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, Dec 27, 2013, crash
I WAS DRIVING IN SEMI WET CONDITIONS, GOING DOWNHILL AND ENGAGED THE OVERDRIVE OFF BUTTON. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHIMMY AND SHAKE, THEN FISH TAILED, RESULTING IN ME HITTING AN EMBANKMENT AND FLIPPING THE VEHICLE. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED! I WAS ABLE TO CRAWL OUT OF THE WRECK BUT THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE DID THE EXACT SAME THING (EXCEPT THE CRASH), IN THE SAME WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. *TR
Power train, Dec 17, 2013
TRANSMISSION FAILURE TOOK TO DEALER ,THEY REBUILT IT.TOOK IT BACK 04/28/05 THEY REBUILT IT AGAIN WITH 27998 MILES ON IT. TOOK IT BACK 08/23/05 WITH 31714 MILES THEY REBUILD IT AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK 02/11/08 BEFORE EXTENDED WARRANTY ENDED ON 02/19/08 THEY SAID COULDN'T FIND PROBLEM .I THINK BECAUSE OF THE LEMON LAW. NOW 12 /17/2013 IT NEEDS ANOTHER TRANSMISSION. *TR
Structure, Nov 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES WERE LOOSE. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE REAR GLASS WINDOW SO IT WOULD NOT FALL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Wheels, Oct 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS COMPLETING A RIGHT TURN AT 3 MPH WHEN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LUG NUTS WERE COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF AND THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS MISSING A LUG NUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
Power train, Oct 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS. THE OVER-DRIVE AND TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATORS WERE ALSO ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Oct 9, 2013
WINDOW FEEL AND SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES. AFTER CONTACTING MY INSURANCE TO HAVE THE GLASS REPLACED I FOUND OUT THE REASON FOR THE INCIDENT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY HINGE. I WAS TOLD BY THE GLASS COMPANY THAT THE HINGE FAILED DUE TO ELECTROLYSIS (TWO DIFFERENT METALS REACTING WITH EACH OTHER). I FEEL THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT HAPPENED WITH FORD RECALL MANUFACTURER CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04S20, HOWEVER MY VIN DOES NOT PULL UP THIS ISSUE CODE AND THEREFORE I AM NOT RECEIVING ASSISTANCE FROM FORD WITH THIS MANNER. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF MY SAME MAKE AND MODEL WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. I FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE OFFICIALLY ADDRESSED AS I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY GLASS FELL, BUT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND ME WHEN IT HAPPENED. OTHERWISE I AM 100% POSITIVE IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Oct 9, 2013
LEFT REAR LIFTGATE HINGE FAILED/BROKE; LIFTGATE GLASS ALMOST FELL OFF COMPLETELY (BUT WAS STILL PARTIALLY ATTACHED VIA RIGHT HINGE). THIS HAPPENED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PARKED. NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF "WEAR AND TEAR"; LIFTGATE HINGE HAD BEEN USED NORMALLY FOR SEVERAL YEARS. MANY OTHER NHTSA REPORTS LIST THIS DEFECT (04V442000). FORD ISSUED A RECALL SEVERAL YEARS AGO (04S20), BUT IT ONLY COVERS A VERY SPECIFIC AND LIMITED RANGE OF VIN NUMBERS; MINE WAS EXCLUDED. MANY OTHER 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT OWNERS REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM, YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM OR COMPENSATE THE AFFECTED OWNERS FOR THEIR LOSSES. I HAD TO PAY "OUT OF POCKET" AT A LOCAL PRIVATE SHOP TO GET MY HINGE REPAIRED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 10, 2013
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON MY EXPLORER. IT WORKS FINE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND THEN OCCASIONALLY IT WILL NOT ENGAGE. MOST TIMES IF IT WILL NOT ENGAGE, THE DASHBOARD LIGHT DOES NOT SHOW UP, BUT SINCE LAST WEEK THE LIGHT HAS COME ON, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS NOT ENGAGED. SINCE THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND SEEMS TO RESOLVE ON ITS OWN, I CONTINUE TO TRY IT OCCASIONALLY. I TRIED TO SET IT LAST FRIDAY WHILE I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. IT DID ENGAGE, BUT THEN BEGAN TO SLOWLY ACCELERATE. I TRIED PUSHING THE BUTTON THAT SHOULD REDUCE THE SPEED, BUT IT CONTINUED ACCELERATING, SO I KICKED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE. I HAVE TRIED IT 3 ADDITIONAL TIMES AND EACH TIME IT ACCELERATES. THE LAST TIME I TRIED IT, YESTERDAY AFTERNOON, THE SPEED WAS PICKING UP INCREDIBLY QUICKLY. IT FELT LIKE I HAD JUST FLOORED THE ACCELERATOR. I WAS ABLE TO KICK THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL THOUGH BUT AM NOW CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN WHEN THE CRUISE IS NOT ENGAGED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 3, 2013
I HAVE A BAD PROBLEM ( 2 ) TIMES WITH THE FUEL PUMP THE FIRST ONE WAS SPRAYING GAS OUT TOP EXTERIOR OF FUEL PUMP .MY HUSBAND WENT TO A WRECKING YARD AND PURCHASED A USED FUEL PUMP THAN 5 TO 6 MONTHS LATER DONE THE SAME THING SPRAYING OUT TOP EXTERIOR ELBOW OF FUEL PUMP. I USE MY TRUCK TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL AND IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS CAUSE THE FUMES WERE REALLY BAD INSIDE OF CAB AND PLUS IF SOME ONE WAS TO THROW A CIGARETTE OR ANYTHING THAT COULD IGNITE THE LEAKING GAS . I THINK THAT THIS MATTER SHOULD BE FIXED CAUSE I KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAD OR HAS THIS PROBLEM AND NOT TO SAY ALL OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT ARE WRONG LIKE MY HIGH BEAMS NOT WORKING THE FRONT DOOR WINDOW IS VERY SLOW GOING UP AND DOWN AND THE BACK DOOR ( PASSENGER RIGHT SIDE ) BLOW MOTOR AND ECT. THE BIG ONE IS THE FUEL PUMP I FELL THAT THIS IS THE WORST AND IT SHOULD BE FIX BEFORE SOMEONE GETS BADLY HURT OR KILLED. *JB
Suspension, Structure, Aug 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BOUNCE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE BODY MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Structure, Aug 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DOOR HINGE WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSING THE DOOR TO HANG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,600.
Power train, Aug 9, 2013
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT HIGH SPEED. O/D AND TRAMISSION LIGHTS CAME ON TRAMISSION DIED! *TR
Power train, Aug 8, 2013
O/D LIGHT SUDDENLY STARTS FLASHING WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SURFACE STREET SPEEDS OF 40 - 45 MPH. WITHIN 10 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS LABORING; MY WIFE THOUGHT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. SHE NEVER MADE IT HOME - WITHIN MINUTES, THE VEHICLE SLOWED, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND SUBSEQUENTLY BROKE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION WAS A TOTAL LOSS. WE PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN WE OBTAINED THIS VEHICLE FROM SAID DEALER. ALTHOUGH WE HAD WELL OVER 10,000 MILES LEFT ON THE WARRANTY, IT HAD EXPIRED LESS THAN 4 MONTHS AGO SOLELY BASED ON CALENDAR DAYS!! THIS IS A SECONDARY VEHICLE FOR US AND DOES NOT GET A LOT OF USE; LESS THAN 10,000 MILES A YEAR. BOTH THE DEALER PERFORMING THE REPAIRS AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER CARE WERE SURPRISINGLY UNSYMPATHETIC TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND WERE UNABLE (OR UNWILLING) TO MAKE ANY CONCESSIONS. SO, $4,200 AND A WEEK LATER, I HAD A 'NEW' RE-MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. I WAS SOMEWHAT SUSPICIOUS OF THE SEALED TRANSMISSION - ONE THAT DOES NOT HAVE PROVISIONS TO MONITOR THE TRANSMISSION FLUID - WHICH WAS MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED ON THE 2003 MODELS. AFTER LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE, IT HAS BECOME QUITE APPARENT THAT THERE HAS BEEN AN INORDINATE NUMBER OF THESE TRANSMISSION FAILURES ON SIMILAR VEHICLES. I EXPECT TO GET AT LEAST 150,000 MILES FROM MY AUTOMOBILES - AND I HAVE WITH A FEW OTHER VEHICLES FROM ANOTHER US MANUFACTURER. CONSUMERS WHO USE THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY TO PURCHASE US MANUFACTURER'S PRODUCTS SHOULD EXPECT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF QUALITY, RELIABILITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE. IT IS VERY UNLIKELY THAT I WOULD CONSIDER FORD FOR MY NEXT AUTOMOBILE PURCHASE. MILEAGE AT FAILURE: 111,846. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 7, 2013
WHEN I STARTED MY TRUCK, THE INTERIOR DOME LAMP WOULD NOT GO OFF AND DOOR AJAR INDICATOR WAS CHIMING AS IF THERE WAS A DOOR OPEN. I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE AND WALKED AROUND THE CAR OPENING AND CLOSING ALL THE DOORS AS WELL AS THE LIFTGATE AND REAR HATCH GLASS. I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL GOING OFF. AFTER I STARTED DRIVING AND GOT ABOVE 10MPH THE LIGHT AND INDICATOR WENT OFF. I DID A SEARCH ON THE WEB AND FOUND OUT THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORD EXPLORER OWNERS REGARDLESS OF THE YEAR IT WAS MANUFACTURED. ALL OF THE WIRES THAT RUN FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND INTO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE BECOME BRITTLE OVER TIME WHICH EVENTUALLY LEADS TO CRACKS AND BREAKS IN THE WIRES THUS RESULTING IN A ELECTRICAL SHORT. FORD SHOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE GIVEN THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR EXPLORERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 2001 AND 2009. FOR THOSE WHO ARE ELECTRICAL SAVVY, YOU CAN RUN NEW WIRES YOURSELF. FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE NOT, WE HAVE TO RELY THAT SOME MECHANIC ISN'T GONNA RAPE OUR POCKETS AND CHARGE SOME RIDICULOUS PRICE TO FIX IT. THANKS FORD MOTOR COMPANY!! *TR
Service brakes, Aug 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR BOARD AND VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT THEN BEGAN TO RAPIDLY PUMP THE BRAKES UNTIL THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED AN INJURED KNEE DUE TO THE PRESSURE SHE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE PISTONS HAD SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Structure, Jul 31, 2013
2003 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HUMMING/WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR END OF VEHICLE AND A FREQUENT LEAK IN THE DIFFERENTIAL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SEVERAL COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE RING AN PINION, BEARINGS, SEALS AND GEAR AND PINION WERE ALL REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE ISSUE REMAINED UNRESOLVED. ALSO, THE REAR HATCH WAS CRACKED. WHEN THE CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT A REPLACEMENT AND ITS COST, THE DEALER ADVISED AGAINST THE REPLACEMENT/REPAIR AS THE NEW HATCHES HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. A DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A DAMAGED THERMOSTAT HOUSING.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2013
SEVERE CLANKING/BANGING NOISE IN PASSENGER REAR. REPLACED SHOCKS. NOISE WORSENED. RESEARCHED AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING BODY MOUNTS WITH FORD EXPLORER SPORT VEHICLES. UPON INVESTIGATION - REACHING UP UNDER VEHICLE FOUND NO "BODY INSULATOR LEFT ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR AND ON DRIVER REAR THE INSULATOR CRUMBLED LIKE DIRT AND FINE POWDER. THE BODY MOUNTS APPEARED TO BE MANUFACTURED OF A FOAM LIKE MATERIAL - SUBSTANDARD AT BEST! REPLACEMENT PARTS MUST BE PURCHASED THROUGH FORD SINCE NO OTHER AFTERMARKET PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. PARTS ONLY (THAT BEING ABLE TO SALVAGE THE BOLTS AND SLEEVES) AND PURCHASE THE TWO PAIR OF INSULATORS ONLY - $680.00. THE SAME MATERIAL THAT FAILED AND SHOULD NOT. THERE ARE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WITH BODY MOUNTS FOR 40 TO 50 YEARS. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSIBILITY AND THE COST FOR THESE PARTS IS THIEVERY. IT IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE A VEHICLE WITHOUT REPAIRING DEFECTIVE BODY MOUNTS DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF BODY ROLL OR OTHER LOSS OF CONTROL. SINCE THE MOUNTS SHOULD NOT FAIL THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE I SINCERELY REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION BE LAUNCHED INTO THE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS BEING FILED FOR THE YEARS 2001-2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT BODY MOUNTS. *TR
Structure, Jul 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FOR EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE ENGAGED THE LIFTGATE AND THE HINGES FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. *UPDATED 09-18-13 *BF UPDATED 09/24/2013 *JS
Power train, Jul 28, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-10 AT 3:30 IN THE AFTERNOON ON MY WAY HOME AND MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER OUT OF NO WHERE WENT IN REVERSE I WAS ABOUT AN INCH AWAY FROM HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME. MY CHILDREN WERE CRYING SCARED AND I TOO WAS SHAKING TRIED TO MAKE IT HOME BUT MY CAR WOULDN'T GO PAST 20MPH AND WE GOT STUCK AT THE GAS STATION HAD TO GET TOWED TO MY HOUSE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND CANNOT AFFORD ONE I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR A YEAR AGO. THANK YOU FORD FOR ALMOST KILLING ME AND MY CHILDREN! *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 17, 2013
WHILE DRIVING THE O/D LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING ON MY DASHBOARD, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 15 MILES AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS PULLING/SLIPPING, THE CAR MADE A HARD JERK AND BEGAN TO PICK-UP SPEED. THIS CYCLE REPEATED UNTIL I REACHED MY DESTINATION. THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN THE NEXT DAY AND THE SAME EVENTS OCCURRED. *TR
Structure, Jul 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR LIFT GATE GLASS HINGE CORRODED AND FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH OF THE HINGES WERE CORRODED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. *TR
Air bags, Jul 11, 2013
TRAVELING NORTH BOUND ON HIGHWAY 99 IN CHICO CA, BETWEEN EXITS 385 AND 386, THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THIS WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A CONSTRUCTION ZONE BUT THERE WAS LITTLE IN THE WAY OF DEBRIS ON THE ROAD OR BUMPS TO HAVE CAUSED THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. MY HEAD WAS VIOLENTLY THROWN TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE BUT I MANAGED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND SO THERE WAS NO SUBSEQUENT ACCIDENT. I NOTED THE LITTLE ORANGE LIGHT GLOWING ON THE DASH TELLING ME THE AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. I SUFFERED FROM A SORE / STIFF NECK AND A RECURRENCE OF MAJOR TENDONITIS SYMPTOMS IN MY LEFT EAR. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER COULD NOT ISOLATE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE UN-COMMANDED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND THE MATTER IS STILL WITH OUR AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR
Power train, Jul 2, 2013
TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR AND OVERDRIVE. OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES. PREVIOUS OWNER HAD A NEW TRANSMISSION PUT IN THROUGH FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND IT STARTED OCCURRING AGAIN WITHIN A WEEK OF THE REPLACEMENT. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN APRIL AND HAVE HAD IT TO NUMEROUS REPAIR SHOPS FOR TRANSMISSION FILTER CHANGES AND TUNE UPS, NOTHING HELPS. NOW IM TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION IN IT NOW IS ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD. IT REVS REALLY HIGH AFTER FIRST GEAR THEN KICKS INTO SECOND ONLY AFTER LETTING OFF THE GAS AND MANUALLY SHIFTING WITH THE SHIFTER. IT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE AT ALL. THE OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY FLASHING. I HIGHLY DOUBT MY NEXT VEHICLE WILL BE A FORD!! *TR
Engine, Jun 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE OIL PUMP AND THE TIMING BELT HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Structure, Jun 13, 2013
THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT. UNDER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF CAR WENT TO OPEN HATCHBACK GLASS ONE DAY TO LOAD GROCERIES AND DROPPED LOW ON MY HEAD BECAUSE HINGE HOLDING THE GLASS DOOR CAME LOOSE. HAD TO EASE IT BACK UP IN PLACE , HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO OPEN GLASS DOOR SINCE FOR FEAR OF IT FALLING AND BREAKING TO PIECES. THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS THE HATCHBACK DOOR IS CRACKED UNDER THE FORD EMBLEM AND TO THE SIDE . I HAVE SEEN MANY MANY EXPLORERS WITH THIS SAME EXACT CRACK AS MINE. THEY HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED!!!! FORD ONLY RECALLED EXPLORERS UP TO I BELIEVE THAT WERE MADE UP TO FEBRUARY 2003. MY CAR AND OTHERS I HAVE SPOKE WITH THEIR AND MINE WAS MADE IN 8/2003 SO WE WERE NOT COVERED!!! THAT IS BULL!! FORD SHOULD STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS. *TR