2003 FORD EXPLORER Engine Problems
22 NHTSA complaints on file
Engine Issues in the 2003 FORD EXPLORER
22 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 FORD EXPLORER. Of these, 1 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.
22
Complaints
1
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Engine Complaints
Hello my name is [XXX] just writing you cause my neighbors have program my vehicle meaning they hack my 2003 explore pretty much they want to take over my driving they trying to dominate me in this matter when in reality is not going to be possible that's why I come to your people's corporate plus they have invade my family privacy they have a gang organization watching me every where I go had few confrontation they just want me to confront them so they could put me in jail this is not going to happen i apologize for the inconvenience I told police regards this matter they didn't do nothing about it . INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ENGINE STOPS WHILE DRIVING (STALLS IN MOTION WHILE TURNING ON STREET AND HIGHWAY) RESTARTS WITHOUT PROBLEM, HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW 30 DAYS APART.
EXHAST MANAFOLD HAS CRACK IN IT AND SCREWS CAME LOSE AND FELL OUT WIHICH CREATED FUMES IN CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED TO HIGH AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, THE SPARK PLUGS HAVE BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE SIX TIMES REQUIRING SIX DIFFERENT TOWS HOME. THE VEHICLE IS UNRELIABLE FOR ME (DISABLED, SINGLE MOM) WHO HAS TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER AND I TO DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS. I FEEL UNSAFE AND IT IS NOT SAFE FOR MY DAUGHTER, BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO TRADE OR GET ANOTHER VEHICLE. I THINK FORD SHOULD COME GOOD FOR THIS DEFECT. *TR
2003 FORD EXPLORER, WHILE DRIVING THROUGH TOWN I STARTED TO SLOW DOWN FOR A GROUP OF KIDS WAITING TO USE A CROSS WALK WHEN THE EXPLORER SHUT DOWN & LOST ALL POWER TO CONTROL BRAKES AND STEERING ALMOST HITTING THE KIDS.. I HAVE TAKEN TO A SHOP & WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUES I HAVE BEEN HAVING FOR 5 YEARS. THE REASON I AM NOW REPORTING THIS IS BECAUSE THE CLOSE CALL I JUST HAD WITH THE CROSS WALK. THIS PROBLEM STARTS AFTER ABOUT 5 OR 10 MINUTES OF RUN TIME THEN CLEARS UP NOT RETURNING UNTIL NEXT RUN OR SOME TIME LATER...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING ON AN INCLINE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOLENOID PACK AND THE OXYGEN SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK TRANSMISSION AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
AS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING LIKE I NORMALLY DO THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON BLINKING. THEN I PRESSED THE BUTTON FOR IT NOTHING HAPPENED. I CONTINUED WITH MY DAILY ROUTINE AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AND OFF. AND CONTINUED TO BLINK. THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN I WOULD STEP ON THE GAS BUT IT WOULD NOT GIVE ME ANYMORE THAN 15MPH. WHEN I CAME TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT MY CAR DID NOT WANT TO GO ANYMORE SO I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT DIDN'T WANT TO CONTINUE GOING. THEN AFTER THE THIRD TRY IT GAVE ME MORE GAS TO DRIVE NORMAL NOT EVEN A MINUTE AFTER IT DID IT AGAIN. I WAS AFRAID YO GET HIT BY TRAFFIC AND SINCE I HAD MY THREE TODDLERS I WAS SCARED. I PULLED INTO A SHOPPING CENTER AND CALLED MY DAD. AND ALSO A MECHANIC. IT NEEDS...
SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND HAD FOR ALMOST A YEAR. DRIVING SON TO SCHOOL AND SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD RATTLING NOISE UNDER HOOD. TOOK DIRECTLY TO MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT TIMING CHAIN WAS GOING. MECHANIC SAID HE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM A LOT IN THIS MODEL AND AROUND THE SAME MILEAGE. *JS
VEHICLE DIED UPON TURNING ONCE AGAIN. THIS IS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT, AS IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW IN THE LAST WEEK. SEEMS TO OCCUR AFTER HIGHWAY SPEED, THEN SLOWING FOR A TURN (TIPICALLY A RIGHT HAND TURN). I CONSIDER MYSELF QUITE MECHANICALLY INCLINED AND I AM BAFFLED. I ALSO OWN AN OBDII SCANNER AND NO CODES COME UP!! THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT, AND WOULD LIKE SOME ANSWERS. VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE IN MY OPINION!! I WILL ALSO BE POSTING THIS ON OTHER WEBSITES TO RAISE AWARENESS, AND HOPEFULLY GET SOME RESULTS!! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
ENGINE STALLS OUT WHEN BRAKING OR TURNING. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT OCCURS AT RANDOM WITH NO WARNING. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO OCCUR MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS, AND LEAVES MYSELF AND FAMILY IN A, POWERLESS, DEFENSELESS, POTENTIALLY FATAL, SITUATION. *TR
MY TRUCK JUST WENT OUT OF WARRANTY BY 5,000 MILES AND I WAS DRIVING AND HIT A BUMP AND MY #3 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE. SCARED ME TO DEATH BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN. I HAD JUST TURNED OFF A RED LIGHT SO I HAD NO SPEED AT ALL. $500 TO PUT A HELIO COIL IN IT. THEN I HIT 170,000 AND ANOTHER ONE BLEW OUT WHILE MY FAMILY AND I WERE IN THE MOUNTAINS AND WE HAD TO LIMP HOME. TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THE TRUCK COULD HAVE STARTED FIRE. I HAD EVERY SINGLE SERVICE BY FORD UNTIL THE FIRST ONE BLEW. NEVER EVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING UNTIL I SEARCHED IT ON THE INTERNET. WHAT IF I HAD MY HOOD OPEN CHANGING THE AIR FILTER AND OR OTHER PART AND ONE OF THEM HAD BLOWN? COULD KILL ANYONE. HOW IS THAT SAFE. AND THE...
MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING WILL STALL AND I LOSE ALL POWER. NO POWER STEERING. I AM ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND CAN TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON. THE MECHANIC CAN NOT FIND ANY CODES ETC ON WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON THING. *TR
THE CAR WAS IDLING ROUGH AND THE "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, EVEN AFTER I HAD THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP (PEP BOYS) CHECK AND FIX THINGS. THEY ADVISED ME TO GO TO THE FORD DEALER, AND SAID IT MAY BE THE TIMING CHAIN. FUTURE FORD RAN DIAGNOSTIC, SAID IT MAY BE TIMING CHAIN BUT HAVE TO OPEN ENGINE TO VERIFY. ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS $1500 TO OPEN ENGINE AND $2500 TO FIX). DID NOT HAVE WORK DONE YET. THE ENGINE HAS A LOUD RATTLING SOUND THAT STARTED SUDDENLY AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE, AND INCREASES UPON ACCELERATION. THERE IS AN OILY SMELL. AT STOP LIGHT WHEN IDLING, THE IDLE IS SLOW AND A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND - IDLE SOUNDS LIKE CAR IS ABOUT TO SHUT OFF. THE NORMAL IDLE SOUND FOR THE CAR IS SMOOTH AND LIKE A SOFT HUM. CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS...
THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT, 4'4 AND THE OD LIGHT CAME ON. IT DOES SHIFT GEAR FROM 1 TO 2 UNTIL 3000 RPM. *TR
MY SON PURCHASED THIS EXPLORER BRAND NEW AND I BOUGHT IT FROM HIM FOUR YEARS AGO AND I LOVE THIS AS IT IS THE BEST DESIGN IN THE SUV'S, AND I CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW VEHICLE AS I AM NO YOUNG GAL ANY MORE. WE HAVE MAINTAINED IT FAITHFULLY AND HAVE HAD NO SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH IT AND IS AT 145000. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK GOING 55 MPH AND THE O/D LIGHT COMES ON AND I PUSH THE BUTTON AND IT WOULD NOT GO OFF. I PULLED OVER AND TRIED THE BUTTON A FEW TIMES-NOTHING. I SHUT IT OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON-NO LIGHT WAS ON-PROCEEDED DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE LIGHT TURNS BACK ON AND IT WILL NOT SHIFT AND IS STRAINING SHIFT. I TOOK IT IN TO JIFFY LUBE TO GO AHEAD AND GET ANOTHER OIL CHANGE AND LET THEM CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THEY...
SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENT RE A FILED COMPLAINT WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSE FOR ALL THE COST BY FORD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT CRANK. HE REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE. THE NEXT DAY, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. THERE WAS NO WARNING FROM THE DASH INDICATORS, NO ENGINE SOUNDS, AND THE OIL WAS AT THE PROPER LEVEL. IT COST $3,669.98 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *JB
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON MY EXPLORER. IT WORKS FINE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND THEN OCCASIONALLY IT WILL NOT ENGAGE. MOST TIMES IF IT WILL NOT ENGAGE, THE DASHBOARD LIGHT DOES NOT SHOW UP, BUT SINCE LAST WEEK THE LIGHT HAS COME ON, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS NOT ENGAGED. SINCE THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND SEEMS TO RESOLVE ON ITS OWN, I CONTINUE TO TRY IT OCCASIONALLY. I TRIED TO SET IT LAST FRIDAY WHILE I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. IT DID ENGAGE, BUT THEN BEGAN TO SLOWLY ACCELERATE. I TRIED PUSHING THE BUTTON THAT SHOULD REDUCE THE SPEED, BUT IT CONTINUED ACCELERATING, SO I KICKED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE. I HAVE TRIED IT 3 ADDITIONAL TIMES AND EACH TIME IT ACCELERATES. THE LAST TIME I TRIED IT, YESTERDAY AFTERNOON, THE SPEED WAS PICKING UP INCREDIBLY QUICKLY. IT FELT LIKE...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE OIL PUMP AND THE TIMING BELT HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON SUNDAY, WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE STALLED IN THE ROAD. THE TRUCK FELT AS IF IT WAS TRYING TO PULL A HILL. THIS WAS VERY SCAREY FOR ME AND MY CHILDREN BECAUSE IF SOMEONE WAS COMING BEHIND US OR IF I WAS TURNING INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. AFTERWARDS THE VEHICLE COULDN'T GO OVER 30 MPH WITHOUT SHIFTING OUT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
I WAS BACKING UP TO THE GARAGE TO UNLOAD THE STUFF IN THE BACK AND THE CAR MADE A LOUD WHINNING NOISE AND TOOK OFF FAST..I COULDN'T STOP THE TRUCK.. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE BRACKETS AND VALVE COVER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS SHE COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HUB ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Other 2003 FORD EXPLORER Problem Areas
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
141 complaints
Structurebody
135 complaints
Power Train
110 complaints
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
90 complaints
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatehinge And Attachments
55 complaints
Structure
44 complaints
Electrical System
43 complaints
Unknown Or Other
43 complaints
Wheels
42 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
33 complaints
Air Bags
28 complaints
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
28 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
28 complaints
Suspension
27 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
24 complaints
Power Trainaxle Assembly
24 complaints
Visibilityglass Siderear
21 complaints
Air Bagsfrontal
20 complaints
Steering
17 complaints
Suspensionrear
17 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
14 complaints
Structurebodytailgate
13 complaints
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
12 complaints
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
11 complaints
Visibility
11 complaints
Seat Belts
10 complaints
Service Brakes
10 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
9 complaints
Power Traindriveline
9 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
9 complaints
Tires
9 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
7 complaints
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
7 complaints
Suspensionfront
7 complaints
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
7 complaints
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
7 complaints
Equipment
6 complaints
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
6 complaints
Structurebodydoor
6 complaints
Structurebodytailgatehinge And Attachments
6 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
6 complaints
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
5 complaints
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
5 complaints
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
5 complaints
Seats
5 complaints
Structurebodyhood
5 complaints
Visibilitywiper
5 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
4 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
4 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
4 complaints
Parking Brake
4 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
4 complaints
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
4 complaints
Steeringrack And Pinion
4 complaints
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut
4 complaints
Structureframe And Members
4 complaints
Electrical Systemignition
3 complaints
Electrical Systemwiring
3 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
3 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
3 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
3 complaints
Power Trainclutch Assembly
3 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
3 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
3 complaints
Steeringcolumn
3 complaints
Suspensionrearspringscoil Springs
3 complaints
Tiressidewall
3 complaints
Tirestreadbelt
3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
3 complaints
Visibilitywindshield
3 complaints
Wheelshub
3 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
2 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
2 complaints
Equipmentelectrical
2 complaints
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
2 complaints
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
2 complaints
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
2 complaints
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
2 complaints
Power Trainaxle Hubs
2 complaints
Power Trainmanual Transmission
2 complaints
Seat Beltsfront
2 complaints
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
2 complaints
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
2 complaints
Seatsmidrear Assembly
2 complaints
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
2 complaints
Structurebodytrunk Lid
2 complaints
Trailer Hitches
2 complaints
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
2 complaints
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
1 complaint
Air Bagssidewindow
1 complaint
Child Seatharnessstrapwebbing
1 complaint
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
1 complaint
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
1 complaint
Electrical Systemsoftware
1 complaint
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
1 complaint
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
1 complaint
Equipmentelectricalnavigational Systemglobal Positioning System
1 complaint
Exterior Lighting
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
1 complaint
Fuel System Other
1 complaint
Interior Lighting
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
1 complaint
Parking Brakeconventionalmechanicallinkage And Cable
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
1 complaint
Seat Beltsintegrated Child Seat
1 complaint
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
1 complaint
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipwheel Speed Sensortone Ring
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
1 complaint
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
1 complaint
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
1 complaint
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
1 complaint
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
1 complaint
Suspensionrearaxlespindle
1 complaint
Suspensionrearsprings
1 complaint
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
1 complaint
Traction Control System
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
1 complaint
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
1 complaint
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasherlinkages
1 complaint
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasherswitchwiring
1 complaint
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
1 complaint
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
1 complaint
Wheelsmulti Piece
1 complaint
Wheelsrim
1 complaint