Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2003 record →
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE OVERDRIVE AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,024.
I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND APPROACHING A RED LIGHT 1/4 MILE AHEAD I RELEASED PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE CAR MAINTAINED 60 MPH AND WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN, I APPLIED THE FOOT BRAKES BUT REALIZED THIS WAS NOT THE ANSWER, IT FELT LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT RELEASING HOWEVER THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT BEING USED, I PLACED THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND BRAKED TO A STOP THE ENGINE WAS RACING. I TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR WITH MY FOOT AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETRACTED , THE ENGINE SLOWED,I CONTINUE MY TRIP AND AFTER DRIVING A FEW MILES FOUND THAT THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK AGAIN,I SELECTED NEUTRAL AND TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR,THE ENGINE WENT BACK TO IDLE.I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED AT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE ACCELERATOR TO MAKE SURE THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT CAUGHT ON THE CARPET, I OPENED THE HOOD TO CHECK THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHICH WAS HIDDEN UNDER A LARGE PLASTIC SHROUD (COVER), I REMOVED THE SHROUD IN AND IMMEDIATELY DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. A SMALL CHEAP SNAP AND LOCK FASTENER IN THE END OF THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD BROKEN ALLOWING THE STIFF CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CONNECTOR TO SLIP FROM ITS CONNECTOR AND RESTRICT OR LOCK THE RETARDING MOVEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE, THE THROTTLE CABLE DOES NOT RETRACT AND THE ENGINE IS STUCK AT A HIGH RPM AND A NOVICE DRIVER WOULD NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO AND WOULD PROBABLY PANIC AND EVENTUALLY THE BRAKES WOULD FADE AND THE DRIVER CRASH. WHEN THE REMEDY IS TO 1) SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND 2) TAP AND RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR QUICKLY WHICH BE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OVERDRIVE BAND WAS FRACTURED AND POSSIBLY HAD CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,029 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,846. UPDATED 11/22/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SHIFTING WAS ERRATIC AT STEADY SPEEDS, THERE WAS A HARD BANG WHEN SHIFTING. THE PCM WAS REPROGRAMMED. THERE WAS A CLUNK NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND 95% OF THE TIME, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR. UPDATED 03/12/12
WHILE ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, MY SUV WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE FASTEST IT WOULD GO WAS 35MPH, THE TACHOMETER WAS PEGGED OUT, THE O/D LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON AND OFF AND TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THE NEXT GEAR. ALMOST GOT HIT BY VEHICLES TRAVELING THE SPEED LIMIT WHICH IS 65MPH, BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY FOR ME TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. *TR
TRANSMISION FAILURE, REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP. NEW TRANSMISION FAILED WITHIN A WEEK, REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP ALSO REPLACED ALL HUB BEARINGS, EXCESSIVE NOISE. REAR END ALSO HAS EXCESSIVE NOISE. REAR BACK UP SENSOR FREQUENTLY TURNS OFF AND DOES NOT WORK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE STARTED HER VEHICLE IT WAS IDLING IT WAS VERY ROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO ADVISED HER TO NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
TRANSMISSION FAILURE....O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS OPEN THE HINGE FAILED CAUSING THE GATE TO FALL ON THE CONTACTS HEAD. THE DEALER WAS STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NUMBER: 04V442000: STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE WITH VALVE COVER DAMAGE PROVOKING OIL LEAK AND HEAVY SMOKE OUT OF THE ENGINE, WICH LEAD TO SPILL OF OIL IN THE HIGHWAY (OIL DROPPING) AND ENGINE OUT OF SEQUENCE DUE TO A PLASTIC "CASSET" TENSION BREAK, I HAVE READ OVER THE INTERNET ALOT OF COMPLAINS ABOUT THE SAME INCIDENT
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IS GONE. *KB
O/D LIGHT SPONTANEOUSLY CAME ON. CAN NOT BE TURNED OFF. TRANSMISSION TAKES OFF SLOW. FIRST GEAR SLAMS INTO SECOND, WITH SLOW TAKEOFF CAUSES CARS BEHIND ME TO STOP SHORT BECAUSE MY TAKEOFF IS VERY SLOW. *TR
AT ABOUT 85K MILES, THE STUDS ON THE REAR TIRES OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER BEGAN BREAKING-OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND TWICE WHILE GETTING MY TIRES ROTATED. I HAVE PROBABLY REPLACED ALMOST 20 STUDS IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS DIAGNOSES FROM MECHANICS AND ALL HAVE BEEN WRONG. FINALLY, A SERVICE MANAGER AT QUIRK FORD IN QUINCY, MA ADMITTED THAT HE DID NOT KNOW THE PROBLEM. OF COURSE, I HAVE ALREADY PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED - TO NO AVAIL. THE SERVICE MANAGER CONTACTED TECNICIALS AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL AND THEY RECOMMENDED SEVERAL THINGS. THE SERVICE DEPT AT QUIRK FORD HAD ALREADY DONE ALL OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE PAST. THE CORPORATE LEVEL TECHNICIANS CLAIM THAT THEIR IS NOT HISTORY OF THIS IN OTHER VEHICLES, BUT A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE. THERE ARE COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM 2002-2004 EXPLORER OWNERS IDENTIFYING THE SAME DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
DEAR MAYZEL, I APPRECIATE YOUR TIMELY RESPONSE, BUT I MUST ADMIT THAT I AM MORE THAN A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED (AND CONFUSED). I AM READING FORD EXPLORER RECALL #04V442000, "FORD RECALLS 2002-2003 FORD EXPLORER VEHICLES FOR LIFTGATE GLASS" (SEE BELOW), AND IT SEEMS TO COVER MY MODEL YEAR AND MY SITUATION EXACTLY. THE LIFT HINGE HAS STRIPPED OUT THE BOLT THREE TIME, LEAVING THE GLASS TO HANG FROM THE OTHER HINGE (AND STRUTS). CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY THIS RECALL WOULD NOT APPLY? SINCERELY, BILL DASCOMB DEAR WILLIAM, THIS IS MAYZEL FROM FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I HAVE READ YOUR EMAIL REGARDING THE BACK HATCH GLASS CONCERN OF YOUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I AM TRULY SORRY TO HEAR THAT YOU ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE WITH YOUR VEHICLE. I HAVE PERSONALLY CHECKED OUR RESOURCES AND VERIFIED THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY RECALLS OR CSP'S AT THIS TIME. MANY FACTORS ARE USED TO DETERMINE THESE SUCH AS WARRANTY STATUS, VEHICLE HISTORY, CUSTOMER CONTACTS, DEALERSHIP COMMENTS AND SO FORTH. I HAVE REVIEWED IF ANY AVAILABLE COVERAGES MAY ASSIST IN YOUR REPAIR REQUEST. THERE IS NOT ACTIVE ESP TO COVER THE PART OR THE REPAIR AND THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF ANY APPLICABLE WARRANTY. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOUR VEHICLE BE INSPECTED BY A FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF ANY SYMPTOMS YOUR VEHICLE MAY BE EXPERIENCING. ONCE YOU HAVE THE REPAIRS COMPLETED, I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU KEEP THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT FOR THE REPAIRS, SO THAT IN CASE A RECALL WILL BE ISSUED IN THE FUTURE,
BOUGHT PRE-OWNED EXPLORER AND AFTER $84,000 MILES (WHEN I NOTICED - SO, PROBABLY WELL LESS) THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I'M FINDING WAY TOO MANY OCCURRENCES ONLINE FOR THIS TO BE AN OCCASSIONAL THING. *TT
BROKEN COIL SPRINGS FRONT AND REAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TRY AND SWING AROUND TO THE RIGHT ON SLIPPERY SURFACES. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *TT
MANUFACTURER LATENT DEFECT - DRIVER SEAT BASE FRAME TRACK BROKEN. *TR
2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF HIS VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN RECALL # 11V352000 *TGW
I BOUGHT 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN 2008, USED, AND IN 2011 I OPENED MY BACK GLASS AND THE HINGE SNAPPED ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE GLASS STARTED FALLING, AND THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED THE GLASS FROM BREAKING WAS THE RIGHT SIDE HINGE HELD. I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY AND THEY SAID THAT I COULD TAKE IT TO A DEALER AND HAVE IT INSPECTED, BUT THERE WAS NO SAFTEY RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I LOOKED ONLINE AND IN 2004 THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER WAS RECALLED FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. *KB
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAD A "THUNK" NOISE FROM DAY ONE. FORD DEALERSHIP "COULD NOT DUPLICATE" THE COMPLAINT EVEN THOUGH I TOOK IT BACK MULTIPLE TIMES. HAD TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER AT 70K MILES AND NOW AT 135K MILES THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION AND ANOTHER TORQUE CONVERTER FOR RATTLING AGAIN. OD/OFF BLINKING LIGHT AND CHECK TRANSMISSION NOTICE CAME ON WITH ERRATIC SHIFTING AND LOSS OF 2ND AND 5TH GEARS. REPLACEMENT OF TRANS ELIMINATED "THUNK" AND MY $4600. SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITHOUT ANY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FAULTY MATERIALS OR ENGINEERING BY FORD HAS PLAGUED HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF EXPLORER OWNERS. WHERE IS THE EXPECTED INVESTIGATION OF THESE PROBLEMS? WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL ACCIDENTS OR INJURY TO HAVE FAULTY AUTOS RECALLED? WHY ARE SPARK PLUGS EJECTED MORE OF A SAFETY CONCERN THAN TRANSMISSIONS THAT LEAVE DRIVERS WITHOUT PROPER MOVING CAPABILITY ON THE HIGHWAY? WHERE IS THE RECALL FOR THESE UNITS? *KB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE REAR LIFTGATE, EXTENDING UP TO THE WINDOW. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE POSSIBILITY OF THE WINDOW SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COSMETIC AND THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,130.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE OPENING THE REAR HATCH THE LIFT GATE HINGE FAILED OFF CAUSING THE LIFT GATE TO HANG ON BY ONE HINGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE HINGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE HINGE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE LIFT GATE COULD HAVE FALLEN OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
SUDDENLY THE TRANSFER CASE STARTED JERKING AND THE SUV WAS SHAKING BADLY THAT I ALMOST COULDN'T DRIVE IT HOME. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE THIS HAPPENING AT 1/2 MILE FROM MY HOUSE AND AT ABOUT 20-25 MILES PER HOUR! IT WAS NO CODE TO INDICATE WHERE THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHIN THE POWER TRAIN. I TOOK A PART THE REAR END, I FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I STARTED TO TROUBLESHOOT THE TRANSFER CASE AND I NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRICAL MOTOR WITH ACTUATOR DOES NOT SPIN THE SHAFT FROM TRANSFER CASE, REASON THAT THE TRANSFER CASE CAN'T SELECT FIRMLY THE POSITION OF HI, LOW OR 4WD!!!!. OBSERVING THAT THE MOTOR OF THE TRANSFER CASE SIFTER DOES NOT SPIN, I PURCHASED A NEW MOTOR FROM FORD,. AFTER REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED; SO, I REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE MODULE, BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX; NO RESULT. TO BE ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR AROUND I UNPLUGGED THE TRANSFER CASE MOTOR SHIFT FROM THE MAIN HARNESS AND THE SUV STAYS NOW IN 4WD WITH BLINKING LIGHTS ON MY DASH FOR ABS AND 4X4 WD!!! I AM STILL WANDERING WHAT COULD HAPPENED TO ME IF THE JUMPING AND GRINDING WAS TO HAPPEND WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WITH 65-70 MILES PER HOUR AND THE POWER TRAIN COULD SNAP AND THE DRIVESHAFT COULD FLY OUT... WHO SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY LIFE OR SOMEBODY ELSE'S THAT I COULD HIT? I CONSIDER THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHALL RECALL THE EXPLORER'S AFFECTED AND ADDRESS THE TRANSFER CASE ISSUES. THE OLD PARTS THAT I HAVE REPLACED ARE AVAILABLE, THEY ARE FUNCTIONAL. I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG BECAUSE I COULDN'T FIND ANY ADV
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED A DEFECT WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT DID NOT OFFER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 08/10/11
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCH BACK HAD A CRACK FROM THE END OF IT TO THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HER THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY STRESS FROM OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE IN REVERSE AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE BRAKE WAS APPLIED TO NO AVAIL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE FRACTURED DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW SEAL. SHE NOTICED WHEN THE DOOR WAS AJAR THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AS IF SHE HAD OPENED THE DOORS. THE DEALER ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.
THE TRANSMISSION ON OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT COULD HAVE LEFT US STRANDED ON THE ROAD. FORD KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS ON THE 2003-2004 EXPLORERS. I THINK THEY SHOULD MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT ON THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. TRANSMISSION ARE SUPPOSED TO LAST LONGER THAN 71,000 MILES. WE DID NOT MISTREAT THIS VEHICLE IN ANY WAY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS CLOSING THE REAR LIFTGATE WHEN THE REAR GLASS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GRAB HOLD OF THE GLASS TO PREVENT IT FROM SHATTERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
THE BACK PANEL ON MY EXPLORER CRACKED BY JUST CLOSING THE GLASS. THE TEMPERATURE WAS ONLY 65 SO CONSIDERING THE MORE EXTREME TEMPERATURES WE HAVE SEEN IN NORTH CAROLINA WAS DID IT CRACK ON THAT DAY? *TR
THE TAILGATE CRACKS DOWN THE CENTER. *TR
I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. I STARTED MY CAR UP THIS MOURNING TO GO TO WORK. I STEPPED OUT OF THE CAR TO REMOVE AN EMPTY CUP WHEN I HEARD A POP FROM INSIDE MY CAR. AS I TURNED AN LOOKED I SAW MY CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. AS I WENT BACK TO THE CAR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. THIS CAR IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. IT HAS 130000 MILES ON IT. I AM AFRAID OF THIS HAPPENING TO THE DRIVERS SIDE BAG NOW AS I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TO THIS MODEL. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT INTO A HIGHER GEAR. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND UPON RESTARTING IT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MILES, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT ILLUMINATED FREQUENTLY AND THE DOME LIGHT STAYED ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A MANUFACTURERS RECALL AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000.
FIRST I MUST SAY I LOVE THIS TRUCK. ITS MY SECOND ONE AND BOTH HAD SAME PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ALL OF A SUDDEN TRUCH LURCHED FORWARD THEN O/D OFF LITE STARTED FLASHING THEN CHECK ENGINE LITE FLASHING.TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND IT CAME UP WITH A PO775 CODE, HE SAID ITS VERY COMMON AND NOT THE FIRST ONE HES SEEN DO THIS. PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID B NEEDS REPLACING FOR ABOUT $400.00 THEN AFTER REMOVING PAN WHOLE TRANSMISSION NEEDED OVERHAUL NOW $2200.00 LATER. I THINK FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD STAND BEHIND IT. ALSO BLEND DOOR STOPPED WORKING AND ALL 4 CALIPERS SEIZED UP. DONT KNOW IF ILL EVER BUY ANOTHER FORD.ALSO POWER WINDOWS QUIT WORKING, BROKEN WIRE IN DOOR. NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE.I THINK A CLASS ACTION SUIT SHOULD BE STARTED AGAINST FORD FOR REPAIRS ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS.I CANT AFFORD TO DUMP HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS TRUCK AFTER PAYING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR IT.
A 2003 FORD EXPLORER REAR WHEEL DRIVE WITH 82K MILES. THE WHEEL HUB BEARINGS HAVE FAILED ON BOTH REAR WHEELS. *TR
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED BLEW A SPARK PLUG RIGHT OUT OF THE ENGINE. VERY SCARY & VERY LOUD WHILE GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE. I THOUGHT FOR SURE THE ENGINE BLEW. *TR
THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR HUB BROKE WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM WHATSOEVER. IT DESTROYED THE KNUCKLE AND THE WHEEL NEARLY FELL OFF.
CRACK IN REAR PANEL OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND IT SOMEHOW ROLLED DOWN APPROX 150 FEET AND SMASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE VEHICLE IT WAS PARKED AND THE KEYS WERE IN THE HOUSE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY INSURANCE (STATE FARM) AND THEY HAD ME CALL A COLLISION GARAGE TO COME OUT AND THEY CAME WITHIN THE HOUR. THEY HAVE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE NEXT MORNING I CALLED FORD AND THEY DISREGARDED ANYTHING I SAID AND SAID MY INSURANCE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. I AM STILL PAYING ON A LOAN FOR THIS CAR AND I DO HAVE FULL COVERAGE BUT I AM NOW WITHOUT A VEHICLE AND I AM SCARED TO THINK OF WHAT MIGHT OF HAPPENED IF MY DAUGHTERS WOULD OF BEEN PLAYING IN THE BACKYARD. *TR
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS STARTED AROUND 100K MILES; HIGH RPM SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR WITH SUBSEQUENT FLASHING O/D LIGHT. MANY TIMES TRANSMISSION WILL "CLUNK" INTO GEAR EITHER FROM GOING INTO REVERSE, STOPPING COMPLETELY, THEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE AND/OR WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MY MODEL YEAR EXPLORER (03) AND SAME CODE MANY OTHERS RECEIVE (P0775) WHICH REALLY DOES NOT DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM OR LEAD A NOT SO MECHANICAL INCLINED PERSON TO TRY AND TROUBLESHOOT/BUY PARTS TO FIX. I'M CAREER MILITARY MAN W/FAMILY AND MY TRUCK IS PAID OFF NEXT MONTH--OWNED 5 YEARS AND REALLY SUCKS TO HAVE TO POSSIBLY DUMP $3K INTO A TRUCK THAT FORD HAS KNOWN CONTAINED ISSUES WITH THE 5R55W TRANSMISSION. *TR
VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR AND SOMETIMES WONT ENGAGE. FREQUENTLY OCCURS AT STOP/START MOVEMENTS. OCURRS IN FORWARD AND REVERSE. "O/D OFF" LIGHT IS FREQUENTLY DISPLAYED. UNSAFE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE!!! *TR
EXPLORER OD LIGHT CAME ON AND TRUCK WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND THE TRUCK JUST MADE IT TO THE MECHANIC. THE TRUCK NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT THE EXPENSE OF $3000. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE FORD EXPLORER IS KNOWN FOR THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. SENT AN EMAIL TO FORD AND THEY WILL NOT ASSIST ON THE EXPENSES OR ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES.
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR NOT WORKING. NOT ABLE TO DEFROST WINDOWS EASILY.
PAINT ON HOOD BUBBLING WITH CORROSION UNDER HOOD. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE REAR LIFTGATE FROM THE TOP OF THE MANUFACTURERS EMBLEM UP TO THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED FRO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND MY O/D LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED AND THEY SAID I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION BECAUSE I HAVE NO 2ND OR 5TH GEAR THEY ALSO SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THAT YEAR. THEY SAID THE SHIFT SEALNOID WENT OUT SO NOW I CANT DRIVE MY TRUCK TELL I CAN AFFORD 3400 DOLLARS TO GET IT FIXED SO THAT HAS MADE IT HARDER FOR ME TO GET TO WORK AND TO GET MY FAMILY WHERE THEY NEED TO BE. *TR
MULTIPLE EPISODES OF LUGNUTS ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER TOP-OF-THE-LINE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT CHROME WHEELS LOOSENING OVER TIME. TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN SERIOUS VIBRATIONS HAVE OCCURRED. ON EACH OCCASION, LUGNUTS WERE LOOSE OR MISSING, WITH ONE OR MORE LUGS COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. ON THIS REPORTED OCCASION, LUGNUTS WERE VERY LOOSE ON ONE WHEEL. MOST LOGICAL EXPLANATION APPEARS TO BE THAT WHEEL MATERIAL IS NOT CAPABLE OF PERFORMING AS DESIGNED, AND THAT DELAMINATION/OXIDATION OF WHEEL SURFACES ARE PRIMARY CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. *TR
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. *TR
DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *TR
ACCELERATOR DEFECT ; THE CAR ATUOMATICALLY SPED UP WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. CAUSED DAMAGES TO 3 OTHER VEHICLES, 1 OF WHICH WAS TOTALLED. *TR
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
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