPED. THEN AROUND 40,000 MILE I STARTED HEARING A LOUND WHINING NOISE FROM MY REAR END. THE DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. IT IS SO LOUD YOU HAVE TO ALMOST YELL TO TALK TO SOMEONE. THEN AT 47,000 MILES MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON STARTED COMING ON. IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE COOLANT AREA. I AM AFRAID TO TAKE MY VEHICLE OUT OF TOWN AND I OWE TOO MUCH ON IT TO TRADE IT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 10, 2006, crash
1 HISTORY OF ENGINE SURGE, VERY FAST IDLE UPON STARTING SINCE VEHICLE ACQUIRED.-ALL REPORTED TO DEALER.---------------------------------------------------------------- 2.CAR STOPPED, MOTOR OFF. STARTED, PLACED IN REVERSE-TOUCHED ACCELERATOR AND CAR JUMPED BACK FULL SPEED. VERY NARROW PARKING AREA (HAVE PICTURES). HAD TO TURN CAR RAPIDLY TO AVOID LARGE HILL AND TREES -TOO SHORT A DISTANCE TO TURN COMPLETELY AND HIT FRONT LEFT FENDER AND BUMPER GLANCING BLOW OFF TWO TREES. WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND GOT STOPPED AFTER GOING IN A SEMICIRCULAR AND BACKING OVER CONCRETE PARKING BARRIER.-MOTOR STILL RACING--UNABLE TO TURN OFF WITH KEY UNTIL FOURTH OR FIFTH TRY AND THAN MOTOR BUCKED SEVERAL TIME TRYING TO STOP. 3.NO CORRECTIONS TO DATE. REPORTED TO FORD! !*JB
Structure, Mar 8, 2006
PLASTIC UNDER (ATTACHED TO) REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW CRACKED. CRACK IS 10 TO 12 INCHES LONG. ENTIRE LIFTGATE NEEDS REPLACING. FORD SAYS I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL EXPLORER ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SAME DEFECT. *JB
Structure, Mar 5, 2006
AFTER HAVING ABOUT OF FREEZING WEATHER MY WIFE NOTICED A CRACK ON THE PLASTIC PANEL ATTACHED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR HATCH BACK WINDOW. I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER UPON WHICH I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING AND THAT THEY REPLACE QUITE A FEW OF THESE EVERY YEAR. BUT BEING THAT MY WARRANTY EXPIRED IN AUGUST OF 2005 THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR REPLACEMENT. I FEEL FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Mar 1, 2006
HAVE HAD MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF MILES ON IT. HAVE HAD REAR BRAKE SENSOR REPLACED 2 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY, FRONT AXLE SEAL REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND REAR AXLE BEARING REPLACED WITH 44000 MILES AND NOW THE REAR AXLE SEAL IS LEAKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE MECHANIC WHO DOES MY REPAIRS STATED THE AXLE SEALS ARE ON BACKORDER DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF EXPLORERS THE SEALS ARE DEFECTIVE ON. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFORMATION ON THE SEALS AS I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. COULD YOU PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS DEFECT. I BELIEVE THERE WERE SEVERAL DEFECTIVE PARTS USED ON THE 2003 FORD EXPLORERS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED OR REPORTED. THANK YOU. *JB
Structure, Feb 27, 2006
THIS MORNING I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE TAILGATE OF MY 2003 EXPLORER XLT. IT WAS NOT THERE TWO DAYS AGO. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND HE SAID THAT THE PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL SO I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHARGES. HE HAS PERSONALLY SEEN MANY OF THESE. I HAVE BEEN ON SEVERAL FORUM SITES AND KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IS ANYTHING BEING DONE FROM FORD'S SIDE? *JB
Power train, Feb 22, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING CORNERING AND EMERGENCY MANEUVERS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCKS UP. THERE IS ALSO A SHUDDER IN THE STEERING AT THIS TIME. THIS HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE LAST 4,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH PACK REQUIRED REDESIGN. THERE IS A NEW CLUTCH PACK AVAILABLE AT THE CONSUMER'S COST.
Wheels, Feb 21, 2006
THREE WHEELS ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WERE REPLACED DUE TO CRACKING OF THE "CHROME" FINISH IN THE HUB AREA, THE 4TH WAS NOT DONE SINCE THERE WAS NO CRACKING AT THAT TIME; IT NOW REQUIRES REPLACEMENT . I AM DEALING WITH THAT AT THIS POINT BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS CRACKING MAY BE MORE THAN THE FINISH MATERIAL; IT MAY BE THE CASTING ITSELF. IF THIS IS THE CASE THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM. I AM CURIOUS IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS AND SHOULD THIS WARRANT AN INVESTIGATION BY YOUR DEPARTMENT. THE NUMBERS FOR THIS WHEEL, FROM THE DEALER WORK ORDER, ARE: 3L2Z-1007-KA AND A801881. *JB
Power train, Feb 16, 2006
FORD EXPLORER DOES NOT SHIFT FROM 1ST INTO 2ND GEAR, ALLOWING VEHICLE TO MOVE INTO INTERSECTION THEN STALL UNTIL TRANSMISSION EVENTUALLY SLIPS INTO GEAR. FORD TECH LINE WANTS US TO DRIVE UNTIL THE PROBLEM OCCURS CONTINUOUSLY SO THE PROBLEM WILL BE EASY TO FIND. DEALER HAS RESET CPU, REPLACED VALVE BODY, AND NOW PLACED AN "ADDITIVE" IN TRANSMISSION. OBVIOUSLY HAVING NO IDEA AS TO THE REAL PROBLEM. *JB
Suspension, Feb 16, 2006
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE LOWER BALL JOINTS IN MY 2003 SPORT TRAC MULTIPLE TIMES. AT 37000 AND AT 60000 MILES. *NM
Electrical system, Feb 15, 2006, fire
I HAD 2003 FORD EXPLORER THAT CAUGHT FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY, MY CAR WAS BACKED IN ABOUT 10 FEET FROM HOUSE WITH TAILGATE OPEN. THE INVESTIGATOR FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS TELLING ME IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN BACK INSIDE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE AND I ALSO HAVE DAMAGES TO MY HOUSE AND PROPERTY. *JB
Power train, Feb 14, 2006
ROARING SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK END OF THE TRUCK. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 12, 2006
ABS SPEED SENSOR FAILURE AT 63,000 MILES. THIS ALSO HAPPENED ON MY SON'S 2003 EXPLORER AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 7, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH HESITATION WHEN THE SPEED WAS KEPT CONSTANT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. THE HESITATION PROBLEM CONTINUED, THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WHILE BACKING INTO THE DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. ALTHOUGH THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE HIT THE CONTACT'S HOME RESULTING IN A NECK SPRAIN INJURY. THE ACCELERATION CONTINUED UNTIL THE SHIFTER WAS MOVED INTO DRIVE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ACCELERATION. ALSO, CONTACT COMPLAINED THAT ABS LIGHT WAS ON AND PEDAL FELT STIFF. VEHICLE RAN ROUGH. IN ADDITION, REMOVED AND INSTALLED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAIN CONTROL VALVE BODY. *AK
Structure, Feb 6, 2006
PANEL UNDER TAILGATE WINDOW CRACKED AND SPLIT WHILE VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY ON COLD DAY. VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD TAILGATE HINGES REPLACED UNDER RECALL. DEALERSHIP ADVISES THAT MANUFACTURER DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR/REPLACE. DEALER ESTIMATE OF $401 TO REPAIR. *JB
Power train, Feb 4, 2006
REAR AXLE IS LEAKING AND THERE IS A HUMMING NOISE ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND THEW TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. I HAVE 75000 MILE WARRANTY AND VEHICLE HAS ONLY 45,500 MILES ON IT. *NM
Power train, Feb 4, 2006
PURCHASED NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER. AT AROUND 9000 MILES HAD REAR END REPLACED DUE TO INFAMOUS LOUD WHINING NOISE. PROBLEM IMPROVED...BUT WAS NOT COMPLETELY FIXED. AFTER COMPLAINING THAT THERE WAS STILL SOME NOISE, SALE FORD IN KINGSTON, NC SAID IT WAS "UNEVEN TIRE WEAR." REPLACED 2 TIRES. WHEN TAKEN BACK AND TOLD THERE WAS STILL A PROBLEM, WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY HAD "DONE ALL THEY COULD DO EXCEPT OFFER US A GOOD DEAL ON A TRADE." (LIKE WE WILL EVER BUY FROM THEM AGAIN). AT 59,000 MILES, WE ARE NOW HAVING REAR END "CHATTER" WHEN STARTING OR STOPPING. FORD IS CRAP AND SO IS THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE. *NM
Structure, Feb 2, 2006
OUR FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE LIKE IT IS EVERY NIGHT. IN THE MORNING WE WENT OUT TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE BACK OF THE EXPLORER WHEN WE NOTICED THAT THE BACK TOP HATCH WAS CRACKED. IT CRACKED RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE FORD SIGN. WHEN WE CLOSED THE HATCH AFTER NOTICING IT IT PINCHED MY FINGERS. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT NOT A RECALL AND THAT HE UNDERSTOOD THAT IT WAS DANGEROUS AND TOLD US TO CONTACT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. MY HUSBAND CONTACTED THEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. FORD GAVE US AN ESTIMATE TO FIX IT AND IT WOULD BE ABOUT $400. THE PROBLEM WITH THE HATCH BEING CRACKED IS THAT IF SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE THIRD ROW SEAT AT ANY TIME THE GLASS COULD POP OUT AND HIT THEM IN THE HEAD. WHEN YOU DO OPEN THE HATCH YOUR FINGERS GET PINCHED IF THEY ARE IN THE WRONG PLACE. WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE PROBLEM FIXED YET. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 27, 2006, fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE RADIATOR, FUEL FILTER, AIR FILTER, AND STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED, THE FRONT END WAS ALIGNED AS WELL. TWO DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH SMOKE WAS NOTICED IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND LESS THAN ONE MINUTE LATER THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHAL DETERMINED THIS FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A MECHANICAL FAILURE MALFUNCTION. THERE WAS A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT FILED.
Structure, Jan 19, 2006
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 1/12/06 AT 6:15 AM. IT WAS RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY HOOD FLEW UP. I COULDN'T SEE A THING. I HAD TO MERGE OVER 3 LANES TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE THE HOOD OF MY TRUCK COMPLETELY COVERED MY FRONT WINDOW. WHEN I GOT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY A HIGHWAY PATROL STOPPED. HE SAID THAT HE WAS AMAZED THAT I WASN'T SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN DEAD. I GOT THE HOOD TO COME BACK DOWN. THE HOOD WOULDN'T LATCH BECAUSE IT WAS BENT UP. I HAD TO DRIVE 15 MPH DOWN THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY UNTIL I COULD TAKE AN OFF RAMP. I HAD TO TAKE ALL THE BACK ROADS AND DRIVE DOWN THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO GET BACK HOME. MY HUSBAND AND I PULLED UP THE HOOD AND WERE SHOCKED TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. THE HOOK THAT LOCKED DOWN MY HOOD WAS GONE. THE ENTIRE HOOD HINGE AND ATTACHMENT WAS MISSING. THE ONLY WAY WE KNEW IT WAS EVER THERE WERE THE 2 SCREWS THAT HELD IT THERE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. THEY KIND OF DISMISSED IT LIKE I WAS OVERSTATING THE FACTS. THE HOOD WAS SHUT. I DIDN'T HIT A POT HOLE OR ANYTHING. MY HUSBAND TOOK THE TRUCK OVER TO THE DEALERSHIP. AS SOON AS THEY SAW IT THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. IT HAD TO BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THEY SAID THEY HAD TO LOOK IT OVER AND TALK TO THEIR MANAGER AND THEN THEY WOULD CALL US. WE CALLED BACK ON FRIDAY, 1-13-06. THEY ASSURED ME IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT AND THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE THE HOOD, GRILL AREA UNDER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND DO SOMETHING WITH THE TO FRONT QUARTER PANELS BECAUSE THEY WERE BENT UP FROM THE HOOD FLIPPING UP. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE DONE BY TUESDAY AND AT NO COST TO ME. IT IS 1/19/06 AND THEY TOLD MY HUSBAND THEY HAVEN'T ORDERED ANYTHING AND THEY SAID THEY HAVEN'T HAD THE TIME. THEY SAID THEY AREN'T PUTTING NEW PARTS BACK ON MY TRUCK. WHY IS THAT. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR FORD'S MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE KILLED ME. *JB
Power train, Wheels, Jan 9, 2006
WHINING NOISE COMING FROM REAR BECAME LOUDER 41,000 MILE ON ODO DEALER ADVISED REAR WHEEL BEARINGS SEALS AND STRUT INSERTS, WE HAD THE REPAIRS MADE $1000.00 ONE YEAR LATER WE NOTICED MORE NOISE AND CHATTER WHEN TURNING,DEALER ADVISED REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS REBUILD, AND NEW CLUTCH PACKS. WE ARE HAVING THE REPAIRS MADE AT THIS TIME. THESE ARE EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 3, 2006
WHEN FILLING GAS TANK OF FORD SPORT TRAC, GASOLINE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING SPRAYED OUT OF FILLER PIPE COVERING MY CLOTHS WITH GASOLINE. I TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER AND TOLD IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED. NEXT TIME I FILLED THE TANK, GASOLINE AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING ERUPTED FROM FILL PIPE AND SPRAYED ON MY SHOES AND PANTS. AGAIN RETURNED THE AUTOMOBILE TO DEALER AND TOLD THAT THE VENT PIPE HAD WATER IN IT. TOLD THAT IT HAD BEEN FIXED. AFTER AUTO RETURNED IT FILLED ONCE WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. HOWEVER, THE SECOND TIME I TRIED TO FILLED IT, GASOLINE SPRAYED OUT OF FILL PIPE. I IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TO DEALER. THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A FORD "SERVICE BULLETIN" ON THE VEHICLE INDICATING THAT VENT HOLE WAS TOO LARGE AND WATER AND OTHER MATERIAL COULD THEREFORE INTO VENT PIPE. DEALER REPAIRED AUTOMOBILE BUT WOULD NOT RELEASE AUTOMOBILE UNTIL $500.00 REPAIR BILL PAID, DESPITE FORD ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THIS WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT IN CERTAIN SPORT TRAC MODELS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT, CAUSING GASOLINE TO SPRAY ALL OVER PEOPLE AND RUN OUT ON THE GROUND. WITH THE ADMISSION THAT IT IS A DEFECT, FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL ALL SPORT TRAC AND PAY FOR REPAIRS. DOES IT REQUIRE THAT SOMEONE FIRST BE BURNING TO DEATH BEFORE APPROPRIATE ACTION IS TAKEN? *JB