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, Sep 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR ON A STRAIGHT ROAD IN EXCELLENT CONDITION THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO BRAKING OR ACCELERATING OCCURING AT THE TIME OF THE EVENT. THIS WAS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. 4 OCCUPANTS WERE PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE INCLUDING 2 TODDLERS. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 24, 2004
VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO ACCELERATE IT, ITS STALLS AS A RESULT OF THE LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER, AND CRUISE CONTROL WIRES. THE VEHICLE IS NOT REPAIRED AT THIS TIME.*AK
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 20, 2004, crash
CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. *MR THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THE CONSUMER COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING ON IT'S OWN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER CRASHED INTO THE BORDER WALL, SPUN AROUND, AND STOPPED ON THE OTHER SIDE. *SC *JB
Power train, Aug 20, 2004
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AXLE/DRIVESHAFT. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2004
THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. *LA THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT HAD COME ON ALONG WITH THE RPM'S GOING UP. THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE VALVE BOOT AND THE SOLENOID WAS REPLACED. SOON AFTER, THE VEHICLE DIED AGAIN TWICE AFTER TWO REPAIR ATTEMPTS. *SC *JB
Suspension, Structure, Aug 16, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH TIRES ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *MR THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END, THE TIRE WERE NOTICED WORN ON THE INSIDE, THERE WAS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR END WHICH WAS TILTED DUE TO A BENT FRAME, THE REAR END LEAKED AS WELL. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. (THREE SETS OF TIRES IN 20K MILES AND ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER, THEY HAD TO REPLACED ONE OF THE BACK TIRES AGAIN) THE NOISE AND VIBRATION REMAINED. *SC *JB
Power train, Aug 16, 2004
PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 JANUARY 2004, AROUND 10K MILES NOTICED A SHUDDER/SLIPPING IN TRANSMISSION UNDER HARD EXCELLERATION. I BROUGHT VEHICLE TO PULLIAM FORD IN COLA. SC TO HAVE TRANSMISSION AND WHINING REAR END REPAIRED. WHEN I CALLED THE SERVICE WRITER, HE INFORMED ME THAT THE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE TRANSMISSION VIBRATION, AND THAT THE WHINE WAS NO LOUDER THAN OTHER EXPLORERS, EVEN THOUGH THEY DID ACKNOWLEGE THAT THE EXPLORER DID HAVE A REAR END PROBLEM. I AM NOT SATISFIED AND WOULD LIKE TO GET MY 32K WORTH OUT OF THIS VEHICLE, NOT A EXCUSE FOR A POOR PRODUCT AND POOR SERVICE. *AK
Structure, Aug 16, 2004
WHILE OPENING THE TAILGATE WINDOW, THE RIGHT AND LEFT HINGES BROKE. *AK PE04045.PCO THE BACK WINDOW WAS HANGING BY THE PISTONS. WHEN POPPING UP THE WINDOW USING THE BUTTON IT DID NOT GO UP AUTOMATICALLY. THE TAILGATE WINDOW DOES NOT SHUT PROPERLY.*MR *JB
Steering, Power train, Aug 10, 2004
THIS FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRACK WAS BOUGHT NEW. I PREVIOUSLY HAD A FORD EXPLORER. THE REASON I TRADED WAS BECAUSE OF THE ROLL OVER RATE. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE GAVE ME A RUN DOWN ON THE NEWLY DESIGNED EXPLORER TELLIN ME THAT THE NEW DESIGN HAD CORRECTED THE ROLL OVER PROBLEM IN WHICK FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS HAD SEVERAL LAW SUITS. I HAVE TWO GRANDCHILDEN WE ARE RAISING AND I MOST CURTAINLY DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE AFTER READING THE ARTICLES ON THIS SITE AND THE ARTICLE IN THE FORT WORTH STAR TELEGRAM. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE IN THE SHOP TWICE FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND POWERSTEERING PROBLEMS. BOTH TIMES THEY SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING. PLEASE ADVISE ME IN WHAT I SHOULD DO.
Trailer hitches, Aug 7, 2004
U-HAUL WILL NOT RENT ANY TRAILER TO OWNERS OF FORD EXPLORER'S. U-HAUL SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO PICK AND CHOOSE IT'S CUSTOMERS. IF I HAVE A SAFE AND PROPERLY EQUIPED TOW VEHICLE LIKE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER, 4 DOOR, 4X4, AUTOMATIC, 4.0 LITER WITH A HEAVY DUTY TOWING PACKAGE THEN U-HAUL SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO TELL ME I DO NOT HAVE AN APPROPRIATE TOW VECHICLE. THE REAL REASON THEY DECLINE TO RENT A TRAILER TO FORD EXPLORER OWNERS IS BECAUSE THE COMPANY LAWYERS TOLD THEM NOT TO BECAUSE "U-HAUL HAS CHOSEN NOT TO RENT BEHIND THIS TOW VEHICLE BASED ON OUR HISTORY OF EXCESSIVE COSTS IN DEFENDING LAWSUITS INVOLVING FORD EXPLORER TOWING COMBINATIONS.*AK
Structure, Aug 5, 2004
2003 FORD EXPLORER...WHEN OPENING GLASS PORTION OF HATCHBACK, THE RIGHT HINGE FAILED, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL ON MY WIFE'S HEAD, GIVING HER A CONCUSSION. AR HAS 38000 MILES AND HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. HINGE FAILURE DUE TO BOLT SHEARING OFF AT WINDOW. GOING TO GET IT LOOKED AT TOMORROW. *AK PE04045.PCO
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 5, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THEY FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED BUT THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN AFTER IT WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AT LEFT FOR TWO WEEKS. DURING THAT TIME THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM SHOULD BE REPLACED SINCE THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 20, 2004
VEHICLE WILL STALL AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT AND THE ENGINE HAS NOT REACH NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE, FUEL TANK FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PROCEEDING UP AN INCLINE. WHEN VEHICLE STALLS YOU CAN START THE VEHICLE AND PROCEED. AFTER REACHING NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR THE VEHICLE HAVE TRAVEL FORTY TO EIGHTY MILES ON THE TANK OF GAS IT WILL NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM UNTIL YOU REFILL THE TANK AGAIN. IF THE TANK IS KEPT FULL OR NO MORE THAN ONE OR TWO GALLONS ARE USED UP. IT WILL NOT STALL. I HAVE HAD IT BACK FOR REPAIR FIVE OR SIX TIMES BUT NO LUCK. THE LAST VISIT TO THE DEALER THEY PUT A RECORDER ON THE VEHICLE WHICH I KEPT FOR THREE WEEKS AND IT RECORDED THE STALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS BEING OVERFILLED BUT I NEVER OVERFILL THE VEHICLE AND I EXPLAINED THAT TO THEM. I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE NEW ON 7/31/03 AND DROVE IT HOME ON THE TANK OF GAS THE DEALER PUT IN IT. THE VEHICLE SAT FOR TEN DAYS WHILE I WAS ON VACATION AND WHEN I RETURNED I DROVE IT THE NEXT DAY AND IT STALLED AND IT HAD NOT BEEN REFUELED. THE TANK WAS STILL FULL FROM THE DEARLER'S ORIGINAL FILL-UP. I TOOK IT BACK THE FIRST TIME 8/19/03 AND THE DEALER REPLACE A PART(VALVE) THAT THEY INDICATED MAY HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *LA
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Jul 16, 2004
THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH A BENT FRAME AND A BENT REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. 6 SETS OF TIRES WERE USED AND REPLACED DURING THIS DEFECT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BENT FRAME. HOWEVER, THE DEALER WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *AK THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE DEALERS DIDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE WORN ON THE INSIDE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR END WAS TILTED AND THERE WAS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THIS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS BENT. THREE SETS OF TIRES IN 20K MILES AND ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER, THEY HAD TO REPLACE 1 OF THE BACK TIRES AGAIN. THE NOISE AND VIBRATION REMAINED THE SAME. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE BENT FRAME. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COVER LEAKED. *SC
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 15, 2004
VARIOUS COMPLAINTS INVOLVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT.*MR CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT NOISE ON VEHICLE WAS COMING FROM REAR. REPAIRS AND/OR REPLACEMENTS WERE MADE ON: FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSIONS, TRANSFER CASE, AND SEALS IN THE REAR AXLE DUE TO LEAK. NOW, CONSUMER IS WAITING FOR A NEW AXLE ASSEMBLY TO BE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE. ALSO, A COOLING SYSTEM NOISE ON VEHICLE BUT DEALER COUDN'T FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. *LA
Visibility, Jul 15, 2004
THE REARVIEW MIRROR IN MY VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 20% OF ITS CAPACITY BLOCKED BY THE OVERHEAD COMPARTMENT. *LA
Visibility, Jul 12, 2004
BACK (REAR) WINDOW DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. REQUIRES NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. *LA
Tires, Jul 9, 2004
TIRE ALIGNMENT FAILURE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH ABS BRAKING SYSTEM ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER.*MR WHEN MAKING EMERGENCY STOPS AND ABS INITIATED, BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY DECREASES, AND TRAVELS DOWNWARD PAST THE GAS PEDAL STOPPING CLOSE TO THE FLOOR. IN SOME CASES, CONSUMER HAS THE TENDENCY TO PRESS BOTH THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS DUE TO THE PROXIMITY OF THE TWO PEDALS, WHICH RESULTED CONSUMER TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. *LA
Equipment, Jun 30, 2004
WHILE DRIVING/IDLING HEAT WOULD BE COMING OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER (A/C) VENTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS PROBLEM CAUSED THIRD DEGREE BURNS TO THE CONSUMER'S RIGHT LEG. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2004
VEHICLE FAILURE PROBLEMS WITH 2003 FORD EXPLORER.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED IN AN INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER INSISTED THAT THE CONSUMER'S NEGLECT WAS THE CAUSED OF THE FAILURE AND IF HE REFUSED TO PURCHASE A NEW ENGINE FROM THEM THEY WOULD VOID MANUFACTURERS AND EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT HE TOOK CARE OF HIS VEHICLE PERFORMING ALL THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO A DEFECT IN THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. *NM
Electrical system, Jun 24, 2004
RIGHT SIDE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WOULD JITTER AND BOTTOM OUT WHEN YOU OPEN AND CLOSE WINDOW. THIS PROBLEM WAS CONTINUOUS SINCE DAY ONE. I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT IT WAS JUST OFF ITS TRACK. SO I DIDNT WORRY ABOUT IT TO MUCH AND I WAITED (WHICH IS MY FAULT AS TO WHY I HAD TO PAY FOR IT) UNTIL SOMETHING MORE WORTH WHILE GOING IN FOR CAME UP. WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK IN TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT FROM MY DEER ACCIDENT, THEY SAID THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS DOING WHAT IT WAS DUE TO A BAD ELECTRIC MOTOR. I THINK FORD NEEDS TO BE MORE THOROUGH WHEN TESTING THE VEHICAL FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE. THE WINDOW WAS ONLY USED THREE TIME TO DATE. I DIDNT MIND PAYING FOR THE REPAIR AS I AM SURE FORD WOULD OF HONORED THE WARRENTY IF I WOULD OF DELT WITH IT THEN. BUT ITS JUST THE FACT OF THE MATTER THAT THEY PUT A FAULTY ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE SUV THAT SHOULD OF BEEN CAUGHT WHEN IT CAME OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE.*AK
Power train, Jun 24, 2004
TOOK MY SUV INTO MR. TIRE TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES. LEFT MR. TIRE & MY O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH @ 35 MPH. TOOK SUV BACK TO MR. TIRE TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. I WASNT SURE IF THEY MIGHT HAVE CAUSE IT OR NOT. THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC ON IT & FOUND A CODE P0741 TCC. THEY TOLD ME IT COULD BE JUST A SELENOID OR THE CONVERTER. EITHER WAY, ITS NOT LOCKING UP TO DO A 1:1 CONVERSION FOR OVERDRIVE TO SAVE ON GAS & PREVENT OVERHEATING OF THE TRANSMISION. THEY TOLD ME TO GO IMMEDIATELY TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. I WENT TO PURVIS FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT & THEY DID THEIR OWN DIAGNOSIS. PURVIS FORD FOUND THAT THE CONVERTER IS BAD & COMING APART. THEY ALSO SAID IT WAS OVERHEATING & THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION FOR MY VEHICAL FOR THAT YEAR WAS A BAD TRANSMISSION. ALSO THEY'VE HAD CUSTOMERS W/ THIS EXACT PROBLEM W/ AS LITTLE AS 100 MILES & SOME W/ AS MUCH AS 100,000 MILES. FOR A 120K MILE "MAINTENANCE FREE" TRANSMISSION (W/ EXCEPTION OF CHANGING OUT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID) THIS SURE SEEMS TO BE AN EXPENSIVE TRANSMISSION. WHAT IS MORE INTERESTING IS THAT FORD WONT REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION W/ THE ORIGINAL TYPE OF TRANSMISSION. INSTEAD THEY WANTED TO PUT A DIFFERENT ONE IN THAT HAS AN EXTERNAL COOLER & FILTER. TOTALLING $3300 NOT INCLUDING TAX. IT WAS ALSO TOLD TO ME BY PURVIS FORD'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT FORD HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TRANSMISSIONS ON THESE VEHICALS. 2 OTHER PEOPLE ALONE WAS IN THEIR SHOP FOR REBUILDS ON THEIR 2003 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS. WHY DOESNT FORD VOLUNTARILY RECALL ON THIS & REPLACE THEM W/ THIS "NEW" TYPE OF TRANSMISSION AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER. RIGHT NOW I AM NOT HAPPY W/ FORD & I WILL NOT KEEP MY SUV NOR WILL I BUY ANOTHER ONE. THIS IS THE THIRD PROBLEM I'VE HAD WITH THIS SUV THAT HAS COSTED ME BIG $$$$. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE BUYING A FORD SUV. AT THIS TIME I HAVE NOT HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED DUE TO HIGH COST. THE SUV IS CURRENTLY IN MY DRIVEWAY NOT BEING DRIVEN TO AVOID FURHTER DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 23, 2004, crash
2003 FORD EXPLORER RECALL REGARDING THE TRAVEL ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. *MR ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS WHEN IT WAS NECESSARY TO BRAKE HARD TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER HAD SIMULTANEOUSLY ENGAGE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS. THIS RESULTED IN THE CONSUMER HITTING A VEHICLE THAT HAD SUDDENLY STOPPED IN TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF HIM. THE BRAKE PEDAL NEVER PASSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, INCLUDING PANIC STOPS. THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FIXED. *SC THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT THE DEALER ADJUST THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP HIGHER THAN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE AS IN OLDER MODELS DUE TO ABS. *JB
Structure, Jun 22, 2004
THE LIFTGATE GLASS SHATTERED WHEN CONSUMER'S SON WAS CLOSING THE LIFTGATE. THE GLASS LANDED IN CONSUMER'S SON HAIR AND FACE. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #10004078 WAS ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. *AK THIS IS A MY2002 VEHICLE AND NOT MY2003 PER CONSUMER_081704.PCO PE04045.PCO