2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT
1 recalls, 85 complaints - 51 TSBs
06E026000 Mar 23, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Complaint Statistics
85 total complaints
4 crashes 3 fires 5 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 13 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | 8 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 7 |
| STRUCTURE | 4 |
| VISIBILITY | 4 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 |
| VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 2 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 2 |
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 31, 2020
Incident date: Dec 30, 2020
WAS CLOSING BACK HATCH AND GLASS WINDOW LITERALLY EXPLODED! VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY YARD.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 17, 2019
Incident date: Dec 15, 2019
THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT I CANT PUT IT IN GEAR AND ME AND MY HUSBAND WERE ALMOST KILLED BUT WERE ABLE TO PUT IT IN 2ND GEAR TO ROLL IT TO THE SHOP. THE 4WHEEL DRIVE GOT STUCK IN 4 WHEEL LOW AND WOULD NOT SHIFT AT ALL. WHEN WE TURNED THE CAR ON IT WOULD REV UP TO 5 BUT ONLY GO 2 MILES AN HOUR.
AIR BAGS
Jul 8, 2019
Incident date: Jul 1, 2019
"TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING WITH THE SEAT BELT NOISE. CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB FROM THE DASH BOARD AND NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT WILL NOT CONNECT WITH MILEAGE.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Jul 8, 2019
Incident date: Jul 1, 2019
"TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING WITH THE SEAT BELT NOISE. CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB FROM THE DASH BOARD AND NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT WILL NOT CONNECT WITH MILEAGE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 8, 2019
Incident date: Jul 1, 2019
"TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING WITH THE SEAT BELT NOISE. CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB FROM THE DASH BOARD AND NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT WILL NOT CONNECT WITH MILEAGE.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Oct 28, 2018
Incident date: Sep 1, 2018
BODY MOUNTS DETERIORATED CRUMPLED.BODY DOWN ON FRAME CAUSING IRREGULAR RIDE CONTROL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 20, 2018
Incident date: Nov 22, 2017
CAR HAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND WILL STALL AND BOTH HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS, OR WHEN IDLING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND POWER ASSIST FAILS, IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER OR TO BRAKE POSING A SERIOUS RISK TO SAFETY. THIS FIRST STARTING HAPPENING ABOUT ONCE A WEEK LAST NOVEMBER, AND NOW IT'S PRETT... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 19, 2017
Incident date: Jan 19, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000... Read more
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Jan 19, 2017
Incident date: Jan 19, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 12, 2016
Incident date: Dec 12, 2016
REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I WENT TO OPEN THE DOOR AND IT JUST EXPLODED.
VISIBILITY
Jul 20, 2016
Incident date: Jul 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A NOISE EMERGED FROM THE REAR HATCH WINDOW. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE PIECE THAT HELD THE WINDOW IN PLACE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME F... Read more
STRUCTURE
Jul 20, 2016
Incident date: Jul 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A NOISE EMERGED FROM THE REAR HATCH WINDOW. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE PIECE THAT HELD THE WINDOW IN PLACE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME F... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER
May 20, 2016
Incident date: May 15, 2016
I HAD JUST PUT A BAG OF GROCERIES IN THE BACK, WAS CLOSING THE REAR GLASS HATCH WHEN IT EXPLODED ABOUT 1/3 OF THE WAY DOWN. VERY LOUD NOISE, AND TINY GLASS PIECES SHATTERED ACROSS 3 PARKING SPOTS, INTO AND ALL AROUND OUR VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE GROCERIES WHICH I DISCARDED. THIS CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 16, 2015
Incident date: Sep 15, 2015
REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND BEEN SO FOR 3 HOURS. TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 60 DEGREES. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE CRACKS OR OTHER DEFECTS. WAS WITNESSED BY SEVERAL PEOPLE. DID NOT JUST CRACK OR BREAK. IT SHATTERED INTO THOUSANDS OR PIECES. WAS NOT BEING OPENED OR CLOSED. ... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 13, 2015
Incident date: Apr 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BODY MOUNT EMITTED AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND WAS DETERIORATING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 28, 2015
Incident date: Feb 23, 2005
I BOUGHT MY FORD EXP.SPORT TRAC IN 2005 WITH A FEW MILES ON IT. I SOON FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD A FEW PROBLEMS WITH IT'S INTERIOR LIGHTING. THEN IT WAS THE DOOR LOOKS, THEN IT WAS THE RADIO GOING ON AND OFF BY ITSELF. THEN THE WINDOWS WENT UP AND DOWN ON THERE OWN. NOW THE AC COMES ON AND OFF WHILE IN ... Read more
TIRES
Dec 29, 2014
Incident date: Dec 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN TIRES, SIZE: P235/70/R16. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTI... Read more
STEERING
Oct 19, 2014
Incident date: Oct 19, 2014
I WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 55MPH AND THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, IT AUTOMIATCALLY PULLED TO THE LEFT AND CAUSING MY VECHICLE TO ROLL SEVERAL TIMES. (3-5 TIMES) VEHICLE IS NOW TOTALLED. I RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE SCENE AND I'M UNDER OBSERVATION FOR THE... Read more
Crash
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Aug 13, 2014
Incident date: Aug 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK HINGES FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED ... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
Aug 1, 2014
Incident date: Jun 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE GLASS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE) DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING A TWO DOOR AND NOT A FOUR DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILUR... Read more
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Aug 1, 2014
Incident date: Jun 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE GLASS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE) DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING A TWO DOOR AND NOT A FOUR DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILUR... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 24, 2014
Incident date: Apr 16, 2014
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. BEFORE I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I RAN INTO A STORE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I FAILED, AS T... Read more
Fire
ENGINE
Apr 24, 2014
Incident date: Apr 16, 2014
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. BEFORE I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I RAN INTO A STORE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I FAILED, AS T... Read more
Fire
WHEELS
Apr 24, 2014
Incident date: Apr 16, 2014
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. BEFORE I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I RAN INTO A STORE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I FAILED, AS T... Read more
Fire
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Feb 5, 2014
Incident date: Jan 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH BACK WINDOW PIN BECAME FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE SPRING AND THE WINDOW TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME. THE DEALER PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE HATCH BACK PIN HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Feb 4, 2014
Incident date: Jan 29, 2014
ON THE MORNING OF 1/29/14 I WAS AT THE MARKET ,CAME OUT TO LOAD MY ITEMS INTO THE VEHICLE , OPENED THE REAR LIFT GATE AT ABOUT THE 1/3 OPEN POINT THE GLASS EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES . WHICH IN TURN SENT SHARDS OF GLASS INTO MY FACE ,HANDS , HEAD AND EYES . THEY WERE MINOR INJURIES BUT I'M STIL... Read more
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 4, 2014
Incident date: Jan 29, 2014
ON THE MORNING OF 1/29/14 I WAS AT THE MARKET ,CAME OUT TO LOAD MY ITEMS INTO THE VEHICLE , OPENED THE REAR LIFT GATE AT ABOUT THE 1/3 OPEN POINT THE GLASS EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES . WHICH IN TURN SENT SHARDS OF GLASS INTO MY FACE ,HANDS , HEAD AND EYES . THEY WERE MINOR INJURIES BUT I'M STIL... Read more
1 injured
AIR BAGS
Dec 27, 2013
Incident date: Dec 26, 2013
I WAS DRIVING IN SEMI WET CONDITIONS, GOING DOWNHILL AND ENGAGED THE OVERDRIVE OFF BUTTON. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHIMMY AND SHAKE, THEN FISH TAILED, RESULTING IN ME HITTING AN EMBANKMENT AND FLIPPING THE VEHICLE. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED! I WAS ABLE TO CRAWL OUT OF THE WRECK BUT THE TRUCK WAS TOTAL... Read more
Crash
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Nov 6, 2013
Incident date: Nov 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES WERE LOOSE. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE REAR GLASS WINDOW SO IT WOULD NOT FALL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Oct 9, 2013
Incident date: Jul 30, 2013
LEFT REAR LIFTGATE HINGE FAILED/BROKE; LIFTGATE GLASS ALMOST FELL OFF COMPLETELY (BUT WAS STILL PARTIALLY ATTACHED VIA RIGHT HINGE). THIS HAPPENED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PARKED. NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF "WEAR AND TEAR"; LIFTGATE HINGE HAD BEEN USED NORMALLY FOR SEVERAL YEARS. MANY OTHER NHTSA REPORTS LIST THIS... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Oct 9, 2013
Incident date: Oct 7, 2013
WINDOW FEEL AND SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES. AFTER CONTACTING MY INSURANCE TO HAVE THE GLASS REPLACED I FOUND OUT THE REASON FOR THE INCIDENT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY HINGE. I WAS TOLD BY THE GLASS COMPANY THAT THE HINGE FAILED DUE TO ELECTROLYSIS (TWO DIFFERENT METALS REACTING WITH EACH OTHER). I FE... Read more
STRUCTURE
Oct 9, 2013
Incident date: Jul 30, 2013
LEFT REAR LIFTGATE HINGE FAILED/BROKE; LIFTGATE GLASS ALMOST FELL OFF COMPLETELY (BUT WAS STILL PARTIALLY ATTACHED VIA RIGHT HINGE). THIS HAPPENED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PARKED. NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF "WEAR AND TEAR"; LIFTGATE HINGE HAD BEEN USED NORMALLY FOR SEVERAL YEARS. MANY OTHER NHTSA REPORTS LIST THIS... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Oct 9, 2013
Incident date: Jul 30, 2013
LEFT REAR LIFTGATE HINGE FAILED/BROKE; LIFTGATE GLASS ALMOST FELL OFF COMPLETELY (BUT WAS STILL PARTIALLY ATTACHED VIA RIGHT HINGE). THIS HAPPENED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PARKED. NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF "WEAR AND TEAR"; LIFTGATE HINGE HAD BEEN USED NORMALLY FOR SEVERAL YEARS. MANY OTHER NHTSA REPORTS LIST THIS... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Oct 9, 2013
Incident date: Oct 7, 2013
WINDOW FEEL AND SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES. AFTER CONTACTING MY INSURANCE TO HAVE THE GLASS REPLACED I FOUND OUT THE REASON FOR THE INCIDENT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY HINGE. I WAS TOLD BY THE GLASS COMPANY THAT THE HINGE FAILED DUE TO ELECTROLYSIS (TWO DIFFERENT METALS REACTING WITH EACH OTHER). I FE... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 30, 2013
Incident date: Jul 1, 2013
SEVERE CLANKING/BANGING NOISE IN PASSENGER REAR. REPLACED SHOCKS. NOISE WORSENED. RESEARCHED AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING BODY MOUNTS WITH FORD EXPLORER SPORT VEHICLES. UPON INVESTIGATION - REACHING UP UNDER VEHICLE FOUND NO "BODY INSULATOR LEFT ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR AND ON DRIVER REAR T... Read more
SUSPENSION
Jul 30, 2013
Incident date: Jul 1, 2013
SEVERE CLANKING/BANGING NOISE IN PASSENGER REAR. REPLACED SHOCKS. NOISE WORSENED. RESEARCHED AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING BODY MOUNTS WITH FORD EXPLORER SPORT VEHICLES. UPON INVESTIGATION - REACHING UP UNDER VEHICLE FOUND NO "BODY INSULATOR LEFT ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR AND ON DRIVER REAR T... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 30, 2013
Incident date: Jul 1, 2013
SEVERE CLANKING/BANGING NOISE IN PASSENGER REAR. REPLACED SHOCKS. NOISE WORSENED. RESEARCHED AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING BODY MOUNTS WITH FORD EXPLORER SPORT VEHICLES. UPON INVESTIGATION - REACHING UP UNDER VEHICLE FOUND NO "BODY INSULATOR LEFT ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR AND ON DRIVER REAR T... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 28, 2013
Incident date: Mar 24, 2013
REAR LIFT GATE PANEL CRACKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. CONCERNS WITH UNSTABLE REAR GLASS, ABILITY OF HATCH TO REMAIN CLOSED AND OPERATION OF REAR WIPER. GLASS INSTABILITY A CONCERN WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN USING LIFTGATE. PRIOR INJURIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED. *TR
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Mar 12, 2013
Incident date: Jan 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES WERE LOOSE AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE REAR GLASS WINDOW WOULD FALL FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER W... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 12, 2013
Incident date: Jan 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES WERE LOOSE AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE REAR GLASS WINDOW WOULD FALL FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER W... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 2, 2013
Incident date: Feb 14, 2007
2/14/2007 I NOTICED THERE IS A FRACTURE/CRACK BETWEEN THE TAILGATE DOOR OPENER AND THE WINDOW. THE FRACTURE/CRACK BECOMES MORE/LESS WIDER DEPENDING ON HOW HOT OR COLD IT IS OUTSIDE. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED IT WOULD CAUSE ME BETWEEN $400-$800 TO GET IT FIX AND THE WHOLE AREA WILL NEED TO... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Feb 2, 2013
Incident date: Feb 2, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING THE SUN VISOR DROPPED, AND STARTED TO DANGLE AND SWING TOWARDS MY FACE. IT STARTLED ME AND I SWERVED THE CAR A LITTLE, TRIED TO DODGE THE VISOR FROM HITTING ME IN THE FACE/HEAD, AND THEN PULLED INTO A PARKING AREA. I NOTICED THE SUN VISOR HINGE HAD CRACKED AND THE WIRING CAME LOOSE... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 2, 2013
Incident date: Jan 1, 2013
THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAS SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *REAR BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND CAUSED MY BATTERY TO DRAIN. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY STATED THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS, THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT THE CAR HAS IS DEFECTIVE. THE MECHANIC ACTUALLY STATED THAT... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Mar 7, 2011
Incident date: Mar 6, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS SPORTS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE HATCHBACK LIFTGATE HINGE BROKE AND THE GLASS FELL BUT DID NOT BRAKE. HE STATED SOMEONE CAUGHT THE GLASS. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. HE REFERENCED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN... Read more
VISIBILITY
Dec 20, 2010
Incident date: Dec 12, 2010
WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT A SLOW SPEED THE BACK WINDOW ON MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT SHATTERED. THE GLASS WAS COMPLETELY GONE AND NUMEROUS PIECES ENDED UP INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO OBJECT FROM THE OUTSIDE THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS INCIDENT. THE LIFT GATE HA... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Dec 16, 2010
Incident date: Oct 31, 2010
2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4X4, FRONT AND REAR HUB BEARINGS GOING OUT ON A VEHICLE ESPECIALLY THE FRONT HUB BEARINGS. THE LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING WENT BAD AND LUCKILY WE WAS NOT GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH OR HIGHER, WE WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 25-30 MPH. THE LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING FROZE UP AND WE DID... Read more
WHEELS
Dec 16, 2010
Incident date: Oct 31, 2010
2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4X4, FRONT AND REAR HUB BEARINGS GOING OUT ON A VEHICLE ESPECIALLY THE FRONT HUB BEARINGS. THE LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING WENT BAD AND LUCKILY WE WAS NOT GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH OR HIGHER, WE WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 25-30 MPH. THE LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING FROZE UP AND WE DID... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Oct 6, 2010
Incident date: Aug 26, 2010
IN TRYING TO DETERMINE WHERE A NEW RATTLE WAS COMING I HEARD ON THE WAY HOME, I NOTICED THE REAR GATE GLASS HINGE HAD BROKEN OR BECAME DISLODGED. WHEN TRYING TO SECURE IT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR, THE GLASS SLIPPED AND CUT DEEP GASHES INTO THE BODY. I HAD JUST RETURNED HOME AND HAD IT... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Oct 6, 2010
Incident date: Aug 26, 2010
IN TRYING TO DETERMINE WHERE A NEW RATTLE WAS COMING I HEARD ON THE WAY HOME, I NOTICED THE REAR GATE GLASS HINGE HAD BROKEN OR BECAME DISLODGED. WHEN TRYING TO SECURE IT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR, THE GLASS SLIPPED AND CUT DEEP GASHES INTO THE BODY. I HAD JUST RETURNED HOME AND HAD IT... Read more
PARKING BRAKE
Jun 22, 2010
Incident date: Jun 18, 2010
MY CAR MOVE BACKWARDS WITH PARKING SHIFT,EMERGENCY AND ENGINE STOPS IN A RAMP DRIVING INTO MY GARAGE. *TR
Showing 50 of 85 complaints.
Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT
51 manufacturer communications from 49 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 12 |
| 010000 STEERING | 4 |
| 106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY | 3 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| 103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) | 2 |
| 030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 2 |
| 138120 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT | 2 |
| 090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | 2 |
0427
Oct 7, 2005
010000 STEERING
STEERING SHUDDER DURING LOW SPEED MANEUVERS - 4.0L ENGINE. *TT
18719
Jul 1, 2005
090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMING ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0171, P0172, P0174 AND/OR P0175 (FUEL SYSTEM TOO RICH OR LEAN). *TT
042421
Jun 7, 2005
151300 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT
030508
Apr 1, 2005
106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT
05310
Feb 21, 2005
150000 SEAT BELTS
SAFETY BELT WEB STOP BUTTON SERVICE. *EH
042419
Dec 13, 2004
021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT
REVISED PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING ALIGNMENT ON ALL SUSPENSIONS - NEW RIGHT HAND UPPER CONTROL ARM DESIGN FOR TORSION BAR FRONT SUSPENSIONS. *TT
042107
Dec 13, 2004
103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04189
Dec 13, 2004
138200 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
04217
Nov 1, 2004
103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
041910
Oct 4, 2004
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL LEAK FROM OIL FILTER ADAPTER - 4.0L SOHC ENGINE BUILT BEFORE 4/1/2004. *TT
04166
Aug 23, 2004
221600 SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
POWER LUMBAR BLADDER EXPANDING THROUGH BACK OF SEAT. *AR
041514
Aug 9, 2004
138120 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
031501
Jul 12, 2004
138120 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT
04133
Jul 12, 2004
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
MOISTURE IN HEADLAMP. *TT
17647
Mar 1, 2004
160000 STRUCTURE
PAINT PEELING AND/OR BUBBLING ON THE CENTER FINISH PANEL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TT
031912
Feb 9, 2004
010000 STEERING
STEERING SHUDDER FELT WHEN TURNING, DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS OR AT STOP. *TT
17544
Feb 1, 2004
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
GENERATOR NOISE IN COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *MJ
17579
Feb 1, 2004
220000 SEATS
SEAT MATERIAL RIPPING AND/OR SEPARATING AT THE SEAMS. *TT
17379
Nov 1, 2003
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ROUGH IDLE, HESITATION ON COLD ENGINE TIP-IN AND/OR HESITATION DURING A 5-3 DOWNSHIFT. *TT
17378
Nov 1, 2003
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INTERMITTENT ENGINE DRIVEABILITY ISSUES. VEHCLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BUILT BETWEEN 03/04/2002 AND 12/01/2002. *TT
17376
Nov 1, 2003
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
LACKS POWER/RUNS ROUGH/BLACK SMOKE CONDITION. *TT
03203
Oct 13, 2003
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 OR P1442 OR A CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0457 FOR THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM. *TT
17253
Oct 1, 2003
162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
WATER LEAK NEAR THE ROOF OPENING PANEL. 2004 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC INCLUDED. *TT
17254
Oct 1, 2003
010000 STEERING
CLICKING/POPPING NOISE FROM UPPER STEERING COLUMN AREA WHEN TURNING. 2004 E SERIES AND EXPLORER SPORT TRAC ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
17280
Oct 1, 2003
112000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
GENERATOR WHISTLE/HOOT NOISE IN COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *TT
031912
Sep 29, 2003
010000 STEERING
STEERING WHEEL SHUDDER DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. 2004 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC INCLUDED. *TT
03181
Sep 15, 2003
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
17167
Sep 1, 2003
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
MULTIPLE VEHICLES WITH 3.0L OR 4.0L ENGINES LACKS POWER/RUNS ROUGH/BLACK SMOKE. 2004 SPORT TRAC INCLUDED. *TT
17166
Sep 1, 2003
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SQUEALING NOISE FROM THE FRONT BRAKES WHEN APPLIED. 2004 SPORT TRAC INCLUDED. *TT
17231
Sep 1, 2003
036400 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT FLASHING WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B2477 AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE ABS MODULE. *TT
17200
Sep 1, 2003
020000 SUSPENSION
VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING 35-75 MPH. 2004 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC INCLUDED. *TT
17198
Sep 1, 2003
062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
WEAR-THROUGH CONDITION ON THE ABRASION SLEEVE OF THE UPPER RADIATOR HOSE NEAR THE AIR CONDITIONING ACCUMULATOR OR TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK. *TT
17055
Aug 1, 2003
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
LACKS POWER / BLACK SMOKE / RUNS ROUGH, USUALLY WITH NO MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. *TT
17085
Aug 1, 2003
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
LACK OF AIR CONDITIONER COOLING. 2004 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC INCLUDED. *TT
03148
Jul 21, 2003
103600 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
16879
Jun 1, 2003
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SQUEALING NOISE FROM THE FRONT BRAKES WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE NOISE USUALLY OCCURS WITH LIGHT BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE AND GOES AWAY WITH MORE PRESSURE. 2004 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC INCLUDED. *TT
0398
May 12, 2003
090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT
16810
Apr 1, 2003
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ROUGH IDLE AND/OR CHECK ENGINE LAMP DUE TO CLOSURE HOSE WHICH BECOMES LOOSE OR DISCONNECTED AT THE RIGHT HAND CAM COVER. *TT
16735
Apr 1, 2003
022000 SUSPENSION:REAR
VARIOUS NOISE ISSUES FROM THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS WHILE DRIVING. *TT
0358
Mar 17, 2003
106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
FLUID MAY LEAK OUT OF THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT *JB
0335
Feb 17, 2003
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
IDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS. *TT
16610
Feb 1, 2003
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
NO START, NO COMMUNICATION WITH POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) USING WDS/NGS OR A MISS/BUCK/JERK WHILE DRIVING. *TT
16623
Feb 1, 2003
091200 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
EXCESSIVE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATION WHILE DRIVING (QSF). *TT
16624
Feb 1, 2003
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SLOW FUEL FILL CONDITION. *TT
02222
Nov 11, 2002
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NOISE-GEAR WHINE NOISE IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR ONLY-VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5R55E TRANSMISSION AND 4.0L ENGINE ONLY. *MJ
16437
Nov 1, 2002
036100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1233 & C1234 - REPLACE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM EUC. *MJ
16437
Nov 1, 2002
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1233 & C1234 - REPLACE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM EUC. *MJ
870197
Oct 22, 2002
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT
16339
Oct 1, 2002
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
FAST IDLE STRATEGY TO PREVENT SPARK PLUG FOULING. *TT
02176
Sep 2, 2002
125100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
0186
Apr 30, 2001
106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
ON SOME VEHICLES, INCLUDING SPORT AND SPORT TRAC, THE FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM THE VENT TUBE. *TT
FORD EXPLORER SPORT - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the FORD EXPLORER SPORT across all model years (2000, 2005).
16
Total Recalls
939
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
66
Reported Crashes
63
Reported Fires
10
Reported Deaths
FORD EXPLORER SPORT - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.