2003 FORD EXPLORER

7 recalls — 50 complaints

09E025000 May 11, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
42,540 vehicles affected
09E012000 Apr 7, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
16,270 vehicles affected
07E104000 Dec 11, 2007
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
1,657 vehicles affected
06E049000 May 24, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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 DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
27,176 vehicles affected
06E026000 Mar 23, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
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.
61,944 vehicles affected
04V442000 Sep 13, 2004
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES REPLACED. FOR THE VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2002, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE STRUT BRACKET. ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM MARCH 3, 2002 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2003, THE DEALERS WILL ONLY REPLACE THE HINGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. A POSTCARD WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 27, 2004, ADVISING THEM THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
955,732 vehicles affected
03V094000 Mar 7, 2003
STRUCTURE
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
3,674 vehicles affected
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER Sep 17, 2025
The contact rented a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the seat warmer activated, after arriving at a Rest Stop and exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware that a blister had formed on the back of her left thigh. The contact attributed the blister to a burn sustained while using the driver's side seat warmer. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic, but instead was returned to the rental company. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,253. The VIN was not available.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 1, 2022
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 Dept. at Healy Ford, Goshen, N.Y. I was told to take it to a body shop for realignment repair. Apparently a recall on 9/13/2022 # 04V442000 did not include my Vin. However, In driving around I do see many 2003 explorers with the identical crack on the liftgate.
STRUCTURE:BODY Aug 1, 2022
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 Dept. at Healy Ford, Goshen, N.Y. I was told to take it to a body shop for realignment repair. Apparently a recall on 9/13/2022 # 04V442000 did not include my Vin. However, In driving around I do see many 2003 explorers with the identical crack on the liftgate.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Nov 2, 2021
Head lights are cloudy given poor visibility. Back hatch door has a crack.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS Oct 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25-35 MPH around a curb, the driver thought that the tire was flat. The contact pulled off the road and noticed that three of the wheel studs on the driver’s side rear wheel had sheared off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and it was confirmed that the studs had sheared off and that there was also a fractured wheel stud on the passenger’s side rear wheel. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
ENGINE Oct 17, 2021
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).
SUSPENSION Nov 26, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED DUE TO THE CONTROL ARM BEING CORRODED. THE CONTACT CALLED ELDER FORD (777 JOHN R RD, TROY, MI 48083, (248) 825-8646) AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE METAL OF THE UPPER CONTROL ARM WAS NOT A GOOD METAL; THEREFORE, THE CONTROL ARM WAS CORRODED THROUGH AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
STEERING Jul 9, 2019
SHIFTER BROKEN INSIDE STEERING COLUMN. STOPPED AT A GAS STATION WHEN PUTTING INTO PARK IT BROKE. HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON BRAKE PADDLE FOR 2 HOURS UNTIL TWO TRUCK ARRIVED
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 27, 2019
2003 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE THROTTLE IN MODEL VEHICLE. *AS *TR
POWER TRAIN Feb 27, 2019
2003 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE THROTTLE IN MODEL VEHICLE. *AS *TR
AIR BAGS Feb 12, 2019
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, MOVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION ON A CITY STREET AND INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT ALL.
Crash
ENGINE Nov 5, 2018
ENGINE STOPS WHILE DRIVING (STALLS IN MOTION WHILE TURNING ON STREET AND HIGHWAY) RESTARTS WITHOUT PROBLEM, HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW 30 DAYS APART.
SUSPENSION:REAR Oct 4, 2018
2003 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO MALFUNCTION TO COMPANY'S REAR WHEEL BEARING. *AS *TR
SERVICE BRAKES Aug 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WITHIN A MONTH OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDED SERVICING, INCLUDING THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND HAD NOT ISSUED ANY BRAKE SYSTEM RECALLS; HOWEVER, THERE WERE TEN TSBS FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
SEAT BELTS Aug 2, 2018
THE PROBLEM THE SEAT BELTS DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH TENSION TO RETRACT CONSEQUENTLY GETTING ON THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM, CAUSING THE DOOR NOT TO LOCK, TO STAY OPEN UNSECURED ALSO DAMAGING THE SEAT BELT, IT DOES NO HAVE A WAY TO INCREASE THE TENSION WHICH IT SHOULD HAVE. IT DAMAGED MY DOOR SEAL, MY LOCK MECHANISM AND THE BELT TOO.
STRUCTURE:BODY Aug 2, 2018
REAR WINDOW LOWER PANEL PLASTIC CRACKING UP, REPLACED THREE TIMES, STILL CRACKING DUE TO NO SUPPORT AND BENDING TOO MUCH, I CALLED FORD DOES NOT CARE IF CONTINUES CRACKING UP, IT LOOKS UGLY ALSO PANELS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT TO OTHER CARS GETTING INTO THEIR WINDSHIELDS LOOSE PARTS. THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND NOT FIXING IT.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 2, 2018
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 ???
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS Jun 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE REAR WINDOW, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGES WERE CRACKING AND WERE TILTED ON ONE SIDE. THE CONTACT, A CERTIFIED MASTER TECHNICIAN, STATED THAT THE WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED FORT MILL FORD AT (866) 680-5276 (LOCATED AT 801 GOLD HILL RD, FORT MILL, SC 29708) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR Jun 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE REAR WINDOW, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGES WERE CRACKING AND WERE TILTED ON ONE SIDE. THE CONTACT, A CERTIFIED MASTER TECHNICIAN, STATED THAT THE WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED FORT MILL FORD AT (866) 680-5276 (LOCATED AT 801 GOLD HILL RD, FORT MILL, SC 29708) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
ENGINE May 1, 2018
EXHAST MANAFOLD HAS CRACK IN IT AND SCREWS CAME LOSE AND FELL OUT WIHICH CREATED FUMES IN CAR.
AIR BAGS Feb 25, 2018
ALL SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ACCIDENT. DEPLOYMENT HAPPEND WHILE MY WIFE AND 4 YEAR OLD SON WAS IN THE VEHICLE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MILES PER HOUR DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD IN LONG VALLEY NEW JERSEY. THIS ROAD IS SMOOTH, LEVEL AND FREE OF POT HOLES ETC. UNABLE TO SEE BECAUSE OF THE DOWNED AIRBAGS AND SMOKEY DUST LIKE MATERIAL FROM THE AIRBAGS SHE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AS BEST SHE COULD.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jan 23, 2018
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.
ENGINE Dec 29, 2017
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.
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 11, 2017
VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AFTER DOOR CLOSED. SHARDS OF GLASS FLEW OUTWARD
1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 30, 2017
BROKEN GEAR SHIFTER
POWER TRAIN Sep 5, 2017
SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INSIDE STEERING COLUMN OF MY WIFE'S EXPLORER WHEN CHANGING FROM PARK TO DRIVE TO EXIT FROM A BOAT LAUNCH RAMP WITH NO BOAT ON THE TRAILER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED ON A FLATBED WRECKER TO MY GARAGE. BROKEN ELEMENT ( SEE PHOTOS) WAS NOT REPLACEABLE BY ITSELF. STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, BUT RATHER A FAULTY /WEAK COMPONENT THAT REPRESENTS A DANGER. I HAVE NOTED REPORTS OF IDENTICAL INCIDENTS ONLINE. THUS FAR, NEITHER THE DEALER NOR FORD NATIONAL "CUSTOMER SERVICE" IS PREPARED TO REIMBURSE.
STEERING Sep 5, 2017
SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INSIDE STEERING COLUMN OF MY WIFE'S EXPLORER WHEN CHANGING FROM PARK TO DRIVE TO EXIT FROM A BOAT LAUNCH RAMP WITH NO BOAT ON THE TRAILER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED ON A FLATBED WRECKER TO MY GARAGE. BROKEN ELEMENT ( SEE PHOTOS) WAS NOT REPLACEABLE BY ITSELF. STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, BUT RATHER A FAULTY /WEAK COMPONENT THAT REPRESENTS A DANGER. I HAVE NOTED REPORTS OF IDENTICAL INCIDENTS ONLINE. THUS FAR, NEITHER THE DEALER NOR FORD NATIONAL "CUSTOMER SERVICE" IS PREPARED TO REIMBURSE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 16, 2017
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 I WAS CLOSING THE LIFT GATE WHEN IT FELL DOWN AND GLASS SHATTERED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 2, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT AND FOUR BYSTANDERS PUSHED THE VEHICLE INTO A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,412.
Crash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jul 28, 2017
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.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS Jul 13, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE LUG NUTS BECAME DETACHED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AND INCLUDED ALL OF THE WHEELS. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE LUG NUTS ON ALL OF THE WHEELS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
STRUCTURE:BODY May 10, 2017
AWOKE THE MORNING OF MAY 10, 2017 TO FIND THE ENTIRE BACK LIFTGATE AND WINDOW EXPLODED OUTWARDS AND INWARDS OF OUR FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF OUR HOME, WE ARE RURAL, SO NO EVIDENCE OF SOMEONE PURPOSELY BREAKING IT. OUR SHERIFF IN CASCADE COUNTY, MONTANA, STATED IT APPEARS TO BE SOMETHING INTERNAL PROBABLY THE LIFT STRUTS EXPLODING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM AS STATED ON MANY ONLINE SITES, AND MANY FORD EXPLORERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS PARTICLAR MODEL VIN NUMBER DID NOT SHOW UP AS RECALLED, ALTHOUGH WE SIT HERE LOOKING AT THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM. WE WOULD APPRECIATE SOMEONE LOOKING INTO THIS, AS IT COULD HAPPEN TO ANYONE AND PROVE TO BE VERY DANGEROUS IF THIS VEHICLE WERE BEING DRIVEN WHEN THIS EXPLOSION OCCURED. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS ASAP.
POWER TRAIN May 9, 2017
TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND CLUNKS, IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE ESTIMATE REPAIR IS AROUND $ 3,400. WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN.
STRUCTURE:BODY May 8, 2017
THE BACK LIFT GATE HAS A CRACK. I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON PRACTICALLY EVERY OTHER EXPLOER OF THIS YEAR. I CONTACTED FORD SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND THEY SAID SINCE IT WAS A DEFECT THAT WAS NOT A DANGER THEY WOULD NOT RECALL OR REPAIR IT.
SEAT BELTS Feb 13, 2017
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 13, 2017
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY Feb 13, 2017
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING Jan 30, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A JERKING MOTION AND THE ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSORS, ABS SENSORS, AND ABS PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 163,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS Jan 10, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IMMEDIATELY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWDERY DUST FROM THE DEPLOYED AIR BAG CLOUDED HIS VISION AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO REAR END THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE CRASH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION THAT INVOLVED FOUR VEHICLES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS AND PAINS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD, FROM WHERE IT WAS LATER PICKED RETRIEVED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,700....UPDATED 02/22/17 *BF *CN
Crash 1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY Jan 8, 2017
THE REAR PANEL OF MY 2003 EXPLORER CRACKED TODAY FOR NO REASON. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN I "GOOGLED" THE PROBLEM, IT SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD ONCE ADDRESSED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jan 6, 2017
BACK GLASS EXPLODED. WHEN I PRESSED THE GATE RELEASE BUTTON, GLASS EXPLODED ON MY AND MY FOSTER CHILD I WAS HOLDING.
ENGINE Dec 12, 2016
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
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE Sep 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR HATCH DOOR AND THE REAR HATCH WINDOW BECAME UNSECURED AND OPENED DUE TO A CRACK NEAR THE REAR WINDOW WIPER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR Sep 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR HATCH DOOR AND THE REAR HATCH WINDOW BECAME UNSECURED AND OPENED DUE TO A CRACK NEAR THE REAR WINDOW WIPER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
AIR BAGS Aug 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED ON A HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE OTHER VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STOPPED AT THE MEDIAN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MILD CONCUSSION, A BRUISED STERNUM, BACK AND NECK PAINS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD AND DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR MECHANIC. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 319,000.
Crash 1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 14, 2016
"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 ".
AIR BAGS Aug 14, 2016
"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 ".
POWER TRAIN Aug 14, 2016
"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 ".
STRUCTURE:BODY Jul 25, 2016
THE REAR LIFT-GATE HAS A CRACKED PANEL.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) Jul 19, 2016
MY TRANSMISSION LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON. I WAS ONLY AT 117K MILES WHEN IT HAPPENED. THAT'S TO SOON FOR A TRANSMISSION TO BE ACTING UP ESPECIALLY SINCE IT'S ANEW ONE ACCORDING TO CARFAX THIS IS THE SECOND TRANSMISSION FOR MY EXPLORER. THE FIRST ONE WAS PUT IN ONLY AT 3 YEARS OLD. IT WILL SOMETIMES JERK INTO REVERSE OR TAKE A SECOND TO GO INTO DRIVE WHEN I SWITCH GEARS. MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT ALSO FLASHES WHICH I ASSUME MEANS MY OVERDRIVE NO LONGER WORKS. THE LIGHT ONLY COMES ON AFTER DRIVING OVER 40 MPH. SO IF I'M ON THE HIGHWAY I CAN'T GO THE SPEED LIMIT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT THIS LIGHT COMING ON. I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP IT NEEDS A TORQUE CONVERTER AND A REBUILD. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY TOLD ME TO BUY A NEW CAR. WHEN I GO UP HILLS MY EXPLORER ALSO HAS TROUBLE EVEN THOUGH IT SHOULDN'T. I ALSO NEED A NEW SOLENOID PACK.