2003 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

FORD EXPLORER 2003. TAILGATE CRACKED IN HALF BELOW WINDOW. NO PRECIPITATING CAUSE. CAR UNDER WARRANTY, DEALER STATED THIS WAS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. REPLACED AT NO CHARGE, APPARENTLY WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE TAILGATE. TAILGATE CRACKED AGAIN 9 MOS. LATER. DEALERSHIP REQUIRED PAYMENT OF 20% FROM OWNER SINCE VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY (38K MILES) EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ADMITTEDLY FORD'S MANUFACTURING DEFECT. FORD REPLACED THE TAILGATE WITH A THIRD DEFECTIVE TAILGATE THAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY CRACK AGAIN. BOTH FORD FACILITIES STATED THAT THEY'D WISH THAT FORD WOULD DO A RECALL AND "ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT". THEY'D REPLACED ONE A MONTH AT THE SMALL DEALERSHIP AND "MANY" AT THE LARGER DEALERSHIP. PICTURES AVAILABLE PER E-MAIL IF DESIRED. *NM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC UNDERNEATH THE REAR LIFTGATE'S GLASS DOOR HAS BEGUN TO CRACK. THE DOOR STILL OPERATES PROPERLY. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 78,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING TO ANY GEAR AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE OIL NEEDED TO BE CHANGED EVERY MONTH.

ON 11/07/06 WAS IN HEAD ON COLLISION WITH 4 INCH STEEL POST, AIR BAG ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER DID NOT DEPLOY. WOULD LIKE TO SEND PHOTOS. *NM

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT, AND YESTERDAY I NOTICED THAT THE BACK PANEL BELOW THE BACK GLASS, HAS A 1/4 CRACK ALL THE WAY DOWN IT! IT IS LOCATED A INCH OR TWO RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN FOR AN ESTIMATE, SINCE I HAVE 59,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, IT ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. WELL, ON THE FORD WEBSITE UNDER MY WARRANTY INFORMATION IT STATES THAT CORROSION AND DEFECTIVE PARTS ARE COVERED FOR 5 YEARS REGARDLESS OF MILES DRIVEN. WELL WHAT DOES THIS FALL UNDER? I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF OTHER MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, THAT I AM NOT GOING TO PUT MORE MONEY IN IT FOR THIS. FORD NEEDS TO COVER IT, OR START SOME TYPE OF INVESTIGATION FOR A RECALL. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE SIMILAR TO A TIRE BLOWOUT. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE LUG STUDS FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEELS HAD SHEARED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE STUDS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO PARK, BUT THE GEAR BECAME STUCK. SHE JIGGLED THE GEAR UNTIL IT WENT INTO PARK. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

THE VEHICLE'S PAINT IS BUBBLY/BLISTERING ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GERMAN FORD DEALERSHIP WHO NOTED THE CORROSION, TOOK PICTURES, AND INITIATED A REPORT TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY. AT THIS TIME THE DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S 36/36,000 WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, AND IS AWAITING A FORMAL RESPONSE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH OR FIRE. *JB

HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER 2WD THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION CONCERNS IN EARLY 2005, VEHICLES JUST OVER A YEAR OLD. AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES IN A YEAR, WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T VERIFY THE PROBLEM. FINALLY, IN MARCH 2005 WAS TOLD THEY HAD TO TEAR TRANSMISSION DOWN AND REPLACE THE CLUTCH PACK, ON TESTING TRANSMISSION, LINE PRESSURE WAS LOW. AFTER WORK PERFORMED, TOOK BACK AGAIN, WAS HAVING SAME CONCERN, AGAIN TOLD COULDN'T VERIFY PROBLEM. HAD TRANSMISSION SERVICED, AFTER TELLING THEM I WAS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM, THEY SERVICED TRANSMISSION AND SAID ALL WAS FINE. IN OCTOBER OF 2006, WAS HEADING OUT OF TOWN ON A TWO LANE ROAD, WHEN I WENT TO PASS A BIG RIG ON HIGHWAY 113, JUST OUTSIDE OF WOODLAND, AS I GOT AROUND BIG RIG, AND ACCELERATED, THE CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO 3RD GEAR, THE RPMS KEPT RACING AND FALLING, RACING AND FALLING. I HAD PLENTY OF ROOM TO PASS THIS TRUCK, OR SO I THOUGHT, UNTIL THE CAR DID WHAT IT DID. I WAS NEARLY HIT HEAD ON BY AN ONCOMING CAR BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET AROUND THE TRUCK, DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING INTO A HIGHER GEAR. WE GOT TO WOODLAND AND IMMEDIATELY WENT TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE WE WERE TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SERVICEABLE, AND THAT WE WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. UPON RETURNING HOME, AND DOING SOME RESEARCH, HAVE DISCOVERED THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT HAVE HAD EXACT SAME FAILURE OF THEIR TRANSMISSIONS. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO., AND HAVE HAD NO RESULT. LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAYS SORRY, CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW, IT WILL COST AROUND 3600.00. ASKED WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN BEFORE FORD RECOGNIZES THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION, AND WAS TOLD THEY DIDN'T KNOW. VERY DANGEROUS IN MY OPINION, TO BE OUT ON A HIGHWAY AND HAVE THE CAR LOSE THE 3RD GEAR, PREVENTING YOU FROM GOING OVER ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR. *JB

FORD EXPLORER- 2003 LOCATION REAR HATCH OR DOOR. PANEL BELOW WINDOW WHERE FORD EMBLEM APPEARS. PLASTIC BODY PART SPLITS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER EXPLORERS. DEALER SAYS IT IS CAUSED BY REAR WIPER MOTOR BEING HOUSED BEHIND CRACK. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR, THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT, WITHOUT CHARGING CUSTOMER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DEDUCTIBLE. *NM

I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THE END OF APRIL 2006 AT TIME OF PURCHASE ABS LIGHT WAS ON- DEALER FIXED PROBLEM WITHIN FIRST 1 1/2 WEEKS OF PURCHASE AFTER ORDERING A PART. NOW 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE THE CHECK ENGINE AND O/D LIGHT COME ON UNEXPECTANTLY. WITHIN 1 WEEK OF LIGHTS COMING ON CAR STOPS ON ME UNEXPECTANTLY. WHEN TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR I AM TOLD I NEED A NEW ALTERNATOR AND A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AS THE SUV SLIPS OUT OF 2ND AND 5TH GEARS. I DIDN'T PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DUE TO THINKING IT WAS STILL UNDER ORIGINAL WARRANTY AND JUST PURCHASED. I FELT THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE OVERHAULED THE VEHICLE AND MADE SURE EVERYTHING WAS WORKING UP TO PAR. I NOW HAVE A REPAIR BILL OF ALMOST $2000 AND DON'T FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.

2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSES TRANSMISSION TO LURCH AND SLIP UNEXPECTEDLY. FEARFUL OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION MIGHT LOCK UP. FORD IS AWARE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2002 AND LATER MODELS. *NM

HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. AT 13,000 MILES MY TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING. HAD TO TOW MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEIR INITIAL ASSESSMENT WAS THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN DUE TO A "FACTORY DEFAULT". THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE MY ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. AFTER 3 WEEKS, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, MADE NO REPAIRS AND DID NOT REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THE PROBLEM MYSTERIOUSLY FIXED ITSELF. NOW AT 28,000 MILES, MY TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING EVERYTIME INTO 3RD GEAR, SOMETIMES JUST REVVING INSTEAD OF GOING AND THEN JERKING VERY HARD INTO GEAR. FORD DEALERSHIP STATES THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. I HAVE HEARD THE SAME COMPLAINT ABOUT FORD EXPLORERS AFTER 2002 AND TRANSMISSIONS GOING OUT TOO EARLY. FORD NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND RECALL THOSE PARTS. IT FEELS AS IF THEY ARE BLOWING ME OFF UNTIL MY WARRANTY EXPIRES SO THEY WON'T HAVE TO FIX MY CAR. I AM SCARED DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THAT I WILL GET REAR ENDED EVERY TIME MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND GOES INTO NEUTRAL. I HAVE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS. I AM GOING BACK ON MONDAY, STILL TRYING TO GET THEM TO FIX MY CAR... *NM

WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, WHICH IS ON AN INCLINE, I PROCEEDED TO START THE CAR AND SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INTO MY HAND. I WAS FORTUNATE BECAUSE I WAS NOT ON THE ROAD OR HIGHWAY, NOR DID I BACK OVER A CHILD, CAT OR DOG, ETC. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS IF I WERE ON TRAIN TRACKS AND THE TRAIN WAS COMING AND I COULDN'T GET OUT OF GEAR, OR TRY TO PARK ON A HILL IN SAN FRANCISCO, OR DOWNSHIFT TO MAKE IT UP A MOUNTAIN GRADE. TOWED VEHICLE TO TUTTLE CLICK FORD. RECEIVED QUOTE FROM THEM AS WELL AS SANTA MARGARITA FORD. (OVER $600 DIFFERENCE. QUOTE WAS DOUBLED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TUTTLE CLICK VS OVER THE PHONE QUOTE!) CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO AUTOMOTIVE PLUS WHERE A RELIABLE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN, AS FORD RECOMMENDED. ALSO, A RENTAL CAR WAS NEEDED, AND THERE WAS A "DIAGNOSTIC" CHARGE OF $50. I SAVED THE OLD PART FOR INSPECTION/LEGAL ACTION. *NM

I PURCHASED A 2003 EXPLORER IN AUGUST 2006; MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. BY OCTOBER THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS LATER, I WAS BACK BECAUSE MY CAR WAS JERKING. NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AT THAT TIME. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THE STARTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AS WOULD THE RECENTLY INSTALLED ALTERNATOR. I RETURNED LESS THAN A MONTH LATER WITH THE SAME JERKING ISSUE, ONLY THIS TIME I NOTIFIED THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THE O/D LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON. FURTHERMORE, MY CAR HAD ACTUALLY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. AGAIN, NOTHING WAS FOUND. BY EARLY DECEMBER, I WAS BACK. MY CAR HAD STALLED ON A FEW MORE OCCASIONS AND WOULD NOT "PICK UP". THAT IS, EVEN THOUGH THE RPM'S WOULD REACH ANYWHERE FROM 2500 - 4000, MY CAR COULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 25 - 30 MPH. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED WORK. I GOT MY CAR BACK A FEW DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND DECIDED LAST MINUTE TO HEAD TO THE MOUNTAINS. AS SOON AS I REACH A SLIGHT ELEVATION, THE CAR CEASED TO ACCELERATE AND WHAT'S MORE, A THICK HEAVY CLOUD OF BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE REAR AND PERSISTED FOR AT LEAST TWO MILES. I HEADED BACK DOWN THE MOUNTAIN FOR HOME. I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY KEPT IT FOR AT LEAST A WEEK AND A HALF TO REPAIR THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND OTHER TRANSMISSION RELATED ISSUE. IN EARLY FALL 2007, I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR SOME STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IT ENDED UP COSTING $2500.00 TO REPAIR. I RETURNED IN NOVEMBER FOR MORE WORK, THIS TIME FOR THE SAME TORQUE CONVERTER AND SOLENOID ISSUE AS A YEAR AGO. DURING THIS TWO YEAR PERIOD, MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE TOTAL REPAIR COST FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP IS ANYWHERE FROM $5000 - $9000, OF WHICH I PAID AT LEAST $2500 OUT OF POCKET. MY WARRANTY HAS SINCE EXPIRED AND I AM WORRIED THAT THESE SAME ISSUES WILL RECUR, AS I HAVE READ THEY HAVE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL ISSUED. *TR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY UNLOADING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR GATE HINGES FRACTURED AND THE GLASS DROPPED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND INFORMED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN BECAUSE THE HINGES HELD THE GLASS AND THE INCIDENT COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AFFECTING OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD.

THE SEAT BELT IS CUTTING THROUGH THE PLASTIC ON THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT WHERE THE BELT COMES OUT OF THE HOLE, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD WEAR OUT THE BELT AND CAUSE IT BREAK IN AN ACCIDENT. *NM

WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER IT STARTED TO SHAKE CAUSING LOSE OF STEERING AND BRAKES. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL THE CAME OFF BECAUSE THE LUGS HAD UNSCREWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL HAD BLOWN APART FROM THE INSIDE OUT. IT APPEARED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY UNEVEN TIRES AND THE 4X4 ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING ON ITS OWN. *TS *NM

CRACKED PANEL BELOW GLASS ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER, BOTH ON MINE AND MY WIFE'S EXPLORER, BOTH BOUGHT BRAND NEW WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER. *NM

I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER NEW, EVER SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE, I BELIEVE THE FIRST 6 MONTHS IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS. ISSUES WITH WINDOWS, PAINT BUBBLING AFTER HAVING THE PROTECTIVE COAT PUT ON IT. THERE HAVE BEEN FAR TO MANY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE TO EVEN RECALL. I TRIED ONCE TO GET IT REPLACED UNDER THE LEMON LAW AND WAS TOLD IT DID NOT QUALIFY. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 39,000 MILES ON IT AND ALREADY HAS HAD 2 RACK AND PINIONS REPLACED. WHEN I ASKED FORD IF THERE WAS A RECALL THEY SAID THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT, WHEN I SAID HOW CAN A 36,000 MILE VEHICLE ALREADY NEED 3 RACK IN PINIONS THERE RESPONSE WAS WELL ITS ACTUALLY ONLY TWO, I SAID NO IT ORIGINALLY HAD A RACK IN PINION WHEN I PURCHASED IT SO IT IS ON ITS 3RD. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ELECTRICAL REPAIRED IN THE REAR WINDOW AS WELL AND NOW IT HAS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. WHEN I CALLED TO SET UP AN APPT. WAS TOLD I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT FIXED IT THE FIRST TIME, THEY TOLD ME KNOW BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HONOR MY WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A FORD WARRANTY. I CALL THE SHOP BACK COMPLAINING WHY WAS I SENT THERE, THEY SAID BECAUSE IT WAS THE ORIGINAL SHOP AND THEY SHOULD HAVE SERVICED IT. THIS IS THE PROBLEM, YOU TAKE THE VEHICLE IN WITH PROBLEMS NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT AND WHEN THEY DO THEY FIX IT AND IT BREAKS AGAIN. SO AT THIS POINT MY REAR WINDOW DOES NOT OPEN, I AM ON MY 3RD RACK IN PINION, HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE GAUGES NOT WORKING AND SO ON AND SO ON. THIS IS THE WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. HERE I PURCHASED A NEW ONE SO I WOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT CAR PROBLEMS AND THAT IS ALL I HAVE HAD SINCE DAY ONE. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND A FORD TO ANYONE NOR WOULD I PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE. SORRY THING FOR ME, WAS IF I DID NOT PAY CASH FOR IT, I WOULD HAVE DEFAULTED ON THE LOAN AND THEY COULD HAVE KEPT THE VEHICLE. *NM

REAR AXLE WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE, WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE SEAL WAS BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS REPLACED AND THE NOISE STILL CONTINUES. OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM AND NOTHING HAS EVER HAPPENED WITH THIS ISSUE. IT COST A LOT OF MONEY TO HAVE THE AXLE WORKED ON AND IT IS STILL NOT FIXED! *JB

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR NO REASON (HAS SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED IN 2006). THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND WON'T ALLOW ME TO LOCK/SET MY ALARM ON MY VEHICLE PLUS IT LEAVES THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ON FOR A WHILE (STARTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO). I AM NOW EXPERIENCING A BANGING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CHANGE THE TEMPERATURE (HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONING)(STARTED IN LAST 4 MONTHS). I HAVE TO TURN THE FAN ON HIGH TO GET IT TO STOP. IT WILL DO IT EVEN IF THE TEMP IS OFF SOMETIMES. IT ALSO WILL NOT LOCK INTO GEAR WHEN PUT INTO PARK ON AN INCLINE (MY DRIVEWAY)...WITHOUT ROCKING BACKWARDS INTO GEAR(STARTED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS). *TR

I WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER INVESTIGATING A "SQUEEKING" COMPLAINT THAT MY LEFT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACING AT A COST OF OVER $300.00. AT THE TIME, IT HAD AROUND 38,000 MILES AND WAS "OUT OF WARRANTY". MY REGULAR NON-DEALER MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS, AND THE COST WAS ABOUT RIGHT. I PURCHASED 2 BEARING ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACED THE LEFT ONE. NOW, ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER, THE RIGHT ONE IS MAKING SO MUCH NOISE I CAN'T HEAR THE RADIO, SO I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT. I HATE TO THINK ABOUT SPENDING $500.00+ EVERY COUPLE OF YEARS REPLACING THESE BEARINGS WHEN EVERY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED, ALL GM BY THE WAY, WENT OVER 100,000 MILES WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE DEALER NEVER MENTIONED, AND ACTUALLY DENIED, ANY TSB'S OR PROBLEMS WITH THE BEARINGS. *TR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING HEAVY BRAKING, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES VIBRATED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ABS SENSOR 7 TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.

THE PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELTS THAT IT DOES NOT RETRACT, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT SYSTEM WOULD NOT HOLD ANY TENSION TO BE SAFE ON THE ROAD AND BESIDE THAT IT DOES NOT RETRACT, IT TORN THE SEAL BECAUSE METAL HOOK WAS STILL STICKING OUT AND IT GOT CAUGHT ON THE DOOR CONSEQUENTLY TEARING THE SEAL, THEY ARE THE SAME WAY ON BOTH SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER. I BROUGHT TO THE DEALER AND IT SEEMS LIKE THEY DON'T CARE TO REPLACE IT. *TR

REAR DOOR HATCH HAS CRACKED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH. *TR

MY 2003 XLT EXPLORER HAS A FIBERGLASS PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW ON THE TAIL GATE. WE PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM A FORD DEALER IN AUGUST AND WITH IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS A CRACK APPEARED FROM THE WINDOW TO THE TOP OF THE FORD EMBLEM. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN MANY EXPLORERS AND FORD IS AWARE OF IT BUT THEY DO NOT OFFER ANY SAVINGS OR WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR REPAIR. IF THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT, THAN WHAT IS FORD DOING TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE? *NM

THE HOOD ON MY VEHICLE IS BLISTERING AND BUBBLING OFF IN MANY AREAS. *TR

WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4.0L V6 THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WITH NO WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES RANDOMLY. TWO TIMES WERE ON A HIGHWAY COASTING TO A TOLL BOOTH. EACH OF THOSE TIMES I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THE THIRD TIME WAS ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. *NM

2003 FORD EXPLORER 63,000 MILES OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING 2 DAYS AGO. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP THEY RAN A CHECK ON IT AND THE CODE CAME UP: PO741-TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID INTER/MECHANICAL FAILURE. I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPLACE THE SOLENOID PACK AND THAT IT WOULD BE 218.00 PLUS LABOR. WENT TO PICK IT UP 3 HOURS LATER AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW AND SHOULD NOT NEED A TRANSMISSION REPLACED! *NM

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DOES WORK. FAILURE OF BLEND DOOR OR EVAPORATOR ASSEMBLY HEAT DOES NOT WORK AND WINDSHIELD DEFROST DOES BLOW WARM AIR. BLEND DOOR MOTOR OR PLENUM BOX IS AT FAULT.*JB

4 ITEMS 1 - HAVE OWNED THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER FOR 7 MONTHS. WHILE TEST DRIVING, I NOTICED A HUM NOISE COMING FROM REAR TIRES. WAS TOLD IT WAS TREAD NOISE. WE TOOK IT FOR OIL CHANGE AT VERY WELL RESPECTED NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE SHOP. I WAS INFORMED I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE REAR HUB ASSEMBLY THAT IS WAS CRITICALLY BROKEN. WAITING TO CONTACT LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR RESOLUTION BASED ON TSB RESEARCH I HAVE DONE. 2 - WHINING NOISE FROM AIR CONDITIONER WHEN ACCELERATING. DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. SAW THIS ALSO ON TSB. CONTACTING LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. 3 - ABS LIGHT RANDOMLY COMES ON. DON'T KNOW WHY AND NO PATTERN TO WHEN. CONTACTING LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. 4 - CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THIS WEEKEND, USING CRUISE CONTROL. STOPPED QUICKLY FOR A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN I STARTED GOING AGAIN, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULDN'T WORK AND HASN'T WORKED SINCE THEN. I DON'T KNOW IF IT HAS TO DO WITH THE BRAKES. I NOTICED FORD RECALLED SOME CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISMS IN OTHER VEHICLES BUT NOT IN THE 2003 EXPLORER. *JB

AFTER OPENING THE HATCHBACK TO PUT GROCERIES INSIDE, THE WINDOW FELL. AFTER INSPECTING IT, IT TURNS OUT THE HINGE ON HATCHBACK BROKE CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL. IT HIT MY LEFT ARM AND FOREARM CAUSING SEVERE BRUISING, OTHER THAN THAT NOBODY ELSE WAS HURT AND THE WINDOW DID NOT FALL OFF COMPLETELY. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS ASKED TO DROP IT OFF FOR INSPECTION. WAS EVENTUALLY FIXED. BUT I CAN'T HELP TO WONDER IF IT WILL HAPPENED AGAIN AND IF THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE WORSE. *JB

DT:* THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHUTTERED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 35MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL FILTER NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. A NEW FUEL FILTER WAS INSTALLED BY THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH 94,000 MILES ON IT. WITHIN 2000 MILES THE REAR END BEGAN HOWLING SO MUCH THAT MY FIANCE IS AFRAID TO RIDE IN THE VEHICLE AS THE THINKS SOMETHING IS READY TO BREAK. I READ SOME FORUM POSTS TO LEARN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2001-2004 EXPLORER. FORD SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM AS IT IS CLEARLY A MECHANICAL FAILURE THAT WILL LEAVE A FAMILY STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *NM

CRACK IN PANEL ON REAR HATCH I SEE SAME CRACK IN SAME SPORT ON ALL SAME VEHICLES. *TR

IN JULY 2006, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED A HAIRLINE CRACK ABOVE THE FORD EMBLEM ON THE BACK WINDOW/LIFTGATE PANEL. WITHIN 1 WEEK, THE CRACK HAD GONE ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE LIFTGATE. IN HOT WEATHER, THE CRACK IS BARELY VISIBLE (BECAUSE THE PLASTIC SEEMS TO SWELL); IN COLD WEATHER, THE CRACK IS AT LEAST 1/8-1/4" WIDE. I'M CONCERNED OF WEAR ON REMAINING COMPONENTS SINCE I HAVE NO IDEA IF WATER/SNOW JUST GO THROUGH THE CRACK OR GET INSIDE THE PANEL ITSELF. IS THERE A FIX OFFERED BY FORD FOR THIS SINCE IT IS APPARENTLY A DESIGN/COMPONENT FLAW?*CN

WE WERE INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON THE BELOW DATE. A PERSON WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND HIT OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA AT APPROX 40 MPH. THERE WAS OVER $ 6,000 IN DAMAGE ON OUR VEHICLE. WHEN OUR VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO US FROM THE BODY SHOP 6 WEEKS LATER, OUR HEATER, WHEN TURNED ON WAS MAKING A LOUD BANGING SOUND. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS KNOCKED LOOSE FROM THE IMPACT. IT IS NOW APRIL 2007, AND WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET OUR INSURANCE COMPANY TO FIX THIS. WE TOOK OUR 2003 FORD TO CAPITAL FORD IN CARSON CITY, NEVADA WHERE WE BOUGHT 3 NEW FORD VEHICLES. CAPITAL FORD TOLD THE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. ALLSTATE , OUR INSURANCE COMPANY TOLD US THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY "AT OUR OWN EXPENSE" TO TAKE THE DASH APART ON THIS VEHICLE TO SEE IF THIS WAS ACCIDENT RELATED, AT 10 HOURS LABOR AT $ 90 PER HOUR! I HAVE CHECKED ALL RECALLS WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND CALLED FORD DIRECTLY, AND HAVE FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH THIS HEATER. PLEASE HELP US! *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER REAR AXLE FAILURE AT 66,266 MILES. REAR END WAS GRINDING WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP AND DURING A LEFT TURN. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE COMPLETE INTERIOR PARTS OF THE AXLE ASSEMBLY. REPLACED RING AND PINION GEARS, REPLACED BEARINGS DUE TO PITTING, REPLACED DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH PACK. *JB

THE BACK LIFTGATE PANEL IS CRACKED ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I LIVE IN COLORADO AND THE LOCAL FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS LIKELY DUE TO OUR DRY WEATHER, THEY HAVEN'T HEARD OF IT OCCURRING IN OTHER STATES. I TRAVEL BEYOND COLORADO FREQUENTLY AND HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A MANUFACTURER/FORD DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED UNDER A RECALL. *TR

MY SUV HAS 86791 MILES ITS A 2003 AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT.. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT STOP SHIFTING AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND $1400.00 LATER ITS FIXED.. WITH THE FORD EXPLORER YOU CAN'T CHANGE OR CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IT'S IN A SEALED CANISTER.. ITS MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED THIS SOON IN A VEHICLE....THIS IS A POOR DESIGN AND FORD WON'T EVEN FACE UP TO IT.. I ALSO FOUND OUT IT IS A PROBLEM NOT ONLY IN MY CAR BUT IN OTHERS.. *JB

HELLO. I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER INCLUDING SEVERAL SAFETY ISSUES. THE FIRST COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHICH SHIFTS ROUTINELY ON ACCELERATION AND DE-ACCELERATION. THIS CONCERNS ME IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND THE SEAT MALFUNCTIONS. THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE GEAR SHIFTER NOT GOING INTO PARK EASILY. I HAVE TO JIGGLE IT TO INTO PARK. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE PARK AND MY VEHICLE MIGHT ROLL. THIRDLY, MY REAR LIFT GATE TRIM HAS HAD TO BE REPAIRED AT LEAST 3 TIMES. I AM CONCERNED THAT ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NO SAFETY ISSUE, THERE POSSIBLY COULD BE DUE TO THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES BEING RECALLED AND REPRESENTATIVE INFORMING ME THAT THE REASON THAT I CONTINUE TO HAVE A CRACK APPEARING IS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. THIS CONCERNS ME B/C I FREQUENTLY UTILIZE THE LIFT GATE TO RETRIEVE GROCERIES AND OTHER ITEMS AND DO NOT WANT THE WINDOW TO FAIL AND FALL ON MY HEAD. THE REMAINDER CONCERNS ARE REGARDING THE FUNCTION OF MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE 3 OF THE WINDOW MOTORS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRANSMISSION HAS HAD TO BE FIXED TWICE (SHIFTING MODULE MALFUNCTION). FINALLY, THE FUEL GAUGE HAD TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO IMPROPER FUEL READINGS. I GUESS ALL THESE ITEMS COULD BE VERY PROBLEMATIC AS WELL B/C I COULD RUN OUT OF GAS AND BE STRANDED WITH MY CHILD, MY VEHICLE MIGHT NOT SHIFT PROPERLY LEAVING ME STRANDED. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. PS. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT AS I WAS COMPLETING THIS PROCESS I REMEMBERED THAT MY VEHICLE HAD A HIGH PITCHED WHINE THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED. I DO NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED BUT IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *NM

I WAS HAVING EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE AND CAR WAS NOT HANDLING PROPERLY DUE TO A BAD DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT ON THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WAS BUCKLING AND CHIPPING IN LARGE AREAS. THE FAILURE BEGAN AT SPREAD TO BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 82,000. UPDATED 11/16/10. *LJ

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW EXPLODED. DURING THE INCIDENT THE TEMPERATURE OUT DOORS WAS ABOUT 70F. LAST YEAR, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE GATES DEFECTIVE HINGES, ACCORDING TO RECALL # 04V442000 INSTRUCTIONS. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE INCIDENT BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD POOR QUALITY GLASS MAY HAVE USED TO PERFORM THE RECALL WORK. THE CONSUMER HAD THE WINDOW REPAIRED AT HIS EXPENSE, HOWEVER DAYS LATER HE HEARD A NOISE AND UPON INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE INSIDE PANEL OF THE LIFTGATE WAS VERY LOOSE AND IT LOOKED AS THOUGH IT WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. UPDATED 08/02/06. *JB

AS MANY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED AND AM SURE COUNTLESS OTHERS DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO, I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT THE CRACK IN THE REAR OF THE 2003 EXPLORERS. IS ANYTHING GOING TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS THAT YOU KNOW ABOUT? I HAVE TALKED TO FORD AND TO DEALERS AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING. MY CONCERN BECAME LARGER THEN COSMETIC TODAY WHEN I LEFT THE CAR WASH. NOW NOT ONLY IS THERE THAT HUGE CRACK BUT ALSO THE SEAL AROUND THE WINDOW IS FALLING OUT AND WATER IS GETTING IN. IF THIS IS STARTING TO HAPPEN I WONDER NOW IS IT JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THESE WINDOWS START TO FALL OUT??? DOES FORD REALLY NEED ANOTHER HUGE LAWSUIT WHEN WHAT I SEE STARTING TO HAPPEN TO ME STARTS WITH OTHERS IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY. WILL FORD JUST WAIT FOR REAR WINDOWS TO FALL OUT GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE CAUSING WRECKS, OR WILL THEY FINALLY OWN UP TO THE THOUSANDS OF 2002-2004 EXPLORER OWNERS THAT THEY MADE AN ERROR IN PRODUCTION. NO ONE IS PERFECT BUT WE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR ACTIONS. *TR

AT 58,000 MILES, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR AXLE SEALS DEVELOPED SUBSTANTIAL LEAKAGE NECESSITATING IMMEDIATE REPAIR. FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT MADE NO MENTION THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND REQUIRED FULL PAYMENT BY ME FOR COST OF REPLACEMENT. *JB

THE PANEL DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW IN MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS DEVELOPED LARGE CRACKS IN IT. AFTER TALKING TO THE DEALER, IT WAS VERY EVIDENT THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT AS THEY SAID THEY SEE A MINIMUM OF 10 PER YEAR AND THAT FORD WILL NOT FIX IT UNLESS IT IS UNDER WARRANTY. MY VEHICLE HAS 68,000,MILES ON IT. I ALSO HAVE SEEN THIS DEFECT LISTED MULTIPLE TIMES IN AUTOMOBILE DEFECT WEBSITES SUCH AS WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. *NM

I CAN'T SEEM TO GET THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL TO STOP LEAKING - NEITHER CAN MY MECHANIC. MY MECHANIC HAS REPLACED THE "CRUSH WASHER" (WHERE THE DRIVELINE CONNECTS TO THE DIFFERENTIAL) A COUPLE OF TIMES. I WAS TOLD THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS MANUFACTURED BY DANA. I DON'T WANT TO REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL BECAUSE MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT HALF-SHAFT WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO BE REPLACED ALSO... THE THREADS ON THE END OF THE SPINDLE HAVE RUSTED OFF. I'LL PROBABLY ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE THE (LF) WHEEL BEARING. (I THINK I'LL HAVE TO BECAUSE I HAD TO HAVE THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACE BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS BACK WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 36,000 MILES ON IT) NOT CRITICAL STUFF HERE - JUST A NUISANCE. THANKS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FRACTURE IN THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 04/10/12*LJ UPDATD 04/20/12. *JB

AT 40,000 MILES 4000 OUT OF WARRANTY, THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED. NO WARNING AT ALL. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHIFT IN AND OUT OF GEAR. MY WIFE NURSED THE CAR HOME. THE CAR HAD NO FIRST GEAR AND WOULD SLAM FROM SECOND TO THIRD. FORD CONFIRMED THIS, AND SAID THE ONLY FIX WAS A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION. 6,000 MILES LATER, THE SAME THING. SINCE THIS WAS UNDER WARRANTY, FORD SAID THAT THEY COULD REPLACE SOME SOLENOIDS AND THAT WOULD FIX IT....NOT!! THREE MORE TRIPS AND FINALLY A TRANSMISSION THAT DOESN'T ACT UP ALL THE TIME. IT STILL SHIFTS FUNNY AND SOMETIMES FAILS TO GO INTO GEAR. MY WIFE HAS COME CLOSE TO BEING REAR-ENDED NUMEROUS TIMES, I.E. BACKING INTO THE STREET. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD HAS BEEN IGNORING, READ THE FORUMS. I HAVE MANY OTHER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. READ DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCHES GOING BAD, KEYLESS ENTRY FAILING, DOOR LOCKS FAILING, AND A WINDOW THAT WORKS PART-TIME....KINDA LIKE FORD ENGINEERS. *TR