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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 10, 2004
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE LIFTBACK ON THE VEHICLE UNLATCHED ITSELF. IN ALL BUT ONE OCCURANCE, THIS WAS NOT NOTICED UNTIL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS IN A PARKED POSITION. THE MOST RECENT OCCURENCE WAS MARCH 9, 2004.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 9, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL, AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE LEFT FRONT REAR. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. *AK
Power train, Mar 9, 2004
I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 EXPLORER XLT IN MID-FEBRUARY 2003. AT ABOUT 9500 MILES THE SUV DEVELOPED A WHINING NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. LOCAL FORD DEALER CONFIRMS NOISE, BUT IS UNABLE TO FIX AS "FORD ENGINEERS HAVE NOT YET FOUND A FIX" ALSO AT 3800 MILES THE AT FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED-NOT REPLACED. LOCAL DEALER IS SUPPOSED TO LET ME KNOW. AS OF 3/9/04 NO WORD. THIS SUV IS A POOR VEHICLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 6, 2004
ENGINE TAPS AND LOUD. *JB
Electrical system, Mar 2, 2004
2003, FORD, EXPLORER XLT 4X4 - ENGINE JUST STOPPED, NO WARNING, NO SIGN OF ANY PROBLEM, AND WOULD NOT RESTART, COMPUTER PROCESSOR FAILED. NO BRAKES ,NO POWER STEERING. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Mar 2, 2004
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK CONSUMER SEEKING OR VEHICLE REPLACEMENT REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS ON ENGINE, RIGHT REAR DOOR, AND CENTER CONSOLE LID. *LA
Suspension, Feb 24, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP SERVICED VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 24, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOUR TIMES. THE FIRST TIME MECHANIC REPLACED AN AIR BYPASS VALVE. THE SECOND TIME MECHANIC RESET COMPUTER MODULE. THE THIRD AND FOURTH TIMES MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK *NM WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE MECHANIC CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
Power train, Feb 23, 2004, crash
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, COLLIDING INTO A TREE. *AK
Structure, Feb 19, 2004
IF THE REMOVABLE LIFTGATE HAS ANY PRESSURE ON THE BOTTOM, IT WILL RELEASE. WHEN IT RELEASES, IT IS HEAVY ENOUGH TO CAUSE HARM OR INJURY TO A PERSON. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB *JB
Power train, Feb 10, 2004
2003 EXPLORER XLT, 2WD: LOUD NOISE COMING FROM DRIVELINE FROM 30 THROUGH 70 MPH. DEALER CHANGED DIFFERENTIAL GEAR SET--NO FIX. THEN CHANGED THE DRIVESHAFT--NO FIX. I NOW HAVE 26,000 MILES ON IT AND THE NOISE IS SO LOUD IT IS DISTRACTING. FORD SAYS THEY HAVE NO FIX (TRANSMISSION? AXLES? ANOTHER BAD RING AND PINION SET?). DEALER SAYS ONE OF THEIR STAFF HAS A 2003 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM....STILL NO FIX.*AK
Suspension, Feb 9, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF VIBRATION PROBLEM. . STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED WHEN MAKING TURNS OR WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP, WHO ROTATED THE TIRES. THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK
Power train, Feb 6, 2004
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER 2WD XLT STARTED MAKING WHINNING NOISES WHEN PLACED INTO GEAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER NINE TIMES WITH OVER $1200 WORTH OF WORK. REALLY DON'T HAVE ANY FAITH IN THE TECHNICIANS OR SERVICE MANAGER. GOING THROUGH ARBITRATION NOW TO HAVE THE LEMON REPURCHASED BY FORD.*AK
Seat belts, Feb 5, 2004
WHEN THE FRONT SEAT BELT WAS USED IT WOULD SLIP OUT OF THE PILLAR MOLDING. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE SEAT BELT CUT INTO THE MOLDING AND FRAYED THE WEBBING. THE MOLDING AND THE BELT HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *NM
Power train, Feb 5, 2004
2003 FORD EXPLORER - LOUD WHINING NOISE FROM REAR DRIVE LINE AROUND 55-70 MPH. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 4, 2004
WHEN DRIVING AT 40 MPH VEHICLE JERKED AND THEN STALLED. WHEN STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT THE LIGHTS ON THE GAUGES CAME ON. CONSUMER HAD TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, THEN RESTART IT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, CONSUMER TEST DROVE VEHICLE WITH THE MECHANIC, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Seat belts, Feb 4, 2004
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT DID NOT NOT RETRACT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE SEAT BELT TWICE ALREADY DUE TO WORN OUT PARTS.*AK
Visibility, Structure, Feb 3, 2004
GLASS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD LEAKING, WE HAD IT RESEALED AND IT IS AGAIN LEAKING AND THE NEW SEAL IS LIFTING. THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW WAS LEAKING AND THE WATER WAS LEAKING IN BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER PANELS. WHEN THE LIFTGATE IS OPENED ONE GETS AN UNEXPECTED SHOWER. THIS TOO REQUIRED REPAIRING.*AK DUP
Power train, Feb 2, 2004
ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE ENGINE WAS STARTED THEN WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE AUTO WON'T SHIFT INTO REVERSE. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS. UPON INCREASING THE RPM BY 50-100 THE CAR SLAMS INTO REVERSE AND LUNGES 2-3 FEET. *JB
Power train, Feb 2, 2004
ABOUT A MONTH AFTER WE PURCHASED OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT, WE NOTICED A WHINING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WE NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO WORK ON IT. THEY SAID FORD IS INVESTIGATING THE NOISE AND COULD GIVE NO TIME FRAME ON WHEN IF WOULD BE FIXED. ASKED US TO JUST BE PATIENT.. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE, AND THE WAY CUSTOMER RELATIONS HAS BEEN DEALING WITH US, FORD SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED. WE ARE CURRENTLY RESEARCH THE LEMON LAWS. WE DO NOT WANT A BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT MAKES THIS AWFUL WHINE (WHICH IS GETTING WORSE DAY BY DAY). WHO KNOWS IF IT IS SAFE, GIVEN FORD'S TRAC RECORD! *JB
Air bags, Feb 2, 2004, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE CLEARLY SHOWS THE POINT OF IMPACT WITH A LARGE POLE TO THE LEFT OF CENTER TOWARDS THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I SUSTAINED SERIOUS HEAD INJURIES DUE TO A CONCUSSION AS A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG FAILING TO DEPLOY. I DON'T KNOW MY SPEED BECAUSE I HAD FALLEN ASLEEP WHILE DRIVING, BUT IT WAS FAST ENOUGH THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID GO OFF. I BELIEVE MY RESULTING INJURIES AND LOST OF WORK WOULD HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY LESS HAD THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AS IT SHOULD HAVE. *JB
Visibility, Feb 1, 2004
FORD EXPLORER XLS. REAR WINDOW SHATTERED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. THE WINDOW APPEARS TO BE UNDER ALOT OF TENSION.? *JB
Power train, Jan 30, 2004
CAR VIBRATES AT HIGHWAY SPEED. HAVE HAD IN SHOP THREE TIME NOW. THE FOURTH IS COMING. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT, FIXED SOME BENT METAL, AND ARE NOW GOING TO REPLACE THE REAR.
Structure, Jan 15, 2004, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT OCCURED ON OCT. 14, 2003. I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN I WAS BROADSIDED BY A TOYOTA CAMRY GOING ABOUT 20 -30 MILES AN HOUR. MY EXPLORER TIPPED ONTO THE DRIVER SIDE. I WAS TERRIFIED IT WOULD ROLL-OVER (UPSIDE-DOWN) I HAD NO IDEA HOW EASY IT WAS TO TIP MY VEHICLE OVER. DO YOU HAVE ANY DATA CONCERNING FORD EXPLORERS? DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS AS TO WHAT I CAN DO? I'M NEVER GETTING INTO THAT VEHICLE AGAIN BUT I OWE $22,000. NOW TRADE IN VALUE IS MAYBE $16,000. THE CAR IS STILL BEING REPAIRED AND WILL BE COVERED BY THE OTHER DRIVER'S INSURANCE.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
I HAVE RECENTLY BOUGHT 2 BRAND NEW FORDS FROM CHAMPION FORD IN SHREVEPORT LOUISIANA. MY BRAND NEW FORD XLT EXPLORER 2 DOOR SPORT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR VARIOUS REPAIRS LONGER THAN I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 09/27/2003 SINCE THEN THE HOOD HAD TO BE RE-PAINTED, BOTH SIDE BODY MOLDING HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT CAME LOOSE , BOTH BOTTOM EXTERIOR BODY DOOR TRIM HAD TO BE REPLACED, INTERIOR TRIM PIECE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW BROKE AND HAD TO BE RE-PLACED, BUT THE MAIN PROBLEM IS A VIBRATION IN THE MOTOR/TRANSMISSION THAT VIBRATES THE DASH I HAVE SPENT ALREADY OVER $60.00 IN GAS BACK AND FORTH TO DEALERSHIP, ME AND MY WIFE HAVE TAKEN OFF TWO DAYS AT WORK COSTING US OVER $500.00 IN LOSS OF PAY, I HAVE ALREADY PAID THE FIRST TRUCK NOTE AND INSURANCE PAYMENT AND NOW THE TRUCK IS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MORE WEEK OF REPAIRS. ON 10/17/2003 THE TRUCK WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND MY WIFE DROVE ANOTHER EXPLORER OF THE SAME MAKE/MODEL AND HAD NO PROBLEMS I THEN WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MGR. THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS INHERENT TO THIS MAKE/MODEL. I THEN APPROACHED THE SALE MGR. WITH THE HOPES OF EITHER EXCHANGING OR TRADING UP TOO THE 4 DOOR MODEL TO HELP DEFRAY THE PROFIT LOSS. IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY DEPRECIATED SOME $4000.00 AND THAT TO SWAP VEHICLES IT WOULD COST ME AN ADDITIONAL $75.00 AN UP A MONTH CAR NOTE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO BASICALLY TOLD ME I WAS STUCK WITH THE VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE VEHICLE LONGER THAN I HAVE HAD IT. I WAS SENT FROM EMPLOYEE TO EMPLOYEE MGR. OF THIS TO MGR. OF THAT. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION OR IDEAS YOU COULD PROVIDE ME WITH THIS SITUATION. THIS VEHICLE IS TO BE MY WIFE'S TRUCK AND I WOULD LIKE HER IN A SAFE TRUCK THAT IS SAFE FOR HER TO TRAVEL IN. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ALREADY REPLACED THE COSMETIC FAULTS BUT HAS STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS OF DOUBTFUL OUTCOME.