2003 Ford Explorer complaints

2003 FORD EXPLORER, AFTER HAVING SERVICE COMPLETED , JAN '07 NOTICED AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS VERTICAL CRACK ON REAR HATCH PANEL RIGHT OF FORD EMBLEM. DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT BECAUSE THERE WAS ROAD SALT COVING THE BACK HATCH AND I COULDN'T CONFIRM WHAT HAD HAPPENED.HOWEVER THERE WAS NO IMPACT MARKS. I HAVE NOTICED A NUMBER OF OTHER SAME YEAR EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME VERTICAL CRACK. IWILL TRY TO PURSUE WITH FORD. *CN

TYPICAL FORD EXPLORER TRANMISSION PROBLEM HAVING TO DO WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. OD LIGHT FLASHING. NOTHING DONE TO ENVOKE THIS PROBLEM AND NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. JUST DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *CN

ABOUT 8 - 10 MONTHS AGO WE STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SHUTTING OFF. WE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. FINALLY, DEC 31ST, WE DISCOVERED THAT THE BATTERY HAD BEEN FULLY DISCHARGED OVERNIGHT BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAD COME ON. THE PART RESPONSIBLE WAS THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH COST $118.00 PARTS AND LABOR. THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM RESULTED IN RECALL NHTSA 04V106000 ON THE 2003 FORD TAURUS. OUR VEHICLE IS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER.*CN

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

SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE NOTICED THE ENGINE MAKES A WHISTLING NOISE IN COLD WEATHER BETWEEN 25-40 MPH. THE NOISE USED TO GO AWAY AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MINUTES. IT NO LONGER DOES. SO FAR THIS WINTER, I HAVE NOTICED THE ENGINE CONTINUING TO MAKE THE WHISTLING SOUND ENTIRE 35-45 MINUTE COMMUTES. THE SPEED NOW RANGES FROM 25-70 MPH AND COMES AND GOES THROUGHOUT THE DRIVE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS KEPT THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS (IN PREVIOUS YEARS) AND HAVE NOT HAD A FIX FOR THIS ISSUE.*CN

2003 FORD EXPLORER- THE TRIM PIECE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED VERTICALLY FOR NO REASON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT, BUMPED, OR SLAMMED. THE CRACK SIMPLY APPEARED. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE DAMAGE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT.*CN

2003 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 62,000 MILES. *TR

WENT OUT TO LOAD SOME THINGS IN THE BACK OF MY EXPLORER AND NOTICED A CRACK IN THE REAR LIFTGATE UNDER THE GLASS. IT GOES FROM THE GLASS TO JUST ABOVE THE LICENSE PLATE. *TR

THE FORD RECALL FOR ENGINE STALLING DOES NOT APPEAR TO APPLY TO THE 2003 EXPLORER, BUT I HAVE DEFINITELY HAD THE ENGINE STALL 5 OR 6 TIMES WHILE I'VE BEEN DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE I'VE BEEN DECELERATING, EITHER FOR A STOP SIGN, TRAFFIC LIGHT, OR TURN. THE ENGINE WAS WARM EACH TIME. I WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE QUICKLY ENOUGH SO THAT NO ACCIDENTS OCCURRED, BUT THE CLOSEST CALL WAS WHEN IT HAPPENED AT A BUSY TRAFFIC LIGHT. I DID NOT WRITE DOWN THE EXACT DATES WHEN IT HAPPENED, SO THE INCIDENT DATE BELOW IS ONLY APPROXIMATE. I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED. *TR

I WAS DRIVING ON THE 118 FWY WEST,EXITED OFF THE BALBOA EXIT, WHICH HAS AN INCLINE, I STARTED APPLYING MY BRAKES TO REDUCE MY SPEED SO I COULD TURN LEFT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, IT FELT LIKE NO GAS WAS GOING TO MY ENGINE,THEREFORE I HAD TO REALLY TRY TO FORCE MY VEHICLE TO GO LEFT. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE WHEEL ROTATE ABOUT AN INCH-THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE RIGHT (WE AVOIDED GOING OVER THE OVERPASS). I SHUT THE CAR ENGINE OFF, WAITED A COUPLE OF MINUTES ,TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND THE CAR STARTED UP AGAIN. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I'M SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE MY CAR. I KEEP IT MAINTAINED, I HAVE RELATIVELY NEW TIRES ON IT AND IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 57,400+ MILES ON IT. *TR

WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE - AND TRANSMISSION ONLY LASTED 59,500MILES (LESS THAN 5 YEARS). COVERT FORD DEALER IN AUSTIN, TX ONLY MONEY HUNGRY. WOULDN'T HELP AT ALL. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT VERTICAL CRACK IN FIBERGLASS TAILGATE PANEL JUST BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS (NO IMPACT TO TAILGATE OCCURRED - CALLED DEALERSHIP AND THEY NOTED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM). *TR

STRING OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES A THE SAME TIME - RESULTED IN LOSS OF VEHICLE FOR 3-4 DAYS AND WE HAD TO RENT A CAR TO FILL IN WHILE IT WAS GETTING REPAIRED - FULL BATTERY FAILURE, FAILURE OF THE 4WD COMPONENT, BROKEN OR DETACHED WIRE IN DRIVER'S DOOR, RESULTING IN INABILITY TO LOCK/ALARM THAT DOOR WITH REMOTE. *TR

MY VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL AT NEAR STOPS OR WHILE STOPPED. OR WHENEVER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. TOOK TO SHOP, WHERE THE "THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR" WAS REPLACED. ALSO REPLACED WAS THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. WAS TOLD THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE (WARPED). THE REPAIR PERSON (DEALER AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP) WHO WORKED ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER USED TO WORK FOR A FORD DEALERSHIP, AND HE SAID HE HAD SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. I HAVE THE PART THEY REPLACED. IF THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS BEFORE, SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL? *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TWO REAR ROTORS RUSTED TWO INCHES FROM THE TOP. THE REAR ROTORS, REAR BRAKES, AND PARKING BRAKE DISINTEGRATED DUE TO THE CORROSION FROM THE ROTORS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE CORROSION; HOWEVER, ALL THE COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000. UPDATED 03/14/08. *LJ

ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK YESTERDAY I NOTICED AN UNUSUAL VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL OF MY EXPLORER ? ALMOST FELT LIKE A FLAT SPOT ON THE TIRE. ALSO HEARD SOME SQUEAKING /SQUEALING WHICH WAS MUCH WORSE IN TURNS. WHEN I GOT HOME I CHECKED AND FOUND: - ONE WHEEL STUD AND NUT COMPLETELY MISSING - ONE WHEEL STUD LOOSE/BROKEN (TRIED TO TIGHTEN NUT BUT IT KEPT SPINNING FREELY) - ONE LOOSE LUG NUT. THE REMAINING TWO LUG NUTS WERE TIGHT. BY TIGHTENING THE ONE LOOSE NUT IT ALLOWED ME TO DRIVE ON CAR WITHOUT THE VIBRATION ? AT THAT POINT HAD ONLY THREE FUNCTIONAL LUG NUTS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND THEY CLAIM CORROSION CAUSED THE FAILURE, BUT ONLY ON THAT WHEEL. REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE HUB WAS REQUIRED AS YOU CANNOT REPLACE INDIVIDUAL STUDS. IT WOULD HAVE COST $400, BUT BECAUSE OF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY IT ONLY COST ME THE $50 DEDUCTIBLE. MY FEELING IS I SHOULD NOT HAVE EVEN HAD TO PAY FOR THAT, THIS APPEARS TO ME TO BE A DEFECT OR DESIGN FAILURE. FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS & REPORTS ON MYCARSTATS.COM. *TR

THE REAR TAILGATE ON MY FORD EXPLORER HAS A VERTICAL CRACK THAT RUNS THROUGH THE FORD MEDALLION ON THE BACK. MY NEIGHBOR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS EXPLORER AND REPLACED IT. WHEN I LOOKED ON A GOOGLE SEARCH, I FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS. NOT REPLACED, THE PIECE WILL FALL OFF AND POSSIBLY CREATE A ROAD HAZARD. *TR

VEHICLE PURCHASED IN 2003 AFTER 1 YEAR ROARING NOISE BEGAN IN REAR AXLE. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER AND DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER ASSEMBLY REPLACED. VEHICLE NOW HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY. (ROARING NOISE) *TR

PAINT BUBBLING UP ON FRONT OF HOOD ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

MY 2003 EXPLORER SUDDENLY DEVELOPED A CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL BENEATH THE REAR WINDOW. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF IT PROGRESSES THE GLASS WILL HAVE NO SUPPORT AND BREAK. I SPOKE WITH FORD AFTER LEARNING THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE SUV'S AND WAS TOLD IF I HAD NO WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST. *TR

2003 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4.6L V-8 AWD, TRANSMISSION FAILED DURING MORNING COMMUTE. I HEAR NOISE, THE CAR LOST SPEED, AND "O/D OFF" WAS FLASHING. I COULD BARELY MERGE THE CAR TO THE FAR RIGHT LANE AND MANAGE TO GET THE CAR TO THE OFFICE. *TR

WE PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4X4 IN JUNE 2006. ONE MORNING IN MID-FEB 2007, WE DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE LIFEGATE GLASS APPLIQUE THAT STARTED FROM THE TOP DOWN, APPROXIMATELY 8" LEFT FROM THE CENTER OF THE GATE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACT TO THE PLASTIC, BUT RATHER A STRESS CRACK. SINCE THAT TIME, THE CRACK HAS GROWN WIDER AND ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE. NOW, ANOTHER CRACK HAS STARTED ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE APPROXIMATE 6" FROM THE CENTER OF THE LIFTGATE. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN MID-FEB 2007 AND THEY STATED WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CRACKED LIFTGATE AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $800. WE CONTINUE TO OBSERVE OTHER FORD EXPLORER'S IN THE LOCAL AREA WITH SIMILAR CRACKS IN THEIR LIFTGATE PLASTIC APPLIQUE. *JB

I'M NEVER BUYING ANOTHER FORD. LAST WEEK THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON IN MY FORD EXPLORER. I DROVE IT RIGHT HOME AND GOT THE MANUAL OUT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. "TRANSMISSION PROBLEM" WAS WHAT THE MANUAL INDICATED, AS WELL AS SEVERAL WEBSITES I REVIEWED. I DIDN'T WORRY AT FIRST, SINCE I FIGURED THIS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. MY EXPLORER IS JUST UNDER 5 YEARS OLD AND JUST UNDER 60K MILES. SURELY THERE WOULD AT LEAST BE A 60K POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. NO ONE WOULD BUY A VEHICLE IF THEY KNEW THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ONLY LAST 59K MILES. WELL, THE DEALER TOLD ME A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED (5TH AND 2ND GEARS WERE WORN DOWN), THAT IT WOULD COST $3500, AND THAT IT IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. AND TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY HE CHARGED ME $90 TO TELL ME THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD (SOMETHING I OBVIOUSLY KNEW) - ISN'T THIS SIMILAR TO STEALING? I THEN ASKED HIM WHAT TRADE IN VALUE I COULD GET (NOT THAT I REALLY WOULD BUY ANOTHER POOR QUALITY FORD, BUT I WANTED TO EXPLORE ALL OPTIONS). $5500 IS THE MOST THEY COULD GIVE. I LAUGHED - SINCE I HAD TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THE VEHICLE. IT TOLD ME THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT THE VEHICLE EITHER - SO MUCH FOR THEM REALLY STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THEY KNOW THE QUALITY IS POOR. OBVIOUSLY I WAS QUITE IRRITATED. I ASKED WHAT CAUSED THIS. NONE OF THE POSSIBILITIES APPLIED SINCE I TOOK GOOD CARE OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT SERVICED ACCORDING TO THE MAINTENANCE MANUAL. IN FACT, THE DEALER (COVER FORD IN AUSTIN) DID THE 30K CHECKUP. I SPENT $1K ON THAT (AND PROB

THE MESSAGE CENTER LIGHTS ARE NOT VISIBLE IN THE DAYTIME UNLESS DRIVER IS IN A SHADED SPOT CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO GET ANY OF THE READOUTS! *TR

MY HUSBAND HAD JUST PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN WHEN HE FELT THE VEHICLE CRASH TO THE GROUND AND SAW THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE ROLL INTO SOMEONE'S FRONT YARD. HE EXITED THE CAR TO FIND THE LUGS BROKEN IN HALF. MY THREE YEAR OLD IS VERY UPSET, KEEPS TALKING ABOUT BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. WE ARE UNCERTAIN AS TO THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK, WE HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR YET. THERE IS BODY DAMAGE THAT IS VISIBLE, WHO KNOWS WHAT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK LOOKS LIKE. I DO HAVE IN MY POSSESSION ONE OF THE LUG NUTS, THERE ARE TWO MORE AT THE BODY SHOP. WE COULDN'T FIND THE REMAINING TWO, WHO KNOWS WHEN THEY WERE LOST. THIS IS THE THIRD INCIDENT I HAVE HEARD OF THIS MONTH OF THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENING (WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM). *JB

PAINT IS BUBBLING UP AND PEELING ON MY ROOF IN 3 AREAS. I CAN SEE THE METAL. *JB

THE REAR WINDOW ON THE LIFTGATE OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IMPLODED AS I WAS WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE WINDOW DID NOT JUST CRACK...IT SHATTERED INTO PIECES. MY CAR WAS NOT HIT BY ANOTHER CAR OR BY AN OBJECT. AN INITIAL PROBLEM AROSE BEFORE THIS EVENT. A CRACK FORMED ON THE MOLDING JUST BELOW THE WINDOW WHERE THE FORD SYMBOL IS LOCATED. THIS IS AN ISSUE I HAVE READ ABOUT FROM OTHER PEOPLE WITH EXPLORERS. I HAVE READ OTHER CASES OF THE LIFTGATE WINDOW SHATTERING BUT MORE OFTEN DURING OPENING OR CLOSING OF THE WINDOW. IN THIS CASE, I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLUMPED AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL, BRAKE, ROTOR, LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND AXLE WERE DAMAGED. REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000. UPDATED 01/09/08.*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS AND REAR END VIBRATING. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER "EDDIE BAUER" ~49,000 MILES. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHOWS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACT. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE NEAR STANDARD. PLASTIC PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW SPLIT IN TWO AND HAS ~1/16" GAP. SPLIT IS VERTICAL AND VERY NEAR CENTER OF PANEL. IT PASSES UNDER CENTER OF "FORD" OVAL SYMBOL. NOT SURE IF THERE IS DANGER OF REAR WINDOW OR BROKEN PANEL PIECES FALLING OFF VEHICLE. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN, STILL ATTEMPTING TO GET MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR APPARENT DEFECT. *TR

PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW CRACKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I'M CONCERNED OF A SAFETY HAZARD AFTER READING ON INTERNET THAT THE PANEL CAN FALL OFF AFTER THIS CRACK. IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET BECAUSE FORD CLAIMS IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ITS EXTENDED PREMIUM WARRANTY. *TR

I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN JUNE OF 07 WITH NO PROBLEMS IN SEPT OF 07 I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A LOAD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SOUNDING LIKE A TIRE WAS FLAT OR SOMETHING WAS RUBBING. I TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE REAR DIFF WAS OUT ON THIS AND IT WAS GOING TO COST SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIX. I CONTACTED FORD THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSED TO FIX IT AND SAID THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY SO THEY WEREN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I NOW SIT HEAR WITH SOMETHING THAT I OWE MONEY ON AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX. I HAVE A WIFE AND A SON AND THIS IS OUR ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION. I AM VERY UPSET THAT FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS LIKE THEY SHOULD. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM BUT WITH NO SOLUTION. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. AS A MECHANIC WAS REPAIRING THE EMISSIONS MODULE ON THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,000. EQ-10203418-4200, RECEIVED 12/12/07 (2 DOC). UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE. CONVERTER "RATTLES", NEEDS REPLACEMENT. PRIOR COMPLAINT TO DEALER ABOUT "LURCHING" AND "CLUNKING" WERE FOUND TO BE "NON-DUPLICATIVE" DURING WARRANTY PERIOD. *JB

PAINT PROBLEMS PAINT KEEPS ON BLISTERING AND PEELING ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO MISS A WILD HOG IN THE ROAD. SHE DROVE INTO THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP WHERE IT CURRENTLY REMAINS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000.

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. SIX MONTHS AGO I NOTICE A SPLIT ON THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE NEAR THE REAR WINDOW. THE SPLIT WAS ON THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT SOMEONE DAMAGED MY VEHICLE. THEN I NOTICED WHEN IT GETS REALLY HOT THE SPLIT CLOSES UP AND DISAPPEARS. I CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL THEY SAID NO. I TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT THERE OUGHT TO BE. I TOOK A SURVEY. THERE WERE AT LEAST 1 OUT OF EVERY 5 FORD EXPLORERS HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY STRESS ON THE VEHICLE(WHAT EVER THAT MEANS) I THINK FORD NEEDS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT CAN BECOME "UNSIGHTLY" *JB

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER FAILED. I'M TOLD THIS IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM BUT FORD WON'T STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT. *JB

THE PLASTIC TRIM PANEL ON THE REAR HATCH OF MY FORD EXPLORER XLS CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, WITH NO PROVOCATION. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. MY LOCAL DEALER SERVICE REP SAID THEY HAD REPAIRED "DOZENS OF THEM", AFTER HE TOLD ME FORD WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT. THE CRACK EXPANDS AND CONTRACTS NOTICEABLY WITH TEMPERATURE CHANGES, AND I BELIEVE THE COMPOSITE IS NOT PROPERLY FORMULATED RESULTING IN INSTABILITY OF THE MATERIAL DURING TEMPERATURE CHANGES. CLEARLY, THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT FOR WHICH FORD SHOULD PROVIDE A REMEDY. MY EXPLORER STILL LOOKS GREAT, AND THIS IS THE ONLY BLEMISH. AT THE QUOTED COST OF OVER $700 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HATCH ASSEMBLY (THE ONLY OPTION OFFERED), I WILL LIVE WITH THE ANNOYING CRACK AND TELL EVERYONE I SEE ABOUT FORD'S UNWILLINGNESS TO HELP. *JB

2003 FORD EXPLORER. LIFTGATE PANEL CRACKED FROM RIGHT UNDER GLASS ALL THE WAY TO BOTTOM OF PANEL RIGHT THRU THE MIDDLE OF FORD EMBLEM. APPEARS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. FROM ALL I READ FORD WILL NOT FIX PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH IT IS THEIR FAULT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A CLICKING SOUND DURING DECELERATION. A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AS A WORN OUT RANGE HUB IN THE TRANSFER CASE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE COULD NEVER GET OUT OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE, WHICH BURNS MORE GAS AND ACTIVATES COMPONENTS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 73,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE, OR IT LOOKS TO BE SEVERAL STRESS CRACKS BELOW THE BACK GLASS OF THE HATCH. THEY RANGE ANYWHERE FROM AN INCH TO SEVEN OR EIGHT INCHES. I TOOK THIS TO THE FORD HOUSE IN HALTOM CITY, THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE BUT TO CHECK WITH OTHER OWNERS TO SEE IF THIS IS HAPPENING TO THEIR EXPLORER. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED LITERALLY AT LEAST 75 EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME THING. THE ONES I HAVE SPOKE WITH HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD DOES NOT WANT TO REPLACE THIS COST. I THINK AFTER 2003, FORD CHANGED THE WAY THEY MADE THE BACK HATCH AND IT DOESN'T HAVE THE SAME SEVEN OR EIGHT INCH MOLDING UNDER THE GLASS. I AM AFRAID THAT IF I OPEN THE GLASS SECTION ON MINE OR CLOSE IT, IT WILL BREAK THE GLASS OR THE GLASS WILL COME OUT. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS?*JB

CRUISE CONTROL TURNS OFF DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES ON MULTIPLE DATES. 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4 DOOR, 4WD 4.0L-6 CYLINDER. *AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PRESSED THE RESET BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD, WHICH DEACTIVATED THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FEATURE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR OPEN LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000.

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THAT CUTS OFF AFTER TAKE OFF, BUT WHILE YIELDING TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR BRAKING TO MAKE A TURN. THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS AND THE CAR MUST BE BROUGHT TO A FULL STOP TO PLACE IN PARK AND RESTART. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO OUR LOCAL DEALER, DICK MASHETER, WHO HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, BUT HAPPENED TWICE YESTERDAY.

WHEN WE STARTE D OUR CAR FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER IT HAD SAT AT AN AIRPORT PARKING LOT FOR A WEEK, WE HEARD A TICKING NOISE UPON START UP OUF OUR VEHICLE (2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER WITH V8 ENGINE). UPON TAKING IT TO A REPAIR SHOP THEY STATED THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE VALUE GUARD AREA IN THE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE BOTH CYLINDER HEADS (PER FORD NEED TO REPLACE BOTH & CANNOT REPLACE JUST ONE). THE COST OF THIS REPAIR WOULD BE $4,000.00. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR OUR MODEL & YEAR. WITH ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS WE HAVE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR, IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE FORD LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND POSSIBLE HAVE A RECALL. THANK YOU.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A SEVEN-INCH CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING OF THE HATCHBACK DOOR HINGE. RECALL # 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) WAS FOUND. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE CONTACT FEELS THAT IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 46,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK 6" VERTICAL CRACK IN PLASTIC BELOW HATCHBACK WINDOW. RECALL 04V442000 DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VIN NUMBER HOWEVER IS SAME PROBLEM. SPENT 40 MINUTES ON PHONE WITH FORD AND THEY STATED THAT I MUST COMPLETE A COMPLAINT FORM. *TR

TL-THE REAR END OR THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. YOU PUSH ON THE ACCERLARTOR THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND THEN IT SLAMMED INTO GEAR. IT YOU COME TO A STOP SING SOME TIMES IT WILL GO AND SOMETIMES NO IT FEELS AS IT SOME THING DROPS FROM UNDER THE TRUNCK.

MY MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN TIRE BLEW OUT AT THE SIDEWALL. IT WAS A CLEAR SUNNY DAY, 30 MPH, ON A SMOOTH HIGHWAY. I CHECK MY TIRE PRESSURE REGULARLY SO I KNOW THE TIRE WAS PROPERLY INFLATED. I CONTACTED MICHELIN AND THEY REFERRED ME TO MELODY LAKES TIRE AND AUTO. MY WIFE CALLED AND THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD HER IT WOULDN'T DO ANY GOOD TO COME IN BUT SHE COULD. THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD MY WIFE THE PROBLEM WAS "HEAT INFRACTION?" AND IT WAS NOT COVERED. IT IS INCREDIBLE TO ME A RECEPTIONIST, OVER THE PHONE, CAN DIAGNOSE TIRE PROBLEMS. MICHELIN, NOR THE DEALER HAD ANY INTENTIONS TO DETERMINE WHY A BLOWOUT OCCURRED, LET ALONE TRY TO FIX IT. I WILL FORWARD THIS COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA AND HOPEFULLY YOU WILL HAVE TO LISTEN TO THEM. I HAVE 4 MORE OF THOSE DEFECTIVE TIRES WHICH I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL BLOW!! UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB

I HAVE 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. ONE MORNING IN MID-MARCH OF THIS YEAR, I OBSERVED A CRACK IN THE PLATIC PANEL UNDER THE WINDOW ON THE TAILGATE. MY WIFE AND I KNEW WE HAD NOT HAD ANY TYPE OF IMPACT IN THAT AREA THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE PANEL TO CRACK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE WITH A SERVICE TECHNICIAN ABOUT IT. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS JUST OVER 3 YEARS OLD AND HAVE JUST OVER 30K MILES ON IT, THE CRACKED PANEL WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT HE HAD SEEN A NUMBER OF THESE PROBLEMS AND IT WAS CAUSED BY THE WAY THE PANEL WAS ATTACHED. I HAD THE CRACK REPAIRED - COST OVER $400. I SENT A LETTER TO THE FORD CUSTOMER RESPONSE CENTER IN DETROIT WITH PICTURES AND COPIES OF THE REPAIR INVOICE ASKING THEM TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR COST. AFTER 30 DAYS, I HAD NOT HEARD FROM THEM. SO I SENT COPIES OF THE LETTER BY CERTIFIED MAIL TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, THE CUSTOMER RESPONSE CENTER AND TO THE CEO OF FORD. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED ME AND SAID THIS WAS A FORD PROBLEM, NOT A DEALERSHIP PROBLEM, SO THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT GOING TO TAKE ANY ACTION. I FINALLY RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE FORD CUSTOMER RESPONSE CENTER, AND THEY WANTED TO KNOW IF I WOULD ACCEPT A 50% REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR. I AGREED ONLY TO FIND OUT THE NEXT DAY FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND ALL OVER THE INTERNET. I AM VERY UPSET THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY COULD BE SO UNETHICAL TO NEGOTIATE A SETTLEMENT THAT IS CLEARLY E