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.
Suspension, Aug 25, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING ON 8-24-05 THE BALL JOINT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. THE VEHICLE JUST PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AT A DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE IS COMPANY OWNED. THE COMPANY IS AWARE THAT THE CONSUMER HAS FILED THIS COMPLAINT.*AK
Exterior lighting, Aug 23, 2005
WHY HAVE SOME CAR MANUFACTURERS REPLACED YELLOW REAR TURN SIGNALS WITH RED ONES. THESE LIGHTS ARE VERY HARD TO DISCERN DIRECTLY ABOVE BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS EVEN OCCURS BETWEEN MODELS OF THE SAME MAKE. I HAVE SPOKE WITH MANY PEOPLE ABOUT THIS AND THEY HAVE NOTICED THE SAME THING. WE CANNOT FIGURE OUT HOW THIS WAS ALLOWED TO HAPPEN. ALL VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE SAME LIGHTING, PERIOD. THANK YOU.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 18, 2005
2003 FORD EXPLORER BOYFRIEND'S DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: 1)I CAN CONSISTENTLY GET THE VEHICLE TO STALL OUT WHEN COASTING DOWN TO A STOP. IT IS ALL IN THE WAY OF THE COAST DOWN. IT IS MORE REPEATABLE IF YOU START BRAKING WAY BEFORE A STOP EVENT (SLOWLY COASTING IN). THE BAD THING IS THE EVENT IS SO QUIET THAT HALF THE TIME YOU DID NOT KNOW IT STALLED (UNLESS YOU WERE LOOKING AT THE IPC). YOU HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK OR NEUTRAL TO RESTART ENGINE EACH TIME EVENT OCCURS. I WOULD SAY IT HAS HAPPENED 30+ TIMES. 2) THE FAILURE IS A STALLED ENGINE. THE CONSEQUENCE COULD BE ROLLING OUT TO INCOMING TRAFFIC, THINKING THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING, YET THE ENGINE IS STALLED. ) NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET. TOOK IT INTO SHOP AND IT WAS SAID THAT NOTHING WAS SEEN (NOT A FORD DEALERSHIP).*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 17, 2005
ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, MY EXPLORER BEGAN OCCASIONALLY EXPERIENCED DRAMATIC, RANDOM ENGINE ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING, THE RPMS WOULD SHOOT UP FOR NO APPARENT REASON. 2 MONTHS AGO, IT WAS TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN MILLINGTON, TN. THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS AND HINTED IT WAS "DRIVER ERROR". A WEEK LATER, I MADE AN 800 MILE DRIVE TO VISIT MY NEWLY HOSPITILIZED FATHER. THE SUDDEN, DRASTIC INCREASE IN RPM' STARTED OUT HAPPENING 1 - 2 TIMES IN THE FIRST 30 MINUTES. THE FREQUENCY RAPIDLY INCREASED, AND 4 HOURS INTO THE TRIP, THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION WAS OCCURRING AT LEAST 1 TIME EVERY 5 MINUTES OR SO. AFTER ARRIVING IN PITTSBURGH, THE EXPLORER WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE CO2 DETECTOR HAD GONE BAD. THIS WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT SINCE I WAS DRIVING WITH A BAD DETECTOR, THE EGR SENSOR WAS CAUSED TO MALFUNCTION. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY SINCE IT WAS A RESULT OF MY CONTINUING TO DRIVE IT WITH A BAD CO2 DETECTOR. THE EGR SENSOR COST ME $300 TO GET REPLACED. A WEEK AFTER THIS "REPAIR" WAS MADE, I BEGAN THE TRIP BACK TO TN. 2 HOURS INTO THE TRIP, THE SUDDEN, DRASTIC ACCLERATION STARTED AGAIN, AND SOON WAS OCCURING SEVERAL TIMES EVERY 30 MINUTES. ON REACHING TN., I ONCE AGAIN TOOK THE EXPLORER TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN MILLINGTON. THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY PROBLEM. SO, NOT ONLY DID I PAY FOR A REPAIR THAT 1) WAS CAUSED BY THE DEALERSHIP'S INABILITY TO FIND A PROBLEM, IT 2) SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THEN IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE "REPAIR" DID NOT EVEN FIX THE PROBLEM. TO THIS DAY, THE RANDOM ACCELERATION IS A PROBLEM.*AK
Power train, Aug 12, 2005
2ND REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDING REPLACEMENT (REPLACED REAR END AND BOTH AXLE BEARINGS). THIS REPLACEMENT AT 73,971 MILES. PREVIOUS REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENT ABOUT 12K MILES EARLIER. NEITHER REPLACEMENT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER 2 FAILURES AND THE SECOND AT ONLY 12,000 MILES. *JB
Air bags, Aug 11, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 55-60 MPH WHEN A DOG JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING IT TO HIT THE DOG. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE BODY SHOP TO BE REPAIRED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THEY TOLD HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO BE TESTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE FOR THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIR BAGS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BELONGED TO THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER. *AK
Power train, Aug 10, 2005
MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION IS NOW ON ITS 4TH REAR DIFFERENTIAL IN 8 MONTHS. WE STARTED COMPLAINING ABOUT IT IN DEC. OF LAST YEAR AND NOW HAVE RECEIVED OUR FOURTH REPAIR, NOT COUNTING THE 3 TIMES THAT THEY DIDN'T FIX IT FOR SOME REASON OR OTHER. THE FIRST FIX LASTED TWO WEEKS AND LAST AND MOST RELIABLE LASTED 3 MONTHS. I ALSO HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING A POPPING NOISE AFTER THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER IS RUN FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME, HOWEVER THAT CAN'T BE REPAIRED, NO FIX AVAILABLE. I AM FEED UP, I CONTACTED FORD CORP DIRECTLY, BUT THEY WON'T HELP ME. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 9, 2005
DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 91 IN MASS. MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION BLEW OUT A SPARK PLUG. THIS WAS A FACTORY INSTALLED ORIGINAL PLUG . THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.4 TRITON ENGINE WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM. WE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER FOR REPAIRS. RE-THREADING THE ENGINE HEAD, REPLACE THE DAMAGED COIL PACK AND A NEW SPARK PLUG. WITH LABOR MY BILL WAS OVER $700. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE TOW FEE AND A NIGHT AT A LOCAL HOTEL (WE WERE TRAVELING FROM OUT OF STATE ON VACATION). UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE READ DOZENS AND DOZENS OF STORIES LIKE MINE INVOLVING THIS TRITON CLASS ENGINE BUILT BY FORD. A SPARK PLUG SHOULD NOT BE BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK PERIOD. WHEN DOZENS AND DOZENS OF PEOPLE WRITE IN TO SAY THEIR FORD MUSTANG, F150, EXPEDITION, F250, OR EXCURSION HAS BLOWN OUT A PLUG THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE. *NM
Parking brake, Jul 28, 2005
EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN NOVEMBER, 2003. DEALER "OILED" THE PEDAL. ON JULY 28, 2005, LOUD SQUEALING SOUND COMING FROM REAR, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE AT ALL. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE REAR DRUMS, REAR SHOES, AND PADS AT A COST OF $390. EMERGENCY BRAKE IS CONSIDERED A "MAINTENANCE ITEM" AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IF BRAKES WERE TO FAIL, EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT HAVE WORKED EITHER. *NM
Power train, Jul 25, 2005
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS MECHANICAL FAILURES WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORERE. THE FRONT WHEEL BREARINGS AND FRONT AXLE BEARING HAVE FAILED. THE REAR AXLE HAS BEEN REBUILD TWICE AND REPLACED ONCE. ANOTHER REBUILD IS NEEDED. TOTAL MILEAGE IS 49,000 MILES.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Air, Equipment, Jul 24, 2005, crash
BECAUSE THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON DURING LONG DRIVES AND REMAINS ON UNTIL WE STOP THE VEHICLE, OUR EXPLORER HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP ON 3 TIMES IN 3 STATES. WE''VE BEEN TOLD THAT WE SHOULDN''T WORRY IF THE LIGHT GOES OFF AFTER STOPPING. A ''GRINDING'' NOISE CHECKED IN COLORADO FOR 3 DAYS LAST YEAR WASN''T A PROBLEM UNTIL OUR REAR DIFFERENTIAL SUDDENLY WENT "OUT," IN OHIO. IN ILLINOIS, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON FOR THE FIRST TIME. WE WENT TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALERSHIP, AND SINCE IT DIDN''T REMAIN LIT, WE WERE TOLD TO GET IT REPAIRED IN IOWA, SINCE IT WASN'T "MAJOR." THE ABS REAR SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT EXPLORERS WITH DIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENT WERE HAVING SENSOR PROBLEMS. WHEN THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED IN OHIO, THE SERVICE REP MENTIONED A "KIT" TO REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL. BOTH GARAGES SEEMED CONVERSANT WITH THE ABS SENSOR AND DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEMS. THE SUV HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AT FORD DEALERSHIPS TO ENSURE SYSTEMS SERVICED BY MECHANICS AND TECHNICIANS WELL VERSED IN FORD PRODUCTS. THE ABS SENSOR LIGHT PROBLEM RECURRED IN MAY AFTER A 200 MILE ROAD TRIP, GOING OFF AFTER WE STOPPED. MY BRAKES FAILED WHEN I TRIED TO STOP WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH,ABOUT 550+ MILES INTO AN EXTENDED ROAD TRIP. NO CITATION WAS ISSUED AS THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTY SAID THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS ON THE PAVEMENT TO INDICATE THAT I HAD "JAMMED" ON THE BRAKES. I HAD PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND HAD NO BRAKES WHEN I HIT THE BACK OF A PENSKE MOVING TRUCK. THE ABS BRAKES AND "AUXILIARY" BRAKES FAILED ON THE VEHICLE, WITH OVER $11,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, EVEN AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, WHICH SEEMS TO BE A PATTERN OF PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS. THE AIR BAG DIDN''T DEPLOY. I REPORTED THIS TO FORD'S CUSTOMER CARE CENTER ON 7/18/2005, GOT A REFERENCE NUMBER, AND WAS TOLD I WOULD HEAR FROM THE CONSUMER ADVISORY GROUP WITHIN 3 BUSINESS DAYS, HAVEN''T HEARD FROM THEM, YET.
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2005
WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. WE WERE DRIVING ON I-79 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR LOST POWER SO THAT WE COULD NOT GO ABOVE 25 MPH ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. WE WERE TOWED OVER 100 MILES BACK HOME TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THAT "FOR SOME REASON THE AIR MASS SYSTEM WENT BAD AND CAUSED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS TO GO BAD." THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE WOULD TRY TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO PAY FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS SINCE THEY ARE SO EXPENSIVE, HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THIS OFFER WAS MADE IN ORDER TO COVER UP AN ISSUE WITH THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP 5 DAYS LATER AND WE DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING MORE AS TO HOW THIS COULD HAVE OCCURED. WE HAVE BEEN DILIGENT AT KEEPINGUP REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 43,000 MILES ON IT, SO THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE OCCURED WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. WE HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND ARE VERY GREATFUL THAT NO LARGE TRUCKS WERE RIGHT AROUND US AS THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT OR WE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT AS THEY CAN NOT SLOW DOWN FROM 75MPH TO 25MPH IN A QUICK MANNER.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 17, 2005
MY 2003 FORD FOCUS ZX3 WAS TAKEN IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ITS 20,000 MILE SERVICE AND THE TECHNICIAN SAID THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND SINCE IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, HAD THE WORK DONE AND THEN CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER CARE. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT I HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE OBVIOUSLY FAULTY BRAKE ROTORS AND FORD DOES NOT CARE HOW OR IF ITS DEALERS HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. AS A SIDE NOTE, THERE WERE TWO MINOR BODYWORK ISSUES THAT THE SAME DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX UNDER WARRANTY, WHICH WE TAKEN CARE OF BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA.
Power train, Visibility, Seats, Jul 14, 2005
I HAVE AN EDDIE BAUER EDITION EXPEDITION (2003) . THIS UNIT CAME WITH OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS THAT TILT DOWN AND INWARD WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO ASSIST YOU IN BACKING UP. THE ISSUE I HAVE HAD SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW IS THAT THE MIRRORS DO NOT RETURN TO THIER ORIGINAL POSITION CONSISTENTLY ONCE YOU PUT THE VENICLE BACK INTO A FORWARD GEAR. THIS ISSUE BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE ONCE OUT ON THE ROADWAYS AS WHEN I GO TO PASS I CAN'T SEE IF THERE ARE ANY VECHICLES IN THE LANE I NEED TO GET INTO. HAROLD ZEIGLER AUTO GROUP SOLD ME THE CAR IN KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE MIRRORS AND HAVE DONE SO MORE THAN ONCE. CAN YOU HELP GET THIS RESOLVED. THE DRIVERS SEAT ALSO DOESN'T RETURN TO ITS PROGRAMED POSITION AND THIS IS AN IMTERMITTEN PROBLEM WHICH ZEIGLER HAD FIXED ONCE AND ITS STARTING TO ACT UP AGAIN! ALSO I'VE HAD REAR END WORK DONE MORE THAN TWICE AND ITS STARTING TO HOWL ONCE AGAIN. THEY ACTUALLY REPLACED IT ONCE COMPLETELY AND REPAIRED IT TWICE, IS THIER AN ISSUE WITH THE REAR ENDS ON THIS MODEL YEAR? THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION ON THESE MATTERS. RESPECTFULLY GARY A. ANSPAUGH
Seat belts, Jul 14, 2005
FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE CUTTING INTO THE PILAR MOLDING. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE MOLDING HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN TWO YEARS. FORD STATES THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO OTHER FORD EXPLORERS IN PARKING LOTS AND SEE THAT IT IS HAPPENING IN MOST OF THE VEHICLES. MY FEAR IS THAT THERE IS NOT A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THIS DEFECT. BY CUTTING INTO THE MOLDING, THE SEAT BELT COULD GET STUCK AND NOT WORK PROPERLY IN AN ACCIDENT, ETC.
Fuel system, Other, Power train, Jul 13, 2005
I PURCHASED THE 2003 EXPLORER IN NOV 2003. ON 6/16/04, 8/17/04,AND FINALLY ON 8/20/04, I COMPLAINED REGARDING THE FUEL GUAGE NOT REGISTERING A FULL TANK. FORD FINALLY REPLACED FUEL TANK. ON DEC 10, 2004, I BROUGHT THE CAR IN BECAUSE WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, A WHINING AND CLUNKING NOICE COULD BE HEARD. ALSO, BECAUSE SOMETIMES THE CAR DOESN'T START. AT FIRST FORD CLAIMED NOTHING WAS WRONG REGARDING THE CLUNKING. I THEN REMINDED THEM ABOUT THE RECALLS BEING DISCUSSED IN THE NEWS REGARDING THE 2004 MODELS. THEN THEY REPLACED SOMETHING CALLED A SOLEONID. THE START PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND SO DOES THE CLUNKING NOISE. THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. YESTERDAY, IT ACCELLERATED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK, FORM REVERSE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. MY HUSBAND, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, HAS EXPERIENCED THIS SEVERAL TIMES AS HE IS CHANGING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THE NEWS JUST DESCRIBED ANOTHER FORD PROBLEM REGARDING ACCELLERATION. I THINK THIS IS WHAT IS AFFECTING MY CAR.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 13, 2005
STRUCTURE,BODY, HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE,HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. I WAS CLOSING MY HATCH ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER VIN#[XXX] WHEN THE LEFT HINGE BROKE FREE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension, Jul 13, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATES HE TOOK HIS CAR TO CANDY FORD BECAUSE HE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ANOTHER DEALER HAD MENTIONED TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE A WHEEL BEARING. HE ASKED CANDY FORD TO CHECK OUT THE CAR BEFORE PUTTING A WHEEL BEARING ON THE CAR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING ON THE CAR WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING THE CAR TO BE SURE THAT WAS WHAT IT NEEDED. A MAN THAT WORKS AT CANDY FORD TOLD HIM THAT ON THE WORK ORDER IT WAS LISTED THAT THEY HAD CHANGED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WITHOUT CHECKING THE CAR OUT. HE WAS CHARGED $280.00 FOR SOMETHING THAT IS NOT FIXED. HE IS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM; AND IT IS GETTING WORSE. THE DEALER ASKED HIM TO LEAVE THEIR PREMISES. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THAT THEY WOULD FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST THEM. *JB
Power train, Jul 5, 2005
AFTER A SHUDDER WAS FELT IN THE STEERING AT 14,580 MI., IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE REAR-END. FORD RECOMMENDED A REAR-END ADDITIVE. (WHICH WAS PERFORMED). AT 37,000 MI. THE SHUDDER RETURNED AND A NEW CLUTCH PACK WAS INSTALLED IN THE REAR-END. AFTER RECEIVING CAR FROM DEALER, A WHINE STARTED TO OCCUR BETWEEN 50 TO 70 MPH. TOOK BACK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL. I CALLED FORD MOTOR AND THEY RECOMMEND THAT A "RING AND PINION REPAIR KIT" BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT FAILURE. DEALER DOES NOT THINK THIS SHOULD BE INSTALLED AND THAT VEHICLE IS O.K. TO DRIVE EVEN THOUGH THE TECH CAN HEAR THE NOISE.
Seat belts, Jun 23, 2005
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH SEATBELTS AND THE REMOTE ENTRY. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. FORD REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS.THE SEATBELTS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY AND THEY CUT INTO THE PLASTIC. I AM AFRAID THAT THESE SEATBELTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND I WORRY THAT THEY WILL NOT WORK IN A CRASH. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THESE SEATBELTS BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. THE REMOTE ENTRY DOES NOT WORK ALL OF THE TIME. IT DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US TO REPLACE THE BATTERIES WHICH WE DID BUT THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE THE REMOTES.
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2005
I HEARD CNN'S REPORT ON FORD'S THAT COULD HAVE A PROBLEM WITH FIRE DUE TO A HOT WIRED CRUISE CONTROL ON MANY FORDS.THEY CAN GO ON FIRE EVEN WHEN NOT RUNNING, PERHAPS IN THE GARAGE. I HAVE A 2003 EXPLORER, I HAVE CALLED THE FORD DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBLITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT, WHAT CAN WE DO IF WE OWN THESE CARS TO BE SAFE?
Power train, Jun 15, 2005
DEAR NHTSA: IN OCTOBER 2003 I PURCHASED THE NBX - V8 VERSION OF THE FORD EXPLORER WITH AN UPGRADED TOW PACKAGE FOR MY WIFE. SHE NEVER USES THE TOW PACKAGE AND I, VERY OCCASIONALLY PULL A 300LB UTILITY TRAILER. I GET THE OIL CHANGED RELIGIOUSLY AND RECENTLY HAD THE 30,000 MILE 4WD LUBRICATION PACKAGE FROM GOODYEAR FOR APPROX. $500. AT 34,000MI MY WIFE BEGAN TO NOTICE A NON-DESCRIPT NOISE IN THE REAR END, A RUMBLE AT SLOW SPEEDS WHILE TURNING. SHE CARRIES THINGS IN THE BACK AND THOUGHT THEY WERE ROLLING AROUND. I DROVE THE CAR AT 36,600 MI AND ALSO NOTICED THE NOISE BUT WE HAD A LOW REAR TIRE AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIRE PRESSURE. THE TIRE ACTUALLY PICKED UP A NAIL AND WENT FLAT AND I BROUGHT THE TIRE TO GOODYEAR FOR REPAIR. AFTER THE REPAIR THE REAR END NOISE PERSISTED ONLY AT LOW SPEEDS AND WE FINALLY GOT THE CAR IN TO GOODYEAR FOR EVALUATION AT 38,000 MILES. THEY REPLACED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID AGAIN AND THE NOISE PERSISTED. THEY THEN WENT ON LINE AND PULLED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB 04-17-5 WHICH WAS FOR LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS IN 2002-2004 FORD EXPLORERS, 2003-2004 EXPEDITIONS AND 2004 F-150S. THIS WAS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS EXPERIENCING. SINCE THIS VEHICLE IS NOT USED OFF ROAD, IS NOT USED TO TOW ANYTHING HEAVY, IS PAMPERED BUT DOES GET A FAIR AMOUNT OF HIGHWAY MILES 38,000MI IN 19 MONTHS, I FELT THAT HAVING A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AT THIS STAGE WAS UNUSUAL. WELL, AFTER TALKING TO MY MANAGER AT WORK, HALF THE FORD EXPLORER FLEET IN BOSTON WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM, WITH ONE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP 3 MONTHS AND ONE NEVER SEEING THE LIGHT OF DAY YET. THE TSB NOTED PROBLEMS WITH THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. WHAT ABOUT NEXT TIME?? MY VEHICLE. VEHICLE # [XXX] FORD EXPLORER SILVER V8 NBX VERSION? THEY ALSO KNOW THEY HAVE A REAL PROBLEM WITH THEIR TRANSMISSIONS AND THE CONSUMER WILL END UP EATING IT. IS FORD QUALITY JOB 1?? *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Tires, Jun 13, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE ENTIRE SIDE OF THE TIRE CAME APART WHERE IT WAS GLUED. *AK
Air bags, Jun 11, 2005
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR ASOLUTELY NO REASON WHATSOEVER. WE WERE JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A LOAD POP. I THOUGHT WE HAD A BLOWOUT UNTIL I SAW MY WIFE SITTING IN THE SEAT IN PAIN. FOR A WHILE SHE COULDN'T EVEN MOVE THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY. WE HEADED HOME IMMEDIATELY, BY THE TIME WE MADE IT HOME SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE AGAIN. BEING A SATURDAY THERE WASN'T ANYONE TO CALL. I WILL BE CALLING FORD FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING.
Electrical system, Jun 2, 2005
THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY FORD FOCUS ZX3 (2003) HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. ONCE ON 6/17/04 AT 17,301 MILES BY LATHAM FORD IN LATHAM, NY AND ON 12/17/04 AT 33,213 MILES BY NEMER FORD IN QUEENSBURY, NY. BOTH TIMES I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. BOTH TIMES THE REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO NEW COUNTRY FORD YESTERDAY (6/1/05) BECAUSE THE KEY TURNS, BUT THE CAR DOES NOT START ONLY THE ELECTRIC COMES ON. THE SERVICE MANAGER THERE, BOB, SAID THE MECHANIC IS STILL LOOKING AT THE CAR AND APPARENTLY THE IGNITION SWITCH IS BROKEN AGAIN, BUT HE THINKS SOMETHING ELSE IN THE STEERING COLUMN MAY BE THE PROBLEM. IF IT IS NOT THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT IS BROKEN I WILL LIKELY HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH THE MALFUNCTIONING PIECE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSING THE IGNITION SWITCH TO FAIL THE FIRST TWO TIMES (MEANING THAT THOSE MECHANICS MISSED THE BIG PROBLEM).