2003 FORD EXPLORER Unknown Or Other Problems
43 NHTSA complaints on file
Unknown Or Other Issues in the 2003 FORD EXPLORER
43 unknown or other complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 FORD EXPLORER. Of these, 1 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 2 resulted in injury.
43
Complaints
1
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Unknown Or Other Complaints
There is a crack down the middle section of the liftgate for quite some time. The liftgate has been unlocking and opening automatically by itself. On only rare occasions has the liftgate opened all the way while driving. On the morning of 7/28/2022 while the vehicle was parked in my driveway the liftgate was discovered to have again unlocked by itself and opened slightly and now with one of the two hinges holding the glass sheared leaving the liftgate glass hanging by only one hinge. With the glass now hanging without having both hinge supports functioning and the inability to close and lock the liftgate, 1) the glass could fall out while driving and 2) with the liftgate unable to now close and lock, contents of the back storage area could fall out of the vehicle while driving. On 8/1/2022 the vehicle was inspected by the foreman of the Service...
Head lights are cloudy given poor visibility. Back hatch door has a crack.
THIS SUV'S ARE GETTING HOT DURING THE TEXAS WEATHER, WHY ARE NOT INCLUDING A SOLAR FAN INSTALLED TO KEEP THE AIR CIRCULATING IN THE SUV, TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING WHY ARE NOT ADDING THE SYSTEM ???
WHENEVER WE ARE DRIVING IN THE CAR, MY WIFE AND I GET DIZZINESS AND NAUSEA. MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER SAY THERE IS AN EGGY SMELL SOMETIMES. MOSTLY, NO ODOR BUT AN OVERWHELMING SENSE OF DIZZINESS ONLY WHEN WE ARE IN THAT CAR TO THE POINT WE AVOID DRIVING AS MUCH. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR YEARS. I THOUGHT IT WAS A SEAL ISSUE CREATING A WEIRD PRESSURE INSIDE THE CAR UNTIL IN MY RESEARCH FOR A SOLUTION I CAME ACROSS NEWS STORIES ON CARBON MONOXIDE IN OTHER FORD EXPLORERS.
VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AFTER DOOR CLOSED. SHARDS OF GLASS FLEW OUTWARD
BROKEN GEAR SHIFTER
I CONTACTED FORD REGARDING RECALL WITH THE LIFT GATE. THERE WAS RECALL IN 2004 FOR MY VEHICLE THAT WAS TAKEN CARE OF IN 2005. IN 2016 THE SAME THING HAPPEN WHERE THE LIFT GATE BOLTS BROKE AND THE GATE FELL AND THE GLASS SHATTERED ALL OVER ME. I WENT THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND GOT IT REPAIRED. AT THE TIME I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS RECALL I BOUGHT THE CAR USED SO I HAD NO IDEA OF THE CALL. FORD TOLD TO CONTACT A DEALER THE DEALER SHOP MANAGER TOLD ME FORD WILL NOT REFUND MY DEDUCTIBLE SINCE THEY REPAIRED IT UNDER THE RECALL. ALL I WANT IS MY 250 BACK BECAUSE THE SAME THING HAPPEN THAT THEY SO CALLED REPAIRED. IS THERE ANY WAY YOU CAN ASSIT ME. I DO HAVE MY BILL FROM THE REPAIR SHOP THAT MY INSURANCE STATE FARM TOOK CARE OF. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED...
GREETINGS THE PROBLEM THE CABIN NOT WELL SEALED FROM ANY FUMES PLUS THE A/C DOOR INSIDE TO KEEP THE AIR RECYCLE FALLING OFF NOT WELL SECURE CONSEQUENTLY GETTING FUMES FROM THE OUTSIDE AND ALSO I CAN SMELL THE CABIN IN THE MORNING WHEN I GET INSIDE FROM EITHER OIL LEAKS AND EXHAUST BURNS, IT NEEDS ATTENTION PROMPTLY SINCE FORD DOES CARE OR GET CONCERN ON ANY PROBLEM. IT HAS BEING HAPPENING MORE SINCE 2006 AND ALSO THE TRUCK INSULATION IT IS BAD SINCE MOST COLD WEATHER PENETRATES THE CABIN WHEN YOU DRIVING YOU CAN FEEL THE AIR COMING IN. IT NEEDS TESTING AND RECALL, IT HAS BEING INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF FUMES COMING IN FROM THE OUTSIDE OTHER TRUCKS. YOU MAY HAVE TO DO THE FUME SMOKE TEST HOW MUCH IT GOES INSIDE THE CABIN.
CHAT CONVERSATION START 5:57PM GREETINGS, I SAW YOU COMMENTARY ABOUT THE FORD EXPLORER EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN, WELL I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, I AM A MECHANIC I FIGURED MAY BE THE FILTER WAS CLOGGED WELL IT WAS NO FILTER, WHAT I FOUND THE VENT DOOR FELL OFF FROM THE PLACE WHERE IT SUPPOSE TO OPEN AND CLOSE LAYING DOWN ON THE FAN, SO I REINSTALLED BACK AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED, IT IS A POOR DESIGN FROM THE FORD COMPANY. I WAS LOOSING HEAT DURING WINTER AND NOT BE COOL AT THE SUMMER LOOSING THE THRU VENT OUT PLACE. FORD NEEDS TO FIX ALL THIS PROBLEMS ALONG WITH SEAT BELTS, REAR WINDOW QUARTER PANEL CRACKED NO ONE IS GETTING FORD TO DO RECALLS ON THIS ITEMS VERY POOR CONSTRUCTION.
BACK GLASS EXPLODED. WHEN I PRESSED THE GATE RELEASE BUTTON, GLASS EXPLODED ON MY AND MY FOSTER CHILD I WAS HOLDING.
"TAKATA RECALL"I BROUGHT THE TRUCK AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FLASHING 4X4 LIGHTS FLASHING ALSO, SMELLING OIL COMING FROM THE DEFERENTIAL ON THE BACK AXLE. NOW, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND HE CHANGED A PART . THEN, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AGAIN. ALSO,I WANTED TO SWITCH TO ANOTHER VEHICLE BUT HE DECLINED IT . HE SAID " HE PUT TO MUCH WORK INTO THE TRUCK AND ALL THE PARTS ARE NEW IN WHICH ONLY THE TIRES AND MUFFLER WAS REVOLVED ".
I WAS DRIVING IN MINUS 20 DEGREE CELSIUS TO TAKE HIGHWAY 15 NORTH FROM JUST AFTER PANAMA BUS STATION. IN THE ENTRANCE, MY CAR START TO SLOW DOWN TO THE 5 KMPH. IN THE BACK OF MY CARS WERE ALL ON THEIR HAZARD LIGHT AND BEING MAD AT ME. SO I DRIVE BACK TO MY HOME TAKING THE NEXT EXIT. I WISH SOMEBODY COULD TAKE THE VIDEOS AND SENT TO THE FORD COMPANY TO LET THEM KNOW MY SITUATION.
2003 FORD EXPLORER SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. I LOSE BRAKING AND STEERING ABILITY. IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES . TODAY 12 FEB. 2016 IS THE LATEST DATE.
CRACKED PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW
VEHICLE WAS PARKED(ENGINE COLD) ON RESIDENTIAL STREET,ALARM SOUNDED,UPON OPENING HOOD DISCOVERED FLAMES, PUT OUT IMMEDIATELY WITH EXTINGUISHER, CAR WILL NOT RUN AND THERE APPEARS TO BE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE ESPECIALLY ON RIGHT SIDE.
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER REAR PASSENGER, AND REAR LIFT GATE AND WINDOW EXPLODED. IT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME.
MY HINGES TO MY BACK GLASS HATCH KEEP BREAKING AND GLASS KEEPS ALMOST FALLING OFF. I'M AFRAID THAT KIDS MIGHT HIT BUTTON UNDER THE HANDLE THAT POPS IT OPEN AND IT COMES DOWN ON THEM AND HURT THE BADLY!! THIS IS THE 5TH TIME SINCE 2011 THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED AND I CALLED BEFORE TO MAKE SURE WAS NO RECALL AND WASN'T AND STILL ISN'T FOR MY YEARAKE AND MODEL. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT UP MYSELF UNTIL THIS LAST TIME. SO I AM UNABLE TO FIX IT NOW. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD AND THE GAVE ME THIS SITE AND MY REPORT # FOR THAT CLAIM IS CAS7942030. EACH TIME ITS BEEN PARKED.
THE BRACKETS CONNECTED TO THE LIFTGATE RELEASED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AND LOCKED AND BLEW THE BACK LIFTGATE PANEL OUT ALONG WITH SHATTERING THE GLASS.
I PURCHASED MY 03 FORD EXPLORER BACK IN 2/15. IT LOOKED LIKE I PURCHASED A VERY VERY GOOD USED VEHICLE. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FINE WITH IT UP UNTIL 2 WEEKS AGO. MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WHEN EVERYTHING IS CLOSED, THE OD LIGHT IS BLINKING NON STOP AND THE TRUNK WINDOW OPENS BY ITSELF WHEN I AM DRIVING. WHEN IM DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS TRYING TO "CATCH UP". LIKE IT KNOWS I'M TRYING TO DO A CERTAIN SPEED BUT ITS WAY BELOW AND AFTER A MIN. OR SO, THEN IT WILL GO THE CORRECT SPEED. I HAD IT HOOKED UP TO A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AND ITS GIVING ME THE CODE OF P7032 (SOMETHING LIKE THAT). SOMETHING ABOUT 2ND GEAR OF TRANS? IVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR.. IVE ALSO READY 100S OF REVIEWS AND COMPLAINTS ON...
I USED MY KEY REMOTE AND POPPED OPEN THE BACK HATCH AND WHILE THE HATCH WAS UP THE HINGE SNAPPED DROPPING THE HATCH ON MY HEAD NEARLY KNOCKING ME OUT COLD.
THERE IS A CRACK IN THE REAR LIFT GATE DOOR. HAVE SEEN THIS ON MANY OTHER FORD, MERCURY, ETC. ALSO THE DOOR AJAR INDICATOR STAYS ON.
OPENED BACK HATCH TO PLACE HELIUM BALLOONS IN; UPON CLOSING THE REAR GLASS EXPLODED. WE HAD THE FULL HATCH OPEN, NOT JUST THE GLASS PART & CLOSED IT AS YOU WOULD NORMALLY.
WHEN CLOSING THE GLASS TAILGATE THE RIGHT HINGE THAT ATTACHES THE GLASS TO THE TAILGATE BROKE CAUSING THE GLASS TO DETACH FROM THE CAR AND FALL HITTING ME IN THE LEFT ARM UPDATED 09/16/14*LJ UPDATED 3/18/2015 *JS
I PAYED 18,000 FOR MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE FLEX FUEL IN 2006. ITS A VERY NICE LOOKING SUV BUT I ONLY DROVE IT FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL. I BELEAVE A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS. MY CONCEARN IS THAT ITS DEFECTIVE ALL AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND I COULD STILL DRIVE IT IF I WASNT IN FEAR FOR MY LIFE. I HAVE HAD IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THEY WANTED ME TO PAY THEM TO TAKET OUT THE TRANNY AND WANTED WAY TO MUCH FOR ANY PARTS,SO I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A TRANSMISSION PLACE THAT BEEN AROUND A LONG TIME AND HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS WRONG.REPLACED THE SELENOID FOR LIKE 900 AND MY IT RAN FINE FOR LIKE 2 WEEKS UNTIL I PUT IN 4 W/D THAN MY O/D LIGHT STARTED...
WHEN I WAS SWITCHING THE GEAR FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AT A GAS STATION, THE SHIFTER LEVER WAS SNAPPED OFF. I CANNOT MOVE THE CAR ANY MORE, AND THE KEY GOT STUCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I FIND LOADS OF OTHERS HAVE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AND FORD IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ON THIS DANGEROUS/COULD BE FATAL PROBLEM. *TT
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
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
MY TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE TRYING TO CROSS A BUSY INTERSECTION. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT AND I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. IT WAS A SCARY MOMENT; LUCKILY THERE WAS NO CRASH. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE HIGH FAILURE RATE FOR TRANSMISSIONS IN THE 03 EXPLORERS, BUT REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN OFFER TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION AT AN EXORBITANT RATE. THEY SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS, BUT HAVE REFUSED TO DO SO, IN SPITE OF MANY COMPLAINTS.
THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SINCE I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN AUGUST OF 2003. BUT IRONICALLY THEY HAVE ALL APPEARED AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. IN SEPTEMBER 2007 THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT NO LONGER WORKED. IT COST ME $2000 AND A WEEK WITHOUT A CAR, TO GET IT FIXED. IN AUGUST 2009 THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW WOULD NO LONGER WORK. IN SEPTEMBER 2009 MY SUV STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING ON THE HEATER. SINCE WE LIVED IN A WARM CLIMATE THIS DID NOT CONCERN US MUCH, AS THE HEAT HAD WORKED EVEN WITH THE CLICKING SOUND. BUT WE MOVED TO A COLDER CLIMATE AND THE HEATER WENT OUT IN MARCH 2010. IN APRIL 2010 THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE MECHANIC, HE SAID IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR SHIFTED FROM 1ST TO 2ND...
CAR SUDDENLY LURCHES FORWARD AND ROCKS BACK AND FORTH. CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WHEN STARTED, IT SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD, ROCKING BACK AND FORTH LEAVING A BRUISE ACROSS MY SHIN FROM THE RUNNING BOARDS. TWO DAYS EARLIER, MY DAUGHTER CLOSED THE BACK HATCH WHICH CAUSED THE TRUCK TO LURCH BACK AND FORTH, LUCKILY, JUST BUMPING HER. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT WAS ALWAYS PROPERLY IN PARK WHEN IT HAPPENED.
THE BACK PANEL OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE. IT IS THE PANEL JUST BELOW THE BACK WINDSHIELD. IT WAS FINE ONE DAY, AND SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE THE NEXT. I KNOW IT IS NOTHING I DID. I GOOGLED TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT SAME THING! THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT, NOT THE CUSTOMER. PLEASE, PLEASE, RECALL THIS FOR US. WE PUT OUR TRUST IN FORD BY PURCHASING THEIR VEHICLES AND WE WOULD HOPE THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF THEIR MISTAKES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *TR
I TOOK MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS REFUSE RECALL REPAIRS. WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE AT MY OWN EXPENSE BECAUSE HE COULD NOT FIND RECALL NOTICE IN FORD SYSTEM. BELOW IS THE DETAILS OF RECAP. AT THIS TIME THE LIFTGATE HINGE IS BROKEN AND WINDOW IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. PLEASE HELP. VEHICLE MAKE / MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S): FORD / EXPLORER 2002-2003 FORD / MOUNTAINEER 2002-2003 MANUFACTURER: FORD MOTOR COMPANY MFR'S REPORT DATE: SEP 09, 2004 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 PE04045 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE04045. *TR
I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT RIGHT OFF THE LOT BRAND NEW. WITHIN MONTHS I NOTICED A SMALL WET SPOT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER MY FIRST OIL CHANGE I MENTIONED IT TO WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND THE TOLD ME THAT MY DIFFERENTLY IS LOW BUT NOT LEAKING. THEN I ASKED WHAT ABOUT THE WET SPOT ON THE GROUND. WITH 7 MONTHS FROM THAT A HUGE PUDDLE FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR ON VACATION WITH THE VEHICLE AND DROP IT AT A FORD DEALER IT'S MY REAR DIFFERENTLY SEALS. FIXED THAT PAID FOR IT BECAUSE THEY SAY WHERE AND TEAR. ABOUT 1 YEAR LATER SAME THING GET IT FIXED ABOUT 1 YEAR AND HALF SAME THING AND CONTINUE TO FIX IT. TALK TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY THEY SAY IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT WHEN I STARTED CALLING THEM IN 2004 IT WAS ONLY...
THE HEATER NO LONGER WORKS AND NO MATTER WHERE THE HEAT DIAL IS TURNED, IT MAKES A CONSTANT TICKING SOUND. I LOOKED INTO GETTING IT FIXED AT A LOCAL SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS GOING TO BE AT LEAST A $1,500 CHARGE. *TR
LOSS CONTROL OF MY SUV, AND FOUND OUT MY SPINDLE, BEARINGS AND EVERYTHING WAS SHOT! *TR
I JUST RECENTLY TOOK MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4.0L V6 TO MY LOCAL DEALER BECAUSE OF A COLD DRAFT COMING FROM THE GLOVE BOX AND OR FLOOR PANEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. UPON NOT EVEN GOING INTO FURTHER EXPLANATION ABOUT MY PROBLEM THEY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS; STATING IT IS THE "BLEND DOOR." THEY SAID "THE PINS FROM THE DOOR BREAK OFF AND CAUSES THE DOOR TO FALL MAKING IT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY CREATING A COLD DRAFT AND THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONING NOT TO WORK PROPERLY; IS A "COMMON PROBLEM".' WHEN I CALLED DOWN THERE TWO DAYS LATER, TO GET MY QUOTE ON FIXING IT, THE MANAGER IN PARTS SAID 'THE PART WAS $50.00 AND WAS GOING TO REQUIRE 4 HOURS OF LABOR BECAUSE OF HAVING TO TAKE THE WHOLE DASH OFF TO GET TO IT; I WAS LOOKING AT ROUGHLY $330.00 WITH PARTS, LABOR, AND...
I AM ATTEMPTING TO RECTIFY A WELL KNOW PROBLEM ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER REGARDING THE HEATER BLEND DOOR FOR THE FRONT HEATING UNIT. IN THIS PARTICULAR INSTANCE I HAVE NO HEAT HERE IN MICHIGAN OF ALL PLACES. DOES FORD HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL FORD PEOPLE AND THEY SAY THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. IF THE AIR BLEND DOOR BREAKS AND THE SYSTEM IS LOCKED IN THE A/C MODE, DEFOGGING/DEFROSTING THE WINDSHIELD WILL BE A CHALLENGE. EVER TRIED TO MELT ICE WITH AN AIR CONDITIONER? WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT SAFETY ISSUES. WHEN THE DEALER CALLED BACK , THE FIRST QUESTION WAS THE VEHICLE?S MILEAGE. WHEN I REPORTED 79K MILES THEY SAID SORRY, THE CUT-OFF FOR ASSISTANCE WAS 75K MILES. I ARGUED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS LOGGED AT 40K MILES WITH NUMEROUS FOLLOW-UP CALLS. THEY REFUSED. I CALLED THE 1-800 ASSISTANCE...
PAINT IS BUBBLING UP AND PEELING ON MY ROOF IN 3 AREAS. I CAN SEE THE METAL. *JB
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.
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
WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. WE WERE DRIVING ON I-79 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR LOST POWER SO THAT WE COULD NOT GO ABOVE 25 MPH ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. WE WERE TOWED OVER 100 MILES BACK HOME TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THAT "FOR SOME REASON THE AIR MASS SYSTEM WENT BAD AND CAUSED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS TO GO BAD." THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE WOULD TRY TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO PAY FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS SINCE THEY ARE SO EXPENSIVE, HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THIS OFFER WAS MADE IN ORDER TO COVER UP AN ISSUE WITH THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP 5 DAYS LATER AND WE DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING MORE AS TO HOW THIS COULD HAVE OCCURED. WE HAVE BEEN DILIGENT AT KEEPINGUP REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 43,000 MILES ON IT,...
I HAVE RECENTLY BOUGHT 2 BRAND NEW FORDS FROM CHAMPION FORD IN SHREVEPORT LOUISIANA. MY BRAND NEW FORD XLT EXPLORER 2 DOOR SPORT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR VARIOUS REPAIRS LONGER THAN I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 09/27/2003 SINCE THEN THE HOOD HAD TO BE RE-PAINTED, BOTH SIDE BODY MOLDING HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT CAME LOOSE , BOTH BOTTOM EXTERIOR BODY DOOR TRIM HAD TO BE REPLACED, INTERIOR TRIM PIECE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW BROKE AND HAD TO BE RE-PLACED, BUT THE MAIN PROBLEM IS A VIBRATION IN THE MOTOR/TRANSMISSION THAT VIBRATES THE DASH I HAVE SPENT ALREADY OVER $60.00 IN GAS BACK AND FORTH TO DEALERSHIP, ME AND MY WIFE HAVE TAKEN OFF TWO DAYS AT WORK COSTING US OVER $500.00 IN LOSS OF PAY, I HAVE ALREADY PAID THE FIRST TRUCK NOTE AND INSURANCE PAYMENT AND NOW THE...
I WAS TRAVELING IN REVERSE (LESS THAN 1MPH) WHEN I STRUCK A TREE. THE ENTIRE BACK WINDOW OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SHATTERED SENDING SHARDS OF GLASS INTO THE REAR THIRD ROW SEATING AREA. THE GLASS WASN'T SAFETY GLASS. THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE (GLASS AND BODY) IS OVER $2,500.00. THERE ARE TWO AREAS OF CONCERN. FIRST, IF THERE WERE PASSENGERS IN THE 3RD ROW SEAT, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED IN GLASS ESPECIALLY IN THE FACIAL AREA? NUMBER TWO. WHY SHOUL THERE BE SO MUCH DAMAGE AT LESS THAN 1 MPH? IF I WAS REAR ENDED AT LET'S SAY 40 MPH, THE CAR WOULD BE TOTALLED. I FIND THIS INCIDENT POINTS OUT A DESIGN FLAW AND A SAFETY PROBLEM. JAMES HUTCHISON
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
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
Engine
22 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