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 21, 2004, crash
I WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED OUT FROM A STOP SIGN DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME WHILE I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. MY EXPLORER EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. DURING THIS ACCIDENT NEITHER OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I AM JUST BEGINING TO MAKE CONTACTS TO TRY AND GET AN EXPLAINATION AS TO WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DIGITAL PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGED VEHICLE ARE AVAILBLE.*AK
Air bags, Jun 12, 2004
2003 EXPOLRER - DEFECTIVE COMPUTER SENSOR MODULE FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM FOR THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Jun 11, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Steering, Jun 3, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE ROD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULL OVER. THE DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRE ROD DUE TO WORN PARTS. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
Structure, May 20, 2004
WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE MANY TIMES AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK *SC *JB
Power train, May 13, 2004
CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, May 10, 2004
2003 FORD EXPLORER- 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RANDOMLY DISENGAGES. REPRODUCED BY FIRST ACCELERATING FROM 1ST OR 2ND GEAR AND BACK OFF GAS JUST BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES AND ENGINE REVS UP. MUST EITHER REV ENGINE UP OVER 4K OR BACKOFF GAS ALTOGETHER TO RECOVER. FORD IS NON-RESPONSIVE TO INQUIRES. PROBLEM WEBSITES ARE FULL OF SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. *LA
Structure, May 5, 2004
WHILE PARKED REAR LIFTGATE GLASS EXPLODED. *AK
Parking brake, Apr 26, 2004
2003 FORD SPORT TRAC SAFETY PARKING BRAKE RELEASE MALFUNCTIONED. FIVE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER PULLED GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE. CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO LAKE AND SUBMERGED. I WAS ABLE TO GET HER OUT BEFOR IT SANK. *AK
Steering, Apr 21, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND WOULD ONLY STEER TO THE LEFT. THIS RESULTED IN VEHICLE GOING OVER AN EMBANKMENT. *AK
Power train, Apr 21, 2004
SOON AFTER PURCHASE THE EXPLORER (2WD) DEVELOPED AN AXLE WHINE FROM 55-70 MPH ON ACCELERATION. IT'S QUIET ON COAST. THE LOCAL DEALER FOUND A TSB (#16898). THEY REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT AS SPECIFIED. THE ONLY CHANGE WAS THE RANGE OF THE WHINE, NOW 58-63MPH. BACK TO DEALER ON 1/8/04. THEY SAID A FIX WAS IN THE WORKS, CALL BACK IN 3 MONTHS. CALLED TODAY (4.21), NO FIX AND NO DATE. PS: SURE SOUNDS LIKE A BAD RING/PINION TO ME...*AK
Air bags, Apr 19, 2004, crash
WHEN DRIVING 65 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A GUARD RAIL HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Seats, Apr 8, 2004
CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE SPRING ON THE SECOND SET OF SEATS REPAIRED BECAUSE IT WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT. EVEN AFTER THE ADJUSTMENT THE SPRING WAS STILL TOO TIGHT/STRONG. CONSUMER WENT TO A FORD DEALER AND EXPLAINED TO HIM JUST WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT HE SHOULD CALL NHTSA AND COMPLAIN. CONSUMER PULLED THE LEVEL TO ADJUST THE SEAT, AND THE SEAT CAME DOWN WITH SO MUCH FORCE THAT IT SPLIT. CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IF A CHILD WOULD PULLED THE LEVEL HE OR SHE WOULD CERTAINLY BE INJURED.*AK *JB
Power train, Apr 1, 2004
WHILE ON ANY TYPE OF INCLINE OUR FORD EXPLORER XLT ROLLS BACK WHILE IN DRIVE. AFTER TELEPHONING FORD MOTOR COMPANY, I WAS TOLD BY ANN TO TAKE THE ISSUE UP WITH THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. SHE SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE ISSUE OF THE ROLLBACK WHILE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE ON AN INCLINE. WHEN WE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED IT, THEY SAID THEY WOULD WORK WITH US AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY. IN EARLY DECEMBER AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP MANAGER AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER, I WAS TOLD THAT THE 8 CYLINDER VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED HAS A DIFFERENT TRANSMISSION THAN THE 6 CYLINDER. WHILE THE 6 CYLINDER EXPLORERE DOES NOT ROLL BACK ON AN INCLINE WHILE IN DRIVE, THE 8 CYLINDER MODEL DOES. I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS SIMPLY THE WAY THE TRANSMISSION IS DESIGNED AND THAT CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ELIMINATE THE ROLL BACK ISSUE. WHEN I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE ON DEC. 7, 2003, TONY (SERVICE DEPT. MANAGER) TOLD ME THAT CLAUDIA WOULD BE CALLING ME WITHIN THE NEXT WEEK TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF ARRANGEMENTS WITH ME ALONG THE LINES OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DUE TO THE FACT THAT PERHAPS THE TRANSMISSION WOULD EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS DOWN THE ROAD. MY MAIN CONCERN WITH THE ROLL BACK ISSUE IS THAT MY DAUGHTER IS GOING TO BE DRIVING THIS SUMMER, AND WE CANNOT ALLOW HER TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. FOR AN INEXPERIENCED, NEW DRIVER TO OPERATE THIS VEHICLE COULD HAVE THE POTENTIAL OF TURNING INTO AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE VEHICLE ROLL BACK WHILE ON AN INCLINE IN DRIVE. THIS IS THE FIRST NEW VEHICLE MY WIFE & I HAVE EVER PURCHASED AND WE ARE EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED, NOT ONLY ABOUT THE ROLLBACK ISSUE BUT BY FORD'S LACK OF INTEREST IN THE ROLLBACK ISSUE. REPEATED EMAILS TO FORD MOTOR HAVE GONE UNANSWERED, AND AS OF THE DATE OF THIS COMPLAIN NEITHER CLAUDIA OR ANYONE FROM FORD MOTOR CO. HAS CONTACTED ME.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2004
THE VEHICLE JERKED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER 4-5 TIMES. EACH TIME THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED BUT EACH TIME THE JERKING PROBLEM RETURNED. THE CONSUMER DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT THE TECHNICIAN CAN REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *NM THE VEHICLE WOULD OSCILLATE INTERMITTENTLY WHILE PULLING IN AND OUT OF A DRIVEWAY OR PARKING. THE WHEEL JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE WOULD STALL WHEN THE STEERING OSCILLATED. *SC
Air bags, Mar 30, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Seat belts, Structure, Mar 29, 2004
NUMEROUS PROBLEM: BRAKES, REAR WINDOW OPENING, SEAT BELT RETRACTION, HEATER, REAR DEFROST, BODY WORK, ETC.. *PH WHILE BRAKING THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE REAR WINDOW HINGE FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE WINDOW TO OPEN WHILE THE CONSUMER WENT THROUGH A CAR WASH. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTED SLOWLY WHICH CAUSED THE BELT TO BECOME HOOKED ONTO THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM. AS A RESULT THE PASSENGER COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE LEFT WIPER WAS NOT CLEARING THE WINDSHIELD. THE LEFT REAR DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY UNLESS IT WAS SLAMMED HARD. *NM
Power train, Mar 29, 2004
PURCHASE VEHICLE ON JULY 30, 2003. REAR AXLE WHINE DURING SPEEDS BETWEEN 45 - 60 DURING ACCELERATION/ DECELLERATION DIAGNOSED ON 13 OCTOBER 2003. ADVISED THAT ENGINEERS WERE WORKING ON A FIX AND NO SERVICE WAS TO BE PERFORMED. VERY DISPLEASED AT THE ATTITUDE OF FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES AND THE LACK OF SERVICE RECEIVED WITH FORD VEHICLE. FILED COMPLAINT WITH SETTLEMENT DISPUTE BOARD AND WITH BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. NEXT STEP IS TO CONTACT ATTORNEY TO FILE LEMON LAW. ALSO, CONSUMERS NEED TO GET OUT INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC THAT FORD IS SELLING THESE VEHICLES KNOWING THERE IS A PROBLEM AND IS NOT WILLING TO FIX THEM.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Mar 27, 2004
BRAKE PEDAL GOES DOWN TO THE FLOOR INTERMITTENTLY.THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETTY ISSUE.THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM YET.TOOK IN THE SHOP FOR MORE THAN 3 TIMES.ALSO THE OIL LEAK FROM THE REAR MAIN SEAL,HARSHE SHIFT IN TRANSMISSION ,POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE,OIL PAN GASKET LEAK ,MASTER CYLINDER LEAK ,COIL (SPARK PLUG) FAILURE.*AK
Power train, Mar 24, 2004
TRANSMISSION BEGAN LOCKING UP WHEN VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE TO BACK-UP. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 16, 2004
VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND LEFT IT THERE FOR 30 DAYS. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2004
SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER IS OFF. SPEEDOMETER OFF BY 5 MILES PER HOUR ODOMETER IS OFF BY 6 MILES . *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2004
AFTER DRIVING THE TRUCK FOR A LONG AMOUNT OF TIME SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGGS. *AK
Electrical system, Mar 13, 2004
THE SUV TAKES TWO TIMES TO START THE VEHICLE UP. THE KEY AND IGINITION ARE NOT MATCHING UP WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER BUT THEY WON'T FIX IT SAYING THEY HAVE TO SEE IT FIRST.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2004
THIS VEHICLE STALLS OUT WHEN STOPPING. WHEN TRYING TO GET GOING AGAIN IT DOESN'T THROTTLE PROPERLY. *AK