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.
Air bags, Jun 2, 2005, crash
CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND ROLLED OVER. THERE WERE TWO PASSENGERS INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED AND THE SECOND HAD LESS SERIOUS INJURIES DUE TO THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING ON EITHER SIDE. THE AIR BAG SWITCH WAS ON. *JB *SB *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 29, 2005
I WAS DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS WHEN A COLLISION OCCURED IN THE LANES NEXT TO ME AND THE VEHICLES SWERVED INTO MY LANE. I SLAMED ON THE BRAKES AND THE ABS SYSTEM STARTED WORKING, THEN FAILED. THE BACK WHEELS LOCKED UP AND I FISH-TAILED, ENDING UP IN THE DIRT CENTER MEDIAN. WHEN I LOOKED AT THE DASH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THE REAR ABS SENSOR FAILED (OPEN CIRCUT).
Structure, May 26, 2005
2003 FORD EXPLORER REAR HATCH GLASS SHATTERED WHILE PARKED.*MR *JB
Service brakes, Air, Electrical system, May 18, 2005
MY HUSBAND AND I ARE LEASING A 2003 FORD EXPIDITION OF WHICH WE RECEIVED ON 5/5/03. AS OF 10/04 THIS SUV HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, (SENSORS BURN OUT). ALSO IN 10/04 THE FRONT END BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND THE AGAIN ON 2/05, THE FRONT END BRAKES BACK BRAKES AND ALSO FRONT END ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THIS SUV SHOULD IN NO WAY NEED NEW BRAKES THIS SOON AND DEFINITLEY NOT ROTORS. THIS SUV ONLY HAVE 35,000 MILES AS OF 5/19/05. BUT WHEN THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED IT ONLY HAD 31,000 MILES. I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE I HAVE SPOKEN TO NUMEROUS OF EXPIDITION OWNERS AND THEY ALL ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. I WOULD LIKE TO BE RE-INBURSED FOR THEY MONEY WE HAVE SPENT THUS FAR FOR AN ON GOING DEFECT. ALSO WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THE LOWER GRILL OF THE TRUCK ARRIVED, BECAUSE OURS DID NOT HAVE ONE WHEN WE PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALER, WELL WE ARE STILL WAITING AS OF 5/05.
Vehicle speed control, May 17, 2005
AT TIMES, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, IF ANY BUTTON IS PRESSED, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATES.
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2005
THERE HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH MOLD IN THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDESNER UNIT.
Electrical system, May 16, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK ALONG WITH DARK SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. VEHICLE HESITATED AND CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LANE, A TURN LANE LEADING INTO AN OFFICE PARK. CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO CALL HIGHWAY ASSISTANCE THAT FORD DEALER USES IN AREA, THEY EVENTUALLY SENT A TOW SERVICE THAT COULD NOT TOW BECAUSE 2 PEOPLE WERE ALREADY IN THE CAB. CONSUMER CALLED DEALER BACK AND DEALER GAVE NAME AND NUMBER OF ANOTHER TOW SERVICE THAT BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER. CONSUMER WAS TOLD COMPUTER WAS THE PROBLEM OF THE HESITATION. *TT
Suspension, Electrical system, Air bags, Tires, Wheels, May 7, 2005, crash, fire
PASSENGER-FRONT TIRE RECEIVED AN IMPACT IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS HIT WAS A "SIDE-CRASH" WHERE ONLY THE TIRE AND A SMALL AREA OF THE OUTSIDE FRAMING ABOVE THE WHEEL WERE DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TRUCK SPARKED AND IGNITED ON IMPACT. THE TRUCK WAS IN FULL FLAMES IN THE TIRE AND ENGINE AREA WITHIN 9-11 MINUTES. THE FIRE BURNED OUT THE CENTER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD, THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA, THE DASHBOARD/GLOVE COMPARTMENT, AND THE TIRE AREA WITHIN THAT TIME FRAME. I WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN THE OTHER DRIVER COLIDED WITH MY TRUCK AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH; THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY/RAINY BUT IT HAD NOT RAINED YET DURING MY MORNING TRAVEL. THE AIR
Power train, May 3, 2005
TRANSMISSION CLUNKING FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD OR FROM FORWARD TO REVERSE. WHIRLING SOUND, 55-65 MPH, REAR DIFFERENTIAL.
Power train, Apr 25, 2005
1 LOUD NOISE COMING FROM REAR-END(WHINING)2.FLUID FORCED FROM FRONT OF DIFFERENTIAL.3. REAR-END REPLACED 4 TIMES TO NO AVAIL.*AK
Visibility, Apr 12, 2005
OWNER WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN WITHOUT WARNING THE REAR GLASS SHATTERED. OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *NM MANUFACTURE STATED RECALL ONLY APPLIED TO 4 DOOR MODEL, NOT 2 DOOR MODEL WHICH THE CONSUMER OWNS. *BF *NM
Power train, Apr 10, 2005
CLUTCH IN TRANSFER CASE DEFECTIVE. CAUSES VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE UNEXPECTEDLY.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Apr 10, 2005
THE CRUISE CONTROL ON MY VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE. I CAN TURN IT ON BY HITTING THE OFF BUTTON AND VISE VERSA. THE CAR WILL SPEED UP WHEN I TOUCH THE COAST BUTTON AND SLOW DOWN WHEN I HIT THE SET BUTTON. I HAVE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THE EXPLORERS, BUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FORD F150 FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM.*AK
Air bags, Apr 9, 2005, crash
DRIVING ON SEMI-CLEAR ROAD ABOUT 40 MPH, AIR TEMPERATURE WAS -7 DEGREES. HIT BLACK ICE AND WENT OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A DITCH. THE EXPLORER HIT A TREE STUMP ON THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF BUMPER AND WHEEL. THE TRUCK DID NOT ROLL OVER DURING THE ACCIDENT. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE WEARING THE SEAT BELT/SHOULDER BELT. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURE/COMPRESSION OF THE L1 VERTBRAE (SPINE) DUE TO THE SEAT BELT (SEAT-BELT SYNDROME). THE TRUCK SUSTAINED HEAVY DAMAGE TO THE FRONT, FRONT WHEEL AND ENGINE AREA. THE REPAIR MECHANIC DID PERFORM A CHECK OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM DURING THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE SYSTEM CHECKED OUT AS NORMAL. NO AIR BAG SYSTEM PART HAD BEEN REPLACED DURING THE REPAIR. *AK
Wheels, Apr 8, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT INTERSTATE SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. WHEN I PULLED OFF THE INTERSTATE, I NOTICED THAT 3 OF THE 5 THREADED LUGS WERE BROKEN ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL. I HAD TO BE TOWED ON A FLATBED TOWING VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY, HUB ASSEMBLY BRAKE SHIELD AND LUG NUTS. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE WHEELS WERE ROTATED ON MARCH 11, 2005 BY A LOCAL FORD DEALER PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT.*AK
Electrical system, Apr 7, 2005, fire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS AND THE OWNER DROVE ACROSS THE STREET TO THE SHELL GAS STATION, OWNER PARKED THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE GAS STATION, AND GOT SOME CASH FROM THE ATM MACHINE. OWNER WALKED BACK TO THE VEHICLE AND IT IGNITED. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE TRUCK WAS BURNED. THE FIRE MARSHALL SAID THAT THEY THOUGHT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *AK
Equipment, Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2005
ISSUE IS NON SAFETY RELATED. ISSUE WITH KNOWN MANUFACTURERS DEFECT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THAT CANNOT BE REPAIRED AND WILL NOT BE REPLACED. PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW IN SEPTEMBER OF 2003. DESIRED FEATURE WAS HARD TONNEAU COVER TO KEEP BED DRY AND SECURE. COVER LEAKED. TOOK BACK TO DEALER AFTER APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF TO GET REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD THAT "LEAKING" WAS NOT A COVERED ITEM PER FORD WARRANTY GROUP AND THAT IT WAS EXPECTED. TOLD TO RESOLVE WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE IF HAD FURTHER QUESTIONS. CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE TO CLARIFY WHY THEY DIDN'T CONSIDER LEAKING A COVERED ITEM AND WAS TOLD IT WAS COVERED AND THEY WOULD WORK WITH DEALER TO UNDERSTAND WHY NOT FIXED. GOT CALL BACK NEXT DAY STATING THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF LEAKING ISSUES AND WHILE SHOULD BE A WARRANTY COVERED ITEM, THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX OR IF THEY EVER WOULD. WAS TOLD TO CHECK BACK PERIODICALLY TO SEE IF ANY FIX HAD BEEN ISSUED. FORD IS NOT HONORING THEIR STATED WARRANTY. IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE MY 2003 WAS PUT ON THE MARKET AND STILL NO FIX FOR THE ISSUE WHICH FORD SAYS THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE OF. MY $600 SPENT ON A TONNEAU COVER TO KEEP THE BED DRY IS WASTED AND FORD IS STILL SELLING THIS TONNEAU COVER TO OTHER CONSUMERS.
Structure, Apr 4, 2005
COMPLAINT REGARDING RECALL 04S20 RELATING TO THE REAR LIFT GATE.*** NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER STILL HAD NOT RECEIVED A CALL OR LETTER AS TO WHEN TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED. *JB
Steering, Mar 21, 2005
WHEN ADJUSTING STEERING WHEEL FOR DIFFERENT LEVELS IT WON'T LOCK IN POSITION. WITH THE SLIGHTEST PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL IT WILL FALL INTO DRIVER'S HANDS. HAS NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO A DEALER.*AK
Tires, Mar 18, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH DRIVER HEAR A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR LEFT TIRE BLEW OUT. DRIVER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *AK
Suspension, Mar 17, 2005
THERE'S A LOUD ROARING NOISE IN THE REAR END WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS IS DUE TO A GLITCH IN THE REDESIGNED REAR END, BUT THERE IS NO SOLUTION AT THIS TIME FOR IT. *AK
Structure, Mar 8, 2005
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V442000, CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE HINGES ON THE LIFTGATE. CONSUMER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED SINCE THE DEALER HAS MADE NOT CONTACT WITH HER FOR THE SERVICE DATE. *AK *TC
Visibility, Mar 4, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Visibility, Mar 2, 2005
NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL 04S20 CONCERNING REAR WINDSHIELD. STERLING FORD 703-430-7700. *AK *TC
Air bags, Mar 2, 2005, crash
WHEN THE CONSUMER HIT A DEER AT 35 MPH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO DRIVE. . PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB AFTER HITTING THE DEER THE AIR BAG GASES DEPLOYED AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AFTER IMPACT, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD REMAINED ILLUMINATED. *TT