2003 Ford Explorer complaints

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

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

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

EXPLORER LIMITED. SIX MONTHS INTO OWNING THIS CAR, BOUGHT AT APPROXIMATELY. 32,000 MILES, I NOTICED THERE WAS BUBBLING ON THE HOOD OF CAR. IT WAS ON THE FRONT OF THE HOOD ON BOTH SIDES ABOVE HEAD LAMPS AS WELL AS IN THE MIDDLE (POINT OF THE OF THE HOOD). EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT KENNY ROSS IN PITTSBURGH WILL NOT WORK WITH ME IN GETTING REPAIRED. ONE OF THEIR COLLISION MEN SAID I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER HE SAID IF IT IS UNDER WARRANTY NOT A PROBLEM. THEN THE HEAD GUY OF THE COLLISION DEPARTMENT SAID EVEN IF I HAD A WARRANTY THE HOOD WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED ONLY UNDER THE 12 MONTHS, 12,000 MILES WARRANTY (???). JUST THE BASIC RUN AROUND AND THEY INSULT YOUR INTELLIGENCE. THE PAINT IS NOW CRACKING AND PEELING OFF. I NOTICED THE BUBBLING AT ABOUT 39,000+ MILES AND JUST REPORTED IT TO FORD MAY OF THIS 2006, ALTHOUGH I DID MENTION IT TO THE GUY THAT SOLD ME THE CAR A YEAR OR SO AGO. IN ADDITION I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN FROM THIS SO CALLED DEALERSHIP THINKING I WAS GETTING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, WHICH WAS IMPLIED, ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE EXTENDED SERVICE ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. BUYER BEWARE BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE TO DISCLOSE THE DIFFERENCE. WHY WOULD I BUY AN ESP WHEN I CAN EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR JUST ABOUT THE SAME PRICE. *JB

2003 EXPLORER LIMITED. RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES. I REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AT A LOCAL SEARS. THE WHEELS THAT CAME WITH THE CAR WERE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER MUST HAVE REQUESTED. 17" 5 SPOKE CHROME. AS SEARS WAS REMOVING WHEELS TWO OF THE 4 CENTER CAPS FELL APART AND COULD NOT BE USED AGAIN. AFTER THE TIRES WERE PLACED BACK ONTO MY CAR SEARS REP ASKED THAT I PUT ABOUT 20 MILES ON THE CAR AND BRING IT BACK JUST TO CHECK. ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER AS I WAS RETURNING TO SEARS I HEARD A RUBBING SOUND COMING FROM WHAT APPEARED TO BE THE LEFT FRONT. AS I PULLED INTO SEARS, THE GARAGE THE REP LISTENED AND SAID IT WAS COMING FROM LEFT REAR. AS A MECHANIC PLACED A KEY ON THE LUG NUTS ALL LUGS HAD WORKED THEMSELVES LOOSE AND HE ACTUALLY COULD TURN THEM WITH HIS HAND. I HAD TO PUT MY SPARE TIRE ON AS A REPLACEMENT. A COUPLE OF THE OTHER LUGS ON THE OTHER WHEELS WERE ABOUT A 1/4 TURN LOOSE. I REPORTED THIS TO KENNY ROSS ONLY TO GET NO REAL ANSWER FROM THEM JUST AS I DID WITH THE BUBBLING/PEELING PAINT ON MY HOOD. EVIDENTLY THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE TOLD THEM TO ALWAYS BLAME THEM BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT THEY SEEM TO ALWAYS DO IS BLAME THEIR CORPORATE OFF OFFICE AND THEIR HANDS ARE TIED, YOUR OUT OF WARRANTY, OR WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER. WHAT HAPPENED TO JUST HONESTLY WORKING WITH PEOPLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. NO WONDER THEY ARE IN TROUBLE. ANYWAY ALL FOUR CHROME WHEELS ALSO HAD VISIBLE CRACKING AS WELL AND SEARS SAID THAT THE LUG HOLES ON THE WHEELS ARE SLIGHTLY OBLONG SO THAT

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

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PAINT LOOKED BUBBLY LIKE A BLISTER ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE HOOD. THE CORROSION WAS LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF THE HOOD CLOSEST TO THE HEAD LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THERE WAS A VAST AMOUNT OF INFORMATION ON THE MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE REGARDING THE DEFECTIVE PAINT WHICH WAS OBSERVED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH OR FIRE.

2003 EXPLORER ENGINE STALLING AND SURGING WHEN DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP. *TS ***NAR*** THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE PCM. 8JB

I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION. IT CLUNKS OUT OF GEAR WHEN LETTING OFF THE GAS GOING FROM SECOND TO FIRST GEAR. IT ALSO SEEMS TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION AT TIMES AS IT ACTS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL GOING FROM FIRST TO SECOND ON OCCASION. I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES. THE "SAID" THE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WITH ONE THAT WAS REBUILT, BUT IT ACTED THE SAME WAY. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK AND WAS NOW TOLD THAT UNTIL IT ACTUALLY BREAKS, THEY WILL NOT WORK ON THE TRANSMISSION ANY LONGER. *JB

REAR HATCHBACK WAS TAKEN TO FORD FOR A RECALL REGARDING THE HATCHBACK. PRIOR TO THAT, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE HATCHBACK, I.E. ACCIDENTALLY OPENING. NOW JUST BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF THE HATCHBACK, IT IS CRACKING. SIMILAR TO MANY OWNERS LISTED ON THIS SITE. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHROME ON THE RIMS IS CRACKING. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON ALL FOUR RIMS AND IS DUE TO THE ALUMINUM UNDERNEATH CORRODING CAUSING THE CHROME TO CRACK. THE CONTACT HAS ALERTED NUMEROUS DEALERSHIPS AND NONE OF WHICH HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND EXPLAINED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT REQUESTED TO SPEAK WITH A MANAGER AND WAITING FOR A RETURN CALL.

I WAS FOLLOWING UP ON THE DEATH OF A 1 MONTH THAT WAS EJECTED FROM A COSCO CHILD SEAT IN A MOTOR VEHICLE TRAIN ACCIDENT. WHILE FOLLOWING UP ON THE DEATH, I WAS LOOKING AT PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE INVESTIGATING AGENCY. I NOTICED THERE WERE NO PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CAR SEAT OR THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE TRAIN HAD STRUCK THE VEHICLE. I WENT TO THE IMPOUND LOT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS STORED AND MET THE FATHER OF THE DECEASED CHILD. HE WAS COLLECTING PROPERTY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE SHOWED ME A STROLLER AND THE CAR SEAT. THE STROLLER HAD BEEN EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS DAMAGED AND THE CAR SEAT WAS STILL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS CAR SEAT AND STROLLER ARE SOLD AS A SET FROM K-MART AND HAD BEEN PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2005 IN HUTCHINSON KANSAS. UPON LOOKING AT THE CAR SEAT WHICH WAS REAR FACING IN THE VEHICLE AND STILL STRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE BY THE SEAT BELT. I WAS INFORMED BY THE CAPTAIN OF THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT THAT ONE OF THEIR OFFICERS TRAINED TO INSTALL CHILD SAFETY SEATS SAID THE SEAT WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. MY CONCERN OF THE ACCIDENT WAS THAT THE STRAP THAT WOULD HAVE GONE OVER THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE CHILD WAS COMPLETELY UNDONE FROM THE LATCH ON THE BACK OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE STRAP ON THE LEFT SHOULDER WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY UNDONE AND I PHOTOGRAPHED THE ROUTING OF THE STRAP BEFORE REMOVING THE SEAT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE OWNER OF THE SEAT GAVE ME THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OFF OF THE SEAT. MODEL # 22-300-SWB; 11/10/04 G

EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN NOISE UPON MORNING FIRST USE. IF YOU LET THE CAR SIT OVERNIGHT AND THEN STARTUP THE CAR, BACK UP OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, AND ACCELERATE NORMALLY DOWN THE RESIDENTIAL STREET, THE COOLING FAN SOUNDS LIKE AN AIRPLANE PROPELLER CHOPPING THE AIR. THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE (A V8) SEEMS SLUGGISH AS THE ENGINE FIGHTS TO SPIN THE FAN AT EVERY INCREASING ENGINE RPM. THE NOISE IS EXCESSIVE AND UNNERVING. ONCE YOU COME TO A STOP SIGN AND THE ENGINE SLOWS TO IDLE, THE FAN RESUMES NORMAL OPERATING MODE AND NO LONGER SPINS AT ENGINE RPM SPEEDS. THIS IS A VERY REPEATABLE EVENT. 3 OUT 5 MORNINGS I HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS. FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE DEALER IDENTIFIES THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT CAN BE WRONG HERE IS THE FAN CLUTCH. BUT UNTIL THE PROBLEM STAYS BROKEN, AND IT WONT AS IT GOES AWAY ONCE YOU GO TO IDLE, THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. MY CONCERN IS MULTIFOLD. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AS IT IS UNNATURAL FOR THE COOLING FAN TO BE SPINNING AT ENGINE RPM. IF THE FAN WERE TO DISINTEGRATE, WHO WILL BE IN THE WAY OF THE HIGH SPEED FRAGMENTS? I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE DAMAGE THAT WOULD OCCUR TO THE VEHICLE IF THE FAN WERE TO LET LOOSE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE FAN'S LIFE IS BEING REDUCED AND WILL SUFFER PREMATURE FAILURE. THE DEALER REFUSES TO REVIEW TSB 17163 -- EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLI

2003 EXPLORER - TRANSMISSION GOES INTO *NEUTRAL* WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD AND/OR 3RD AND 4TH. A SOLENOID BODY HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES AT DECREASING MILEAGE INTERVALS. NOW FAILING FOR 5TH TIME WITH 2,000 MILES SINCE LAST *FIX*. FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE WITH FREEWAY TRAFFIC. PURSUING BBB ARBITRATION FOR REPURCHASE AS FORD IS UNABLE TO REPAIR. *NM

REAR AXLE NOISE, REPLACED AT A PRICE OF 1200 DOLLARS. *JB

NHTSA 10003163. NOISE FROM CONVERTER HOUSING. SUV HAS 42,272 MILES AND DEALER ESTIMATED $1200.00 REPAIR. FORD KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH TSB #17050. *JB

MOLDED RUNNING BOARD BROKEN UNDER NORMAL USE, ONE DEALER ACCUSED ME OF HAVING A CHILD JUMP ON THE RUNNING BOARD - REASON UNKNOWN. ANOTHER DEALER TOOK PHOTOS AND SENT TO DETROIT, WARRANTY REPAIR REFUSED? *JB

AROIUND 37,000 MILES I STARTED HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. HALF OF THEM GO OFF WHEN THEY SHOULD AND HALF OF THEM STAY ON WHICH RUNS MY BATTERY DOWN AND I HAVE TO BE JUMPED. THEN AROUND 40,000 MILE I STARTED HEARING A LOUND WHINING NOISE FROM MY REAR END. THE DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. IT IS SO LOUD YOU HAVE TO ALMOST YELL TO TALK TO SOMEONE. THEN AT 47,000 MILES MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON STARTED COMING ON. IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE COOLANT AREA. I AM AFRAID TO TAKE MY VEHICLE OUT OF TOWN AND I OWE TOO MUCH ON IT TO TRADE IT. *NM

1 HISTORY OF ENGINE SURGE, VERY FAST IDLE UPON STARTING SINCE VEHICLE ACQUIRED.-ALL REPORTED TO DEALER.---------------------------------------------------------------- 2.CAR STOPPED, MOTOR OFF. STARTED, PLACED IN REVERSE-TOUCHED ACCELERATOR AND CAR JUMPED BACK FULL SPEED. VERY NARROW PARKING AREA (HAVE PICTURES). HAD TO TURN CAR RAPIDLY TO AVOID LARGE HILL AND TREES -TOO SHORT A DISTANCE TO TURN COMPLETELY AND HIT FRONT LEFT FENDER AND BUMPER GLANCING BLOW OFF TWO TREES. WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND GOT STOPPED AFTER GOING IN A SEMICIRCULAR AND BACKING OVER CONCRETE PARKING BARRIER.-MOTOR STILL RACING--UNABLE TO TURN OFF WITH KEY UNTIL FOURTH OR FIFTH TRY AND THAN MOTOR BUCKED SEVERAL TIME TRYING TO STOP. 3.NO CORRECTIONS TO DATE. REPORTED TO FORD! !*JB

PLASTIC UNDER (ATTACHED TO) REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW CRACKED. CRACK IS 10 TO 12 INCHES LONG. ENTIRE LIFTGATE NEEDS REPLACING. FORD SAYS I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL EXPLORER ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SAME DEFECT. *JB

AFTER HAVING ABOUT OF FREEZING WEATHER MY WIFE NOTICED A CRACK ON THE PLASTIC PANEL ATTACHED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR HATCH BACK WINDOW. I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER UPON WHICH I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING AND THAT THEY REPLACE QUITE A FEW OF THESE EVERY YEAR. BUT BEING THAT MY WARRANTY EXPIRED IN AUGUST OF 2005 THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR REPLACEMENT. I FEEL FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *JB

HAVE HAD MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF MILES ON IT. HAVE HAD REAR BRAKE SENSOR REPLACED 2 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY, FRONT AXLE SEAL REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND REAR AXLE BEARING REPLACED WITH 44000 MILES AND NOW THE REAR AXLE SEAL IS LEAKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE MECHANIC WHO DOES MY REPAIRS STATED THE AXLE SEALS ARE ON BACKORDER DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF EXPLORERS THE SEALS ARE DEFECTIVE ON. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFORMATION ON THE SEALS AS I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. COULD YOU PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS DEFECT. I BELIEVE THERE WERE SEVERAL DEFECTIVE PARTS USED ON THE 2003 FORD EXPLORERS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED OR REPORTED. THANK YOU. *JB

THIS MORNING I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE TAILGATE OF MY 2003 EXPLORER XLT. IT WAS NOT THERE TWO DAYS AGO. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND HE SAID THAT THE PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL SO I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHARGES. HE HAS PERSONALLY SEEN MANY OF THESE. I HAVE BEEN ON SEVERAL FORUM SITES AND KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IS ANYTHING BEING DONE FROM FORD'S SIDE? *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING CORNERING AND EMERGENCY MANEUVERS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCKS UP. THERE IS ALSO A SHUDDER IN THE STEERING AT THIS TIME. THIS HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE LAST 4,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH PACK REQUIRED REDESIGN. THERE IS A NEW CLUTCH PACK AVAILABLE AT THE CONSUMER'S COST.

THREE WHEELS ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WERE REPLACED DUE TO CRACKING OF THE "CHROME" FINISH IN THE HUB AREA, THE 4TH WAS NOT DONE SINCE THERE WAS NO CRACKING AT THAT TIME; IT NOW REQUIRES REPLACEMENT . I AM DEALING WITH THAT AT THIS POINT BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS CRACKING MAY BE MORE THAN THE FINISH MATERIAL; IT MAY BE THE CASTING ITSELF. IF THIS IS THE CASE THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM. I AM CURIOUS IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS AND SHOULD THIS WARRANT AN INVESTIGATION BY YOUR DEPARTMENT. THE NUMBERS FOR THIS WHEEL, FROM THE DEALER WORK ORDER, ARE: 3L2Z-1007-KA AND A801881. *JB

FORD EXPLORER DOES NOT SHIFT FROM 1ST INTO 2ND GEAR, ALLOWING VEHICLE TO MOVE INTO INTERSECTION THEN STALL UNTIL TRANSMISSION EVENTUALLY SLIPS INTO GEAR. FORD TECH LINE WANTS US TO DRIVE UNTIL THE PROBLEM OCCURS CONTINUOUSLY SO THE PROBLEM WILL BE EASY TO FIND. DEALER HAS RESET CPU, REPLACED VALVE BODY, AND NOW PLACED AN "ADDITIVE" IN TRANSMISSION. OBVIOUSLY HAVING NO IDEA AS TO THE REAL PROBLEM. *JB

I HAD 2003 FORD EXPLORER THAT CAUGHT FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY, MY CAR WAS BACKED IN ABOUT 10 FEET FROM HOUSE WITH TAILGATE OPEN. THE INVESTIGATOR FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS TELLING ME IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN BACK INSIDE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE AND I ALSO HAVE DAMAGES TO MY HOUSE AND PROPERTY. *JB

ROARING SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK END OF THE TRUCK. *JB

ABS SPEED SENSOR FAILURE AT 63,000 MILES. THIS ALSO HAPPENED ON MY SON'S 2003 EXPLORER AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH HESITATION WHEN THE SPEED WAS KEPT CONSTANT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. THE HESITATION PROBLEM CONTINUED, THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WHILE BACKING INTO THE DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. ALTHOUGH THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE HIT THE CONTACT'S HOME RESULTING IN A NECK SPRAIN INJURY. THE ACCELERATION CONTINUED UNTIL THE SHIFTER WAS MOVED INTO DRIVE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ACCELERATION. ALSO, CONTACT COMPLAINED THAT ABS LIGHT WAS ON AND PEDAL FELT STIFF. VEHICLE RAN ROUGH. IN ADDITION, REMOVED AND INSTALLED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAIN CONTROL VALVE BODY. *AK

PANEL UNDER TAILGATE WINDOW CRACKED AND SPLIT WHILE VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY ON COLD DAY. VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD TAILGATE HINGES REPLACED UNDER RECALL. DEALERSHIP ADVISES THAT MANUFACTURER DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR/REPLACE. DEALER ESTIMATE OF $401 TO REPAIR. *JB

PURCHASED NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER. AT AROUND 9000 MILES HAD REAR END REPLACED DUE TO INFAMOUS LOUD WHINING NOISE. PROBLEM IMPROVED...BUT WAS NOT COMPLETELY FIXED. AFTER COMPLAINING THAT THERE WAS STILL SOME NOISE, SALE FORD IN KINGSTON, NC SAID IT WAS "UNEVEN TIRE WEAR." REPLACED 2 TIRES. WHEN TAKEN BACK AND TOLD THERE WAS STILL A PROBLEM, WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY HAD "DONE ALL THEY COULD DO EXCEPT OFFER US A GOOD DEAL ON A TRADE." (LIKE WE WILL EVER BUY FROM THEM AGAIN). AT 59,000 MILES, WE ARE NOW HAVING REAR END "CHATTER" WHEN STARTING OR STOPPING. FORD IS CRAP AND SO IS THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE. *NM

REAR AXLE IS LEAKING AND THERE IS A HUMMING NOISE ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND THEW TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. I HAVE 75000 MILE WARRANTY AND VEHICLE HAS ONLY 45,500 MILES ON IT. *NM

OUR FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE LIKE IT IS EVERY NIGHT. IN THE MORNING WE WENT OUT TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE BACK OF THE EXPLORER WHEN WE NOTICED THAT THE BACK TOP HATCH WAS CRACKED. IT CRACKED RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE FORD SIGN. WHEN WE CLOSED THE HATCH AFTER NOTICING IT IT PINCHED MY FINGERS. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT NOT A RECALL AND THAT HE UNDERSTOOD THAT IT WAS DANGEROUS AND TOLD US TO CONTACT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. MY HUSBAND CONTACTED THEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. FORD GAVE US AN ESTIMATE TO FIX IT AND IT WOULD BE ABOUT $400. THE PROBLEM WITH THE HATCH BEING CRACKED IS THAT IF SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE THIRD ROW SEAT AT ANY TIME THE GLASS COULD POP OUT AND HIT THEM IN THE HEAD. WHEN YOU DO OPEN THE HATCH YOUR FINGERS GET PINCHED IF THEY ARE IN THE WRONG PLACE. WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE PROBLEM FIXED YET. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE RADIATOR, FUEL FILTER, AIR FILTER, AND STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED, THE FRONT END WAS ALIGNED AS WELL. TWO DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH SMOKE WAS NOTICED IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND LESS THAN ONE MINUTE LATER THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHAL DETERMINED THIS FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A MECHANICAL FAILURE MALFUNCTION. THERE WAS A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT FILED.

WHINING NOISE COMING FROM REAR BECAME LOUDER 41,000 MILE ON ODO DEALER ADVISED REAR WHEEL BEARINGS SEALS AND STRUT INSERTS, WE HAD THE REPAIRS MADE $1000.00 ONE YEAR LATER WE NOTICED MORE NOISE AND CHATTER WHEN TURNING,DEALER ADVISED REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS REBUILD, AND NEW CLUTCH PACKS. WE ARE HAVING THE REPAIRS MADE AT THIS TIME. THESE ARE EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *JB

THE WEATHER WAS MILD FOR MICHIGAN, MID 40S. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 1 HOUR AFTER HAVING BEEN DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 40 HIGHWAY MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN STARTED AND DRIVEN LESS THAN ONE QUARTER MILE TO A STOP LIGHT. WHILE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE, THE VEHICLE SURGED AHEAD. I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE BY STOMPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THOWING THE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK. *NM

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS. THE REAR LIFT GATE ON THIS VEHICLE HAS CRACKED DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP HERE AND THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO FIX THIS PIECE DUE THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF THE INITIAL WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH I HAVE THE PREMIUM ESP PLAN AND THE FACT THAT TEMPERATURES GOT TO BELOW FREEZING (27 DEGREES F). THIS IS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE DEALT WITH SINCE THE PIECE LOCATED ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND FREEZING TEMPERATURES. THIS IS A PART I BELIEVE SHOULD BE COVERAGE AGAINST DEFECT. COST OF $57.00 PLUS INSTALLATION AND PAINTING. I WOULD LIKE ANY HELP IN THIS MATTER. *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SHE HEARD THE LIFTGATE GLASS EXPLODE. NOTHING HIT THE GLASS AND THE HYDRAULIC SHAFT RELEASED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A LOCAL MECHANIC, BUT THEY HAVE NOT DIAGNOSED WHAT HAPPENED. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT WILLING TO ASSIST WITH REPAIRS, THEREFORE, THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. *AK

I WAS HAVING A ROARING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. I ROTATED MY TIRES, PURCHASED A NEW SET OF TIRES AND THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY INSPECTED IT AND SAID THAT I NEEDED BOTH , LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. I HAD THEM REPAIRED AND I KEPT THE OLD PARTS AND THEY ARE AVAILABLE. THIS CORRECTED MY PROBLEM. IT IS FAULTY PARTS THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED. MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, SO THE EXPENSE WAS ALL ON ME. COST ME $572. IF BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED, ITS OBVIOUS THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. I HAD 41704 MILES AT THE TIME I HAD THEM REPLACED. I CONTACTED FORD , THEY TOOK MY INFORMATION, BUT SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP ME, THERE HAD BEEN NO OTHER COMPLAINTS. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE WAS MAKING A CLANKING NOISE AND IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR. THE DEALER HAD THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES AND UPGRADED THE TRANSMISSION. THEY REPLACED PARTS IN THE REAR END OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE PARTS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED/REPLACED TRANSMISSION MAIN CONTROL VALVE TWICE; REPROGRAMMED/RECALIBRATED THE PCM TWICE; REPAIRED/REPLACED TRANSMISSION SOLENOID VALVE; REPLACED FUSE RELAYS; TESTED FUEL PRESSURE AND DID NUMEROUS OTHER DIAGNOSTIC TEST. STALLING PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP 6 PLUS TIMES SINCE MARCH 05 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT, A FEW MONTHS AGO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON AND THE 4X4 WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT AND TOLD US THEY REPLACED A SPEED SENSOR, THEY ALSO FOUND 2 REAR AXLE SEAL LEAKS AND SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THOSE, THEN IN OCTOBER OF '05 I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WAS JERKING BETWEEN 30 AND 40 MPH AND UPON ACCELERATION ON HILLS NOT MENTION THAT I COULD HEAR SOMETHING HAPPENING UNDERNEATH MY VEHICLE, THEY PUT IT UP ON THE RACK AND CAME BACK OUT AND SAID THE CLUTCH IN THE REAR END WAS SCORCHED AND NEEDED TO HAVE THE WHOLE REAR END REPLACE, SO I DID BUT WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT BACK HOME AFTER THE REPAIR IT STARTED JERKING AGAIN, AND AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF WORRY AND WONDER ANOTHER DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT THE TRANSFER CASE IS BAD, MY EXPLORER IS TRYING TO ENGAGE ITSELF IN 4X4, SO NOW I AM HAVING THE TRANSFER CASE REPLACED! MY EXPLORER HAS 41,000 ON IT RIGHT NOW AND FORD HAS NOT BEEN MUCH OF A HELP, I HAVE TO PAY $1500 FOR THE TRANSFER CASE, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT, I WILL BUY A FOREIGN CAR. FORD REALLY NEEDS TO LOOK INTO ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THESE VEHICLES AND I WILL DO ANYTHING I CAN TO PROMOTE THAT. *NM

REPEATED FAILURE OF REAR AXLE, DRIVE TRAIN NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE BETWEEN45-65MPH.

LOUD WHINE COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *NM

I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 2WD IN SEPTEMBER 1, 2003. WITH 20,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A WHINE FROM THE REAR END THAT WAS AUDIBLE FROM 45 MPH TO 65 MPH. THE NOISE WOULD STOP WHEN I LET OFF ON THE GAS AND WOULD RESUME WHEN THE GAS WAS REAPPLIED INDICATING A BEARING FAILURE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LEITH FORD OF WENDELL, NC, WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THEY REPLACED THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY UNDER WARRANTY ON JULY 9, 2004 WITH 21,899 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE REPLACEMENT REAR AXLE MADE THE SAME WHINE FROM 45 MPH TO 65 MPH INDICATING REAR BEARING FAILURE. THE COMPLETE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED BY LEITH FORD UNDER WARRANTY. THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WAS ORDERED FROM FORD ON OCTOBER 20, 2004 WITH 32980 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE ASSEMBLY WAS RECEIVED AND INSTALLED WITH 36,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. WITH 63,280 MILES ON THE VEHICLE I RETURNED THE VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 17, 2005 TO LEITH FORD TO CHECK OUT THE SAME WHINE IN THE REAR END FROM 45 MPH TO 65 MPH. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR BEARINGS WERE FAILING AND ORDERED A REAR DIFFERENTIAL KIT TO REBUILD THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NEVER FIND THE ORIGIN OF THE NOISE. THE FOURTH TIME WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY FOUND THAT THE ORIGIN OF THE NOISE WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE DEALER CHANGED THE TORQUE CONVERTER ON 9-22-05. THE CONTACT SOLD THE CAR A FEW DAYS AFTER 9-22-05. THE CONTACT WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE SERVICE THEY RECEIVED FROM THE DEALER. WHEN THEY WERE TRYING TO MAKE THE TRADE, THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED THEM $13,000.00, AND WHEN THEY WENT BACK THE DEALERSHIP OFFERING THEM $10,000.00. THE CONTACT WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE SHE FELT THERE MAY BE A DEFECT IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER, AND SHE WANTED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP'. *AK

I OWN A FORD EXPLORER 2003 V6 TRUCK I HAVE HAD FORD VEHICLES FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS. MY ISSUE IS WITH FORD SERVICE AND THE TRUCKS TRANSMISSION. I WAS IN THE SERVICE BAY ON AUGUST 17 FOR ROUTINE RECALL STUFF AND ADDED SOME BASIC SERVICES TO MY VISIT. OIL CHANGE, FLUSH AND TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE/CHECK WAS IN ORDER. $500 LATER I AM OUT THE DOOR. 25 DAYS AFTER THE INITIAL VISIT I AM BACK AT FORD WITH CONCERNS ABOUT MY TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMS TO BE WHINING AND REVVING HIGH WHILE CHANGING INTO 2ND AND OR 5TH GEAR. THE FLUID ALL OVER MY DRIVEWAY CERTAINLY DIDN'T GIVE ME A COMFORTABLE FEELING. FORD SERVICE CONFIRMED A PROBLEM BUT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE IT UNLESS THEY TORE IT APART. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE END OF THE MONTH BECAUSE THE TRANS MECHANIC WOULD BE ON VACATION THROUGH END OF MONTH. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR MY TRUCK TO "ONCE AGAIN" VISIT THE FORD SERVICE FOR AN OVERNIGHT VISIT. ON SEPTEMBER 29TH. DROPPED IT OFF AND NEVER GOT A CALL FOR THREE DAYS. ON OCTOBER 3 END OF BUSINESS DAY, I CALLED. THEY SEEMED TO HAVE FORGOTTEN MY VEHICLE AND WOULD WORK ON IT THE NEXT DAY. TUESDAY I GET A CALL IN THE MID MORNING STATING THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION OR A REBUILT ONE . PRICING RANGES FROM $2600 TO $3400. THEY COULDN'T TELL MY WHY OR ANY MORE SPECIFICS ON HOW AN ENGINE WITH 47K NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. ESPECIALLY SINCE IT WAS RECENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR ROUTINE TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE LESS THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN...I HAVE HAD MANY

ENGINE CUT OFF WHILE RUNNING, WHEN I TURNED ON HIGH BEAMS. ENGINE RPMS AND ENGINE ACCELERATED, WHEN I TURNED ON HIGH BEAMS LOSS CONTROL OF ACCELERATION, WHEN FOG LIGHTS WERE TURNED ON. MESSAGE CENTER FLASHED "CHECK TRANSMISSION", O/D OFF (OVERDRIVE OFF) FLASHED, WHEN FOG LIGHT WERE TURNED ON. *NM

ENGINE CUT OFF, WHEN HIGH BEAMS WERE SWITCHED ON. *NM