2003 Ford Explorer Problems & Complaints

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.

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.

Head lights are cloudy given poor visibility. Back hatch door has a crack.

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.

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).

drivers side rear brake line developed a hole caused by the emergency brake cable rubbing against it causing all the brake fluid to leak & the brakes failed. Fortunately my husband was driving on our rural road & not out on the main highway. We have not been able to get it repaired yet.

The driver was driving down the expressway and her back tire blew out causing her vehicle to spiral out of control and the vehicle then flipped and started rolling downhill, the vehicle airbags did not deploy in the vehicle at all. The driver and her mother are in critical condition. Yes, the safety of others safety was put at risk. I did contact Ford Manufacturer on her behind of the airbags and they said there is nothing they can do for her with the vehicle being totaled out. But my main problem is why these airbags did not deploy. The vehicle is going to be inspected by her insurance company here in the next few days. There were no prior lamps, messages, or anything that would have indicated that the airbags were defective.

WAS CLOSING BACK HATCH AND GLASS WINDOW LITERALLY EXPLODED! VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY YARD.

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.

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.

TAKATA RECALL .. THE SMELL OF FUEL INSIDE THE CAB AND OUTSIDE IS REALLY BAD. IT'S MAKING ME SICK AND GIVING ME HEADACHES. THE TRUCK DOESN'T RUN RIGHT AND THE MILEAGE IS AWFUL.

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

"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.

2003 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE THROTTLE IN MODEL VEHICLE. *AS *TR

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, MOVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION ON A CITY STREET AND INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT ALL.

ENGINE STOPS WHILE DRIVING (STALLS IN MOTION WHILE TURNING ON STREET AND HIGHWAY) RESTARTS WITHOUT PROBLEM, HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW 30 DAYS APART.

BODY MOUNTS DETERIORATED CRUMPLED.BODY DOWN ON FRAME CAUSING IRREGULAR RIDE CONTROL

2003 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO MALFUNCTION TO COMPANY'S REAR WHEEL BEARING. *AS *TR

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.

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.

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.

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 ???

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.

EXHAST MANAFOLD HAS CRACK IN IT AND SCREWS CAME LOSE AND FELL OUT WIHICH CREATED FUMES IN CAR.

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.

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.

WE HAD PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BOUT A YEAR AGO AND WHEN WE GOT IT WE WENT TO GET TIRES AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND THEY ENDED UP REPLACING UPPER ND LOWER BALL JOINTS, CONTROL ARM AND SWAY BAR ON PASSENGER SIDE.THIS WAS 6/20/2017. IT WASN'T MAKING ANY NOISE UNTIL 1/3/2018. I WAS GOING DOWN CITY STREET AND SOMETHING POPPED AND THEN IT STARTED ROARING. IF YOU PUT IN 4WD IT ROARS LOADER AND JERKS. 1/23/18 REPLACED DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL HUB AND BEARINGS. IT STILL ROARS WHILE ACCELERATING SPEED BUT NOT AS BAD IN 2WD BUT PUT IN 4WD ITS REAL LOUD AND JERKS YOU . I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE FOR THIS YEAR MODEL SPORT TRAC AND IT SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. EVERYTIME GET ONE THING FIXED ON FRONT END SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS TO IT. YOU CAN DRIVE IT BUT IF YOU GET OVER 10-15 MPH THE ROARING GETS WORSE AND IT LOCKED THE THE WHOLE WHEEL UP AND JERKED THE TRUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD

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 PRETTY OFTEN. STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR, EXCEPT TO TEST DRIVE AS WE'RE TRYING TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. WE THINK IT'S EITHER THE FUEL OR VACUUM SYSTEM AND ARE CONTINUING TO NARROW DOWN THE PROBLEM. I AM NOT SURE IF BRAKING WILL WORK AT ALL WHEN IT FAILS, AS FORTUNATELY IT HASN'T STALLED GOING DOWNHILL. I PUT ALL MY STRENGTH INTO BOTH BRAKING AND STEERING (I'M A PRETTY STRONG WOMAN) TO GET IT TO SAFETY. IT MAY SIMPLY BE STOPPING DUE TO INERTIA.

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.

VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AFTER DOOR CLOSED. SHARDS OF GLASS FLEW OUTWARD

THE CAB TO FRAME MOUNTING BOLT BUSHINGS, AND STEERING STABILIZER BUSHINGS ARE HAVE AND ARE CRUMBLING. ALL NEED TO BE REPLACED. I FEEL FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE TO FIX IT. I JUST INHERITED THIS TRUCK AND JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU.

BROKEN GEAR SHIFTER

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND CLUNKS, IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE ESTIMATE REPAIR IS AROUND $ 3,400. WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN.

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.

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.

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.

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. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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

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.

BACK GLASS EXPLODED. WHEN I PRESSED THE GATE RELEASE BUTTON, GLASS EXPLODED ON MY AND MY FOSTER CHILD I WAS HOLDING.

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.

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

TRUCK WAS RUNNING FINE. THEN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IT WOULD SLIP OUT OF GEAR WHILE I WAS COMING OFF OF OR ONTO EXIT RAMPS. SEEMED LIKE AS THE ENGINE DECELERATED IT WOULD SLIP INTO NEUTRAL. SOMETIMES IT WOULD EVENTUALLY FIND THE GEAR AND SOMETIMES I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, WHICH WAS REALLY SCARY SINCE I WAS IN TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENED. A SHORT TIME LATE (A MATTER OF WEEKS). I NOTICED IT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR WHEN THE TRUCK WAS COLD (AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT. THIS HAS RAPIDLY PROGRESSED INTO ALMOST COMPLETE FAILURE. I CAN STILL GET THE TRUCK TO MOVE IF I SHIFT MANUALLY INTO L1 OR L2 BUT D DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. ADDITIONALLY I NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES MY O/D LIGHT WOULD BE BLINKING AND SOMETIME O/D WOULD GO COMPLETELY OFF AND THE TRUCK WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO HIGH GEAR. I FOUND IF I STOPPED, TURNED THE TRUCK OFF AND RESTARTED IT WOULD OFTEN FIX THE ISSUE. THIS IS NOT LONGER TRUE. I WILL BE TAKING THE TRUCK TO MY MECHANIC ON MONDAY. I LOOKED UP THE ISSUE AND SEE THAT THIS IS COMMON COMPLAINT WITH MANY EARLY 2000 FORD VEHICLES. SHAME THE COMPANY DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IT'S FAILURE AND STAND UP AND FIX IT. I DID NOT HAVE ANY ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS ISSUE BUT I COULD SEE IF THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AS SOMEONE WAS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC OR IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC THAT THIS COULD DEFINITELY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

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.

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.

"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 ".

THE REAR LIFT-GATE HAS A CRACKED PANEL.

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 FAILURE IN MARCH OF 2015. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,149.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, BACK, AND KNEES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,404. UPDATED 09/27/16*LJ *JS

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...

I LOST CONTROL AROUND A BEN GOING 35MPH AFTER IT GOT DONE RAINING AND GOT IN AN ACCIDENT HIT A TELEPHONE POLE AND FARM POST AFTER SPINNING ABOUT 4XS CAR IS TOTALED AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGES ON THE REAR WINDSHIELD WERE LOOSE AND THE REAR WINDOW WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

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 THE RECALL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGE FRACTURED WHICH CAUSED THE LIFT GATE TO REMAIN UNLOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

I HAVE OWNED THIS 2003 FORD EXPLORER SINCE IT WAS BRAND NEW IN 2003. IT CURRENTLY HAS 70,009 MILES AND HAS BEEN KEPT IN A GARAGE AND NOT DRIVEN OFTEN OVER 13 YEARS. WITHIN TWO YEARS OF PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LIFT GATE UNDER THE GLASS. I TALKED TO TWO FORD DEALERSHIPS THAT ADVISED IT WAS NOT A DEFECT BUT MY FAULT FOR GLIDING THE GLASS TO HARSHLY. I HAD NOT USED THE GLASS OFTEN AND HAD NEVER SLAMMED IT.M SINCE THAT TIME I'VE SEEN HUNDREDS OF FORD EXPLORERS FROM THE EARLY TO MID 2000S WITH THE SAME CRACK IN THE SAME LOCATION. TODAY I WAS BEHIND FOUR DIFFERENT EXPLORERS FROM THE SAME TIME PERIOD AND ALL HAD THE SAME CRACK. I CHECKED ONLINE AND REALIZED THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS DEFECT WITH SOME DRIVERS STATING THE BACK GLASS BURSTS WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE THAT WITH SO MANY OF THESE VEHICLES HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE THAT FORD HAS NOT OWNED UP TO THE DEFECT AND REPAIRED IT. ALL ONE NEEDS TO DO IS SEARCH THROUGH ONLINE IMAGES TO SEE IT US A HUGE PROBLEM AND A DEFINITE MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND WITH THE BACK GLASS BLOWING OUT IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN.

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THIS EVENING THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN STEADILY BLINKING AND THE TRANSMISSION TOOK WAY TOO LONG TO SHIFT (RPM ALMOST RED LINE) AND WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO 5TH GEAR. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND FIRST NOTICED THE TRUCK NOT SHIFTING AND WITHIN 3 MINUTES OF DRIVING THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. IF YOU TURN THE TRUCK OFF THEN BACK ON THE O/D OFF LIGHT TURNS OFF BUT THE TRUCK STILL WON'T SHIFT CORRECTLY AND THE LIGHT STARTS TO BLINK AGAIN. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 133,000 MILES. I GOOGLED THIS PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM.

CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC P235/70R16 DOT A308 46KW 311 NOTICED VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING, TIRE TREAD WAS SEPARATING; INSTALLED SPARE. HAD VIBRATION AGAIN A MONTH LATER. BOTH TIRES HAD TREAD SEPARATION. INSTALLED IN 2013; APPROX 20K MILES. REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES; HAVE OLD TIRES.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH CAUSED THE DOME LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THIS EVENING THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN STEADILY BLINKING AND THE TRANSMISSION TOOK WAY TOO LONG TO SHIFT (RPM ALMOST RED LINE) AND WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO 5TH GEAR. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND FIRST NOTICED THE TRUCK NOT SHIFTING AND WITHIN 3 MINUTES OF DRIVING THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. IF YOU TURN THE TRUCK OFF THEN BACK ON THE O/D OFF LIGHT TURNS OFF BUT THE TRUCK STILL WON'T SHIFT CORRECTLY AND THE LIGHT STARTS TO BLINK AGAIN. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 133,000 MILES. I GOOGLED THIS PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM.

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

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.

I BOUGHT MY FORD EXPLORER XLT BACK IN JUNE OF 2015. SINCE THEN I REPLACED MY OXYGEN SENSOR DO TO A FAULT IN THE SYSTEM AND MELTING BACK IN AUG. 20015. THE SUV WOULDN'T START BECAUSE OF IT AND HAD TO BE TOWED. SINCE I PURCHASED AND HAD REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR BY A FORD DEALER, I NOTICED THE SUV HAVING POWER FAILURE EVEN FROM A COMPLETE STOP AND NOW THE OVER DRIVE OFF LIGHT FLASHES; THIS STARTED IN THE BEGINNING OF NOV. 2015 I NOTICED THAT THERE IS OVER 2755 COMPLAINTS OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND FAILURES EXACTLY THE SAME AS MINE, BUT NOT ONE RECALL. THIS IS A ISSUE WITH THE SUV THEMSELVES AND NOT OWNER ERROR. I HAVE CHILDREN AND DON'T WANT TO END UP STRANDED IN THE STREET OR SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO BREAK DOWN OR FAIL AND I REFUSE TO BE THE THE BLAME NOR PAY THOUSANDS TO FORD DEALERSHIP TO FIX A FLAW IN THERE OWN SUV. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE MADE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURE FLAW.

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.

1. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT LET YOU ACCELARATE. PRESSURE BUILDS UP WHILE YOU ARE PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT DOESN'T INCREASE YOUR SPEED UNTIL 10 SECONDS OR SO OF PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL, AND THAN IT EXPLODES AND YOU ARE THRUST BACK WITH THE ACCELERATION. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO CHANGE LANES OR ARE ENTERING THE HIGHWAY. LACK OF ACCELERATION HAS ALMOST GOT US INTO A FEW ACCIDENTS. 2. SENSORS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING, CONSTANTLY TELLING ME THAT THE DOORS ARE OPEN. I DON'T KNOW WHEN A DOOR IS ACTUALLY OPEN OR NOT. 3. THE REAR HATCH IS CRACKED AND I'M AFRAID IT DOESN'T PROVIDE ENOUGH STABLE PRORECTECTION FOR THE REAR GLASS TO BE HELD IN PLACE PROPERPLY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES BLEW OUT, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE LOWER BACK, ARM, AND KNEES. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED AN INFLAMMATION OF THE LOWER BACK. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER BOTH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

THE REAR AIR CONDITIONER LINE RUBBED AGAINST THE BRAKE LINE CAUSING BRAKE LINE FAILURE. THE RUPTURE OCCURRED DURING AN ATTEMPT TO SUDDENLY STOP. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF RUST EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE BRAKE LINE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT ABOUT 156,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. ODDLY ENOUGH, THE MECHANIC SPECIFICALLY NOTED THAT RUST WAS NOT A FACTOR IN THIS CASE AS IS COMMON ON MANY NEWER VEHICLES. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 3/7/2006. NO COLLISION WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE SINCE TAKING OWNERSHIP.

THE PROBLEM WITH SEAT BELTS DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH TENSION TO RETRACT THE HARNESS CAUSING TO STAY BY THE DOOR AND NOT CLOSING GOOD, IT MEANS THE BELTS IT IS BY THE DOOR MECHANISM JAMMING THE LOCK AND NOT LOCKING PROPERLY ON DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE, I HAD THE DOOR OPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING, ALSO DESTROYED MY DOOR SEAL TEARING UP, THE MANUFACTURE FORD DOES NOT WANT TO REPLACE IT FOR FREE SINCE IT IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT, THEY WANT TO CHARGE FOR THE REPLACEMENT AND EVEN THE NEW ONES ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I CHECK ALL THIS STUFF SINCE I WAS A FLEET MAINTENANCE MECHANIC, CAR INSPECTOR. GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO STEP IN AND FIX THE SAFETY HARNESS FOR GOOD TENSION. THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING, ALSO PARKED THE DOOR DID NOT CLOSE PROPERLY DUE THE HARNESS DID NOT RETRACTED.

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION STALLS, SLIPS AND DELAYS WHEN IT SHIFTS INTO THE NEXT GEAR. AS I SEARCHED FOR ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION I FOUND 100'S OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS MATTER. FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND, THE TRANSMISSION IS A DESIGN FLAW

WE HAVE RECURRING WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY ISSUE. THE TIMING I PUT ON THE FORM MAY BE OFF A BIT BUT NOT MUCH. ITS ALL LIKE A RECURRING FORD EXPLORER NIGHTMARE AT THIS POINT! WE HAVE REPLACED BEARINGS, HIB ASSEMBLY, TIE ROD, THEN REAR END WENT UP ( AND SHOULDN'T HAVE)/NOW AGAIN, ANOTHER BEARING AND WHEEL SENSOR. THE TRUCK CUTS OUT WHEN AT A SLOWER SPEED. I LOST STEERING A FEW MONTHS AGO WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN I TRY TO PUT IT IN GEAR, SOMETIMES IT WON'T MOVE.I HAVE CALLED FORD, NHTSB AND NO ONE IS WILLING TO MAKE FORD RECALL THESE ISSUES AND FORD WON'T DO THE RIGHT THING KNOWING IT'S AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF FORDS! PLEASE SOMEONE HELP! I HAVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND A HEART ISSUE. I NEED A SAFE RELIABLE CAR AND CAN'T AFFORD TO GET ANOTHER ONE. SOMEONE, PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING HERE! I KNOW ITS AN OLDER MODEL AND I QUESTION IF THIS IS WHY THE RECALL ISN'T HAPPENING.IDK BUT THIS ISN'T RIGHT. THE TRUCK IS SITTING OUT FRONT NEEDING AN ADDITIONAL $700 OF WORK . AFTER REAR END, TIE ROD, BEARINGS, BRAKES IN THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, WE HAVE NO WAY TO FIX THIS LEMON. ALWAYS BEEN FORD BUT IF THEY OR A GOVERNING AGENCY DOESN'T HELP.. NEVER A FORD AGAIN. LOOK AT ALL THE COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME THING!!!! SHAMEFUL.

MY FIANC AND I PUT OUR 10 MONTH OLD AND OUR 8 YEAR OLD IN THE SEATBELTS AND I GOT IN THE CAR (I AM PREGNANT) AND SHUT MY DOOR AND MY FIANC GOT IN AND SHUT HIS DOOR AND THE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WENT OFF AND THE BACK AIRBAGS. WE WERE IN PARK AT THE TIME. THERE WAS NOT REASON FOR THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. I ONLY HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE SO THEY WON'T PAY ANYTHING. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER (WHO I JUST BOUGHT A $50,000 2015 FORD EXPLORER FROM HIM JANUARY 2015) AND HE SAID I COULD CALL THE SERVICE DESK WHO WAS NO HELP. STATED THERE IS NO RECALL. ANYONE I CAN CALL? THIS IS CRAZY AND DANGEROUS!!!!

MY DAUGHTER AND HER FIANC AND PUT THEIR 10 MONTH OLD AND THEIR 8 YEAR OLD IN THE SEATBELTS AND MY DAUGHTER GOT IN THE CAR (SHE IS PREGNANT) AND SHUT HER DOOR AND HER FIANC GOT IN AND SHUT HIS DOOR AND THE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WENT OFF AND THE BACK AIRBAGS. THEY WERE IN PARK AT THE TIME. THERE WAS NOT REASON FOR THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THEY ONLY HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE SO THEY WON'T PAY ANYTHING. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER (WHO I JUST BOUGHT A $50,000 2015 FORD EXPLORER FROM HIM JANUARY 2015) AND HE SAID I COULD CALL THE SERVICE DESK WHO WAS NO HELP. STATED THERE IS NO RECALL. ANYONE I CAN CALL? THIS IS CRAZY AND DANGEROUS!!!!

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER REAR PASSENGER, AND REAR LIFT GATE AND WINDOW EXPLODED. IT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME.

TRANSMISSION FAILURE, A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THESE VEHICLES

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.

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. VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STATIC

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 THESE ISSUES. WHAT I DON'T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND IS WHY ISN'T FORD DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS???? IF YOU ARE A MANUFACTURER AND SEE ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND REVIEWS (WHICH I'M SURE THEY DO) THEN WHY AREN'T THESE VEHICLES GETTING RECALLED? I'M NOT RICH IN ANY WAY FASHION OR FORM. I'M A SINGLE MOTHER OF 4 WHO WORKS FULL TIME AND RECEIVES NO GOV'T ASSISTANCE. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT THIS IS A "KNOWN" ISSUE I WOULD NEVER HAVE SPENT MY HARD EARNED MONEY.... DOES ANYONE KNOW IF ANYTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS??

ADJUSTED HVAC TEMPERATURE FROM COLD TO HOT. APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS LATER, A LOUD AND REPETITIVE POPPING SOUND CAME FROM THE DEFROSTER VENTS. I WAS STARTLED AND IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE CAR (ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY) TO INVESTIGATE. THE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR IS FAILING. THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE A LOSS OF CLIMATE CONTROL IN THE CABIN. IT CAN GET STUCK ON HOT OR COLD OR ANYWHERE IN BETWEEN. IF IT GETS STUCK IN THE COLD SETTING, THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WILL NOT WORK WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY. IF IT GETS STUCK ON THE HOT SETTING, HEAT-SENSITIVE PASSENGERS MAY BE INJURED BY HEATSTROKE IN THE SUMMER MONTHS SINCE AIR WILL ALWAYS FLOW THROUGH THE VENTS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ACCESSING THE POWER LIFTGATE, THE HINGES FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE DOOR TO ABRUPTLY CLOSE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE LIFTGATE WAS COMPLETELY REMOVED AND PLACED IN THE VEHICLE TEMPORARILY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED IN ORDER TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AFTER FEW MINUTES AND IT FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

BEING THAT I AM DISABLED, I'M AFFRAID THAT WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY GOES COMPLETELY OUT, I'LL BE STRANED SOMEWHERE OR THE SUV WILL CAUSE A WRECK AND HURT/KILL ME OR SOMEONE ELSE. THERE HAVE BEEN THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS EXPLORER THAT A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN SENT OUT. I CAN NOT AFFORED THE REPAIR COST OR THE COST OF ANOTHER SUV/CAR, PLEASE HELP!

THE O/D OFF LIGHT & CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHTS WENT ON, THEN VEHICLE WOULDN'T SHIFT PROPERLY AND BECAME INOPERABLE.

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. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY SHIFTING FROM FIRST INTO SECOND GEAR. WHEN IT SHIFTED, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

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 THE OFF POSITION. AS OF TODAY KNOW ONE KNOWS WHAT AS GOTTEN INTO MY TRUCK AND WHEN I ADJUST MY STEERING WHEEL DONE THE TURNING LIGHTS DONT WORK AND I HAVE EVEN RECEIVED A TICKET FOR IT.

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.

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE CLOSING THAT THE LIFTGATE BOTH HINGES FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE BOTH HINGES AND STRUTS WERE REPLACED. IN 2005, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER,THE REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000. JS

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLASS AND THE WINDOW ON THE REAR LIFTGATE PANEL CRACKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPLACED IT THREE TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE MATERIAL WAS NOT MADE TO EXPAND OR CONTRACT BASED ON THE WEATHER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

I WAS LEAVING THE STORE PARKING LOT. I STARTED THE CAR, PRESSED THE BREAK, PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT IN SEPTEMBER 2014. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT OR BUMPED IN ANY WAY. I WAS NOT BACKING OUT, I WAS IN DRIVE TO PULL OUT OF THE SPACE. *TR

WAS LEAVING GAS STATION, SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE, SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INTO MY HAND. OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT, AS I HAVE OVER 2 MILLION MILES UNDER MY BELT, DRIVEN NUMEROUS CARS & TRUCKS, AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE IN OVER 40 YEARS OF DRIVING, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY. I SEE THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR THIS, WHY IS THERE NO RECALL?? *TR

TOOK VEHICLE IN FLUID CHANGES, COMPLETE CHECK, AND TO INVESTIGATE A LEAK UNDER VEHICLE. AFTER "COMPLETE" CHECK SAID THEY FOUND BAD SERPENTINE BELT, AIR FILTER AND BUT NOTHING VALVE COVER GASKETS AS CAUSE OF LEAK. COST TO REPAIR GASKETS OVER $1000. WHILE DOING REPAIR THEY CALLED AGAIN AND SAID THEY FOUND THAT THE REAR TIMING CARTRIDGE WAS BROKEN AND PIECES OF IT MISSING. TOLD ME THAT BOLT WAS WORE HALF WAY THROUGH AS TIMING CHAINING WAS RUBBING IT. SAID IF IT BREAKS BEFORE REPAIR ENGINE WILL "BLOW" AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. TOLD ME IT WOULD COSTS OVER $2,500 TO REPLACE THIS CARTRIDGE. TOTAL COST WAS NOW OVER $4,000. I ASKED WHY PART WAS BAD WHEN ENGINE ONLY HAD 84,000 MILES AND WHY THIS WASN'T FOUND WITH THE "COMPLETE" CHECK. MECHANIC STATED ONLY SAW IT BECAUSE HE HAD THINGS APART TO FIX VALVE COVER GASKETS. TOLD ME IT WAS A PLASTIC PART AND EVEN WITH LOW MILEAGE THE PLASTIC DETERIORATES WITH TIME. SAID PART ONLY DESIGNED TO LAST 100,000 MILES. IF I AM TO BELIEVE THIS FORD MECHANIC, FORD USES A PLASTIC PART IN A CRUCIAL PART OF THE ENGINE (TIMING) AND IF THAT PART FAILS THE ENGINE WILL "BLOW". AND THEY CANNOT KNOW THE PART IS BAD UNLESS THEY HAVE THE ENGINE APART FOR OTHER MAJOR REPAIRS. SO IF THE VALVE COVER GASKETS WERE NOT LEAKING THE ISSUE WOULD HAVE BEEN UNDETECTED BY THE FORD MAINTENANCE "COMPLETE" CHECK UP. IN ADDITION FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A WARNING THAT THIS ENGINE WILL POSSIBLY "BLOW" AFTER ONLY 100,000 MILES IF THIS PART NOT REPLACED BY A $2,500.00 - $3,000.00 REPAIR. FORD SHOULD PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. THEY DESIGN A VEHICLE THIS WAY WITH NO WARNING TO THE BUYERS/OWNERS. IF I AM TO BELIEVE THE FORD MECHANIC THERE IS NO WAY TO REALLY KNOW YOU MAY HAVE A PROBLEM. HOW ARE WE TO PROTECT OURSELVES? MY FRIEND SHOWED ME THIS SITE AND DID SOME SEARCHING ON OTHER BLOGS/SITES DEALING WITH VEHICLE ISSUES. THERE ARE NUMEROUS CASES OF THIS UNACCEPTABLE ISSUE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE LUG NUTS SHEARED OFF THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE PREVIOUSLY OCCURRED TO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LUG NUT WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEELS SHOOK AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARINGS, BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE LUG NUTS WERE TIGHTENED TWICE BY THE DEALER, BUT THE LUG NUTS ON THE REAR WHEELS WERE STILL LOOSE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE A REPAIR FOR THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

I NOTICED THAT THE PAINT WAS PEELING OFF IN SEVERAL PLACES ON THE VEHICLE. SIX MONTHS LATER MORE PAINT HAS DISAPPEARED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED LACERATIONS TO THE LEFT ARM AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

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 A NEW TRANSMISSION WHEN THAT VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL ITS NEEDS. I CANNOT AFFORD IT AND ITS UPSETTING SEEING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM ABOUT IT KNOWING I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A DEFECT AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IGNITED IN FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE HOW THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

THE PROBLEM THE SEAT BELTS DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH SPRING ACTION TO RETRACT CAUSING TO BE LAYING DOWN AND IT IS GETTING CAUGHT BY THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM MESSING THE BELT PLUS CAUSING THE DOOR NOT TO LOCK PROPERLY, EITHER THE DRIVER OR THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DOOR CAME UNLOCK SINCE THE HARNESS DID NOT RETRACT. IT NEEDS ATTENTION AND BEING REPLACE BY THE DEALER OR BEING RECALL TO MAKE SURE IT IS REPLACE. THE BELT IS GETTING DAMAGE.

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH WAS OPEN AND THE HINGES THAT OPENED THE GLASS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,500.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES WERE FRACTURED AND TILTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

FOR YEARS FORD HAS HAD A POORLY DESIGNED HYDRAULIC MANUAL CLUTCH SYSTEM . OFTEN IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT AT RED LIGHT OR WHILE DRIVING AND HAD MANY NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTINUE SHIFTING AND MAINTAINING SPEED. FOR OVER A DECADE THE POORLY DESIGNED SYSTEM GETS AIR BOUND RENDERING THE CLUTCH USELESS . THIS IS CAUSED BECAUSE THE HYDRAULIC LINE HAS LOW AND HIGH SPOTS AND AIR BECOMES TRAPPED IN THE HIGH SPOTS AND RESULTS IN LOSS OF CLUTCH OPERATION . THE ENTIRE SYSTEM MUST BE REMOVED AND ELONGATED TO ALLOW AIR TO BE RELEASED FROM SYSTEM . NO BLEEDER VALVE AT MASTER CYLINDER FOR ONE THING . THERE IS A BLEEDER VALVE AT THE SLAVE CYLINDER BUT BECAUSE THE LINE HAS MANY TWIST AND TURNS WITH HIGH SPOTS BLEEDING DOES NOT ELIMINATE AIR TRAPPED IN HIGH SPOTS . THIS IS A WELL KNOW PROBLEM AND A DANGEROUS ONE . FORD COULD CARE LESS . ITS ABOUT TIME FORD ANSWERS AND MODIFIES THIS FAULT . YOU NEED ONLY GO ONLINE AND ENTER FORD RANGER HARD SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND YOU WILL SEE IT IS COMMON PLACE PROBLEM . OF COURSE AFTER THE 36 K WARRANTY THIS BECOMES A COMMON PROBLEM AND FORD TURNS THERE CHEEK . I CANT TELL YOU HOW FRUSTRATING TO BE AT A RED LIGHT AND UNABLE TO SHIFT ALONG WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT AT HIGH SPEEDS WITH CARS RUNNING UP YOUR REAR . PLEASE ADDRESS THIS BEFORE LIFE IS LOST . THANK YOU . I URGE ALL RANGER OWNERS TO GET ON BOARD. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE FIBERGLASS WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

THE MECHANIC CALLED IT A REAR COMPLETE STRUT ASSEMBLY PART OF THE SPRING BACK BY THE BACK WHEEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS BROKEN OFF *TR

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AND I HAVE A CCTV VIDEO SHOWING IT WAS NOT SMASHED OUT. AFTER READING THAT THERE HAD BEEN A PREVIOUS RECALL ISSUED IN 2004, I CONTACTED FORD TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE RECALL STATUS. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BROUGHT IT IN FOR THIS RECALL. AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS TO PREVENT THE REAR WINDOW EXPLOSION, IT STILL EXPLODED LATER ON. *TR

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

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 NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE AND VEHICLE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 2/24/15*CN UPDATED 03/02/15*JB

AIR BAG LIGHT BLINKS WHEN STARTED AND THEN REMAINS ON. I HAVEN'T HAD IT CHECKED OUT YET BUT I WAS SEEING IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS TO SEE IF IT WOULD COVER THE COST TO FIX. *TR

IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF DECEMBER 11, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN WITHOUT WARNING BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO CARS BEHIND ME AND THERE WERE NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC SO I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON INSPECTION THERE WAS NO DAMAGE ANYWHERE TO THE VEHICLE. AS OF NOW THERE IS NO REASON WHY THEY DEPLOYED. *TR

FRONT END ACCIDENT DID NOT DEPLOY DRIVER AIRBAG,HOWEVER PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH NO OCCUPANT IN SEAT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE LUG NUTS SHEARED OFF THE WHEELS CAUSING THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN TIRES, SIZE: 235 R70/16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE TIRE BLEW OUT, IT CAUSED HIM TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD . THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. UPDATED 03/03/15

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS DETERIORATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARINGS ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED WHILE IN THIRD GEAR. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING UP HILLS, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE OVERDRIVE AND CHECK ENGINE SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

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

THE PROBLEM WHEN YOU DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AROUND 65 MPH YOU FEEL THE TRUCK HESITATING, SINCE THIS TRUCK DID NOT COME WITH DIP STICK TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, IT IS HARD TO CHECK UNLESS YOU TAKE IT TO A TECH OR STOP ON THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO CHECK IT UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK RUNNING TRANS FOR THE FLUID TO DRIP, IT IS REALLY STUPID YOU CAN BE RUN OVER BY A CAR OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, IT SEEMS LIKE THE MANUFACTURES ARE GETTING STUPID, IN A EMERGENCY AND YOU ARE IN THE HIGHWAY CROSSING THE STATE LINE HOW CAN YOU CHECK THE FLUID ON TRANSMISSION, IT NEED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION TO ADD THE DIP STICK PRETTY PRONTO, IT NEED THE FORD COMPANY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TO ADD THE DIP STICK, I SUBMITTED SEVERAL REPORTS TO THEM THEY DON'T CARE AT ALL. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO UNLOCK OR LOCK THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A CHIME SOUNDED AFTER THE FAILURES OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

THE PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELTS DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH RETRACTION FORCE LIKE IT USED TO BE, THEY HANG OUT, DAMAGING THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM AND DOOR SEAL, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. IT HAS BEING A PROBLEM NOT RETRACING THE BELT LIKE IT SUPPOSE TO. *TR

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 NEXT 48 HOURS. I'M HIGHLY CONCERNED DUE TO THE LEVEL OF OTHER VEHICLES THAT ARE MY SAME MAKE AND MODEL THAT HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE ASAP. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP. *TR

MY FORD SPORT TRAC HAS FAILED TO LOCK WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS PUT INTO THE PARK POSITION. WHEN YOU START TO GET OUT THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL AND YOU WILL HEAR A CLICKING NOISE IN THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAS DONE THIS FOR SOME TIME AND I HAD IT FIXED ONCE BUT IT IS DOING IT AGAIN. *TR

I WAS PICKING MY DAUGHTER UP FROM SCHOOL. WE GOT INTO THE CAR PUT OUR SEATBELTS ON I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN GEAR. I PICKED MY FOOT UP AND MOVED TO THE GAS WHEN I NOTICED A CAR COMING UP FROM BESIDE ME AND THEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED CRACKING THE WINDSHIELD AND PULLING THE DASH COVER AWAY FROM THE RADIO AND AIR VENT. WE CALLED FORD MOTOR AND WE WERE TOLD TO TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP TO BE EXAMINED. FORD CUSTOMER CARE HAS LEFT MESSAGES AT OUR HOME NUMBER WHEN WE RETURN THE CALLS WE ASK THEM TO CALL OUR CELL NUMBERS AND THEY WILL NOT. I THINK THE DO NOT WANT TO TALK TO US. A WEEK LATER THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AND SAID THAT FORD MOTOR WOULD PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC BUT WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THAT THE AIRBAG FAILING IS NO DIFFERENT THEN HAVING TO CHANGE OUT THE BRAKES FROM WEAR AND TEAR. WE WERE NOT AWARE THAT A SAFETY FEATURE HAD AN EXPIRATION DATE. I WAS TO THE UNDERSTANDING THAT A SAFETY FEATURE SHOULD LAST THE LIFT TIME OF THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE OF THIS I AM WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING ANY CARS WITH AIRBAGS. WE WERE NOT ASKING FORD MOTOR FOR ANYTHING ADDITIONAL BUT TO JUST REPAIR THE CAR AND WE CAN NEVER TALK TO ANYONE AT THE COMPANY. *TR

BOUGHT SUV IN DECEMBER OF 2012 AND EVERYTHING SEEMED TO WORK FINE. WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS THERE WERE SEVERAL TIMES THAT THE CRUISE WOULD NOT ENGAGE WITHOUT PUSHING IT ON & OFF SEVERAL TIMES. AFTER JUNE OF 2013 IT RARELY ENGAGED AT ALL AT ANY SPEED. NOW, SEPTEMBER 2014 IT WILL NOT ENGAGE AT ALL. AFRAID IT MIGHT CAUSE SHORT &/OR A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. NOTICED RECALL IDENTIFIED THIS PROBLEM ON 2002 MODELS. THIS VEHICLE WAS ACTUALLY BUILT IN 2002, SO AM WONDERING IF THIS MIGHT BE ONE THAT GOT MISSED IN THE RECALL? OWN A 1994 F-250 THAT HAS BOTH 1993 AND 1994 PARTS ON IT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PANEL OF THE LIFTGATE WAS CRACKED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT'S FINGERS TO BECOME PINCHED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE LIFTGATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HINGES FRACTURED ON THE LIFTGATE. THE HINGES WERE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

NOTICED UPPER PART OF REAR TAILGATE UNDER GLASS NEXT TO FORD EMBLEM IS CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 34 MPH DOWN A MOUNTAIN, THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ABRUPTLY MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL. THE DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND PASSENGER'S DASH BOARD AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AS THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, FLAMES EMITTED OUT OF IT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR 2003 FORD EXPLORERS FOR THE HINGES ON THE BACK WINDOW TAILGATE. THE RIGHT SIDE HINGE ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER BROKE, I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO CATCH THE GLASS BEFORE IT SNAPPED THE OTHER HINGE. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD AFTER SEEING THE RECALL NOTICE ONLINE, I WAS TOLD MY FORD WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE ALSO CHECKED ON THE NHTSA SITE AND IT WAS NOT LISTED THERE EITHER. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT IF EXPLORERS OF THE SAME YEAR ARE RECALLED AND MY HINGE BROKE, I BELIEVE THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH A LARGER RANGE OF EXPLORERS THAN LISTED. *TR

THE BACK PANEL ON THE HATCH IS CRACKED. *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 FACT THAT YOUR IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE WITH NO CELL COVERAGE AND YOU HAVE TO DRIVE A TICKING TIME BOMB. PLEASE HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR DESIGN FLAW. I TAKE CARE OF MY FORD EXPLORER, AFTER ALL IT COST 36K NEW AND I WANT TO GET MY MONEY OUT OF IT. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE BUILT TO LAST WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE. IT HAS BEEN A GREAT SUV WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SPARK PLUG ISSUE. THE ONLY REASON I STILL HAVE IT IS BECAUSE I LOVE IT. (LAST NUMBER ON VIN IS 5 BUT IT WOULDN'T LET ME ENTER IT.) *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN HEAVY RAIN, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED, FLIPPED OVER, AND CRASHED INTO A RAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND ONE INJURY WAS REPORTED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.

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

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 IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING ON AN INCLINE, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE OVERDRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY TEN TIMES AND AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND QUICKLY SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE OVERDRIVE WARNING INDICATOR WAS FLASHING. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE OVERHAULED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,300. UPDATED 9/12/14*CN UPDATED 09/23/14

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE PUSHING WATER INTO THE FUSE BOX WHEN IT RAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

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 FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

CRACK IN REAR LIFTGATE BODY PANEL. MAY FAIL DURING OPENING/CLOSING AND CAUSE INJURY. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2002-2005 EXPLORERS. FORD KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND COVERED IT UP. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN PROGRESS. *JS

I HAVE HAD THREE INCIDENTS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE FIRST INCIDENT INVOLVED THE SUSPENSION ( SWAY BARS SNAPPED, TIRES HAD TO BE REPAIRED). SECOND INCIDENT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE AND A WIGGLING DRIVE SHAFT ALONG WITH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ( PARTS DEEMED DEFECTIVE BY MECHANICS) , AND EMERGENCY BRAKES THAT SNAPPED OFF IN MY MECHANICS HANDS BECAUSE THEY WERE RUSTY. NOW IT IS TRANSMISSION WORK FOR A POSSIBLE FAULTY SENSOR. FORD NEEDS TO RECALLS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED DUE TO CATASROPHIC EQUIPMENT FAILURE! IVE CALLED THEM EVERY TIME AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUES BUT REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THEN DOCUMENT THEM AND SAY HAVE A NICE DAY! *JS

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 PROBLEM, AS THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MINE THAT ARE LISTED ON THE FORD WEBSITE ABOUT SEVERAL YEARS OF THE FORD EXPLORER. MILEAGE NOW IS 150,000 MILES. FORD SAID THERE IS NO RECALL, BUT KEEP RECEIPTS FOR WORK DONE IN CASE OF ONE IN THE FUTURE.

I WAS DRIVING ON A CURVE AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF , I WAS ABLE TO STOP ,AND TURN THE CAR ON AGAIN, THAT WAS THE THIRD TIME THAT HAPPENED , THE OTHER TWO TIMES THE CAR WAS AT LOW SPEED , AROUND 30 MPH . *TR

DRIVING HOME FROM VACATION WITHOUT PROBLEMS, O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON BUT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. STOPPED, TURN KEY OFF, STARTED NO LIGHT. AFTER ABOUT 150 MILES AFTER STOPPING ON TRAFFIC LIGHT O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN. 10 MILES LATER ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON . *TR

THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT, 4'4 AND THE OD LIGHT CAME ON. IT DOES SHIFT GEAR FROM 1 TO 2 UNTIL 3000 RPM. *TR

TRANSMISSION OD LIGHT FLASHING, SLAMMING INTO GEAR WHILE SHIFTING. WE HAD THE PAN DROPPED AND FOUND PIECES OF THE GEARS INSIDE... NEED A TOTAL REBUILD OR NEW TRANSMISSION. AFTER READING ALL OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL I BELIEVE FORD NEEDS TO MAKE SOME KIND OF RECALL.... *JS

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND THE OVER DRIVE WARNING SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

2 COMPLAINTS - BACK REAR HATCH PANEL UNDER REAR WINDOW HAS MULTIPLE CRACKS LIVE IN AUGUSTA GA AND VISIT FLORIDA AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM EVERY MAKE BODY LIKE MINE HAVE THIS CRACK AND SOME PANEL HAS EVEN FALLEN OFF. THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM FOR THIS LARGE AMOUNT OF SUV'S TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM SEE MORE WITH PROBLEMS THAN WITHOUT. ALSO RECENTLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW INTERMITTENTLY NOT GOING DOWN AND BACK UP AFTER ICE STORM IN AUGUSTA THIS YEAR ALL FOUR WINDOWS STOPPED GOING UP AND DOWN. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND BODY STYLE OF FORD EXPLORERS. OWNED A 1993 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER HAD APPROX. 300,000 MILES ON IT BEFORE I GOT RID OF IT AND THE MOST HAPPENED TO THIS CAR WAS THE TRANSMISSION AND REAR BRAKE LEAK WHICH WAS THE MOST EXPENSIVE PROBLEM I HAD. WISH I STILL HAD THE 1993 EXPLORER BECAUSE MY 2003 MAKES ME HESITANT ABOUT PURCHASING ANOTHER FORD EXPLORER NO MATTER HOW MUCH I LIKE THEM THIS ONE WILL MAKE TURN TO ANOTHER MAKE OF CAR. ONCE A LOYAL FORD OWNER NOT SO SURE NOW. YOU WOULD THINK THAT FORD WILL BE AS LOYAL TO US AS WE ARE OF THEM, IT IS THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU FRUSTRATED AND NOT WANTING TO PURCHASE ANOTHER. IF YOU CAN'T DEPEND ON THE SMALLER THINGS HOW CAN WE DEPEND ON THEM WITH THE LARGER THINGS. ONCE A LOYAL FORD OWNER. *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE WINDOW BECAME DETACHED INTERMITTENTLY. THE LIFTGATE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE PROPERLY AND IT DEVELOPED A CRACK AT THE BOTTOM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIFT GATE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED AND THE WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE INSPECTED, DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,002.

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 SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT ACCESS IT TO CHECK THE FLUID-THEY SUGGESTED A TRANSMISSION FLUSH AT $200-WHY CAN'T THEY ACCESS IT? WOULDN'T A DIP STICK SAVE A LOT OF TROUBLE? AS I LOOK AT ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION TROUBLES IN THE EXPLORERS, I AM VERY SHOCKED. PLEASE CAN YOU HELP ME OUT HERE AS I CANNOT AFFORD HIGH MAINTENANCE BILLS THAT WOULD BE CHARGED THROUGH A DEALER. JUST TELL ME IF THERE IS A SIMPLE SOLUTION TO FIXING IT SO THAT MY BROTHER MAY REPAIR IT AND GET IT BACK ON THE ROAD. ONE RESPONSE IS AS SUCH: AFTER TALKING TO 2 FORD REPS TODAY, AND TURNED DOWN FLAT FOR HELP, I HAVE DECIDE ITS NOW A QUEST.... FORD STATED THEY DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS FOR THE NHTSA TO OPEN UP AN INVESTIGATION TO POSSIBLY ORDER A RECALL...... SOOOO, FOR ALL THOSE THAT HAVE ISSUES, CALL FORD AND ALSO MAKE A COMPLAINT ON THE NHTSA SITE WWW.NHTSA.GOV OR CALL THEM AT 1-800-424-9393. MY FAMILY IS A FORD FAMILY AND WE CURRENTLY HAVE 5 FORDS IN OUR HOUSEHOLD, A MUSTANG, FORD F150, FORD FOCUS, EXPEDITION, AND THE EXPLORER THAT IS HAVING ISSUES. THIS ISN'T INCLUDING EXTENDED FAMILY. FORD IS ABOUT TO LOSE FUTURE BUSINESS.... *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS SOME SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. MY RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL DOWN. IT GETS VERY HOT IN MY TRUCK OUT IN THE HEAT. IT STOPPED WORKING ALL OF A SUDDEN AND THE A/C IN THE CAR DOES NOT BLOW. (I DIDN'T BREAK ANY OF THESE THINGS) MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON THE DASH... MY DRIVER'S DOOR SENSOR WENT OUT FOR SOME REASON AND NOW MY VEHICLE THINKS THAT THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN, WHICH DRAINS MY BATTERY AND MY LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF AT TIMES. I HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN THEM ON/OFF. I DISLIKE DOING THAT BECAUSE I'LL FORGET SOMETIMES. MY REAR LIFT-GATE CRACKED ONE DAY TOO. I BELIEVE ITS FROM THE CHEAP PLASTIC. IT'S DANGEROUS AND MY GLASS CAN FALL OUT ANY DAY NOW. I ALSO PINCHED TWO BLOOD CLOTS IN MY HAND FROM OPENING THIS CRACKED REAR HATCH AND HAD TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR IT. PLEASE HELP ME GET THESE THINGS FIXED. THANKS IN ADVANCE. *TR

I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND WHEN I SHIFTED TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO REVERSE SO HARD THAT IT HIT THE VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED BEHIND ME. *TR

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR

TRUCK JERKS WHEN TRYING TO PICK UP SPEED PICKS UP SPEED VERY SLOW SOMETIMES DOESN'T WANT TO GO IN DRIVE. *TR

PAINT "BUBBLED UP" ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD A FEW YEARS AFTER PURCHASE AND HAS CONTINUED TO FLAKE AND PEEL OFF. APPLE VALLEY FORD SERVICE REFUSED TO FIX THE PAINT PROBLEM WHEN REPORTED IN APPROXIMATELY 2006. *TR

O/D OFF DASH LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. ADVISED TO REPORT THIS KNOWN COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2003 FORD EXPLORER MODELS. *TR

I HAVE HAD TO HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED 3 TIMES SO FAR ON THIS VEHICLE. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE AND TALKING TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOPS IN THE AREA, THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM (AT LEAST FOR THE FORD OWNER) WITH THIS YEAR OF THE FORD TRANSMISSION. ONE ESTIMATE IS THEY SEE THIS YEAR AT LEAST 4-5 TIMES IN A TWO WEEK SPAN. THE ENTIRE 2003 FORD TRANSMISSION SEEMS FAULTY AND COSTING CUSTOMERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX. FORD HAS BEEN ASKED TO INVESTIGATE THEIR TRANSMISSION FOR THIS YEAR WITH NO RESOLVE (AT LEAST NOT TO THE PUBLIC). IF A TRANSMISSION FAILS ON AN UPHILL AND THE OWNER DOES NOT CATCH ON FAST THEY MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

FORD EXPLORER 2003 34.656 MILES GARAGE KEPT O/D LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AT 25MILES HR. TRANSMISSION SERVO PORTS NEED TO BE BORED & SLEEVED. HYDRAULIC PRESSURE LOW AT SERVO PORTS. UPDATED 11/24/2014 *JS

TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 45000 MILES. NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. COST $3200. OUT OF WARRANTY. ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS 11 YEARS OLD IT HAS NOT MUCH MILEAGE. A TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 45000 MILES. *TR

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND TRANSMISSION LINES FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKES LINES, FUEL TANK COVER, DOOR LOCKS AND THE RUNNING BOARDS WERE ALSO CORRODED. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 157,372. RK

ON FEBRUARY 18TH I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE REAR GLASS LIFT GATE MOLDING OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE REAR APPLIQUE. AFTER A GOOGLE SEARCH I REALIZED THIS IS KNOWN DEFECT THAT FORD MOTOR CO. DOES NOT RECOGNIZE OFFICIALLY. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THIS DEFECT. ON APRIL 25TH 2014 I OPENED THE REAR GLASS LIFT GATE TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE REAR CARGO AREA. UPON CLOSING THE GLASS LIFT GATE THE ENTIRE WINDOW SHATTERED INTO MANY PIECES AND ACTUALLY PUT THREE CUTS ON MY ARM. I HAVE LOOKED INTO THIS ONLINE AND FOUND MANY OWNERS OF THE 2002-2005 FORD EXPLORER'S, MERCURY MOUNTAINEER'S AND LINCOLN AVIATOR'S ALL HAD THIS CRACKING OF THE REAR APPLIQUE. ALSO FOUND OUT WHETHER OR NOT A CRACK WAS VISIBLE MANY PEOPLE HAD THE REAR GLASS SHATTER UPON THEM WHILE CLOSING THE GLASS LIFT GATE. RIGHT NOW I MUST PAY FOR THE ENTIRE REPAIR OUT OF POCKET, INSURANCE DOESN'T COVER IT SINCE THEY SAY I HAVE A $1000.00 DEDUCTIBLE. THE COST FOR THE GLASS WAS QUOTED AT $495.25 PLUS TAX. I ALSO WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR APPLIQUE WHICH COVERS A PORTION OF THE GLASS WINDOW AT AN ADDITIONAL COST. NOT SURE WHY THIS IS NOT COVERED BY FORD SINCE THE WINDOW SHATTERING CAN CAUSE INJURY AND THEREFORE SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED AS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. I WILL GET THIS FIXED AND KEEP MY RECEIPTS FOR ALL REPAIRS AND HOPE ALL OWNERS OF THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE GET SOME SORT OF REIMBURSEMENT. *TR

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 THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER WAS IN FLAMES AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 7 WEEKS. THE USED DEALER WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. SHOULD THEY? I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MAR. 3,2014 AT OC AUTO EXPO IN WESTMINSTER, CA. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE REAR LIFT GATE SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED, LEAVING GLASS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO LET OFF ON MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO GET MY CAR TO SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR. SOMETIMES I WOULD PUSH ON THE ACCELERATOR AND AT 4000 RPM, MY CAR WOULD SHIFT. AFTER TAKING THE CAR INTO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP, THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT THE BAND FOR SECOND GEAR SNAPPED AND A ROD STARTING GRINDING WHICH DISPERSED METAL INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE ROD AS WELL AS THE GEARS, SOLENOID, AND THE TORQUE CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COST OF THIS REPAIR WAS 1700 DOLLARS. SHOULD MY TRANSMISSION BE GOING OUT THIS SOON? WHY WASN'T THERE A RECALL FOR THIS TRANSMISSION? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE TUBE FRACTURED AS A RESULT OF RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,300. UPDATED 5/27/14*CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A DRAGGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE LUG NUTS WERE LOOSE AND CAUSED THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE. THE FAILURE WAS PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. THE LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE LUG NUTS HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE LUG NUTS CONTINUED TO SEPARATE FROM THE REAR WHEELS WHILE DRIVING. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING IN THE EARLY GEARS. *JS

THE VEHICLE IS A CLOSED TRANSMISSION ..CONSUMER HAS NO WAY OF CHECKING OR MAINTAINING LEVEL..OR CHECKING THE COLOR OR IF CLUTCH SHARDS ARE PRESENT...CONSUMER HAS TO PAY $115 TO EVEN HAVE TRANSMISSION LEVEL CHECKED...CONSUMER CANNOT PERFORM PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ON THEIR VEHICLE...THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FORD OWNERS THAT FORD IS NOT WILLING TO ADDRESS. *TR

BOTH REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE AFTER BEING USED ONLY A FEW DOZEN TIMES EACH. THE CAUSE WAS THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE (PLASTIC) BROKE INSIDE THE DOOR. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THIS MEANS THAT REAR SEAT PASSENGERS CANNOT EGRESS THE VEHICLE WITHOUT IT BEING OPENED BY SOMEONE ON THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS EVIDENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY FORD VEHICLES USING THIS DOOR HANDLE - THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ISSUED YEARS AGO. *TR

I HAVE KEPT UP WITH FORD'S SUGGESTED SERVICING INTERVAL FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS HALFWAY THROUGH AN EXTENDED DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE READING ON MY SCANGAUGE II WAS IN EXCESS OF 235 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND THE O/D OFF LIGHT COMES ON AND THE DASHBOARD CONTAINED ERROR MESSAGE OVERHEATING TRANSMISSION. I PULLED OVER TO A GAS STATION AND SAW THAT THERE WAS NO TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE THAT WAS READILY APPARENT. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, I HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID SERVICED AND THE OVERHEATING ISSUES SEEM TO HAVE REDUCED, BUT SEVERAL TECHS AT VARIOUS TRANSMISSION SHOPS NOW SEE ERROR CODES P0732 AND P0755. I NOW NOTICE GEARS 1 AND 2 ARE SEVERELY SLIPPING, AND I WAS INFORMED THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE A TOTAL REPLACEMENT COSTING OVER $3,000. I DO NOT HAVE THIS KIND OF MONEY JUST LYING AROUND, AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 100,000 MILES SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE AMONG 2002-2004 FORD EXPLORERS/MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS/LINCOLN AVIATORS. WHY IN OVER 10 YEARS THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OR WARRANTY I DO NOT KNOW, BUT IT SPEAKS OF GREAT IRRESPONSIBILITY AND DISTRESS IN FORD'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. IF FORD DOES NOT ISSUE ANY TYPE OF RECALL OR WARRANTY FOR FAILURES OF THIS NATURE, I WILL CEASE TO BUY THEIR PRODUCTS. *TR

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE TOP PORTION OF THE LIFTGATE ON THE VEHICLE OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AND THEN THE DRIVER SIDE HINGE FRACTURED CAUSING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL AND HANG BY ONLY ONE SIDE. IN ADDITION, THE COMPRESSION ROD WAS BENT WHEN THIS OCCURRED. IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE COMPRESSION ROD HAD TO BE REMOVED AND THE LIFTGATE HAD TO BE TEMPORARILY FASTENED WITH HARNESSES. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE ENGINE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A TROUBLE CODE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 185,697.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT DOOR WAS MISALIGNED AND BECAME CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED FOR THE REAR LIFT DOOR HINGE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIR CAUSED THE MISALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A NEW REAR LIFT DOOR AND THE DOOR WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,273.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING WITH THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ENGAGED AT 68 MPH WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND SOME SMOKE WAS PRESENT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF SMOKE IN THE ENGINE AREA. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HOUSING UNIT BEING CRACKED OTHER THAN FOR BEING DEFECTIVE, COLD TEMPERATURE OR HIGH HEAT THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH IT. THE HOUSING UNIT SHOULD NEVER SPLIT APART. THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING UNIT WAS LEAKING. THE OVER DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE FORWARD OR IN REVERSE AND IT ALSO FAILED TO FUNCTION IN FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY MOVE FORWARD IN SECOND GEAR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING FIVE MILES IN SECOND GEAR TO HIS RESIDENCE AT 35 MPH. AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE CONTACT ALSO ADDED ANTI FREEZE TO THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED SHORTLY AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IN REVERSE GEAR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BANDS IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING UNIT WHICH HAS THREE HOSES ATTACHED TO IT. FORD WAS CURRENTLY CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,600. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,620.

LOCKED UP AND FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENT. *TR

MY ENGINE WENT OUT AFTER ONLY 140000 MILES ON IT WITH NO WARNING. I KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND THERE ENGINE WENT OUT AFTER ONLY WITH 100000 MILES ON IT. IT COST ME OVER 3200.00 FOR IT TO BE REPAIRED. *TR

TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 77,000 MILES, JUNE 2010. REPLACED WITH FORD PART AT FORD DEALER. REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION LASTED 3 YRS/8 MOS, AND LASTED 45,000 MILES (8 MONTHS BEYOND WARRANTY). FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM, OR PROVIDE ANY RELIEF WHATSOEVER IN RESOLVING THE PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT ANY POINT, AT ANY TIME, COULD BE VERY VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

FLASHING O/D OFF, CHECK TRANSMISSION, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WENT ON. TOOK TO TRANSMISSION SERVICE CO FOR INSPECTION. THERE RESPONSE WAS THIS MODEL FORD TRANSMISSION WAS NO GOOD. THEY FLUSHED SYSTEM, ADDED NEW FLUID AND ASKED THAT I PRAY FOR EXTRA MILES. THAT WAS NOV.'13. NOW FEB '14, TRANSMISSION LIGHTING SAME CHECK LIGHTS. TOTAL RE-BUILD LIKELY AT $2500 +/_. COMPLAINTS ON 2003 EXPLORERS AT CARCOMPLAINTS.COM ARE EXTREMELY OUT OF CONTROL SIGNALING SOMETHING WRONG. PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THIS DEFECT AND THE 2003 EXPLORER IN GENERAL. *TR

RUSTING WIRES UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE STEP PLATE. *TR

RUSTING WIRES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE STEP PLATE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE LIFT GATE OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SIDE HINGE TO BECOME FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, THE COMPRESSION ROD WAS ABNORMALLY BENT. THE CONTACT MADE A TEMPORARY ADJUSTMENT TO THE LIFT GATE IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

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 AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

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 STILL EXTRACTING GLASS FROM MY HEAD AND HANDS AND THERE IS STILL GLASS EMBEDDED IN MY HANDS . I HAVE AN APT WITH MY DR ONLY BECAUSE THERE IS GLASS IN MY EYES. MY MOTHER WAS WITH ME BUT SHE WAS AT THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE SO SHE DIDN'T GET NAILED .I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WINDOW EXPLODE LIKE THIS, THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP BEFORE IT KILLS SOMEONE , THE POWER OF THE FLYING GLASS WAS UNREAL SOME OF IT WENT THROUGH 3 -12 PACKS OF SODA WITH EASE. ALSO I HAVE NO RESOURCES TO GET A NEW WINDOW AS THEY ARE AROUND 700 DOLLARS . SO THIS IS WHAT I GET FROM FORD FOR BEING A LOYAL CUSTOMER ? *TR

PLASTIC REAR PANEL BELOW THE REAR GATE GLASS CRACKED DIRECTLY BESIDE THE FORD OVAL. THE PANEL IS NOW SPLIT INTO TWO PIECES. CONTACTED FORD DEALER AND FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE (VIA EMAIL) AND FORD WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE FAILURE OF THIS PANEL. THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH EXPLORERS AND FORD HAS NOT EVEN AS MUCH AS TRIED TO HELP THE CUSTOMER WITH REPAIRS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW BECAME CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

THIS EVENT HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS EXCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING ! AND WHILE TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE SECOND TIME ENDING IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE JUST UNDER 2 MONTHS ! THE FLOOR MATS ARE NOT THE PROBLEM HERE. ONCE I WAS IN REVERSE AND A POWER SURGE CAME OVER THE VEHICLE THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK DIDN'T RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT BUT WAS SOMEWHAT AFRAID OF IT. I WAS COMING HOME LAST NITE TURNED INTO MY DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE EXCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING BRAKES DID NOT WORK AT ALL ENDED UP SMASHING INTO MY FORD ESCAPE THAT COULD HAVE BIN MY LITTLE GIRL OR SOMEONE'S CHILD! WILL NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AGAIN. HAVE HAD FORDS MOST ALL OF MY LIFE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE! THERE'S A LOT OF EXCELERATION PROBLEMS LISTED ON THIS SITE I THINK IT'S TIME FOR A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HITCH WAS CRACKED. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MECHANIC DID NOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIRED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. *TR

I WANT TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION A DEFECT IN THE TAILGATE PANEL ON THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER. IT IS CRACKED AND AS A RESULT WATER GETS INTO THE INSIDE OF THE PANEL AND LEAKS INTO THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT OF THE BITTER COLD DAYS HERE IN THE NORTHEAST OVER THE LAST MONTH OR SO, ICE FORMS ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDOWS CAUSING MAJOR ISSUES WITH VISIBILITY WHICH IS DANGEROUS. IT ALSO SHORTED OUT THE REAR WIPER MOTOR AS WELL. THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS SINCE IT EFFECTS SO MANY PEOPLE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.

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 TOTALED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE DID THE EXACT SAME THING (EXCEPT THE CRASH), IN THE SAME WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. *TR

TRANSMISSION FAILURE TOOK TO DEALER ,THEY REBUILT IT.TOOK IT BACK 04/28/05 THEY REBUILT IT AGAIN WITH 27998 MILES ON IT. TOOK IT BACK 08/23/05 WITH 31714 MILES THEY REBUILD IT AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK 02/11/08 BEFORE EXTENDED WARRANTY ENDED ON 02/19/08 THEY SAID COULDN'T FIND PROBLEM .I THINK BECAUSE OF THE LEMON LAW. NOW 12 /17/2013 IT NEEDS ANOTHER TRANSMISSION. *TR

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 ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS. THE OVER-DRIVE AND TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATORS WERE ALSO ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS COMPLETING A RIGHT TURN AT 3 MPH WHEN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LUG NUTS WERE COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF AND THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS MISSING A LUG NUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

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 DEFECT (04V442000). FORD ISSUED A RECALL SEVERAL YEARS AGO (04S20), BUT IT ONLY COVERS A VERY SPECIFIC AND LIMITED RANGE OF VIN NUMBERS; MINE WAS EXCLUDED. MANY OTHER 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT OWNERS REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM, YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM OR COMPENSATE THE AFFECTED OWNERS FOR THEIR LOSSES. I HAD TO PAY "OUT OF POCKET" AT A LOCAL PRIVATE SHOP TO GET MY HINGE REPAIRED. *TR

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 FEEL THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT HAPPENED WITH FORD RECALL MANUFACTURER CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04S20, HOWEVER MY VIN DOES NOT PULL UP THIS ISSUE CODE AND THEREFORE I AM NOT RECEIVING ASSISTANCE FROM FORD WITH THIS MANNER. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF MY SAME MAKE AND MODEL WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. I FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE OFFICIALLY ADDRESSED AS I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY GLASS FELL, BUT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND ME WHEN IT HAPPENED. OTHERWISE I AM 100% POSITIVE IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR

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 I HAD JUST FLOORED THE ACCELERATOR. I WAS ABLE TO KICK THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL THOUGH BUT AM NOW CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN WHEN THE CRUISE IS NOT ENGAGED. *TR

I HAVE A BAD PROBLEM ( 2 ) TIMES WITH THE FUEL PUMP THE FIRST ONE WAS SPRAYING GAS OUT TOP EXTERIOR OF FUEL PUMP .MY HUSBAND WENT TO A WRECKING YARD AND PURCHASED A USED FUEL PUMP THAN 5 TO 6 MONTHS LATER DONE THE SAME THING SPRAYING OUT TOP EXTERIOR ELBOW OF FUEL PUMP. I USE MY TRUCK TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL AND IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS CAUSE THE FUMES WERE REALLY BAD INSIDE OF CAB AND PLUS IF SOME ONE WAS TO THROW A CIGARETTE OR ANYTHING THAT COULD IGNITE THE LEAKING GAS . I THINK THAT THIS MATTER SHOULD BE FIXED CAUSE I KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAD OR HAS THIS PROBLEM AND NOT TO SAY ALL OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT ARE WRONG LIKE MY HIGH BEAMS NOT WORKING THE FRONT DOOR WINDOW IS VERY SLOW GOING UP AND DOWN AND THE BACK DOOR ( PASSENGER RIGHT SIDE ) BLOW MOTOR AND ECT. THE BIG ONE IS THE FUEL PUMP I FELL THAT THIS IS THE WORST AND IT SHOULD BE FIX BEFORE SOMEONE GETS BADLY HURT OR KILLED. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BOUNCE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE BODY MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT HIGH SPEED. O/D AND TRAMISSION LIGHTS CAME ON TRAMISSION DIED! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DOOR HINGE WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSING THE DOOR TO HANG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,600.

O/D LIGHT SUDDENLY STARTS FLASHING WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SURFACE STREET SPEEDS OF 40 - 45 MPH. WITHIN 10 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS LABORING; MY WIFE THOUGHT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. SHE NEVER MADE IT HOME - WITHIN MINUTES, THE VEHICLE SLOWED, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND SUBSEQUENTLY BROKE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION WAS A TOTAL LOSS. WE PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN WE OBTAINED THIS VEHICLE FROM SAID DEALER. ALTHOUGH WE HAD WELL OVER 10,000 MILES LEFT ON THE WARRANTY, IT HAD EXPIRED LESS THAN 4 MONTHS AGO SOLELY BASED ON CALENDAR DAYS!! THIS IS A SECONDARY VEHICLE FOR US AND DOES NOT GET A LOT OF USE; LESS THAN 10,000 MILES A YEAR. BOTH THE DEALER PERFORMING THE REPAIRS AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER CARE WERE SURPRISINGLY UNSYMPATHETIC TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND WERE UNABLE (OR UNWILLING) TO MAKE ANY CONCESSIONS. SO, $4,200 AND A WEEK LATER, I HAD A 'NEW' RE-MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. I WAS SOMEWHAT SUSPICIOUS OF THE SEALED TRANSMISSION - ONE THAT DOES NOT HAVE PROVISIONS TO MONITOR THE TRANSMISSION FLUID - WHICH WAS MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED ON THE 2003 MODELS. AFTER LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE, IT HAS BECOME QUITE APPARENT THAT THERE HAS BEEN AN INORDINATE NUMBER OF THESE TRANSMISSION FAILURES ON SIMILAR VEHICLES. I EXPECT TO GET AT LEAST 150,000 MILES FROM MY AUTOMOBILES - AND I HAVE WITH A FEW OTHER VEHICLES FROM ANOTHER US MANUFACTURER. CONSUMERS WHO USE THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY TO PURCHASE US MANUFACTURER'S PRODUCTS SHOULD EXPECT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF QUALITY, RELIABILITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE. IT IS VERY UNLIKELY THAT I WOULD CONSIDER FORD FOR MY NEXT AUTOMOBILE PURCHASE. MILEAGE AT FAILURE: 111,846. *TR

WHEN I STARTED MY TRUCK, THE INTERIOR DOME LAMP WOULD NOT GO OFF AND DOOR AJAR INDICATOR WAS CHIMING AS IF THERE WAS A DOOR OPEN. I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE AND WALKED AROUND THE CAR OPENING AND CLOSING ALL THE DOORS AS WELL AS THE LIFTGATE AND REAR HATCH GLASS. I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL GOING OFF. AFTER I STARTED DRIVING AND GOT ABOVE 10MPH THE LIGHT AND INDICATOR WENT OFF. I DID A SEARCH ON THE WEB AND FOUND OUT THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORD EXPLORER OWNERS REGARDLESS OF THE YEAR IT WAS MANUFACTURED. ALL OF THE WIRES THAT RUN FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND INTO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE BECOME BRITTLE OVER TIME WHICH EVENTUALLY LEADS TO CRACKS AND BREAKS IN THE WIRES THUS RESULTING IN A ELECTRICAL SHORT. FORD SHOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE GIVEN THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR EXPLORERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 2001 AND 2009. FOR THOSE WHO ARE ELECTRICAL SAVVY, YOU CAN RUN NEW WIRES YOURSELF. FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE NOT, WE HAVE TO RELY THAT SOME MECHANIC ISN'T GONNA RAPE OUR POCKETS AND CHARGE SOME RIDICULOUS PRICE TO FIX IT. THANKS FORD MOTOR COMPANY!! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR BOARD AND VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT THEN BEGAN TO RAPIDLY PUMP THE BRAKES UNTIL THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED AN INJURED KNEE DUE TO THE PRESSURE SHE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE PISTONS HAD SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

2003 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HUMMING/WHINING NOISE IN THE REAR END OF VEHICLE AND A FREQUENT LEAK IN THE DIFFERENTIAL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SEVERAL COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE RING AN PINION, BEARINGS, SEALS AND GEAR AND PINION WERE ALL REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE ISSUE REMAINED UNRESOLVED. ALSO, THE REAR HATCH WAS CRACKED. WHEN THE CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT A REPLACEMENT AND ITS COST, THE DEALER ADVISED AGAINST THE REPLACEMENT/REPAIR AS THE NEW HATCHES HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. A DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A DAMAGED THERMOSTAT HOUSING.

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 THE INSULATOR CRUMBLED LIKE DIRT AND FINE POWDER. THE BODY MOUNTS APPEARED TO BE MANUFACTURED OF A FOAM LIKE MATERIAL - SUBSTANDARD AT BEST! REPLACEMENT PARTS MUST BE PURCHASED THROUGH FORD SINCE NO OTHER AFTERMARKET PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. PARTS ONLY (THAT BEING ABLE TO SALVAGE THE BOLTS AND SLEEVES) AND PURCHASE THE TWO PAIR OF INSULATORS ONLY - $680.00. THE SAME MATERIAL THAT FAILED AND SHOULD NOT. THERE ARE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WITH BODY MOUNTS FOR 40 TO 50 YEARS. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSIBILITY AND THE COST FOR THESE PARTS IS THIEVERY. IT IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE A VEHICLE WITHOUT REPAIRING DEFECTIVE BODY MOUNTS DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF BODY ROLL OR OTHER LOSS OF CONTROL. SINCE THE MOUNTS SHOULD NOT FAIL THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE I SINCERELY REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION BE LAUNCHED INTO THE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS BEING FILED FOR THE YEARS 2001-2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT BODY MOUNTS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FOR EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE ENGAGED THE LIFTGATE AND THE HINGES FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. *UPDATED 09-18-13 *BF UPDATED 09/24/2013 *JS

I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-10 AT 3:30 IN THE AFTERNOON ON MY WAY HOME AND MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER OUT OF NO WHERE WENT IN REVERSE I WAS ABOUT AN INCH AWAY FROM HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME. MY CHILDREN WERE CRYING SCARED AND I TOO WAS SHAKING TRIED TO MAKE IT HOME BUT MY CAR WOULDN'T GO PAST 20MPH AND WE GOT STUCK AT THE GAS STATION HAD TO GET TOWED TO MY HOUSE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND CANNOT AFFORD ONE I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR A YEAR AGO. THANK YOU FORD FOR ALMOST KILLING ME AND MY CHILDREN! *TR

WHILE DRIVING THE O/D LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING ON MY DASHBOARD, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 15 MILES AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS PULLING/SLIPPING, THE CAR MADE A HARD JERK AND BEGAN TO PICK-UP SPEED. THIS CYCLE REPEATED UNTIL I REACHED MY DESTINATION. THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN THE NEXT DAY AND THE SAME EVENTS OCCURRED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR LIFT GATE GLASS HINGE CORRODED AND FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH OF THE HINGES WERE CORRODED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. *TR

TRAVELING NORTH BOUND ON HIGHWAY 99 IN CHICO CA, BETWEEN EXITS 385 AND 386, THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THIS WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A CONSTRUCTION ZONE BUT THERE WAS LITTLE IN THE WAY OF DEBRIS ON THE ROAD OR BUMPS TO HAVE CAUSED THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. MY HEAD WAS VIOLENTLY THROWN TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE BUT I MANAGED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND SO THERE WAS NO SUBSEQUENT ACCIDENT. I NOTED THE LITTLE ORANGE LIGHT GLOWING ON THE DASH TELLING ME THE AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. I SUFFERED FROM A SORE / STIFF NECK AND A RECURRENCE OF MAJOR TENDONITIS SYMPTOMS IN MY LEFT EAR. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER COULD NOT ISOLATE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE UN-COMMANDED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND THE MATTER IS STILL WITH OUR AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR

TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR AND OVERDRIVE. OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES. PREVIOUS OWNER HAD A NEW TRANSMISSION PUT IN THROUGH FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND IT STARTED OCCURRING AGAIN WITHIN A WEEK OF THE REPLACEMENT. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN APRIL AND HAVE HAD IT TO NUMEROUS REPAIR SHOPS FOR TRANSMISSION FILTER CHANGES AND TUNE UPS, NOTHING HELPS. NOW IM TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION IN IT NOW IS ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD. IT REVS REALLY HIGH AFTER FIRST GEAR THEN KICKS INTO SECOND ONLY AFTER LETTING OFF THE GAS AND MANUALLY SHIFTING WITH THE SHIFTER. IT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE AT ALL. THE OVERDRIVE OFF LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY FLASHING. I HIGHLY DOUBT MY NEXT VEHICLE WILL BE A FORD!! *TR

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.

BACK GLASS ON LIFT GATE EXPLODED. GLASS WENT EVERY WHERE. NO ONE WAS IN THE THANK GOODNESS.VEHICLE WAS JUST SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. IT JUST EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE GLASS. THE ONLY THING THERE WAS A CRACK ON LOWER PANEL THAT HAD BEEN THERE FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS. *TR

THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT. UNDER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF CAR WENT TO OPEN HATCHBACK GLASS ONE DAY TO LOAD GROCERIES AND DROPPED LOW ON MY HEAD BECAUSE HINGE HOLDING THE GLASS DOOR CAME LOOSE. HAD TO EASE IT BACK UP IN PLACE , HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO OPEN GLASS DOOR SINCE FOR FEAR OF IT FALLING AND BREAKING TO PIECES. THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS THE HATCHBACK DOOR IS CRACKED UNDER THE FORD EMBLEM AND TO THE SIDE . I HAVE SEEN MANY MANY EXPLORERS WITH THIS SAME EXACT CRACK AS MINE. THEY HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED!!!! FORD ONLY RECALLED EXPLORERS UP TO I BELIEVE THAT WERE MADE UP TO FEBRUARY 2003. MY CAR AND OTHERS I HAVE SPOKE WITH THEIR AND MINE WAS MADE IN 8/2003 SO WE WERE NOT COVERED!!! THAT IS BULL!! FORD SHOULD STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER AND DEFROSTER WOULD NOT OPERATE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT BOTH THE AIR CONDITIONING/HEATER SWITCH AND THE BLOWER MOTOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE 130,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERDRIVE AND CHECK ENGINE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS BOTH ILLUMINATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT NO CAUSE FOR FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO JERK AND LUNGE FORWARD WHEN THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,615.

THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY THE O.D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. WHEN IT APPROACHED LOCAL STREETS I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING GOING INTO 2NG GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO IMMEDIATELY DIAGNOSED IT AS A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THE 03 EXPLORER TRANSMISSION INDICATED IT WAS A 5R55S MODEL WHICH HAS AN ASTRONOMICAL FAILURE RATE. ITS ALSO A SEALED UNIT WHICH DOESN'T HAVE A DIPSTICK TO CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL OR CONDITION ( BURNT SMELL). THE FORD EXPLORER ALSO LEADS THE LIST BY HAVING 4 OUT OF THE TOP TEN VEHICLE COMPLAINTS FOR WORST MODEL YEARS CARS. ALL THE TOP COMPLAINTS ARE FOR TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FORCEFULLY DROP TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LUG NUTS HAD SHEARED OFF OF THE WHEELS, WHICH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

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

UNEXPECTED TRANSMISSION FAILURE. TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING GEARS PROPERLY. VEHICLE IN GOOD CONDITION NO FLUID LEAKS. VEHICLE DRIVEN AND MAINTAINED PROPERLY. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED TO NUMEROUS EXPLORER OWNERS WITH LOW MILEAGE AS MY VEHICLE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THE LIFT GATE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE OVER-DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 20 MPH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED A FRACTURE ON THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TR UPDATED 5/24/13 *CN UPDATED 06/12/2013 *JS

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM FUNCTIONS DISABLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. ONCE RESTARTED, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FIVE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED. IN ADDITION, AN UNKNOWN PART WAS REPLACED AT A LATER DATE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO PERSIST AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND I WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MILES PER HR. I WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, AND AS I WAS BRAKING MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT ME HAVING MY FOOT ON THE GAS PADDLE. I HAVE HAD MAJOR TRANSMISSION WORK (RE-BUILT TRANS, $3000) ON MY VEHICLE, IN WHICH I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP THREE TIMES, YET I CONTINUE TO HAVE UNEXPLAINED PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE AT THIS TIME. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED NEAR THE MANUFACTURING EMBLEM. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED ERRATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,706.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED WOULD PROVIDE NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND CAUSED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REAR HATCH FRAME WAS ALSO FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE REAR HATCH TO SPLIT IN HALF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

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

WITHOUT ANY PRIOR INDICATION OF AN ISSUE, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. AFTER STOPPING AT THE NEXT TRAFFIC LIGHT, IT APPEARED THE TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING A PROBLEM GETTING INTO 2ND GEAR. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE TRANNY PROBLEM CONTINUED AND NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS ISSUE SEEMS BE CONSISTENT WITH THAT OF MANY, MANY EARLY 2000S EXPLORER OWNERS. I FEEL AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE IS WARRANTED. *TR

A CRACK ON THE REAR HATCH NEXT TO FORD EMBLEM. *TR

OK WE WERE DRIVING PULLED OUT AND IT DID NOT SHIFT TO SECOND GEAR AND CARS WERE COMING UP AND HONKING HORN IT TAKES CAR A LONG TIME TO SWITCH TO 2ND GEAR AT LIGHT AND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS CAN GET HIT. THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES CAUSING SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS A FORD ISSUE WITH THESE TRANSMISSION FORD WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL AT HELPING THEIR NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSION THEY ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND THE CUSTOMER IS CONSTANTLY PAYING THE PRICE ON THESE VEHICLES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE FRACTURE UNDER THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS NEAR THE MANUFACTURING EMBLEM. THE FRACTURE WAS APPROXIMATELY SIX INCHES LONG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

CHECK TRANSMISSION INDICATOR ON IN INFORMATION CENTER AND OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON. GRINDING NOISE FROM UNDER VEHICLE. *TR

I WAS DRIVING DOWN TX HWY 190, AND MY O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SHIFT SOLENOID PACK WAS GOING OUT, IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE SOLENOIDS, THE PACK WAS REPLACED AND NOW IT IS DOING IT AGAIN, RAN THE DIAGNOSTICS ON IT AND IT IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, THE SHIFT SOLENOID PACK ELECTRICAL PROBLEM ON A SOLENOID PACK THAT IS BARELY A YEAR OLD AND THE MILEAGE IS NOW AT 201000. *TR

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR

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 WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000. *TR

ALTHOUGH THIS DEFECT DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY, THE POTENTIAL WAS THERE FOR SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THIS OR FOLLOWING VEHICLES. SPECIFICALLY, THE DEFECT WAS THE REAR STRUT/SPRING ASSEMBLIES I.E. BROKEN AND SHIFTED COIL SPRING. AS THIS PART SITS CLOSE TO THE FUEL TANK, THE PIECE OF SPRING THAT BROKE OFF COULD HAVE EASILY PUNCTURED THE FUEL TANK RESULTING IN POSSIBLE FIRE. IT COULD ALSO HAVE WEDGED AGAINST A BRAKE LINE, THUS CAUSING A BRAKE FAILURE AND/OR SUSPENSION FAILURE/MISALIGNMENT CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT. IN ADDITION, IF THE PIECE OF SPRING, WEIGHING ABOUT THREE (3) POUNDS HAD FALLEN OUT, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO A FOLLOWING VEHICLE OR IT'S OPERATOR HAD IT BOUNCED UP AND PENETRATED A WINDSHIELD. THE REASON FOR THE LAPSE IN TIME IN MY REPORTING THIS CONDITION IS BECAUSE I THOUGHT PERHAPS IT WAS JUST A ONE TIME ISOLATED FAILURE TO MY VEHICLE. HOWEVER, IN TALKING TO OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS, AS WELL AS SEVERAL AUTO REPAIR SHOPS, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON FAILURE ON SIMILAR VEHICLES. IF THIS WAS A SIMPLE REPAIR TO A COMPONENT THAT HAD LITTLE OR NO AFFECT ON THE VEHICLES PERFORMANCE OR DID NOT PRESENT A SAFETY CONDITION, I WOULD HAVE PROBABLY JUST WRITTEN IT OFF TO NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. HOWEVER, WITH MY KNOWLEDGE OF AUTOMOBILES, AND A CONDITION THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE DAMAGE AS WELL AS PERSONAL INJURY, AS WELL AS BEING A QUITE EXPENSIVE REPAIR, I FELT COMPELLED TO REPORT IT TO THE PROPER PEOPLE WHO PERHAPS HAVE A LARGER DATA BASE THAN I DO, AND TAKE ACTION AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO MANDATE A RECALL OR REIMBURSEMENT TO THOSE FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AS I HAVE. *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD, I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT IT WAS A HARD SHIFT FROM 1ST TO SECOND GEAR, THE RPM WOULD GO TO ALMOST 4000RPM, THEN ALMOST SLAM INTO GEAR. MY O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WHEN I GOT HOME I RESEARCHED IT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THERE ARE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD TRANSMISSIONS, AFTER CONTACTING FORD THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME I WAS OUT OF LUCK THEY WOULDN'T HELP,,,, I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL FORD CUSTOMER FOR YEARS AND SO HAS THE REST OF MY FAMILY AND MY BUSINESS USES FORD VEHICLES. SOMEONE NEEDS TO RESEARCH THIS, FORD IS GETTING AWAY WITH A BIG INJUSTICE BY MAKING A SUBSTANDARD TRANSMISSION THAT IS COSTING THEIR CUSTOMS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. BUT ALL FORD WILL SAY IS IF THE NHTSA DECIDES TO INVESTIGATE AND SEES ITS A PROBLEM THEN THEY WILL ACT ON IT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED GEARS INDEPENDENTLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE OVER DRIVE INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP GEARS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, A LARGE AMOUNT OF FUEL SPRAYED OUT OF THE FILLER NECK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT DETACHED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION, UNABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. TOWED IT TO OUR HOUSE WHERE MY UNCLE WAS ABLE TO FIX IT. HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN. THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A WEAK PIECE OF METAL IN THE ALLOY CONNECTING THE GEAR SHIFT TO THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE HAD CRACKED UNDERNEATH THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 04/18/2013 *JS

BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE. *TR

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 BE REPLACED. THEY STATED THAT IT SHOULD NOT CAUSE MUCH PROBLEM UNLESS SOMEONE HITS THE BACK OF MY CAR OR I CLOSE THE TAILGATE NOT SOFT ENOUGH, WHICH COULD DAMAGE THE WINDOW. SINCE THEN, I HAVE NOTICED THAT ALL EXPLORERS THAT I SEE HAVE THE SAME FRACTURE/CRACK ON THE TAILGATE DOOR ON THE SAME AREA LOCATION. I ALSO HAVE SEEN MANY MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ONLINE. THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECT THAT IS CAUSING THE FRACTURE ON THE TAILGATE DOOR BELOW THE WINDOW. THIS COULD CAUSE INJURY IF THE WINDOW BREAKS OR THERE IS ISSUE WITH THE DOOR OPENER HINGE. *TR

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. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER QUICK LANE AND THEY STATED IT WOULD COST ME BETWEEN $120-$250 DEPENDING ON THE COLOR AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REWIRED DURING INSTALLATION. THIS COULD CAUSE SOMEONE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY, AND THERE IS NO REASON THIS PART SHOULD OF BROKEN LIKE THIS. *TR

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 THEY STOPPED MAKING THAT KIND OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, SO THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW KIND OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. BECAUSE THE MECHANIC'S STATEMENT, THIS INFORMED ME THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT CAME WITH THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE. *DOOR AJAR LIGHT SOMETIMES COMES ON FOR NO REASON WHEN ALL DOORS ARE FULLY CLOSED, AND THEN TURNS OFF ON IT'S OWN AFTER A COUPLE DAYS. I CALLED FORD AND THEY STATED THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS AND I NEEDED TO GREASE THE DOOR LATCHED AND CLEAN THE RUBBER LINING ON THE DOORS. I DID ALL THIS AND IT STILL HAPPENS SOMETIMES. I'VE SEEN COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS ONLINE TOO. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE NOW WHEN THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON PEOPLE MAY IGNORE THINKING IT'S THE REGULAR GLITCH, WHEN IT COULD POSSIBLY BE AN OPEN DOOR ONE DAY. *POWER DOOR AND POWER WINDOW MOTOR CONSTANTLY GOES OUT EACH YEAR. I HAVE HAD THIS REPAIRED THREE TIMES NOW. THIS IS ALSO DANGEROUS BECAUSE IN AN EMERGENCY PASSENGERS CAN'T EXIT A WINDOW IF NEEDED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE A/C HEATER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR. IN ADDITION, THE A/C FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 03/07/13*LJ UPDATED 03/11/2013 *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESET THE PROBLEM BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION CENTER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

TRAVEL APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES PER HOUR SOUTHBOUND ON SR-99 BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND 3 MONTH OLD SON, BOTH IN APPROPRIATE CHILD SAFETY SEATS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT, I DID NOT SWERVE, NOR STEP ON THE BREAKS. NOTHING OCCURRED IN THE VEHICLE TO WARRANT OR CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THE FORCE OF THE AIRBAGS STRUCK MY HEAD CAUSING HEAD AND NECK PAIN, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR EVEN DEATH HAD I SWERVED AND IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE OR CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH OUT OF CONTROL. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 -10 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE HATCH BACK WINDOW DETACHED AND FELL FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE HINGES TO THE REAR WINDOW WERE SEVERELY RUSTED, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS LATER CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE PASSED STATE INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 148,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED NEAR THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD LOOK FURTHER INTO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT INTO UPPER GEARS. O/D LIGHT BLINKS ON AND OFF. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE TO FORD. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR OR COMPENSATE OWNERS FOR THIS KNOWN DANGEROUS AND FAULTY TRANSMISSION ISSUE ON MANY 2000-2003 EXPLORER'S. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE IN THE TRIM THAT HELD THE REAR WINDOW IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. ...UPDATED 12/17/12 *BF

WHILE I WAS MERGING FROM ONE ROAD TO THE NEXT THE EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FELT LIKE IT POPPED OUT OF GEAR. WHEN I CONTINUED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS WITHOUT ME "FEATHERING" THE GAS. TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAD TO PAY $2000+ TO REPAIR/REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE WINDOW DETACHED FROM THE HINGES AND CRACK THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE HINGES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DOOR WAS STILL CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO KEEP THE RECEIPTS IN CASE OF ANOTHER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD DEVELOPED A CRACK ON THE TAILGATE OF THE VEHICLE UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THERE HAD NOT BEEN ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO ISSUE A RECALL AND REFERRED HER TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

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

SITTING AT A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WENT INTO ACCELERATION GAS PEDDLE WENT TO FLOOR. FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. CHECKED NO CARPET STUCK UNDER THE GAS PEDDLE. FOOT WAS NOT TOUCHING GAS PEDDLE. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS PRESSING THE GAS PEDDLE. CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF. SHUT VEHICLE OFF THEN BACK ON ISSUE WENT AWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED OTHER TIMES TO MYSELF AND MY WIFE. SOMETIMES WHILE PUSHING THE GAS THE GAS PEDDLE LEAVES YOUR FOOT AND CONTINUES TO THE FLOOR ON ITS OWN, PRESSING THE BRAKE AND TURNING VEHICLE OFF SEEMS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS SO IN FREQUENTLY THAT IT IS HARD TO REPRODUCE FOR SERVICE SHOP. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HINGE FOR THE LIFTGATE WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,308.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT A LUG NUT WAS DETAHCED FROM THE WHEEL WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE LUG NUT WAS SHEERED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGES ON THE BACK LIFT GATE FRACTURED AND ALLOWED THE GLASS TO BECOME DISENGAGED. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) 8 YEARS PRIOR AND PROVIDED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE HINGES WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.....UPDATED 10/11/12 *BF UPDATED 10/16/2012 *JS

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.

ALL 4 OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACES IN A MATTER OF 5 MONTHS THE REAR WINDOW HAS A CRACK IN THE FIBERGLASS COVERING RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE SAID NOT COVERED NOT A HEALTH RISK BUT THE MOLDING IS STILL CRACKED FROM THE BOTTOM OF WINDOW TO THE BOTTOM OF THE MOLDING PIECE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL U GET BACK IN AND TAP THE BRAKES THEN THE LIGHT SHUTS OFF. *TR

WHEEL BEARINGS WENT OUT ON FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AND BOTH THE REAR WHEELS. I JUST REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION AND NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR WHEEL BEARINGS WHICH IS NOT CHEAP. I CANNOT BELIEVE FORD DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM WITH ALOT OF EXPLORERS. I WOULD NOT EVERY BUY FORD AGAIN. *TR

IT'S THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE IS HAVING PROBLEMS GOING INTO GEAR AND JERKING. THE TRANSMISSION IS SEALED SO I CAN NOT CHANGE THE FLUID MYSELF EITHER. THERE ARE MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS I AM HAVING. HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE HINGES FOR THE REAR LIFT GATE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GLASS FELL DOWN INTO THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE HINGES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED SINCE THE RECALL WAS ONLY ISSUED FOR THE 2002 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

DRIVING ON I-26 AT 65 MPH. TOOK FOOT OFF GAS, CAR CONTINUED AT 65, DID NOT HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL ON. I PRESSED BRAKE, CAR DIDN'T SLOW, PRESSED HARDER, STILL DIDN'T SLOW, MOVED GEARSHIFTER TO 1ST GEAR, COULD HEAR ENGINE REVVING, REALIZED GAS PEDDLE/ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK, TAPPED FOOT ON GAS PEDAL AND CAR FINALLY SLOWED. TOOK CAR TO FOUR SEASONS FORD IN HENDERSONVILLE, WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM BUT MAYBE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE SEEMED "POSSIBLY NOT QUITE SNAPPED IN PLACE". THEY SNAPPED IT BACK. HAVE NOT HAD ANOTHER PROBLEM BUT AM PARANOID ABOUT DRIVING THE CAR NOW. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE OVER DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT THEN DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND EVERYTHING SEIZED BEFORE STALLING. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SOLENOID WAS DEFECTIVE IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL UNTIL THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

THE PROBLEM WITH THE FORWARD SEAT HEAD REST WRONG ANGLE CAUSING THE DRIVER TO GET STIFF NECK AND GET YOU REALLY TIRED DRIVING LONG DISTANCES, THERE IS NO WAY TO ADJUST BUT UP AND LOWER NOT ENOUGH TO CLEAR YOUR HEAD TO BE STRAIGHT AS PROPER POSTURE, I UNDERSTAND IT IS TO PREVENT NECK INJURIES, MY RECOMMENDATION TO HAVE AN ADJUSTABLE HEAD REST FWD AND AFT SIDE AND HIGHER TO ADJUST TO YOUR BODY PROPERLY. IT IS A BIG CONCERN SINCE LOTS OF PEOPLE GET ON THE ROAD AND THEY GET REALLY TIRED AND UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING. *TR

REAR WINDOW HINGES BROKE FOR THE SECOND TIME. THEY WERE FIXED ONCE WITH RECALL AND ARE NOW BROKE AGAIN. ALSO THE BACK LIFT GATE PANEL HAS CRACKED. *TR

RCALL WORK WAS DONE ( FORD # 04S045 ) SINCE THAT TIME THE PLASTIC TRIM PIECE ATTACHED TO THE TAILGATE WINDOW CRACKED WHICH HAS ALLOWED WATER TO RUST OUT THE MOUNTING BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE LATCH AND WIPER ASSEMBLY. THE RESULT IS THAT THE WIDOW NO LONGER CLOSES SECURELY AND THE WINDOW LATCH IN-OPERABLE. HAS THIS BEEN ADDRESSED IN AND OTHER RECALLS? I HAVE OBSERVED THAT 9 OF 10 EXPLORERS/MOUNTAINEERS ALSO HAVE CRACKED TRIM PIECES. AS A RESULT OF THE RUSTING BRACKET I FEEL THAT THE WINDOW COULD SUDDENLY OPEN AND/OR SHATTER. REPAIRS SEEM IMPOSSIBLE ALSO DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SHATTERING THE WINDOW CAUSING INJURY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,793.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE TWO LARGE CRACKS BELOW THE REAR LIFTGATE, LOCATED NEAR THE MANUFACTURER'S EMBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

MY SON WENT TO LEAVE IN EXPLORER. NOTICED HATCH HAD POPPED OPEN (HAS BEEN DOING THIS) AND WHEN HE CLOSED THE TWO INCH OPENING THE GLASS EXPLODED ON HIM AND ALL OVER DRIVEWAY. GLASS PIECE IN EYE WHICH IS OK AND SCRAPES ON ARMS AND FOOT. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH WORSE AND WANT ANSWERS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A CRACK WAS FOUND IN THE REAR DOOR PANEL. THE CRACK WAS NOTICED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 125,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE DETACHED FROM THE HINGES OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THERE WAS A RECALL BUT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

THE PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELTS THAT IT DOES NOT RETRACT, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT SYSTEM WOULD NOT HOLD ANY TENSION TO BE SAFE ON THE ROAD AND BESIDE THAT IT DOES NOT RETRACT, IT TORN THE SEAL BECAUSE METAL HOOK WAS STILL STICKING OUT AND IT GOT CAUGHT ON THE DOOR CONSEQUENTLY TEARING THE SEAL, THEY ARE THE SAME WAY ON BOTH SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER. I BROUGHT TO THE DEALER AND IT SEEMS LIKE THEY DON'T CARE TO REPLACE IT. *TR

BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ( BRAKES ) WHEN IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. WHILE HAVING SPRINGS REPLACED IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE REAR SHOCKS. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN ONLY LESS THAN 55,000 MILES UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS ON PAVED CITY AND HIGHWAY ROADS. AFTER INSPECTING THE BROKEN SPRINGS WE REALIZED THAT THE DAMAGE WASN'T A RECENT OCCURRENCE. THEY COULD HAVE BEEN DEFECTED AT 40,000 MILES OR LESS.I BELIEVE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF POSSIBLE DEFECTED REAR SUSPENSION PARTS IT MAY BE USING IN SOME OF IT'S VEHICLE MODELS AND THE POTENTIAL SAFETY RISKS THIS MAY POSE ON THE GENERAL PUBLIC. *TR

I HAVE HAD FUEL TANK ISSUES FOR A YEAR NOW AND THEY ARE GETTING WORSE. MY GAUGE STOPPED WORKING ABOUT 13 MONTHS AGO WHICH WAS NO BIG DEAL. NOW I AM UNABLE TO PUT MORE THEN 4-5 GALLONS OF GAS IN AT A TIME. THE SAFETY SENSOR STOPS THE PUMP FROM FILLING UP MY TANK AND IF I TRY TO DO IT A LITTLE AT A TIME IT JUST SHOOTS GAS OUT OF MY FILL AREA AND GETS EVERYWHERE. I HAVE BEEN DOUSED IN GAS AND I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS IN VERY BAD AREAS. THE SENSOR REPLACEMENT WAS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX, NOW IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT GAS IN MY TANK AND IT'S STARTING TO RUN POORLY. I HAVE TO STOP EVERYDAY FOR GAS. THIS IS A MALFUNCTIONING FORD PART THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED. I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS EVERY THING SHUTS DOWN INCLUDING THE POWER STEERING. IT WAS DANGEROUS AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER MY TRUCK, I WAS GETTING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE ON RAMP WAS A SEMI-CIRCLE. *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL WAS CRACKED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE DEALER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,543 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 08/07/12*LJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55-60 MPH WHEN THREE STUDS DETACHED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THERE WAS A CRACK LOCATED ON THE PANEL OF THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 177,000.

LARGE CRACK APPEARED ON HATCH DOOR BELOW WINDOW. MANY COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET WITH SAME PROBLEM. *JS

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 105,000 MILES ON IT. YESTERDAY (4/24/12) IT WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE AND HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING INTO 2 AND 3 GEAR + THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT JUST STARTED BLINKING ON AND OFF. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND I AM TOLD IT WILL COST ME $4,000.000 TO REPAIR! I HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER SERVICE (FMCS) AND THEY TELL ME THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE NOR CAN THEY OFFER ME ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE COST. THE GUY I SPOKE TO AT THE FMCS WAS RATHER SHOCKED AT THE $4,000 PRICE TAG AND DID AGREE WITH ME THAT THE TRANS FAILED PREMATURELY. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO TO HELP ME. THIS CONVERSATION WAS RECORDED BY THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER OUT OF FLORIDA. I HAVE BEEN ONLINE LOOKING OVER SEVERAL BLOGS AND SEVERAL WEB SITES AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. IT ALSO APPEARS THAT THE FORD EXPLORER HAS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE, MOSTLY FROM THE EARLY 2000S -- ESPECIALLY THE 2002 TO 2004 FORD EXPLORER. MINE IS A 2003! *TR

REAR OF VEHICLE EMITTED A THUMPING AND POPPING SOUND. FIRST THOUGHT THAT REAR TIRE HAD BLOWN OR THAT REAR END HAD MALFUNCTIONED. AFTER REGAINING CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND PULLING OFF TO SHOULDER ON THREE WHEELS AND A ROTOR, DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL AND TIRE HAD DISAPPEARED. ALL LUGS AND NUTS WERE GONE. WHEEL HAD DEPARTED FROM VEHICLE AND GONE IN AN UNKNOWN DIRECTION. ROTOR AND CALIPER WHERE STILL ATTACHED TO VEHICLE. POLICEMAN WAS LATER ABLE TO RETRIEVE WHEEL AND TIRE FROM SOME DISTANCE DOWN THE HIGHWAY BEHIND THE VEHICLE. RIM WAS SCORED ALL THE WAY AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE INSIDE OF THE RIM. I ASSUME THAT THE RIM HAD DROPPED DOWN ONTO EITHER THE LUGS OR ROTOR PRIOR TO FINDING ITS WAY OUT OF THE FENDER WELL. BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THIS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THERE ARE RECURRENT PROBLEMS HERE. HAD REAR BEARING REPLACED ON SAME WHEEL APPROXIMATELY 16 MONTHS PRIOR. SUGGESTED REPAIRS AROUND $400.00 TO START FOR THIS INCIDENT. THERE MAY BE GREATER DAMAGE AND COST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE RESTED AND DRAGGED UPON THE REAR SUSPENSION STRUT AND TORSION BAR PRIOR TO GET IT STOPPED AND PULLED OFF OF THE PAVEMENT ONTO THE GRASSY SHOULDER. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD SQUEAKING COMING FROM THE REAR WINDOW. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE REAR WINDSHIELD HINGE WAS CROOKED AND THE PANEL WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE HINGES NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000. UPDATED 6/4/12 *CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW ON THE REAR HATCH DEVELOPED A CRACK AND THE HINGE WAS BENT DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) WERE PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000.

TRANSMISSION SLIPPING WHILE DRIVING. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY DECELERATED TO 40 MPH. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT SPARKS WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WERE FLAMES UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

TRANSMISSION LIGHT FLASHING AND I AM TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR REBUILT. THIS TRANNY SHOULD BE MORE DURABLE, FORD IS BETTER THAN ALL THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ONLINE ABOUT THIS SITUATION. *TR

WHILE IN PARKED POSITION, IGNITION STARTED, GEAR SHIFT BROKE WHILE PUTTING IN REVERSE - FAILURE OF METAL ALLOY CONNECTING GEAR SHIFT HANDLE TO STEERING COLUMN. KEY WAS STUCK IN IGNITION AND WAS NOT REMOVABLE. HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. TOWING EXPENSES INCURRED AS WELL AS REPAIR EXPENSES. PROBLEM CAUSED BY WEAKNESS/FAILURE IN METAL ALLOY CONNECTING GEAR SHIFT HANDLE TO TRANSMISSION STEERING COLUMN. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE IN THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGE, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CONNECT THE REAR TAILGATE DOOR TO THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS), DID NOT INCLUDE THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED A FRACTURE ON THE LIFT GATE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE PANEL REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 39,000. UPDATED 04/26/12*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLASS ON THE REAR HATCH BOTTOM MOLDING WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFTER DETACHED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILURE TO THE STEERING COLUMN THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,900. ..UPDATED 04/11/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT CAME OUT IN HIS HAND. LEAVING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE. HE WAS ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF. A CAST IRON BRACKET WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF IN THE STEERING COLUMN. UPDATED 05/31/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 15 MPH AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE THIRD GEAR, WHICH WOULD NOT SHIFT, AND CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 152,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR GLASS HATCH HOUSING WAS CRACKED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR HATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FRACTURE IN THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 04/10/12*LJ UPDATD 04/20/12. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK AT THE REAR HATCH BACK UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRACK WAS BECOMING WIDER WHEN THE HATCH BACK WAS OPENED AND CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS HAD TWO REBUILT TRANSMISSIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AGAIN AND THE TORQUE CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW HATCH WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR PANEL WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000. UPDATED 03/21/12*BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR PANEL CONNECTED TO THE BACK REAR WINDOW CRACKED UNDERNEATH THE REAR WINDOW AND HAS WEAKENED THE REAR VIEW WINDOW. THE SEAL HAS ROTTED OUT DUE TO WATER SEEPING INTO THE DEFECTIVE CRACKED PANEL. UPDATED 04/09/12 WATER SEEPED INTO THE CRACKED PANEL AND CAUSED CORROSION AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. UPDATED 05/07/12

TRAVELING THE I-95 CORRIDOR IN NORTH CAROLINA AT APPROX. 3AM THE TRANSMISSION OVER DRIVE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SHORTLY AFTER. VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE SHIFTING PROBLEMS. HAD TO EASE INTO 1ST GEAR AND PLAY WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR. NOT A GOOD FEELING WHEN 500 MILES FROM HOME AND IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THIS IS BECOMING A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THESE VEHICLES. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO AAMCO AND WAS INFORMED AGAIN COMMON IN THE EXPLORER. COST ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR $2500.00. VEHICLE HAD 77000 MILES AT TIME OF FAILURE. CALLED FORD FOR "GOODWILL" REPAIR. SHOULD HAVE TALKED TO A DOOR KNOB. STANDARD REPLY "VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY". DRIVING OVER FORTY YEARS, NEVER EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT THEY ARE NOT ACKNOWLEDGING. THEY MAY NOT PAY NOW BUT IN THE LONG RUN THE COST WILL BE GREAT. DROVE MY LAST FORD. *TR

O/D LIGHT FLASHING AND WONT GO INTO OVERDRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION IS A SEALED UNIT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR BODY MOUNT FRACTURED AND WAS PROTRUDING THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE CAB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. . UPDATED 04/11/12 *BF UPDATED 04/30/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL GATE DOOR DEVELOPED A CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

DOOR ADJAR SENSOR FAILS IN 2003 FORD EXPLORER ITS ALL OVER INTERNET. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07E104000 (VISIBILITY: GLASS, SIDE/REAR). THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT, AS A RESULT TO THE REAR LIFTGATE HINGE FAILING TO SECURE THE WINDOW GLASS PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS GEARS BETWEEN 1ST->2ND AND 2ND->3RD GEARS. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR TOWING AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY A FORD DEALERSHIP ACCORDING TO THE RECOMMENDED SERVICING. AT ONLY 80,000 MILES, IT SHOULD NOT BE HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *TR

MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH INCLUDE THE ELECTRONIC MOTHER BOARD HAVING BEEN REPLACED TWICE (UNDER WARRANTY), CRACKED LIFTGAGE (NOT UNDER WARRANTY COST $300), TRANSMISSION REBUILD APPROX 90,000 ($3000), DOME LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF, DOOR AJAR LIGHTS, ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN, O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND NOW THE FINAL PROBLEM AFTER HAVING REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION IN JULY 2011 IS A DRIVE TRAIN OR DRIVE LINE ISSUE. AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AFTER DROPPING FROM A HIGHER SPEED, A THUMPING HAPPENS. DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN 3 DAYS STILL WITH NO FINAL DETERMINATION. *TR

BACK GLASS HATCH HAS A HAIRLINE CRACK TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FORD EMBELM. JUST SUDDENLY APPERARED, AFTER NO IMPACT. *TR

INITIALLY HAPPENED AT 98K MILES BACK IN 08. PUT IN PARK (VEHICLE ON ELEVATED DRIVEWAY). JERKED BACK AND HEARD A CLUNK- LIKE IT WAS SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO A GEAR WITH VEHICLE PRESSURE- AND IT STARTED TO ROLL BACK. HIT BRAKES- AND PUT IT IN REVERSE. THEN NEUTRAL TO START IT. PARKED IT ON THE CURB FOR AN HOUR, WENT BACK OUT AND IT DIDN'T DO IT AGAIN UNTIL LAST WEEK. THINKING IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE WEATHER THIS TIME- PARKED ON MY FAIRLY STEEP DRIVEWAY AGAIN WITH LOTS OF ICE/SNOW. 189K MILES WITH THE ORIG TRANNY AND REGULAR COMPUTER UPDATES/FLUSHES. BEEN AN AMAZING TRUCK- JUST THINKING IT MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

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 BLIKING AGAIN AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED, THE O/D LIGHT ELUMINATED THE FIRST TIME MY TRANSMISSION EVER SLIPPED.AND IF I WENT AND DROVE IT RIGHT NOW IT WOULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND SOME PEOPLE MIGHT STILL DEPEND ON THERE DEFECTIVE EXPLORER TO GET SOMEWHERE.IT ACCELERATES BY ITS SELF IT SOMETIMES DOSNT WANT TO GO IN GEAR AND IF THIS IS ELECTRICAL SOMEONES VEHICLE COULD STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY WITH NO WARNING BUT A BLINKING O/D LIGHT.AND WORST THING IS, IF FORD WOULD RECONIZE THIS PROBLEM WITH OUT SELLING NEW TRANSMISSIONS THAT WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH I COULD HAVE IT FIXED BUT NO ONE BUT FORD KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG AND THEY OBVIOUSLY DONT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT OR KNOW IF THEY ADMIT THEIR MISTAKE IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW I WANT MY MONEY BACK.I BET YOU THEY WOULDNT EVEN TAKE MY EXPLORER ON A TRADE IN. AND IF YOU JUST GOOGLE FORD EXPLORER ANYTHING FROM 1999 TO 2007 I THINK....ITS GOING TO HAVE LIKE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE AND PROBALY LIKE FROM 40,000 MILES UP, WAY TO EARLY FOR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. *TT

I NOTICED A CRACK ON THE REAR HATCH TRIM PANEL UNDER THE WINDOW OUT OF NOWHERE. ALSO, THE PAINT ON MY HOOD AND QUARTER PANELS HAS BEEN BUBBLING AND PEELING OFF IN HUGE CHUNKS. IT WOULD SEEM THEY SHOULD DO A RECALL ON THESE ISSUES SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS. *TT

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WANT TO UP SHIFT, IT WILL SHIFT HARD. O/D LIGHT FLASHING. *TR

FAULTY CYLINDER HEAD CAUSING A THROWN SPARK PLUG, AND A BROKEN COIL PACK. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP GEARS IN A JERKING MOTION. THERE WAS ALSO A HESITATION AND THE ENGINE REVVED CONTINUOUSLY. IN ADDITION, THE OVER DRIVE AND TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY TWO DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND THEY INFORMED THE SENSOR SOLENOID WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AND POSSIBLY THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A THIRD OPINION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED FIRST AND WAS REPAIRED. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,585 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 02/27/12*LJ UPDATED 02/28/12

I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS TO REPORT MY TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING, AND DISCOVERING THAT MANY PEOPLE WERE REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE ON THE WEB: FLASHING OVERDRIVE LIGHT, CONSTANT ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT, AND MY TRANSMISSION WAS STICKING AND NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. I TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT MY ISSUE AND IMMEDIATELY THEY SAID I DID NOT HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I TOLD THEM I DID HAVE THE EXTENDED WHICH WAS UP TO 100000 MILES, BUT I WAS BARELY OVER BY 3000 MILES. I EXPLAINED THAT A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WERE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME TRANSMISSION ISSUE WITH THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR. THE AGENT SOUNDED LIKE HE WAS READING FROM A SCRIPT, INCLUDING HIS SUPERVISOR SAYING I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, SORRY, AND GO TO THE DEALER YOU BOUGHT THE CAR FROM. WHEN IT WAS CLEAR HE WAS NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING, I ASKED TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR, BUT IT WAS CLEAR THAT SHE WAS NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING EITHER. ALL I WAS ASKING FOR WAS A GOODWILL REPAIR DISCOUNT, AND THEY REFUSED. I GREW UP WITH FORDS; FAIRLANE, FALCON, GALAXY, MAVERICK, LTD, TAURUS, EXPEDITION, T-BIRD, AND EXPLORER. I AM NOT GOING TO SAY I WILL NEVER DRIVE ANOTHER FORD, BUT I NO LONGER FEEL LOYAL TO THE BRAND. HONDA'S AND TOYOTA'S TRANSMISSIONS LAST LONGER AND THEY STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THIER LACK OF CUSTOMER SERVICE AND INDIFFERENCE WITH MY PROBLEM. THIS IS GOING TO COST $2500 FOR A REBUILD OR $3500 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. *KB

FRONT WHEELS MADE LOUD HUMMING SOUNDS AND AT TIME FELT LIKE THEY WERE RUBBING. MECHANICS FOUND THAT BOTH FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY'S WERE FAILING SIMULTANEOUSLY. THEY ALSO THINK THE REAR IS STARTING TO GO. THIS APPEARS TO BE CAUSED BY POOR DESIGN AND/OR CRAFTMANSHIP BY MANUFACTURER. *TR

RATTLING NOISE IN 4.0 LITER-SOHC 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. DEALER REPLACED REAR TENSIONER. NOISE REMAINED. DIAGNOSIS SAID ENGINE NOISE IS COMING FROM REAR CASSETTE AND POSSIBLY FRONT ONE. ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND TAKEN APART TO REPLACE TIMING CHAIN CASSETTES FOR @ $4K. THE CAR ONLY HAS 53,070 MILES ON IT. ONLINE SEARCH VERIFIES AN OBVIOUS ISSUE PATTERN AND COMPLAINTS TO AN INFERIOR QUALITY CASSETTE MATERIAL REQUIRING LABOR INTENSIVE ENGINE REMOVAL REPAIR. *TR

TOOK EXPLORER TO DEALERSHIP TO GET THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECKED AND GOT A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE AND STRIPPED THE THREADS IN THE HEAD BUT NOT ON THE SPARK PLUG. *TR

TIMING CHAIN BROKE, WITH NO WARNING, BENT ALL THE VALVES AND WASN'T EVEN DRIVING IT. HAD JUST STARTED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE AND BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY WITH CAR IDLING VERY ROUGH. PULLED BACK IN DRIVEWAY AND OIL WAS POURING OUT UNDERNEATH, DUE TO CHAIN HAD BUSTED THE VALVE COVER. WELL HAD TO PULL THE MOTOR, REPLACED GUIDES, CASSETTES, AND TENSIONERS, WITH 2000.00 JUST IN PARTS ALONE. HAD CAR BACK FROM MECHANIC NOT EVEN 3 WEEKS AND ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AS IF A ROD WAS KNOCKING. WENT BACK TO MECHANIC AND TENSIONERS WERE THE CAUSE OF TIMING-CHAIN "CLANK". APPARENTLY THEY (FORD) DESIGNED THESE TENSIONERS WITH "PLASTIC" GUIDES WHICH SHRED OFF INTO THE HYDRAULIC TENSIONER PICK UP TUBE THEREFORE CLOGGING UP THE HOLE FOR OIL TO GET TO CHAIN AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO UNLESS YOU GET UPDATED TENSIONERS DIRECTLY FROM FORD AT 100.00 EACH. THERE ARE 3 TIMING CHAINS AND MULTIPLE TENSIONERS AS WELL, WHICH CONTINUE TO GO OUT AFTER 30,000 MILES AND NEED REPLACING, WHICH MOST CAN BE REPLACED WITH MOTOR IN BUT SOME CANT THEREFORE I HAVE HAD MOTOR OUT TWICE NOW, AT 2500.00 EACH TIME. THERE WAS AN ONP TO OWNERS BUT FORD WOULD ONLY COVER COST UP TO 100,000 MILES AND ONLY IF OWNERS COMPLAINED!! OTHERWISE THEY WOULD NOT FIX!!! WELL THIS IS A BAD DESIGN ON FORDS PART WITH PLASTIC TENSIONERS TO GUIDE YOUR TIMING CHAIN!!! NOW THEY HAVE UPDATED WITH A TOUGHER NYLON "PLASTIC". BUT HAVE NOT RECALLED THE OLD ONES SO UNLESS YOU ORDER DEALER PARTS YOU RECEIVE THE OLD PARTS WHICH ARE NO GOOD AND WILL END UP MAKING YOU SPEND MORE MONEY AND FOR THE LAST 12MONTHS, I HAVE HAD MY CAR 3 WEEKS DUE TO CANT AFFORD THE ENORMOUS REPAIR BILL, WHICH FORD KNEW ABOUT ALL ALONG, BUT FAILED TO RECALL PLASTIC PARTS UNLESS SOMEONE COMPLAINED. ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE THE 1996-2006 YEAR MODEL EXPLORES WITH 4.0 SOHC V-6 MOTORS. SOMETHING DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE DONE!!! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE GLASS SHIELD CRACKED AND SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 166,079.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR AND FAILED. THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE BS WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED A MECHANIC OF THE FAILURE AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD LIKELY NEED REPLACING.THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.

I WENT TO LEAVE FOR WORK ONE MORNING & I NOTICED THE REAR PANEL WAS CRACKED. IT WASN'T LIKE THAT THE NIGHT BEFORE, SO IT LITERALLY HAPPENED OVERNIGHT. MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS COSMETIC & COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS. I WAS TOLD THE WINDOW WOULD BE FINE, BUT THERE IS A CHANCE OF THE PANEL PIECE FALLING OFF. I HAVEN'T HAD IT FIXED YET DUE TO THE EXPENSE, BUT I AM AFRAID A PIECE MAY FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING WHICH COULD INJURE SOMEONE. TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY, A WEEK LATER, MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING & THE O/D LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I HAD IT TOWED & SURE ENOUGH, IT HAD TO BE REBUILT. IT ALSO NEEDED A NEW HUB BEARING AND BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *KB

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I HAD STOPPED AND WAS WAITING FOR A MAIL CARRIER TO FINISH PUTTING MAIL IN A MAILBOX WHEN I WAS REAR-ENDED. THE OTHER DRIVER HIT ME AT HIGH SPEED. I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY PUSHED INTO THE MAIL CARRIERS VEHICLE---EVEN THOUGH HE TRIED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. I DON'T BELIEVE I HIT THE MAIL CARRIER AT HIGH SPEED, BUT STILL IT DID CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BACK BUMPER OF HIS VEHICLE AND LIGHT DAMAGE TO MY FRONT BUMPER. THE TRUCK THEN REAR-ENDED ME AGAIN DUE TO HIS SPEED AND INABILITY TO STOP. NEITHER AIR BAG IN THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO THE DAMAGE FROM THE REAR-END HIT. THE ONLY DOOR ON MY VEHICLE THAT OPENED CORRECTLY WAS THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. MY SEAT ON THE FRONT IS APPARENTLY BROKE AND LAYING FLAT. THE CARGO AREA WAS PUSHED INTO THE THIRD SEAT, THE THIRD SEAT INTO THE SECOND SEAT, ETC... I'M NOT SURE IF THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED OR NOT. BUT, IF THEY SHOULD HAVE THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO. I BELIEVE MY INJURIES WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS SEVERE IF THE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED. I HAVE WHAT I GUESS MAY BE CLASSIC WHIPLASH TYPE INJURIES. BACK PAIN, NECK PAIN, AND SHOULDER PAIN; AS WELL AS, MY ELBOW WAS HURT; AND BOTH WRIST FROM TRYING TO GRAB THE STEERING WHEEL TO PREVENT MYSELF FROM BEING THROWN INTO THE STEERING COLUMN OR WINDSHIELD DURING THE SECOND HIT FROM THE REAR. ANYTHING YOU CAN TELL ME THAT WILL HELP WITH THESE QUESTIONS? I AM BEING ASKED BY OTHER PEOPLE THAT KNOW ABOUT THE WRECK WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE STARTING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR GLASS GOING DOWN TOWARD THE MANUFACTURER'S EMBLEM. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A FUEL SMELL AND DIAGNOSED WITH A FUEL TANK LEAK AROUND THE FUEL FILLER HOSE AT THE GAS TANK. THERE IS VISIBLE CRACKING ON THE PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE BASE OF THE FILLER NECK AS IT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL TANK WITH CONSTANT FUEL SEEPAGE. I CALLED THE CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY WITH THE HOPE THAT THEY WOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS SERIOUS ISSUE AND WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER AND ASKED TO TAKE MY VEHICLE INTO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR AN INSPECTION TO VERIFY THE PROBLEM. I LEFT MY VEHICLE WITH THEM FOR AN ENTIRE DAY AND WAS TOLD AT THE END OF THE DAY THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FROM FORD AND THEREFORE NO WORK OR INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS IS A CRITICAL FORD MOTOR COMPANY ENGINEERING PROBLEM AND WOULD HOPE THEY WOULD TAKE A SERIOUS INTEREST IN RESOLVING SUCH A HAZARDOUS ISSUE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS BOLT BRACKETS DETACHED FROM THE HINGES, CAUSING THE GLASS TO DETACH. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEFECT UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) BUT THE VEHICLE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR DUE TO THE BUILD DATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE LIFT GATE WHICH SEPARATED FROM THE STRUT AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE HINGES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS A CRACKED REAR PANEL. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY AND FORD REPAIRED IT AT NO CHARGE. THIS TIME THEY WILL NOT. I WAS TOLD IT WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $300.00 AND IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. THE CRACK DEVELOPS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. *TR

BODY MOUNTS PREMATURELY DETERIORATING AND CRUMBLING. BODY RIDES LOOSE ON FRAME, WHICH CAN IMPACT SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND HANDING IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL BODY MOUNTS FOR THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE HAVE FAILED AND FALL APART TO THE TOUCH. SINCE THIS VEHICLE IS A BODY ON FRAME DESIGN, FAILED BODY MOUNTS CANNOT KEEP THE CAB FIRMLY ATTACHED TO THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. APPARENTLY THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED WAS DETECTIVE. *TR

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

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER, RAN TO THE STORE LAST NIGHT TO BUY GROCERIES. LOADED THINGS INTO MY TRUCK, CLOSED THE DOOR AND THINGS WERE FINE. ARRIVED HOME TO REMOVE THE GROCERIES AND THERE WAS A 6 INCH LONG CRACK ON THE REAR HATCH OF MY TRUCK RIGHT BESIDE THE FORD LOGO AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER. I TAKE PRIDE IN MY VEHICLE AND KEEP IT CLEAN AND THE OUTSIDE BODY IS PERFECT; UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT I CALLED FORD AND THERE IS NO RECALL IN REGARDS TO THIS, BUT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. I WANT FORD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF THIS. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL FORD CUSTOMER AND SO HAS BY FAMILY SINCE THE EARLY 1980S. I WILL PROBABLY NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD AS THIS IS JUST ANOTHER ISSUE THAT FORD WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE. *KB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE OVERDRIVE AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,024.

I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND APPROACHING A RED LIGHT 1/4 MILE AHEAD I RELEASED PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE CAR MAINTAINED 60 MPH AND WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN, I APPLIED THE FOOT BRAKES BUT REALIZED THIS WAS NOT THE ANSWER, IT FELT LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT RELEASING HOWEVER THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT BEING USED, I PLACED THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND BRAKED TO A STOP THE ENGINE WAS RACING. I TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR WITH MY FOOT AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETRACTED , THE ENGINE SLOWED,I CONTINUE MY TRIP AND AFTER DRIVING A FEW MILES FOUND THAT THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK AGAIN,I SELECTED NEUTRAL AND TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR,THE ENGINE WENT BACK TO IDLE.I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED AT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE ACCELERATOR TO MAKE SURE THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT CAUGHT ON THE CARPET, I OPENED THE HOOD TO CHECK THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WHICH WAS HIDDEN UNDER A LARGE PLASTIC SHROUD (COVER), I REMOVED THE SHROUD IN AND IMMEDIATELY DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. A SMALL CHEAP SNAP AND LOCK FASTENER IN THE END OF THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD BROKEN ALLOWING THE STIFF CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CONNECTOR TO SLIP FROM ITS CONNECTOR AND RESTRICT OR LOCK THE RETARDING MOVEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE, THE THROTTLE CABLE DOES NOT RETRACT AND THE ENGINE IS STUCK AT A HIGH RPM AND A NOVICE DRIVER WOULD NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO AND WOULD PROBABLY PANIC AND EVENTUALLY THE BRAKES WOULD FADE AND THE DRIVER CRASH. WHEN THE REMEDY IS TO 1) SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND 2) TAP AND RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR QUICKLY WHICH BECAUSE THE CRUISE CABLE IS NOT ATTACHED OR ANCHORED AT IT'S END QUICKLY FREES THE ACCELERATOR CABLE IN MY OPINION THIS CRUISE CONTROL CONNECTOR AND WEAK METAL SPRING TYPE PUSH IN FASTENER IS TOO WEAK AND SUFFERS FROM METAL FATIGUE OVER TIME. I AM JUST GLAD MY WIFE WAS NOT DRIVING ALONE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OVERDRIVE BAND WAS FRACTURED AND POSSIBLY HAD CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,029 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,846. UPDATED 11/22/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SHIFTING WAS ERRATIC AT STEADY SPEEDS, THERE WAS A HARD BANG WHEN SHIFTING. THE PCM WAS REPROGRAMMED. THERE WAS A CLUNK NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND 95% OF THE TIME, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR. UPDATED 03/12/12

WHILE ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, MY SUV WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE FASTEST IT WOULD GO WAS 35MPH, THE TACHOMETER WAS PEGGED OUT, THE O/D LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON AND OFF AND TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THE NEXT GEAR. ALMOST GOT HIT BY VEHICLES TRAVELING THE SPEED LIMIT WHICH IS 65MPH, BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY FOR ME TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. *TR

TRANSMISION FAILURE, REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP. NEW TRANSMISION FAILED WITHIN A WEEK, REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP ALSO REPLACED ALL HUB BEARINGS, EXCESSIVE NOISE. REAR END ALSO HAS EXCESSIVE NOISE. REAR BACK UP SENSOR FREQUENTLY TURNS OFF AND DOES NOT WORK. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE STARTED HER VEHICLE IT WAS IDLING IT WAS VERY ROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO ADVISED HER TO NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.

TRANSMISSION FAILURE....O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS OPEN THE HINGE FAILED CAUSING THE GATE TO FALL ON THE CONTACTS HEAD. THE DEALER WAS STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NUMBER: 04V442000: STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE WITH VALVE COVER DAMAGE PROVOKING OIL LEAK AND HEAVY SMOKE OUT OF THE ENGINE, WICH LEAD TO SPILL OF OIL IN THE HIGHWAY (OIL DROPPING) AND ENGINE OUT OF SEQUENCE DUE TO A PLASTIC "CASSET" TENSION BREAK, I HAVE READ OVER THE INTERNET ALOT OF COMPLAINS ABOUT THE SAME INCIDENT

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IS GONE. *KB

O/D LIGHT SPONTANEOUSLY CAME ON. CAN NOT BE TURNED OFF. TRANSMISSION TAKES OFF SLOW. FIRST GEAR SLAMS INTO SECOND, WITH SLOW TAKEOFF CAUSES CARS BEHIND ME TO STOP SHORT BECAUSE MY TAKEOFF IS VERY SLOW. *TR

AT ABOUT 85K MILES, THE STUDS ON THE REAR TIRES OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER BEGAN BREAKING-OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND TWICE WHILE GETTING MY TIRES ROTATED. I HAVE PROBABLY REPLACED ALMOST 20 STUDS IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS DIAGNOSES FROM MECHANICS AND ALL HAVE BEEN WRONG. FINALLY, A SERVICE MANAGER AT QUIRK FORD IN QUINCY, MA ADMITTED THAT HE DID NOT KNOW THE PROBLEM. OF COURSE, I HAVE ALREADY PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED - TO NO AVAIL. THE SERVICE MANAGER CONTACTED TECNICIALS AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL AND THEY RECOMMENDED SEVERAL THINGS. THE SERVICE DEPT AT QUIRK FORD HAD ALREADY DONE ALL OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE PAST. THE CORPORATE LEVEL TECHNICIANS CLAIM THAT THEIR IS NOT HISTORY OF THIS IN OTHER VEHICLES, BUT A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE. THERE ARE COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM 2002-2004 EXPLORER OWNERS IDENTIFYING THE SAME DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR

DEAR MAYZEL, I APPRECIATE YOUR TIMELY RESPONSE, BUT I MUST ADMIT THAT I AM MORE THAN A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED (AND CONFUSED). I AM READING FORD EXPLORER RECALL #04V442000, "FORD RECALLS 2002-2003 FORD EXPLORER VEHICLES FOR LIFTGATE GLASS" (SEE BELOW), AND IT SEEMS TO COVER MY MODEL YEAR AND MY SITUATION EXACTLY. THE LIFT HINGE HAS STRIPPED OUT THE BOLT THREE TIME, LEAVING THE GLASS TO HANG FROM THE OTHER HINGE (AND STRUTS). CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY THIS RECALL WOULD NOT APPLY? SINCERELY, BILL DASCOMB DEAR WILLIAM, THIS IS MAYZEL FROM FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I HAVE READ YOUR EMAIL REGARDING THE BACK HATCH GLASS CONCERN OF YOUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I AM TRULY SORRY TO HEAR THAT YOU ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE WITH YOUR VEHICLE. I HAVE PERSONALLY CHECKED OUR RESOURCES AND VERIFIED THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY RECALLS OR CSP'S AT THIS TIME. MANY FACTORS ARE USED TO DETERMINE THESE SUCH AS WARRANTY STATUS, VEHICLE HISTORY, CUSTOMER CONTACTS, DEALERSHIP COMMENTS AND SO FORTH. I HAVE REVIEWED IF ANY AVAILABLE COVERAGES MAY ASSIST IN YOUR REPAIR REQUEST. THERE IS NOT ACTIVE ESP TO COVER THE PART OR THE REPAIR AND THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF ANY APPLICABLE WARRANTY. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOUR VEHICLE BE INSPECTED BY A FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF ANY SYMPTOMS YOUR VEHICLE MAY BE EXPERIENCING. ONCE YOU HAVE THE REPAIRS COMPLETED, I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU KEEP THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT FOR THE REPAIRS, SO THAT IN CASE A RECALL WILL BE ISSUED IN THE FUTURE, THESE RECEIPTS MAY BE REVIEWED BY YOUR DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE MANAGER FOR A POSSIBLE REFUND. THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING FORD. SINCERELY, MAYZEL CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER FORD MOTOR COMPANY

ENGINE & MULTIPLE PARTS IN 2003 FORD ARE NOT 2003, THEY ARE 2001 & 2002. 2002 ENGINE AND EARLIER HAD A TSB FOR THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES & OILING. EVEN THOUGH TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THAT COMPLAINT, MINE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE 2003, NOT AFFECTED BY THOSE PROBLEMS, SO SERVICE DID NOT REPAIR FOR TSB. LATER ON TIMING JUMPED BECAUSE GUIDES NOT REPLACED, BENT VALVE AND RUINED THE ENGINE TO TUNE OF $5,000, PLUS PARTS SPENT TO GET TO THAT POINT & RENTAL CARS. SHOULD BE NOTED THE FIRST REPLACEMENT MOTOR INSTALLED BY FORD RAN ONLY 15 MINUTES BEFORE IT BLEW FROM TIMING CHAIN DEFECT/POOR MANUFACTURING. HISTORY: BEFORE END OF 75,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY I TOOK THE SPORT TRAC INTO THE DEALER TO TAKE CARE OF ALL THE LITTLE COMPLAINTS. ONE COMPLAINT WAS SLIGHT RATTLE TYPE OF SOUND WHEN THE CAR WAS COLD/COLD MORNING. DEALER SUGGESTED AN ENGINE FLUSH & TO SWITCH TO FULL SYNTHETIC OIL. THAT DID HELP FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES. ENGINE RATTLE CAME BACK, ONLY VERY OCCASIONAL BUT WORSE SOUND THAN BEFORE ON REAL COLD MORNINGS. WAS COASTING TOWARD RED LIGHT, LIGHT CHANGED & I GAVE IT GAS, ENGINE STARTED MISSING SEVERELY AS I TOOK OFF W/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. LIMPED THE CAR HOME. PUT CODE READER ON & STARTED REPLACING PARTS CALLED FOR, MOSTLY TUNE UP, THEN EGR COMPONENTS, ETC., NEW CODE THROWN AFTER EVERY REPAIR. SMOG PARTS FOR 2003 DID NOT FIT, I HAD TO TAKE THE PARTS BACK & EXCHANGE THEM FOR 2001. WHEN ENGINE WAS CHANGED SERVICE REP TOLD ME ENGINE IN CAR WAS 2002, EVEN HAD TO REPLACE THERMOSTAT HOUSING BECAUSE ROUTING WAS DIFFERENT, ANGLE INCORRECT, NOT 2003, I TOOK PICTURES OF BLOCK & #'S, NOT A 2003, IT IS 2002 (PICTURES SHOW MY ENGINE, NO DIRT ACCUMULATION AT ALL). CARB STATES I CANNOT INSTALL AN ENGINE OLDER THAN THE CHASSIS INTO THE CAR, MOST ESPECIALLY OLDER SMOG COMPONENTS. CAN FORD? CAN FORD SELL A CAR AS NEW, SPECIFIC MODEL YEAR, BUT USE LEFTOVER PARTS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS & STILL CALL IT A NEW CAR? ISN'T THIS FRAUD? HOW CAN VEHICLE BE REPAIRED, TSBS FOLLOWED, ETC.? *TR

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

2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORTRAC, INTERMITTENTLY BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR, PEDAL VIBRATES, UNABLE TO STOP. NO ACCIDENT YET BUT VERY SCARY SITUATION. SCHEDULED TO HAVE DEALER INSPECT ON 8/8/2011. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. NO ERROR CODES ON VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS. THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT!! *TT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO START THE VEHICLE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES WITHIN THE PAST SIX MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,600.

BROKEN COIL SPRINGS FRONT AND REAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TRY AND SWING AROUND TO THE RIGHT ON SLIPPERY SURFACES. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *TT

MANUFACTURER LATENT DEFECT - DRIVER SEAT BASE FRAME TRACK BROKEN. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF HIS VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN RECALL # 11V352000 *TGW

I BOUGHT 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN 2008, USED, AND IN 2011 I OPENED MY BACK GLASS AND THE HINGE SNAPPED ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE GLASS STARTED FALLING, AND THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED THE GLASS FROM BREAKING WAS THE RIGHT SIDE HINGE HELD. I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY AND THEY SAID THAT I COULD TAKE IT TO A DEALER AND HAVE IT INSPECTED, BUT THERE WAS NO SAFTEY RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I LOOKED ONLINE AND IN 2004 THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER WAS RECALLED FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. *KB

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAD A "THUNK" NOISE FROM DAY ONE. FORD DEALERSHIP "COULD NOT DUPLICATE" THE COMPLAINT EVEN THOUGH I TOOK IT BACK MULTIPLE TIMES. HAD TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER AT 70K MILES AND NOW AT 135K MILES THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION AND ANOTHER TORQUE CONVERTER FOR RATTLING AGAIN. OD/OFF BLINKING LIGHT AND CHECK TRANSMISSION NOTICE CAME ON WITH ERRATIC SHIFTING AND LOSS OF 2ND AND 5TH GEARS. REPLACEMENT OF TRANS ELIMINATED "THUNK" AND MY $4600. SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITHOUT ANY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FAULTY MATERIALS OR ENGINEERING BY FORD HAS PLAGUED HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF EXPLORER OWNERS. WHERE IS THE EXPECTED INVESTIGATION OF THESE PROBLEMS? WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL ACCIDENTS OR INJURY TO HAVE FAULTY AUTOS RECALLED? WHY ARE SPARK PLUGS EJECTED MORE OF A SAFETY CONCERN THAN TRANSMISSIONS THAT LEAVE DRIVERS WITHOUT PROPER MOVING CAPABILITY ON THE HIGHWAY? WHERE IS THE RECALL FOR THESE UNITS? *KB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE REAR LIFTGATE, EXTENDING UP TO THE WINDOW. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE POSSIBILITY OF THE WINDOW SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COSMETIC AND THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,130.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE OPENING THE REAR HATCH THE LIFT GATE HINGE FAILED OFF CAUSING THE LIFT GATE TO HANG ON BY ONE HINGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE HINGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE HINGE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE LIFT GATE COULD HAVE FALLEN OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

SUDDENLY THE TRANSFER CASE STARTED JERKING AND THE SUV WAS SHAKING BADLY THAT I ALMOST COULDN'T DRIVE IT HOME. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE THIS HAPPENING AT 1/2 MILE FROM MY HOUSE AND AT ABOUT 20-25 MILES PER HOUR! IT WAS NO CODE TO INDICATE WHERE THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHIN THE POWER TRAIN. I TOOK A PART THE REAR END, I FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I STARTED TO TROUBLESHOOT THE TRANSFER CASE AND I NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRICAL MOTOR WITH ACTUATOR DOES NOT SPIN THE SHAFT FROM TRANSFER CASE, REASON THAT THE TRANSFER CASE CAN'T SELECT FIRMLY THE POSITION OF HI, LOW OR 4WD!!!!. OBSERVING THAT THE MOTOR OF THE TRANSFER CASE SIFTER DOES NOT SPIN, I PURCHASED A NEW MOTOR FROM FORD,. AFTER REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED; SO, I REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE MODULE, BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX; NO RESULT. TO BE ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR AROUND I UNPLUGGED THE TRANSFER CASE MOTOR SHIFT FROM THE MAIN HARNESS AND THE SUV STAYS NOW IN 4WD WITH BLINKING LIGHTS ON MY DASH FOR ABS AND 4X4 WD!!! I AM STILL WANDERING WHAT COULD HAPPENED TO ME IF THE JUMPING AND GRINDING WAS TO HAPPEND WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WITH 65-70 MILES PER HOUR AND THE POWER TRAIN COULD SNAP AND THE DRIVESHAFT COULD FLY OUT... WHO SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY LIFE OR SOMEBODY ELSE'S THAT I COULD HIT? I CONSIDER THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHALL RECALL THE EXPLORER'S AFFECTED AND ADDRESS THE TRANSFER CASE ISSUES. THE OLD PARTS THAT I HAVE REPLACED ARE AVAILABLE, THEY ARE FUNCTIONAL. I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG BECAUSE I COULDN'T FIND ANY ADVISE FROM ANY FORD SITES\, NEITHER FROM A QUALIFIED DIAGNOSTIC SPECIALIST. IF I GO TO FORD DEALERSHIP THEY WILL BE CHARGING TONS OF $$$ UNTIL THE CAR RUNS AGAIN; THEY DON'T CARE HOW MANY PARTS WILL REPLACE AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY FORD'S MISTAKES FROM MY POCKET; THIS IS NOT RIGHT! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED A DEFECT WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT DID NOT OFFER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 08/10/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCH BACK HAD A CRACK FROM THE END OF IT TO THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HER THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY STRESS FROM OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE IN REVERSE AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE BRAKE WAS APPLIED TO NO AVAIL. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE FRACTURED DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW SEAL. SHE NOTICED WHEN THE DOOR WAS AJAR THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AS IF SHE HAD OPENED THE DOORS. THE DEALER ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.

THE TRANSMISSION ON OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT COULD HAVE LEFT US STRANDED ON THE ROAD. FORD KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS ON THE 2003-2004 EXPLORERS. I THINK THEY SHOULD MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT ON THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. TRANSMISSION ARE SUPPOSED TO LAST LONGER THAN 71,000 MILES. WE DID NOT MISTREAT THIS VEHICLE IN ANY WAY. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS CLOSING THE REAR LIFTGATE WHEN THE REAR GLASS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GRAB HOLD OF THE GLASS TO PREVENT IT FROM SHATTERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

THE BACK PANEL ON MY EXPLORER CRACKED BY JUST CLOSING THE GLASS. THE TEMPERATURE WAS ONLY 65 SO CONSIDERING THE MORE EXTREME TEMPERATURES WE HAVE SEEN IN NORTH CAROLINA WAS DID IT CRACK ON THAT DAY? *TR

THE TAILGATE CRACKS DOWN THE CENTER. *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. I STARTED MY CAR UP THIS MOURNING TO GO TO WORK. I STEPPED OUT OF THE CAR TO REMOVE AN EMPTY CUP WHEN I HEARD A POP FROM INSIDE MY CAR. AS I TURNED AN LOOKED I SAW MY CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. AS I WENT BACK TO THE CAR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. THIS CAR IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. IT HAS 130000 MILES ON IT. I AM AFRAID OF THIS HAPPENING TO THE DRIVERS SIDE BAG NOW AS I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TO THIS MODEL. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT INTO A HIGHER GEAR. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND UPON RESTARTING IT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MILES, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT ILLUMINATED FREQUENTLY AND THE DOME LIGHT STAYED ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A MANUFACTURERS RECALL AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000.

FIRST I MUST SAY I LOVE THIS TRUCK. ITS MY SECOND ONE AND BOTH HAD SAME PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ALL OF A SUDDEN TRUCH LURCHED FORWARD THEN O/D OFF LITE STARTED FLASHING THEN CHECK ENGINE LITE FLASHING.TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND IT CAME UP WITH A PO775 CODE, HE SAID ITS VERY COMMON AND NOT THE FIRST ONE HES SEEN DO THIS. PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID B NEEDS REPLACING FOR ABOUT $400.00 THEN AFTER REMOVING PAN WHOLE TRANSMISSION NEEDED OVERHAUL NOW $2200.00 LATER. I THINK FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD STAND BEHIND IT. ALSO BLEND DOOR STOPPED WORKING AND ALL 4 CALIPERS SEIZED UP. DONT KNOW IF ILL EVER BUY ANOTHER FORD.ALSO POWER WINDOWS QUIT WORKING, BROKEN WIRE IN DOOR. NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE.I THINK A CLASS ACTION SUIT SHOULD BE STARTED AGAINST FORD FOR REPAIRS ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS.I CANT AFFORD TO DUMP HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS TRUCK AFTER PAYING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR IT.

A 2003 FORD EXPLORER REAR WHEEL DRIVE WITH 82K MILES. THE WHEEL HUB BEARINGS HAVE FAILED ON BOTH REAR WHEELS. *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED BLEW A SPARK PLUG RIGHT OUT OF THE ENGINE. VERY SCARY & VERY LOUD WHILE GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE. I THOUGHT FOR SURE THE ENGINE BLEW. *TR

THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR HUB BROKE WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM WHATSOEVER. IT DESTROYED THE KNUCKLE AND THE WHEEL NEARLY FELL OFF.

CRACK IN REAR PANEL OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND IT SOMEHOW ROLLED DOWN APPROX 150 FEET AND SMASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE VEHICLE IT WAS PARKED AND THE KEYS WERE IN THE HOUSE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY INSURANCE (STATE FARM) AND THEY HAD ME CALL A COLLISION GARAGE TO COME OUT AND THEY CAME WITHIN THE HOUR. THEY HAVE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE NEXT MORNING I CALLED FORD AND THEY DISREGARDED ANYTHING I SAID AND SAID MY INSURANCE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. I AM STILL PAYING ON A LOAN FOR THIS CAR AND I DO HAVE FULL COVERAGE BUT I AM NOW WITHOUT A VEHICLE AND I AM SCARED TO THINK OF WHAT MIGHT OF HAPPENED IF MY DAUGHTERS WOULD OF BEEN PLAYING IN THE BACKYARD. *TR

TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS STARTED AROUND 100K MILES; HIGH RPM SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR WITH SUBSEQUENT FLASHING O/D LIGHT. MANY TIMES TRANSMISSION WILL "CLUNK" INTO GEAR EITHER FROM GOING INTO REVERSE, STOPPING COMPLETELY, THEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE AND/OR WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MY MODEL YEAR EXPLORER (03) AND SAME CODE MANY OTHERS RECEIVE (P0775) WHICH REALLY DOES NOT DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM OR LEAD A NOT SO MECHANICAL INCLINED PERSON TO TRY AND TROUBLESHOOT/BUY PARTS TO FIX. I'M CAREER MILITARY MAN W/FAMILY AND MY TRUCK IS PAID OFF NEXT MONTH--OWNED 5 YEARS AND REALLY SUCKS TO HAVE TO POSSIBLY DUMP $3K INTO A TRUCK THAT FORD HAS KNOWN CONTAINED ISSUES WITH THE 5R55W TRANSMISSION. *TR

VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR AND SOMETIMES WONT ENGAGE. FREQUENTLY OCCURS AT STOP/START MOVEMENTS. OCURRS IN FORWARD AND REVERSE. "O/D OFF" LIGHT IS FREQUENTLY DISPLAYED. UNSAFE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE!!! *TR

EXPLORER OD LIGHT CAME ON AND TRUCK WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND THE TRUCK JUST MADE IT TO THE MECHANIC. THE TRUCK NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT THE EXPENSE OF $3000. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE FORD EXPLORER IS KNOWN FOR THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. SENT AN EMAIL TO FORD AND THEY WILL NOT ASSIST ON THE EXPENSES OR ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES.

BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR NOT WORKING. NOT ABLE TO DEFROST WINDOWS EASILY.

PAINT ON HOOD BUBBLING WITH CORROSION UNDER HOOD. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE REAR LIFTGATE FROM THE TOP OF THE MANUFACTURERS EMBLEM UP TO THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED FRO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND MY O/D LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED AND THEY SAID I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION BECAUSE I HAVE NO 2ND OR 5TH GEAR THEY ALSO SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THAT YEAR. THEY SAID THE SHIFT SEALNOID WENT OUT SO NOW I CANT DRIVE MY TRUCK TELL I CAN AFFORD 3400 DOLLARS TO GET IT FIXED SO THAT HAS MADE IT HARDER FOR ME TO GET TO WORK AND TO GET MY FAMILY WHERE THEY NEED TO BE. *TR

MULTIPLE EPISODES OF LUGNUTS ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER TOP-OF-THE-LINE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT CHROME WHEELS LOOSENING OVER TIME. TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN SERIOUS VIBRATIONS HAVE OCCURRED. ON EACH OCCASION, LUGNUTS WERE LOOSE OR MISSING, WITH ONE OR MORE LUGS COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. ON THIS REPORTED OCCASION, LUGNUTS WERE VERY LOOSE ON ONE WHEEL. MOST LOGICAL EXPLANATION APPEARS TO BE THAT WHEEL MATERIAL IS NOT CAPABLE OF PERFORMING AS DESIGNED, AND THAT DELAMINATION/OXIDATION OF WHEEL SURFACES ARE PRIMARY CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. *TR

TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. *TR

DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *TR

ACCELERATOR DEFECT ; THE CAR ATUOMATICALLY SPED UP WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. CAUSED DAMAGES TO 3 OTHER VEHICLES, 1 OF WHICH WAS TOTALLED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS. THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR INTERMITTENTLY AND THE EITHER THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART IMMEDIATELY OR THE VEHICLE WOULD BE TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER, I HAVE OWNED IT FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS AND TOOK CARE OF IT. I ALSO PAID ALOT OF MONEY FOR IT AND AFTER ABOUT THREE YEARS OUT OF NOWHERE MY O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND MY CAR STARTED SHIFTING WRONG. I HAD THE SOLENOID ON TRANNY REPLACED SOON AS I PUT IT IN 4WHEEL DRIVE MY O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AGAIN AND SHIFTING WRONG. THIS IS MAKING THE CAR ACCELERATE TO MUCH AT TIMES AND ALMOST NOT WANTING TO SHIFT OTHERS.SO WHILE WAITING THINKING I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION MY ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON FOLLOWED BY A LIGHT TICKING NOISE, THAT GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER OVER ABOUT A MONTH.SO THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AN PUT ON A COMPUTER THEY SAID I SHOULD JUNK IT, YES ITS 5 YEARS OLD BUT I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM THEIR AND I PAID ALOT FOR IT.SO NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT I MYSELF BELIEVE BUT FORD.I BEEN TOLD I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND MY TIMING CHAIN IS BAD ON THE ENGINE.THE CAR STILL RUNS ALTHOUGH I WONT DRIVE IT COMPLETELY UNSAFE. ITS A NICE LOOKING CAR BUT I SEEN ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL HOW IS THAT AND ITS DANGEROUS? ME AND MY DAUGHTER WRECKED AFTER SUDDEN ACCELERATION THANKFULLY THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND BURNT HER BUT WE WERE BOTH FINE OTHERWISE. I JUST NOW THIS IS DANGEROUS,FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT AND WHY IT HAPPENED AND HOW TO FIX IT. *TR

WELL THIS WILL BE THE 2ND TRANSMISSION FOR MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER, THE FIRST WAS AT 88700 MILES ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO. IT TOOK THE DEALERSHIP ALMOST 2 WEEKS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG. THEN 2 WEEKS AFTER THAT HEARD A LOUD PING WHILE DRIVING HOME, AT 9:00 AT NIGHT, TOOK IN TO DEALER AND THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD WATER IN IT. NOW I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD, NEVER TOWED ANYTHING, HIGHWAY MILES. SO, I FIX ALL THAT( ABOUT $3,000.00 IN ONE MONTH) NOW THIS PAST WEEKEND COMING HOME ON THE INTERSTATE TRUCK GIVES A LARGE SHUDDER 3 TIMES, I ALMOST GET RUN OVER BY A TOUR BUS BECAUSE TRUCK IS GETTING READY TO DIE. LIMP HOME CAN'T DRIVE OVER 60 MILES AN HOUR, WENT BACK ROADS HOME, DID NOT LIKE GOING UP SMALL HILLS. WHEN 1 MILE FROM HOME O/D OFF LIGHT CAME ON AND TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING BAD. PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY, BARELY. NOW I'M PISSED BECAUSE HERE I GO AGAIN POURING OUT MONEY TO FIX AND ALMOST GOT HIT ON INTERSTATE. *TR

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 ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) AND WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,100.

WHILE ACCELERATING TO MERGE INTO HIGHWAY, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. MY SON HAD TO MANUALLY PULL UP ON THE GAS PEDAL ON THE FLOOR TO CORRECT THIS. WE WERE ABLE TO RECREATE IT AGAIN BY PRESSING DOWN HEAVILY ON THE GAS PEDAL - AND THIS TIME WE WERE READY TO MANUALLY PULL UP ON THE GAS PEDAL. WE VERIFIED THAT THE FLOOR MATS WERE NOT OBSTRUCTING THE GAS PEDAL IN ANY WAY. *TR

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.

ALMOST EVERY OLDER MODEL FORD EXPLORER THAT I SEE ON THE ROAD HAS THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE CRACKED PANEL BELOW THE REAR GLASS ON THE LIFTGATE. FOR A WHILE I WAS HAVING A PROBLEM CLOSING MY BACK LIFT GATE. THERE SEEMED TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE LATCH. I LATER REALIZED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL (#04S20) ON (WHAT I THOUGHT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CRACKED PANEL) LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE AND BALL STUD BRACKET. RIGHT AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE DONE BY THE DEALER ON MY VEHICLE IN JANUARY 2011, I REALIZED THAT THE LIFTGATE WORKED PERFECT. IT WAS THEN DETERMINED THAT THE MISALIGNMENT CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH THE LIFTGATE CLOSING CORRECTLY.....WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE PANEL.....WHICH RESULTED IN THE CRACK.......FORD HAS DONE A RECALL ON WHAT HAS RESULTED IN THE CRACK BUT THEY HAVE NOT STEPPED FORWARD TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGE THAT HAS OCCURRED DUE TO THE DEFECT.....IT IS UNFAIR FOR US TO HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR DAMAGES DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.......PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND RESOLVE AS APPROPRIATE. *TR

I RECENTLY ENCOUNTERED PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE'S ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO BUCK, MAKE LOUD NOISES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTICS TEST PERFORMED WHICH DETERMINED THAT MY TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE THAT I AM REFERENCING IS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH 73,859 MILES (AT THE TIME OF THE DIAGNOSIS). I DID RESEARCH WHICH REVEALED THAT THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON ISSUE WITH 2003 FORD EXPLORERS WITH APPROXIMATELY THE SAME NUMBER OF MILES. I DID GET THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED IN MY VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE COMPLAINT IS THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE REQUIRING TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENTS AT SUCH LOW MILES. WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS INVOLVING THIS ISSUE, IT SEEMS TO WARRANT AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE MATTER........PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A CRACK HAD DEVELOPED ON THE LIFTGATE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH WHEN THE OVER DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER, SERVO PACK AND CLUTCH WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE OVER-DRIVE AND ENGINE SERVICE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED WHICH DETECTED THAT THE GEAR RATIO AND PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID WERE DEFECTIVE WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE PARTS FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,583. UPDATED 03/31/11*LJ UPDATED 04/05/11

CRUISE CONTROL OFTEN TIMES "TAKES OFF" AND DOES NOT HOLD THE SPEED AS SET. I HAVE LOOKED DOWN AT THE SPEEDOMETER SEVERAL TIMES TO FIND MYSELF GOING WELL BEYOND 85MPH - AFTER SETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT 60. I HAVE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL FOR MY VEHICLE TO STOP CONTINUOUSLY SPEEDING UP. THEN, THERE ARE TIMES WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT ENGAGE AT ALL. THE GREEN LIGHT WILL COME ON, BUT THE SPEED WILL NOT HOLD. IN THESE INSTANCES, MY SPEED ACTUALLY DECREASES.

FORD EXPLORER REAR LIFTGATE PANEL HAS CRACK AND IT EXPANDS DURING COLD WEATHER AND IT AFFECTS REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SECURITY AS REAR LIFTGATE FLIES OPEN WHENEVER IT FEELS LIKE IT WHEN DRIVING. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS MAKE A LOUD GRINDING SOUND. COMMON PROBLEM IN ALL 2003 FORD EXPLORERS. IT GROUND DOWN THE WHEEL LUGS FROM THE INSIDE AND THE TIRE CAME OFF ON THE FREEWAY DOING 60MPH. THE ROTORS GOT EATEN UP ON THE INSIDE TOO. FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR

I WAS JUST DRIVING ALONG AND I HEARD A POP NOISE AND THE PANEL UNDER THE BACK WINDOW WAS CRACKED. *TR

TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 89,000 MILES. THIS IS THE SECOND FORD I'VE HAD THAT THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 89,000. I HAVE ALSO HAD SEVERAL BRAKE ISSUES THAT FORD REFUSED TO ADDRESS AFTER EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED. *TR

I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT V6 4.0L ON I40W, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE WHILE THE RPMS WERE CONSTANTLY GOING UP. THIS PUT ME IN THE INTERSTATE WITH NO POWER AS THE GEARS WEREN'T SHIFTING. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY PUT IT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND TOLD ME THEY REALLY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO BREAK THE TRANSMISSION DOWN IN ORDER TO KNOW FOR SURE. I SEARCHED ONLINE FOR ANY COMMON TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND CAME ACROSS A SITE WHERE PEOPLE WITH VEHICLES JUST LIKE MINE HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. AS OF NOW I'M STILL WAITING ON FORD TO LET ME KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MY TRUCK, BUT WITH HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I SEE NO REASON FOR THEM NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AS WELL AS HAVE A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THE COMPANY DID NOTHING TO ADDRESS THIS...THE CAR WAS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND WE HAD TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR

NO SECOND GEAR. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW PANEL WAS FRACTURED NEAR THE BOTTOM. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE WINDOW WOULD FRACTURE FROM THE VEHICLE AND BREAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO A RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

LIKE EVERY OTHER DAY, I STARTED THE SUV A FEW MINUTES BEFORE I HAD TO LEAVE TO LET IT WARM UP BECAUSE NY IS COLD, AND THEN LEFT TO RUN SOME ERRANDS. I REALIZED RIGHT AWAY THAT THE TRUCK SOUNDED A LITTLE FUNNY WHEN ACCELERATING, SO THE RADIO WENT OFF SO I COULD LISTEN. I FOUND THAT WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND, IN THIS AUTOMATIC VEHICLE, THE OVERDRIVE WAS KICKING ON PREMATURELY. THEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I CAME HOME AND STARTED RESEARCHING IT AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS, SO HERE I AM, IN THE SAME BOAT AS EVERYONE ELSE, ABOUT TO LOOK UP NUMBERS TO TRANSMISSION SPECIALISTS BECAUSE THE DEALER IS DEFINITELY NOT GOING TO MAKE ANY MONEY OFF OF MY WITH THIS ONE. *TR

REAR HATCH CRACKED NEAR THE FORD LOGO. *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE. I DO NOT DRIVE IT HARD AND MAKE SURE THAT IT GETS THE PROPER UPKEEP. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ONE DAY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE NEXT DAY ON MY WAY TO WORK I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING AND THE TIME I GOT HOME THAT EVENING THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING VERY HARD IF IT WOULD EVEN SHIFT AT ALL. MY O/D OFF LIGHT ALSO STARTED FLASHING. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST A FLUKE WITH MY TRANSMISSION UNTIL I CHECKED ONLINE TO FIND THAT THERE IS ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT FORD IS DOING NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AND THEY HAVE SAID THAT IT WILL COST ATLEAST 3200 OR MORE TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE CONTACTED MY FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION BUT STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND FORD HASN'T ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS OR WAS A DEFECT INVESTIGATION SEEING THAT THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND IF ANYONE CAN TELL ME IF THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THIS MATTER. *LN

ENGINE REVS TO NEARLY 5000 RPM BEFORE SLAMMING INTO 2ND GEAR. HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS TELL ME THAT THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE JUNK.

I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, AND THE TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR. ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE! AN 03?! PLEASE! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY CHANGING GEARS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,655 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,260.

SOME SORT OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE DEALING WITH THE SHIFTING SOLENOID. THIS LEADS TO SPORADIC SHIFTING BETWEEN THE LOWER GEARS. THIS LEAD TO VERY HARD DRIVING IN SLOW AND ICY CONDITIONS. THE CAR WOULD BE AT SUCH HIGH RPMS AT SLOW SPEEDS SUCH AS 20-30 MPH THAT THE CAR WOULD LOOSE TRACTION, SO FAR I HAVE HAD NO ACCIDENTS WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT THE POTENTIAL IS VERY APPARENT. *TR

SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED, THEN THE OD (OVERDRIVE) LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. THEN THE EXPLORER HAD DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING HIGHER RPMS THAN USUAL, ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM 0 TO 30MPH. I TOOK THE EXPLORER TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE THE EXPLORER WAS PURCHASED AND EXCLUSIVELY SERVICED SINCE WHEN I BOUGHT IT NEW IN JULY 2003. THEY WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH 2003 EXPLORERS. THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAVE NO 2ND OR 5TH GEARS, INT. SERVO FAILED AND CASE BORE DAMAGED. THEY WANT OVER $3,600 TO REPAIR (AND THAT, THEY SAY IS A DISCOUNT!). I THEN TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP, WHO WAS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND THERE WERE 2 OTHER EXPLORERS CURRENTLY THERE BEING REPAIRED FOR THE SAME THING. AN INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR A RECALL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A CONSUMER RIP-OFF! *TR

I HAVE 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND AFTER 7YEARS A CRACK HAS FORMED FROM THE REAR WINDOW DOWN TO THE FORD LOGO ON THE REAR PANEL OR TRUNK DOOR. *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT ONLY HAS 70000K AND THE TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY IN NEED OF REBUILD. IT DOESN'T DRIVE IN REVERSE AND DOESN'T GO FASTER THAN 25MPH WITHOUT SOUNDING AS IF THE ENGINE IS GOING TO FALL OFF. IT KICKS BACK WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS AND THE RPM IS WORKING HARD WITH THE TRUCK GOING NOWHERE FAST. I CANT AFFORD TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AS IM STILL MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON IT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING WITH AN EIGHT YEAR OLD VEHICLE. THIS LITTLE BIT OF INFORMATION ON HOW THERE IS NO DIPSTICK TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID SHOULD HAVE BEEN REVEALED AT TIME OF PURCHASE I THINK. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR LIFT GATE PANEL. THE CRACK WAS LOCATED UNDER THE TAIL GATE WINDOW. THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR TAILGATE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE TAILGATE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR R HALF OF THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY ANY PORTION OF THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN UPDATED 04/25/11

"OD (OVERDRIVE)" LIGHT BLINKING IN DASH. THEN "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT ON 12-31-10. HIGHER RPM'S IN ENGINE THEN USUAL, TO SHIFT GEARS IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TRANS HAVING THUMPING SOUNDING WHEN PLACED INTO PARK, DRIVE OR REVERSE. BROKEN SERVO SIDEARM INSIDE TRANSMISSION.. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 62,000 MILES ON IT. TAKEN TO LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP. ESTIMATE OF $1,475 TO FIX. *TR

THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER REACHES EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURES. IN MILD WEATHER ON A SUNNY DAY THE INTERIOR OF THE WINDSHIELD CAN BECOME SO HOT IT CAN EASILY MELT ITEMS PLACED AGAINST IT. ADDITIONALLY, IT APPEARS THIS IS THE ORIGINAL WINDSHIELD FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

METAL CRACKED INTO FROM LIFTGATE WINDOW TO BOTTOM OF LIFTGATE. JUST WENT TO WORK ONE DAY AND CAME HOME TO FIND THIS HUGE CRACK IN THE LIFTGATE DOOR. I HAD NOT OPENED THE LIFTGATE THAT DAY. AFTER DOING RESEARCH AND PERSONALLY WITNESSING OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. *TR

AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK THE OTHER DAY, I WAS SITTING IN A LINE OF CARS WAITING FOR MY TURN TO GO THROUGH A 4-WAY STOP WHEN MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING. I HAD PLENTY OF FUEL AND THE ELECTRICAL WORKED. THE ENGINE SIMPLY WOULDN'T TURN OVER. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. AFTER SOME INSPECTION, THE REPAIRMAN DETERMINED THAT I HAD BLOWN A FUSE. THE CAUSE WAS MY ABS SENSOR CONTINUALLY SENDING OUT AN PROBLEM SIGNAL. THE CAUSE OF THAT WAS MY WHEEL BEARINGS GOING BAD. FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWED THAT AT LEAST THREE OF MY WHEELS HAVE BAD BEARINGS. THE REPAIRS ARE INCREDIBLY COSTLY (WELL OVER $1,000). AND THE MECHANICAL FAILURE IS DANGEROUS, INCLUDING WHEEL SEPARATION, WHEEL SEIZING UP AND BRAKE FAILURE. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. I DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE DAILY AND IF THE CAR HAD FAILED THERE, IT COULD HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLY BAD. WHILE WHEEL BEARINGS TO FAIL, THE MECHANIC SAID IT IS INCREDIBLY RARE TO SEE MULTIPLE BEARINGS GO OUT AT THE SAME TIME. WELL, EXCEPT FOR FORDS. HE SAID THE EXPLORER AND FOCUS (ESPECIALLY THE '02 & '03 MODELS) HAVE A REPUTATION FOR WEARING OUT. SOMETIMES, MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME WHEEL. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH PROVED HIM RIGHT. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THE '02 & '03 FORD EXPLORERS. I REALIZE WE'RE GOING ON 8 OR 9 YEARS SINCE THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED, BUT HOW COULD THE SAME ISSUE ON HUNDREDS OF CARS NOT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED YET? THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO OBVIOUSLY NOT BE DUE TO USER ERROR OR POOR MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE. I IMPLORE YOU TO INVESTIGATE THIS FURTHER FOR THE SAKE OF THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE STILL DRIVING THESE CARS EVERY DAY. *TR

PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR PANEL CRACKING UP, BEING REPLACED TWICE, STILL CRACKED AGAIN, ALSO THE TRANSMISSION NOT ABLE TO CHECK IT DURING A TRIP UNLESS YOU GO UNDER THE TRUCK, LAST THING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH STICKING CAUSING TO DRAIN BATTERY AND NOT ABLE TO ORDER PART BECAUSE THE MANUAL ARE WRONG. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW HINGE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) YET THE FAILURE RECURRED. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT ANY FURTHER REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,634 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A CRACKED PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 02/23/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PANEL HAS SINCE BEEN REPLACED. UPDATED 04/28/11 UPDATED 06/13/11 *BF UPDATED 01/04/12 *LN

CRACK IN PANEL BELOW REAR GLASS OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER. PANEL JUST CRACKED FROM ONE DAY TO THE NEXT. WENT TO TRADE IN FOR NEW EXPLORER AND DEALER EVEN COMPLAINED ABOUT DAMAGE. *TR

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 HAD NOT BEEN OPENED PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. I BELIEVE IT WAS CAUSED BY THE HINGES AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY WERE DESIGNED TO ATTACH TO THE GLASS THAT TRIGGERED THIS EXPLOSION OF THE REAR WINDOW.

CRACK DEVELOPED IN THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR HATCH WINDOW. *TR

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 A "U" TURN AND NO ONE WAS HURT. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SERVICE SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS,AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS TRUCK. I CONTACTED FORD ON THIS MATTER AND THEY TOLD ME I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BY MYSELF,BUT IF THE SAME PROBLEM IS ON MANY,MANY TRUCKS THIS IS BAD AND NOT SAFE. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS? THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED ME AND TOLD ME WE SHOULD REPLACE THE TWO FRONT HUBS AND THE REAR AXLE BEARINGS ALSO,AND LOOKED AT THEM AFTER THE REPAIR AND THE OTHER ONES WERE WORN EXCESSIVE ALSO. THE REPAIR WORK FOR PARTS AND LABOR WAS $1488.00 WITH A LIMITED LIFE WARRANTY ON THE PARTS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR COIL SPRING WAS ABNORMALLY COVERED BY AN UNKNOWN PLASTIC SHEET. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR COIL SPRING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. UPDATED 02/03/11*LJ UPDATED 02/04/11*JB

O/D OFF LIGHT BLINKS ON DASHBOARD AND VEHICLE SHIFTS HARD. WAS ADVISED THAT TRANSMISSION REBUILD WAS NECESSARY. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER 5R55-W TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHEREIN THE INTERNAL LINKAGES, SERVO VALVE AND BEARINGS FAILED AT STARTUP, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNMOVABLE UNDER IT'S OWN POWER AND STRANDING THE DRIVER. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE HEATER STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE BLEND DOOR NEEDED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH DOOR HAS FRACTURED UNDER THE GLASS. SHE NOTICED THE FRACTURE ONCE THE TEMPERATURE BECAME COOLER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,500.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER FUNCTIONED BUT THE HEAT DID NOT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO LEAKS IN THE HEATING COIL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE REACTOR COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 133,700.

AT 110000 MILES WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND HEARD "BUMPING, RUMBLING SOUND", CAR WAS NOT HANDLING WELL, GOT OFF AT NEXT EXIT 1 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AND AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN RIGHT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF VEHICLE. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY NOTED THAT THE WHEEL STUDS WERE BAD AND THE WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD, REPLACED BOTH. AT 140000 MILES WAS DRIVING AT 50 MPH AND HEARD SAME SOUND, STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND FOUND THAT LEFT FRONT WHEEL WAS LOOSE. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, THEY STATED THAT THEY FOUND RUST ON THE ROTORS/LUGS/WHEEL, CLEANED IT AND RETORQUED WHEELS TO 130 FT LBS, STATED THEY HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER VEHICLES!! AT 151000 HEARD SAME SOUND, I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE ROAD AT 30 MPH, STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WAS LOOSE AGAIN (TIRES HAD BEEN ROTATED, SO THIS IS NOT THE SAME WHEEL AS PREVIOUSLY). DEALERSHIP AGAIN CLEANED THE ROTORS/LUGS/WHEEL AND RETORQUED WHEELS TO 125 FT LBS THIS TIME AND STATED THAT WITH SOME OF THE PREVIOUS PROBLEMS THEY WERE ATTRIBUTING IT TO DELAMINATION OF A COATING ON THE ALUMINUM WHEELS, BUT THAT WE DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF WHEEL. BY LUCK AND CAREFUL MONITORING WE HAVE NOT BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH THIS ISSUE - YET! A FRONT WHEEL FALLING OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS COULD LIKELY BE DEADLY. THERE ARE REPEATED REPORTS ON THIS PROBLEM, IT IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENCE. THE ONLY TIME THE WHEEL STUDS WERE SHEARED AND BEARINGS WERE BAD IS WHEN I DID NOT CATCH IT IN TIME AND THE WHEEL ACTUALLY CAME OFF, I FIRMLY BELIEVE THE ISSUE IS THE SAME THOUGH, THE WHEEL FALLING OFF IS CAUSING THE STUDS TO SHEAR AND BEARINGS TO GO.

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND RECENTLY THE CHECK FUEL CAP LIGHT WENT ON, I HAVE CHANGE THE CAP 3 TIMES, RESET THE COMPUTER, CHECK THE CHARCOAL CANISTER, THE FUEL LINES AND ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE USERS MANUAL BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK, NOW THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ALSO WENT ON, I CHECKED ONLINE AND THERE IS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM... NO SOLUTION FROM THE DEALER OR ONLINE YET. *TR

IT STARTED WITH HUMMING VIBRATING NOISE IN THE FRONT END LEFT TIRE ENDING WITH FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AND SMALL FIRE TO THE WHEEL BEARING RUBBER BOOT AND HARD PULLING TO THE LEFT TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THIS IS A MAJOR MECHANICAL FAILURE AFTER INSPECTING I FOUNT THAT ONLY THE ONE NUT WAS HOLDING TIRE ON. *TR

I SENT A LETTER OF COMPLAINT TO FORD REGARDING MY SITUATION WITH MY TRANSMISSION FAILING ON ME AND THE LOCAL FORD DEALER CHARGING ME $4,300 SINCE MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I TRULY HOPE THAT FORD GETS THEIR ACT TOGETHER AND ADDRESSES THIS ISSUES AS I'M SEEING MORE AND MORE COMPLAINTS POP-UP EVERYWHERE REGARDING THIS. POOR EXCUSE!!! DEAR VALUED CUSTOMER, THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER INQUIRING FOR ANY RECALLS ON YOUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I SINCERELY UNDERSTAND THE FRUSTRATION THAT THIS TRANSMISSION CONCERN ON YOUR VEHICLE HAS BROUGHT YOU. PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS WORKING WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) TO PROACTIVELY IDENTIFY AREAS OF CONCERN THROUGH INVESTIGATION OF CONSUMER AND DEALERSHIP FEEDBACK. IF A CONCERN IS NOTED, A RECALL IS CONDUCTED TO REMEDY A SAFETY OR EMISSIONS CONCERN IN THE INTEREST OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY. THUS, I HAVE REVIEWED IF ANY AVAILABLE COVERAGES OR PROGRAMS MAY PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TOWARDS YOUR VEHICLE REPAIR. AFTER EXTENSIVELY REVIEWING YOUR SITUATION, I REGRET TO INFORM YOU THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS, WARRANTIES OR OTHER COVERAGES AVAILABLE THAT MAY COVER THE REPAIR ON YOUR VEHICLE. WHILE THIS IS SO, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO BRING YOUR CONCERN INTO OUR ATTENTION AS THIS IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WE CAN BUILD ON. IF A PROGRAM IS ANNOUNCED ON A SPECIFIC COMPONENT AND/OR FOR THE TRANSMISSION CONCERN ON YOUR VEHICLE, FORD WILL NOTIFY YOU BY MAIL. I APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT YOU ARE A LOYAL FORD CUSTOMER AND HOPE THAT WE MIGHT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY IN THE FUTURE TO ASSIST YOU WITH A MORE FAVORABLE RESOLUTION TO KEEP YOUR CONFIDENCE IN OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER INQUIRIES AND/OR CONCERNS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AND WE WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST A VALUED CUSTOMER LIKE YOURSELF. SINCERELY, CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE REAR LIFT GATE THAT EXTENDED ACROSS. THERE WERE ALSO THREE OTHER SMALLER CRACKS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW LOOKED AS IF IT WOULD EXPLODE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 83,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE FROM THE PARK POSITION. IN ORDER SHIFT INTO REVERSE HE HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND ALLOW IT TO SLOWLY ROLL BACKWARDS. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE ALSO NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 6TH GEAR. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE RPMS INCREASED UP TO 405 AND THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IT RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND THEY STATED THAT THE BANDS IN THE TRANSMISSION ARE SHOT AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62010.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO STATED THAT THE GEAR SOLENOID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

THE BACK HATCH CRACKED ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I HEAR THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS SUV. *TR

BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS ONLY 70,000 MILES ON IT AND THREE OUT OF THE FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED, AT A TOTAL COST OF OVER $1,100. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A DANGEROUS SITUATION SUCH AS ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR OR THE WHEEL COMING OFF DURING DRIVING. THIS POTENTIALLY UNSAFE SITUATION WARRANTS A RECALL BY FORD. *TR

WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK IN THE PANEL ATTACHED TO THE GLASS OF THE REAR LIFTGAGE. THE CRACK WAS SMALL AT FIRST BUT BECAME LARGER OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED FOR THE PROBLEM. ALSO, THE HEATED STOPPED BLOWING HEAT AND WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000.

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 FALLEN OFF ON THE HIGHWAY IT GOOD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP ATTRIBUTED IT TO WEAR AND TEAR EVEN THOUGH I HAD PREVIOUSLY ONLY OPENED THE GLASS LIFT GATE TWICE DURING THE LIFE OF THE CAR. I WAS CHARGED A FEE JUST TO REPLACE THE HINGE. I DID NOT GET HE BODY WORK REPAIRED. THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM ON OTHER EXPLORER'S MADE DURING THE SAME PERIOD MINE WAS MADE, BUT I WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. (FORD RECALL NO. 04S20 AND A CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V442000 AND SAFETY REPORT #10266375 AND #10266836). *TR

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE HATCH BACK OF THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER DEVELOPED A CRACK DIRECTLY IN THE MIDDLE. THIS DEFECT CAN BE SEEN AROUND MANY OTHER 2003 FORDS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE HATCHBACK PIECE IS RATTLING AND SEEMS LIKE IT WILL COME OFF. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT (N/A). WHILE DRIVING THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000 THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,300.

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 GEAR AND FROM 4TH TO 5TH GEAR. HE COULD NOT GIVE ME ANY MORE INFORMATION AND WAS NOT WILLING TO FIX MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEM (HE SUGGESTED I GO ELSEWHERE BECAUSE HE WAS NOT AN EXPERT IN TRANSMISSIONS). IN MAY 2010 THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING OFF. AFTER SPEAKING TO MECHANIC AGAIN, HE SAID IT WAS RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IN AUGUST 2010 THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT STARTED COMING ON RANDOMLY, EVEN WHEN THE DOOR IS NOT OPEN. AND IN SEPTEMBER 2010, I NOTICED MY ABS LIGHT WILL COME ON RANDOMLY. IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE TRIGGERED BY ANY SPECIFIC REASON, AND DOES NOT ALWAYS COME ON. *TR

ABS LIGHT ON,SECOND WHEEL BEARING NEEDS REPLACED. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER, FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAIL. I HAVE HAD THEM REPLACED ONCE, AND NOW THEY ARE GOING OUT AGAIN. AFTER INVESTIGATION, THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR. SOMETHING ABOUT POOR DESIGN. CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEAL AND HE SAID FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS, BUT ON SUCH AN "OLD" VEHICLE, FORD ISN'T GOING TO TAKE ANY ACTION. *TR

93,000 MILES AND ABS LIGHT AND LOUD GRINDING NOISE (IN ADDITION TO APPLIQUE CRACK IN REAR). NEED TO REPLACE BOTH REAR HUB BEARINGS, BRAKE PAD ROTORS, AND PARKING BRAKE SHOES. SEARCH THE WEB ON THESE PROBLEMS, AND OVER 3 HUNDRED COMPLAINTS SEEN ON JUST ONE SITE FOR 2003 EXPLORERS ALONE. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER RIMS ARE CORRODING CHROME IS PEELING OFF COULD CAUSE RIM TO BECOME WEAK OR BREAK PEELING CHROME IS SHARP AND COULD CAUSE SEVERE CUTS TO HAND WHEN CLEANING OR HANDLING WHEELS OFF CAR. *TR

O/D LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP FROM 2ND T 3RD GEAR. HAD THE TRANS SOLENOID PACK REPLACED WHICH HELPED FOR AWHILE BUT PROBLEM CAME BACK AFTER A MONTH OR SO. TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP AGAIN AND THIS TIME THEY SAID IT'S THE 4TH AND 5TH GEAR SERVOS. *TR

THE FORD EXPLORER'S MOST FREQUENT PROBLEM - IS IT CRACKS IN THE PLASTIC PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THIS OCCURS ON EXPLORERS FROM MODEL YEARS 2002, 2003 & 2004. WITH MOST AFFECTED EXPLORERS NOW PAST THE STANDARD WARRANTY PERIOD, MOST OWNERS WILL END UP HAVING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF POCKET. BECAUSE THE CRACKED PANEL IS NOT A SAFETY DEFECT, THERE IS VERY LITTLE CHANCE OF A RECALL. FOR A SHORT TIME IN LATE 2006, FORD STARTED A "SPECIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM" FOR OUT-OF-WARRANTY EXPLORERS, WHERE FORD PAID FOR ALL BUT $100 OF THE ~$450 REPAIR COST. HOWEVER SINCE JANUARY 2007, PEOPLE CALLING FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE BEGAN TO REPORT BACK THAT APPARENTLY FORD HAS ENDED THE BRIEF ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE TAILGATE HATCH IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RENT A TRAILER FROM U-HAUL, THE COMPANY WOULD NOT RENT TO ANYONE WITH A FORD EXPLORER WHICH SHE BELIEVED TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000-

2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH 74,000 MILES ON IT - O/D LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. AROUND THE SAME TIME I NOTICED THAT WHEN GOING FROM A STOP TO A START IT WOULD TAKE A LONG TIME TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. TOOK IT INTO THE MECHANIC - SUGGESTED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $4100!!! FOR A CAR THAT HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES THIS IS RIDICULOUS. *TR

I HAVE CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY TIRES COMING OFF OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHILE DRIVING FOLLOWING ANY WORK REQUIRING REMOVAL OF MY TIRES (THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME MULTIPLE TIMES NOW). THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED IN 2006. THE EXPLANATION THAT I HAVE RECEIVED IS THAT THE ALUMINUM RIMS REQUIRE EXTRA TORQUING WHEN PLACING THE TIRE BACK ON THE VEHICLE. I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE ROOT CAUSE REALLY IS BUT NOW I KNOW THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE METAL IN ALL OF THE AREAS ASSOCIATED WITH MY TIRES BEING ATTACHED TO MY VEHICLE. EVERYTHING IS CORRODED BEHIND THE HUB CAPS OF ALL 4 WHEELS. THIS COULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ISSUE THAT THE WINDSTARS ARE EXPERIENCING, MAYBE THE ANNEALING PROCESS USED FOR THE METAL WAS DEFECTIVE? I DON'T KNOW BUT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I WANT AN INVESTIGATION OPENED SO THAT IT CAN BE CORRECTED. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD REGARDING THIS ISSUE SO THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS AND I KNOW THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE WITH THEIR EXPLORERS. *TR

WHEEL BEARING NEEDS REPLACEMENT. NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. AT ONLY 52,000 MILES THE TRUCK STARTED MAKING A HUMMING SOUND. HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. $500! *TR

WHILE DRIVING ON HWY 38 IN SC, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING REAL BAD AND THEN THE ENTIRE SUV STARTED SHAKING AND WE VEERED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD INTO A FIELD. THE FRONT LEFT TIRE CAME OFF AND WE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I SAW THAT 2 OF THE 5 LUG POSTS WERE SHEARED OFF AND THE OTHER 3 WERE BENT. IN ADDITION THE MOLDING AROUND THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE CAME OFF AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS JAMMED SHUT. AFTER EVERYONE WAS OUT SAFELY THE SUV HAS BEEN TOWED AND IS WITH AN AUTO CENTER FOR REPAIRS AND BODY WORK. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE YET FORD HAS NOT HAD ANY RECALLS DESPITE THE FREQUENCY OF THIS ISSUE. IF YOU SEARCH "2003 FORD EXPLORER PROBLEMS" IT WILL COME UP. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. I CAN SEE THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE PAID FOR THEIR VEHICLES TO BE REPAIRED ONLY TO HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN ON ANOTHER WHEEL. *TR

THE TRANSMISSIONS IS FAILING IN 2ND AND 5TH GEAR. IT OCCURS EVERYDAY AND YOU CAN NOT ACCELERATE WITHOUT IT STICKING IN A HIGHER GEAR, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP SAFELY. *TR

WITH NO WARNING, WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 EXPLORER YESTERDAY, THE O/D OFF LIGHT COMES ON THEN THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT ALSO COMES ON. AFTER THAT I NOTICE THE SHIFTING OF GEARS FEELS REALLY WEIRD. IT SHIFTS SLOWER AND HARDER WHEN IT SHIFTS. I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE FOR ME AND MY 2 YOUNG CHILDREN. THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH WILL COST ME $2000 THAT I DON'T HAVE, TO PUT INTO A VEHICLE I AM STILL PAYING ON. IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT WITH THE TRANSMISSION THE WAY IT IS NOW, IT COULD LOCK UP AND MAKE ME STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AND POSSIBLE GET MYSELF AND OTHERS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR VEHICLE THAT I HAVE, BUT I DIDN'T NOT KNOW THAT UNTIL I BEGAN DOING RESEARCH WHEN IT MESSED UP YESTERDAY. *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER-4.6 LITER V8 4 WHEEL DRIVE, THE VEHICLE HAS 158,000 MILES AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SPARKPLUG BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. I WAS TRAVELING ON A BUSY STATE ROAD WHEN THE ENGINE MISS FIRED AND THEN HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE ENGINE WENT TO MISSING BAD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE AND CHECKED TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING. I LIMPED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT AND PROCEEDED TO REINSTALL THE PLUG AND COIL PACK. THE FORCING PUSH OF THE PLUG BROKE THE COIL PACK AND TORE THE PLUG BOOT. I JUST REPLACED THE COIL PACK AND PLUG BOOT ASSEMBLY AND REINSTALLED THE PLUG BCK IN. I FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE IS COMMON ON THE 4.6 LITERS, A FRIEND AND SHADETREE MECHANIC DID A MOTOR SWAP IN AN EXPEDITION WITH THIS SAME MOTOR FOR THE SAME REASON CAUSE THE PLUG IN CYLINDER #4(PASSENGER REAR) TORE THE THREADS COMING OUT AND LET LOOSE METAL INTO THE PISTON JOURNAL AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE. *TR

WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY FAILURE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT ON THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WAS BUCKLING AND CHIPPING IN LARGE AREAS. THE FAILURE BEGAN AT SPREAD TO BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 82,000. UPDATED 11/16/10. *LJ

I KEEP READING ABOUT 2 COMPLAINTS THAT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AND FORD SHOULD TAKE ACTION ON; THE FIRST BEING THE BACK TAIL GATE... FORD DO THE RIGHT THING. THE SECOND HAS TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION, OVERDRIVE LIGHT, THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL. I USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN DRIVING LONG DISTANCES AND WHILE ON A FEW TRIPS THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WOULD COME ON FOR NO REASON, AT LEAST I THOUGHT, I THEN FOUND OUT THAT I HAD AN ABS PROBLEM AND WHEEL BEARINGS PROBLEMS. ALL HAPPENING AT THE SAME TIME? AS IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH MY TRANSMISSION WAS DRIPPING FLUID ON MY NEW DRIVEWAY! THIS WAS WHILE I ONLY HAD ONLY 70,000 MILES, IT WASN'T RIGHT, I CHECKED OUT THE BRAKES, THEY HAD BEEN REPLACED BEFORE HOWEVER WHEN I PULL OFF THE REAR DRUM / DISK TO CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE THAT'S WHEN I FOUND THE PROBLEM. I NEVER USE MY PARKING BRAKE, IT ROTTED AND DELAMINATED AND WAS DRAGGING HENCE THE OD LIGHT, THE OVERHEATING OF THE TRANSMISSION WHICH BLEW OUT THE SEAL, THE EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST WHICH WAS PARTIALLY THE CAUSE OF ABS SENSOR MALFUNCTIONING. THE LAST PART IMPACTS THE BEARINGS, WHEN THE ABS SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS IT CAN APPLY THE BRAKES AS IN SKIDDING OR IN TIRE SLIPPAGE ADDING TO EARLY UNNECESSARY WEAR ON BEARINGS AND AGAIN OVERHEATING OF THE TRANSMISSION. FORD NEEDS TO INSTALL A FEW "SMART" SENSORS, ONE WHICH COULD TRACK PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTIONS, ALSO ONE FOR FAIL SAFE TEMPERATURE READINGS FOR THE TRANSMISSION. (THAT IS BEFORE IT IS COMPROMISED.) DO THE RIGHT THING FORD, YOUR SALES DEPEND ON IT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE CRACKS ON THE REAR LIFT GATE UNDERNEATH THE REAR WINDOW. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED HER THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN FAILURE BUT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

OVERDRIVE LIGHT IS BLINKING AND TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING HARD AND SOMETIMES NOT AT ALL. THE CAR HAS 90,000 MILES ON IT. NOTHING HAS EVER BEEN TOED. IT IS A DAILY COMMUTE CAR I HAVE OWNED SINCE BRAND NEW. THERE IS NO WAY I SHOULD ALREADY NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. ALSO THE WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE GONE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT OF MY CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO COUNTLESS OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS YEAR (2003) EXPLORER. I HAVE RESEARCHED BOTH AND THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS CAR. AND BOTH ARE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS FOR SAFETY REASONS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A HUGE DEFECT FROM FORD AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *TR

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH APPROX. 70,000 MILES ON IT. ON JULY 15, 2010, I NOTICED THAT THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON AND OFF AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED ON AND OFF FOR ABOUT A WEEK. ON JULY 26, 2010, I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND A NEW SOLENOID PACK. THE COST OF THESE ITEMS WAS $2,500! I PROCEEDED TO DO SOME INTERNET RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 AND 2003 FORD EXPLORERS. THE TRANSMISSIONS OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE MAJOR PROBLEMS AS NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION WITH ONLY 70,000 MILES ON IT. I FEEL FORD NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL OF THIS ITEM AS IT HAS CAUSED MANY PEOPLE A LOT OF MONEY TO REPAIR. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS THE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 92000.

2003 FORD EXPLORER EXT WITH LESS THAN 85,000 MILES. AFTER HAVING MY ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKES) LIGHTS COME ON SEVERAL TIMES, I HAD THE ABS MODULE COMPLETELY REPLACED. THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON AFTERWARDS, SO I HAD SEARS COMPLETE A FRONT END INSPECTION. FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDS BOTH FRONT END WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLIES REPLACED. THIS IS APPARENTLY AFFECTING THE TIRES AND THE BRAKES AS WELL. HAD I NOT FOUND OUT WHEN I DID, THE BEARING COULD HAVE WENT OUT COMPLETELY, AND CAUSED A CRASH AND POSSIBLE INJURIES AND DEATH. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ALOT OF MILAGE ON IT AND SHOULD NOT NEED BEARINGS THIS QUICKLY. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS COMPLAINT... AFTER ALOT OF RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND ALOT OF PPL WITH THIS PROBLEM. VIEW THIS WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO.. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2003/WHEELS_HUBS/FRONT_WHEEL_BEARING_FAILURE.SHTML. *TR

WHILE I AM DRIVING THE TRUCK SLOWS DOWN THEN SPEEDS BACK UP. VEHICLE IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD AND HAS 71,000 MILES, A FEW DAYS AGO THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THEN A DAY LATER THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP THEY HOOKED THE TRUCK UP TO THE MACHINE AND 5 MALFUNCTIONS CAME UP IN THE TRANSMISSION HE SAID THAT THE 1ST AND 5TH GEAR IS SLIPPING. HE WOULD HAVE TO REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH WOULD COST AT LEAST $2000. HE ALSO STATED THAT MY TRUCK WAS TOO YOUNG AND DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MILES IN IT TO ALREADY HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I SEE BY THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON CARCOMPLAINT.COM THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. WHO DO WE HAVE TO CONTACT IN ORDER TO HAVE FORD NOTICE THAT THEY TRUCK SHOULD GET RECALLED B/C OF THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS? *TR

ONE OF THE TWO HINGES THAT SECURE THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS TO THE VEHICLE RECENTLY BROKE. UNDER THE NHTSA'S GUIDANCE, FORD PREVIOUSLY ISSUED A RECALL DESCRIBING AND ADDRESSING THIS EXACT PROBLEM. HOWEVER, FORD CLAIMS THAT MY TRUCK FALLS OUTSIDE THE BUILD DATES FOR THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE, SO IT APPEARS THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO THE LATER BUILD DATES. *TR

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF IT NOT EASILY CHANGING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, AND REVERSE TO PARK. LAST NIGHT, I WAS UNLOADING SOME ITEMS FROM THE EXPLORER. THE CAR WAS IN PARK, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. I WAS STANDING IN THE RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER DOORWAY. I REACHED OVER TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. UPON TURNING IT OFF, THE EXPLORER IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO ROLL INTO REVERSE. MY MOTHER WAS SITTING IN THE BACKSEAT AT THIS TIME AS WELL AS MY TWO BABIES, WHO WERE STRAPPED IN THEIR CAR SEATS. MY DRIVEWAY IS AN INCLINE, SO THE EXPLORER ROLLED BACKWARDS. I TRIED TO RUN WITH IT AS I WAS TRAPPED IN THE DOORWAY. THE EXPLORER GAINED SPEED GOING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, CAUSING ME TO BE KNOCKED DOWN, UNSURE OF WHETHER OR NOT I WAS ABOUT TO BE RUN OVER, OR WHETHER MY MOM AND CHILDREN WERE GOING TO BE INJURED. I WAS THROWN DOWN, LANDED ON MY BUTTOCKS WHICH HAS CAUSED SEVERE BRUISING, HIT MY HEAD ON THE CONCRETE, AND WAS LEFT WITH PAINFUL, OPEN CUTS ON MY LEFT ARM. MY MOTHER WAS TOSSED ABOUT CAUSING PAIN TO HER BACK. MY KIDS WERE THANKFULLY RESTRAINED IN THEIR CAR SEATS. THEY ROLLED BACKWARD INTO A NEIGHBOR'S YARD, THEN PROCEEDED TO ROLL FORWARD BACK ACROSS THE STREET INTO MY YARD. WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS STILL ENGAGED, AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS STUCK BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. IT WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THIS POSITION. IT TOOK QUITE A LOT OF WORK TO GET THE CAR TO GO INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE SO THAT THE EXPLORER COULD BE PROPERLY MOVED. I AM VERY UPSET AT THE INCIDENT WHICH COULD HAVE LEFT MYSELF, MY KIDS, OR MY MOM CRITICALLY OR FATALLY INJURED. I AM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE NOW, AND I AM VERY AFRAID TO PARK IT. IF I HAD ANOTHER VEHICLE TO DRIVE RIGHT NOW, I CERTAINLY WOULD BE DRIVING IT INSTEAD OF THE FORD EXPLORER. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW, THE HINGE FOR THE WINDOW BROKE AND THE GLASS BECAME DISENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

MY CAR MOVE BACKWARDS WITH PARKING SHIFT,EMERGENCY AND ENGINE STOPS IN A RAMP DRIVING INTO MY GARAGE. *TR

I WAS APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED . I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND WAS PREPARING TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SPED UP. I INCREASED THE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. I WAS AFRAID THAT I WOULD HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAITING AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. I THEN SHIFTED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. MY TACHOMETER WAS READING ABOVE 5000 RPM. I TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE RPM RETURNED TO NORMAL. THIS ALL HAPPENED WITHIN A FEW SECONDS. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME WITHOUT FURTHER PROBLEMS. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED BY A FORD DEALER TOMORROW. *TR

MY 2003 EXPLORER CRACKED FROM THE BACK WINDOW TO THE FORD EMBLEM. FORD TOLD ME ITS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO RECALL INITIATED. I HAVE 3 OTHER FRIENDS WHO ALSO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AS IT IS BY NO FAULT OF THE OWNER AND APPARENTLY IS A FACTORY DEFECT. *TR

MY CAR IS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS. OVERALL THE CAR IS IN GREAT CONDITION. WHEN WASHING THE CAR THERE IS SOME CHROME PEELING FROM THE WHEEL AT THE HUB EXTENDING OUT TO THE LUG NUTS. I REMOVED THE WHEEL AFTER SOME EFFORT DUE TO THE CORROSION OF THE ALUMINUM. I CLEANED HE CORROSION FROM THE ALUMINUM AT THE HUB AND FOUND INTERNAL PITTING BETWEEN 1/8" AND 1/4" DEEP WHEN PROBING. I AM A ARCHITECT WITH A ENGINEERING BACKGROUND AND IN MY OPINION THE LOSS OF ALUMINUM STRUCTURE IS SIGNIFICANT AND THE WHEEL NO LONGER SAFE. THE OTHER WHEELS HAVE SOME CHROME PEELING AS WELL AND WILL ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT LOOKED AT THE DEPTH OF THE PITTING OR REMOVED THE WHEELS. AS FORD HAS THE EXPLORER HAS HAD ISSUES WITH WHEEL FAILURE IN THE PAST AND THIS IS A ISSUE THAT WAS NOT OBSERVABLE WHEN I CHANGED THE BRAKES ABOUT A YEAR AGO TO VERY SIGNIFICANT NOW IT MAY BE WORTH LOOKING INTO. I HAVE A PHOTO OF THE ALUMINUM IF YOU LIKE AND WILL RETAIN THE RIM WHEN I GET A NEW ONE. THE OTHER THREE WHEELS HAVE NOT BEEN REMOVED IF YOU WISH TO SEE THESE IN THE NEAR FUTURE UNDISTURBED PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT. THE THREADED PORTION OF THE AXLE IS CORRODED WITH NO THREADS VISIBLE AND 10% OF THE DIAMETER LOST. THE CENTER OF THE WHEEL BEHIND THE PLASTIC CAP WAS 20% FILLED WITH CORROSION RESIDUE WHEN I REMOVED IT. THE OTHER SIDE HAS NOT BEEN OPENED UP YET. I HAVE HAD OTHER CARS OVER THE YEARS INCLUDING FORDS AND NEVER HAVE SEEN AN ISSUE LIKE THIS. *TR

REPAIR SHOP "PERRIER AUTO CENTER" CHANGE OIL FOR ME BY OVERLOAD ENGINE WITH 10 QUARTERS OF OIL AND ALSO OVERLOAD POWER STEERING FLUID THAT COST FAILED POWER STEERING. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO PICK UP SPEED. ALL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER YET THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES IN THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 40,900.

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND NOW 1 OR BOTH OF THE REAR ONES ARE BAD. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE REAR WINDSHIELD GLASS TO FALL AND SHATTER FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OWNER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDINGLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,950 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF OR WOULD SPORADICALLY FLICKER ON AND OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE FAILURE AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS OR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 161,000.

OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED EDITION CRACK IN LIFTGATE BELOW THE GLASS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY TOLD ME THERE IS NO RECALL ON IT AND TO REPAIR IT MYSELF. *TR

OPENED THE REAR WINDOW (HATCH) AND THE RIGHT SIDE FLEW UP - THE HINGE HAD DISENGAGED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. LOCATED ON NHTSA.GOV #04V442000 WHICH COVERS THE SAME PROBLEM - WAS TOLD BY DEALER MY VEHICLE DID NOT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL (04S20) AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *TR

THE FRONT BEARINGS ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAVE GONE OUT IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE HAS 75,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR STOPPED STEERING AND I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME DRIVING IT TO THE NEAREST REPAIR STATION. HAD I BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. THE RIGHT FRONT BEARING WENT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH AND THE LEFT AT THE END OF THE MONTH. THE MECHANICS THAT WORKED ON THE VEHICLE STATED THAT THEY SEE MANY OF THESE. ADDITIONALLY WE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR STRUT ASSEMBLY SINCE THE SPRING ACTUALLY SNAPPED. THIS TOO WAS FAMILIAR TO THE MECHANIC. WHEN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE MECHANICS I HAVE SPOKEN TO STATED THAT WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD NOT GO THAT SOON AND THAT THIS IS A HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE FIXED. *TR

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THAT I BOUGHT BRAND NEW, IT NOW HAS 135,553 MILES ON IT. HAVE NEVER HAD PROBLEMS AND IT ACTUALLY DRIVES VERY WELL, BUT THE O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER 3 DAYS LATER, WAS TOLD THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,225.00. THE DEALER HAS TOLD ME THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, THE O/D OFF LIGHT STILL FLASHING AND AFTER FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS THEY HAVE NOW DETERMINED THE COMPUTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF AN ADDITIONAL $1,325.00. ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET THIS IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM THAT FORD HAS YET TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. *TR

A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO I AND A FRIEND CAME OUT OF A GROCERY STORE TO DISCOVER THERE WAS A HAIRLINE CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I DROVE RIGHT OVER TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO REPORT THE INCIDENT. I DO HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 100,000 MILES. IT WAS REPORTED TO THE WARRANTY COMPANY AND I WAS DENIED REPAIR. I WAS TOLD I COULD PAY $1,000.00 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED OR PUT CAULKING ON IT TO HELP TO SEAL THE CRACK. I PUT THE CAULKING ON IT AS I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. I AM RETIRED AND ON A FIXED INCOME. OVER THE COURSE OF TIME THE CRACK WIDENED CAUSING THE PANEL AND WINDOW TO SHIFT TO THE LEFT. ON MONDAY 4/12/10 I OPENED THE HATCHBACK WINDOW TO PLACE A FEW ITEMS INSIDE AND THE WINDOW CAME CRASHING DOWN ON MY HEAD ALMOST DRIVING ME INTO THE GROUND. THE HINGES BROKE AND HAD A FRIEND NOT BEEN THERE WITH ME I COULD NOT HAVE LIFTED THAT WINDOW. HE AND I WORKED FOR 45 MINUTES TO GET IT PLACED BACK TO WHERE IT WAS NOT HANGING AND HAD TO PUT BUNGY CORDS ON TO HOLD IT IN PLACE. I HAVE HAD A HEADACHE FOR 3 DAYS NOW. I DROVE RIGHT OVER TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO REPORT THE INCIDENT. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOOK MY INFORMATION AND CONTACTED THE WARRANTY COMPANY WHO GOT BACK TO HIM AND STATED THEY WOULD REPLACE THE HINGES. I TOLD HIM THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!! THIS CRACK HAS WIDENED OVER THE LAST YEAR AND THE HATCHBACK HAS SHIFTED TO THE LEFT. REPLACING THE HINGES IS A TEMPORARY FIX. LIKE PUTTING A BANDAID ON A COMPOUND FRACTURE! I THINK THE ENTIRE HATCHBACK HAS WEAKENED AND IF THE BIG DOOR FALLS ON ME I COULD BE KILLED. AT THIS POINT I AM UNABLE TO UTILIZE THE HATCHBACK AT ALL AND MUST CLIMB OVER THE BACK SEAT TO RETRIEVE ANYTHING BEHIND IT. *TR

STEERING COLUMN.. HARD TO SHIFT INTO PARK. *TR

WHEEL BEARING/HUB FAILURE. *TR

THE UPPER PANEL ON THE BACK LIFT GATE, CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT HAS 2 CRACKS STARTING FROM ONE SINGLE ONE. IT HAPPENED DURING THE WINTER, SO WATER MUST BE ABLE TO GET IN UNDER THE SEAL AND FREEZE AND CRACK THE PANEL. I HAVE SEEN OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THIS SAME CONDITION. THERE HAS TO BE SOME KIND OF DEFECT IN THE PANEL ITSELF TO ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. *TR

REAR APPLIQUE "REAR LIFTGATE PANEL" BELOW THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED IN HALF. NO IMPACT INVOLVED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HINGE ON THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS DETACHED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED HER THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

WATER RUNS DOWN FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT APPERATUS, INSIDE THE CAR. WATER DAMAGE SEEN ON INTERIOR ROOF FROM WATER LEAKING INSIDE THE ROOF OF THE TRUCK.

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.

WHILE DRIVING AT 20-30 MPH WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND AFTER HEARING A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE A BLOW-OUT, THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE, AFTER REVIEW OF THE VEHICLE, THE LUG BOLTS WERE ALL SEVERED FROM THE VEHICLE. NO DAMAGE TO THE RIM OR THE TIRE EXISTED

THE TRUNK, ON THE HALF PART KEEP ON CREAKING I REPLACE IT ONCE OUT OF PACKET COST BECAUSE FOR D DOESN'T WANT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *TR

TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND TAKING A LONG TIME GOING INTO GEAR AND JERKING INTO GEAR SINCE AROUND 67000 MILES. IT NOW HAS OVER 91000 MILES AND KEEPS GETTING WORSE. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP TOLD ME THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH THIS MODEL EXPLORER. *TR

FORD 2003 EXPLORER OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON. BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE TO BE TOLD FORD HAS THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY'VE DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT. COULD BREAK DOWN ON STREET AND STRAND MOTORIST. NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. I FEEL MY FAMILIES SAFETY WAS JEOPARDIZED BY FORDS NEGLECT. *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND WAS CLOSING THE WINDOW OF THE BACK HATCH WHEN THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGE FAILED AND BROKE AND THE WINDOW BECAME DISLODGED AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD. MY SON WAS STANDING NEXT TO ME AND THANKFULLY THE WINDOW DIDN'T FALL OUT COMPLETELY AND LAND ON HIM! I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM, YOUR AGENCY DID NOT IDENTIFY MY VEHICLE AS BEING AFFECTED AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT AT THEIR COST. AGAIN, THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE YOUR AGENCY DID NOT IDENTIFY MY VEHICLE AS BEING AFFECTED BY THIS DEFECT. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE WINDOW IS HANGING BY THE STRUTS AND THE LEFT HINGE. FURTHER, I HAVE GONE ONLINE AND SEEN THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM AND IT WAS NOT COVERED BY FORD'S RECALL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS THAT WINDOW COULD HAVE FALLEN OUT AND LANDED ON MY SON! THANKFULLY, I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED MORE EXTENSIVELY. I THINK IT IS REASONABLE TO EXPECT THAT A WINDOW OR A DOOR IS NOT GOING TO FALL OFF A HINGE AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A SERIOUS INJURY. SAFETY IS A REASONABLE EXPECTATION! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS CLOSING THE REAR LIFT GATE THE HINGE BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. PRIOR TO THE RECENT FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #04V442000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFT GATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE REPAIR WAS INSUFFICIENT AND FAILED TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,000.

THE O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD,SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND WHEN I ACCELERATE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ROUGH,FORD SAYS IT IS NOT A COMMON PROBLEM,BUT I HAVE VISITED SEVERAL SITES TODAY WITH COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER CONSUMERS,ALL MAKES,ALL MODELS OF FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. I HAVE 2003 FORD EXPLORER .THE VEHICLE JUST WENT OVER 80,000 MILE. *TR

THE VEHICLE IS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. HAS 142,000 MILES. HAD TIRE ROTATION AT 137,000 MILES IN JAN 2010. ON 3/6, WE DROVE 120 MI FROM HOME TO BALTIMORE, PARKED IN PARKING LOT FOR 6 HOURS. DROVE 50 MI TO TYSON'S CORNER VA, PARKED IN HOTEL PARKING LOT. ON 3/7, WE DROVE 15MI TO DAUGHTER'S HOME IN ARLINGTON. LEFT CAR THERE FOR 7 HOURS. DROVE BACK HOME ALONG ROUTES 66, 495 AND THEN 95. WENT ABOUT 60 MI WHEN I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING A BIT. KEPT DRIVING FOR MAYBE 5 MI BEFORE I HEARD A NOISE FROM THE FRONT END NEAR THE WHEELS. DECIDED TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY AND GET TO A SERVICE STATION TO CHECK TIRE PRESSURE. CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE AND BEGAN TO BACK OUT WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF. THERE WAS ONLY 1 LUG STUD REMAINING THAT WAS BROKEN OFF ABOUT 1/2 " ABOVE THE BRAKE DRUM. THE OTHER 4 LUG STUDS WERE MISSING, AND SEEMED TO BE SHEERED OFF ABOUT 1/2" BELOW THE DRUM. THANKFULLY, THE WHEEL DID NOT FALL OFF ON ROUTE 95, ELSE WE AND, MOST LIKELY OTHERS, WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY BODY SHOP, ALSO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AND HAD THE TIRE ROTATION DONE. LOOKING AT SOME FORUMS, IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS NOT THE FIRST/ONLY TIME THAT A FORD EXPLORER HAS LOST A TIRE BY BROKEN LUG STUDS DISAPPEARING. I WILL GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND THEN WILL SELL THE VEHICLE. I WILL ALSO HAVE THE OTHER LUG POSTS INSPECTED, BUT WHO KNOWS IF ANYONE WILL SEE ANYTHING. I BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IF NONE HAVE ALREADY BEEN DONE. THANK YOU. *TR

THE REAR LIFT GATE CRACKED DOWN THE CENTER. EVERY FORD EXPLORER LIFT GATE I SEE HAS A CRACK DOWN THE CENTER. THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE GATE. THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR

1. FUEL GAUGE JUST STOP WORKING AFTER REFILLING THE VEHICLE. 2. THE FAILURE JUST HAPPENED AND NOW IT DOES NOT DETECT GAS IN THE ENGINE. 3. THE FAILURE HAPPENED SHORTLY AFTER GETTING A NON-RELATED ITEM FIXED ON FEBRUARY 27, 2010. *TR

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE CRACK IN THE BACK PANEL NEXT TO THE EMBLEM. I CAME OUT TO MY CAR AND IT WAS CRACKED ALL THE WAY FROM THE WINDOW SEAL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH. I CALLED THE 800 NUMBER THAT FORD GAVE ME TO CALL AND THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO RECALL AND THE PART. THERE ARE SEVERAL THOUSAND PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT. THE LOCAL BODY SHOP TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS IN FORDS DESIGN OF THE PANEL. THEY HAVE ZERO REINFORCEMENT NEXT TO THE EMBLEM TO CLOSE THE DOOR WHICH IS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DOOR, WHERE NORMAL PEOPLE PUSH TO CLOSE IT. THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE EXPLORERS FROM 02-03 IS VERY WELL KNOWN AND QUITE POSSIBLE OVER TIME COULD CAUSE A WEAKENING IN THE REAR WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE AND EVENTUALLY LOSE IT'S SUPPORT AND FALL. *TR

TL-*THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT PORTION ON THE LIFTGATE HAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES JUST UNDER THE GLASS. THE CONTACT FEELS THIS CAN BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER VEHICLES WHOSE REAR GLASS HAS BROKEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80000.

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE BACK HATCH BELOW THE WINDOW IS CRACKED. I'VE SEEN MANY WITH THE SAME DEFECT IN PARKING LOTS. ONE WOMAN I SPOKE WITH SAID HERS FLEW OFF INTO THE WINDSHIELD OF A MINIVAN & CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I E-MAILED FORD MOTOR CO. THEY WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND WITH SO MANY VEHICLES SO EASILY FOUND IN PARKING LOTS WITH THE SAME DEFECT IS CONCERNING ME. I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE THIS FIXED RIGHT NOW WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST? *TR

I BOUGHT MY 2003 EXPLORER NEW. APPX. 2-3 YEARS AGO (DON'T HAVE EXACT DATE YET, STILL SEARCHING FOR INFO) IT WOULD SUDDENLY STALL AND SHUT OFF. THE RPM INDICATOR WOULD ALSO JUMP REALLY FAST. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS AN IDLE ISSUE AND "FIXED" IT. A FEW DAYS AGO, I NOTICED A SIMILAR ISSUE AND NEARLY CRASHED. AS I WAS ROUNDING A CORNER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED, THEREBY CAUSING MY POWER STEERING TO FAIL. I QUICKLY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, RESTARTED IT AND REGAINED STEERING, VERY NEARLY COLLIDING WITH A VEHICLE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE CAR SEEMED OKAY FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT THEN DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. TWO NEAR HEAD-ON COLLISIONS ARE TWO TOO MANY. I STOPPED USING THE VEHICLE AND HAD MY DEALER LOOK AT IT. THEY CALLED ME YESTERDAY AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE, WHICH WILL COST $332 TO REPLACE. I CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE (TSB 0335, FEB. OF 2003). I NEED THIS VEHICLE SO I WILL HAVE TO GET IT REPAIRED, BUT THINK FORD SHOULD TAKE SOME KIND OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT. I HOPE IT DOESN'T TAKE SOMEONE HAVING A SERIOUS COLLISION DUE TO THE DEFECT FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE. THANK YOU FOR ANYTHING YOU CAN DO. *TR

OVER DRIVE LIGHT IS BLINKING; TRANSMISSION IS REVVING HIGH.. ONLY HAS 79,000 ON IT! *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS WITH ONLY 74500 MILES ON IT AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY HAVE GONE BAD. I KNOW THAT THESE WILL FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES. *TR

WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER - 4WD AT TIMES THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL EITHER WORK, NOT WORK AT ALL, WORK AFTER BEING WARMED UP, WORK AFTER SHUTTING THE MOTOR OFF AND RESTARTING, WORK WITH THE SPEED ACCELERATING CONTINUOUSLY AT DANGEROUS LEVELS, OR INDICATE IT IS WORKING BUT IS NOT. AFTER VIEWING SEVERAL SITES WHERE MANY OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, WE WENT TO OUR DEALER. OUR DEALER REPLACED A DEFECTIVE DEACTIVATION PRESSURE SWITCH THAT CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO REACT ERRATICALLY. THEY USED IDS HOOK UP TO LOCATE PROBLEM AT A COST TO US OF $325.89. AFTER TALKING TO SOMEONE AT THE DEALERSHIP, IT BECAME APPARENT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM, AND IT IS A DEFECTIVE PART THAT IS CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO OCCUR. THE DRIVER THAT DOES NOT DETECT THE INCREASING SPEED OR PANICS WHEN IT OCCURS COULD HAVE A SERIOUS OR DEADLY ACCIDENT. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPLACE THESE PARTS AT NO COST TO THE OWNERS AT NO COST, ESPECIALLY SINCE OUR VEHICLE HAS JUST 39,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

2003 O/D LIGHT BLINKING, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON LIGHT TURNED ON. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS DETECTED. LOTS OF FORDS TRANSMISSIONS SEEM TO HAVE FLAWS NEED TO FORCE A RECALL.*CW

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED THE REAR WINDOW WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT DOES NOT SHATTER ON ITS OWN. THE MANUFACTURE ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.

2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT - OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTING FLASHING AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO SECOND GEAR. ENGINE REVS TO 3200 RPMS AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE BEFORE FEATHERING THE GAS TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR. VERTICAL CRACK IN FIBERGLASS TAILGATE PANEL JUST BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS. NO IMPACT TO TAILGATE OCCURRED-CRACK JUST APPEARED. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER , 70,000 MILES REAR LIFT GATE CRACKED IN MIDDLE SPLITTING OFF IN "Y" SHAPE THERE WAS NO IMPACT DONE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. HEARD LOUD POP TOLD THAT FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING & I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET.*TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXAMINING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE CRACK ON THE PANEL UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115,000.

TEMPERATURE BLEND DOOR STARTS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE AND THEN THE HEATER STARTS PUTTING OUT COLD AIR. THE FRONT WINDOW DOESN'T DEFROST. NO HEAT IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TEMPERATURES OUTSIDE CAN REACH 0 DEGREES. THE AVERAGE COST TO REPAIR THE PART IS $734. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER "O/D OFF" LIGHT BLINKING. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. SHE STATED WHILE UTILIZING THE REAR LIFTGATE TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT, THE REAR LIFTGATE FELL CAUSING THE GLASS TO SHATTER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ALTHOUGH THE EXACT SAME FAILURE OF HER VEHICLE IS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000- STRUCTURE, STRUCTURE BODY, HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE, HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS AS A RESULT OF NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE04045, HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO DATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

I SUGGEST YOU CHECK THE ONE URL SHOWN BELOW - THERE ARE OVER 400 EXAMPLES OF FORD SPRINGS FRACTURING BECAUSE OF A DEFECT IN THE SPRING MATERIAL. HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_SPRINGS.HTML I HAVE TWO BROKEN SPRINGS - I CALLED FORD TO ASK IF THEY WOULD FIX THE DEFECT OF COURSE THEY SAID NO WAY - NHTSA HAS NOT FORCED US TO DO A RECALL. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE WHICH INCLUDES A PLASTIC PART JUST BELOW THE WINDOW. THE FORD MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND HE SHOULD CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. UPDATED 2/26/10 *CN UPDATED 07/09/10.*JB

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT AND THE O/D LIGHT CONSTANTLY BLINKS. THE TRANSMISSION IS SLUGGISH SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND MY CAR FAILED AN EMISSIONS INSPECTION DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE READ HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM EVEN AFTER A TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPAIRED OR REPLACED. HOPING THIS PROBLEM COULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE THIS IS TOO WIDE SPREAD FOR IT TO BE A CONSUMER ISSUE. *TR

THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION. IT CRACKED WHEN THE REAR DEFROSTER CIRCUIT WAS ACTIVATED. INTERNET RESEARCH INDICATES THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, POSSIBLY AFFECTING 10-20% OF VEHICLES MANUFACTURED. IT IS CLEARLY A DESIGN PROBLEM. FORD, IN IT'S INFINITE WISDOM, GLUED THE LARGISH PLASTIC TRIM PIECE DIRECTLY TO THE REAR GLASS. IN COLD WEATHER, WHEN THE DRIVER ACTIVATES THE REAR DEFROSTER, THE GLASS EXPANDS AND THE PLASTIC TRIM PIECE, STILL EXPOSED TO THE COLD DOES NOT. THIS UNEQUAL THERMAL EXPANSION RESULTS IN THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE PIECE CRACKING. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN EASILY FORESEEN BY DESIGN ENGINEERS. IN TALKING WITH LOCAL FORD BODY REPAIR SHOPS, THE STAFF ADMITTED THAT THE ISSUE IS WIDESPREAD. THE REPAIR COSTS ABOUT $500. *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE REAR APPLIQUE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE GLASS TO THE LIFTGATE. AFTER CONTACTING MY DEALER, I WAS TOLD TO EMAIL FORD, AS THIS WAS A COMMON COMPLAINT. AFTER DOING SO, FORD TOLD ME THAT ALTHOUGH THAT ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE, THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. MOST OF THE PEOPLE HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIRS. THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR ME. I AM NOT IN A POSITION TO DO SO. IF THE CRACK GETS WORSE, I WILL HAVE TO PUT IN A CLAIM TO OUR INSURANCE COMPANY. UPON GOING ONLINE AND GOOGLING FORD DEFECTS, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE FORD VEHICLES. PLEASE LET ME KNOW, HOW TO GET A RECALL ON THIS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE/APPLIQUE SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE WHICH CAUSED WATER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, ALSO KNOWN AS A CRACKING FRACTURE OF THE PANEL. RECALL NUMBER 04V442000, STRUCTURE, BODY, HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT EXPECTS THE MANUFACTURER TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS SINCE THERE IS AN EXISTING RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000. UPDATED 01/12/10 *BF UPDATED 01/15/10.*JB

LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE DAMAGED/CRACKED - SERVICE PROCEDURE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR WINDOW PANEL HAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FORD MANUFACTURER DID NOT RECOGNIZE THIS FAILURE AS A DEFECT. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,700.

DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER ON HIGHWAY WHEN GEAR SLIPPED..O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING! IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION THEY SAY BUT I HAVEN'T DONE THE REPAIR YET. *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I JUST NOTICED A CRACK IN THE PANEL UNDERNEATH THE REAR WINDOW OF MY EXPLORER. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED IT. I NOTICED OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS. DIDN'T THEY GET BAIL OUT MONEY FROM UNCLE SAM?!

I STARTED NOTICING THAT MY EXPLORER WAS NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS STAYING ON, ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I HAD THE COMPUTER TESTED AND IT RESULTED IN CODE P0775. I CALLED FORD (IN BETHLEHEM PA) AND THEY COULD NOT GET ME IN UNTIL THE W/O 7/20. SINCE I WAS LEAVING FOR VACATION AND NEEDED IT, I TOOK IT TO BETHLEHEM TRANSMISSIONS. AFTER THEY FIXED IT REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION AND $3309.70 LATER, THE OWNER STATED TO ME THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2003 EXPLORERS. SO I CALLED FORD, WHO TOLD ME TO TAKE MY RECEIPT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, THAT WAS A WASTE OF MY TIME B/C THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS RUDE, AND DIDN'T CARE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. MY TRUCK ONLY HAD 82,000 MILES ON. I UPGRADED TO THIS VEHICLE TO NOT HAVE PROBLEMS. WELL, I RECEIVED NO SATISFACTION WITH FORD, SO I AM NOW COMING TO YOU. THERE ARE NO RECALLS, BUT THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF, I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO SPEND THAT AMOUNT OF MONEY TO FIX A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. THE TSI FOR THIS ISSUE IS 5R55W. CAN SOMEONE HELP ME? THIS IS ALOT OF MONEY AND I THINK FORD SHOULD BE STANDING BY THEIR PRODUCT AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE THE COMPLETE RECEIPT FOR THE REPAIR, BUT I DO NOT HAVE THE OLD TRANSMISSION. *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER EXHIBITS MOST OF THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED IN CONSUMER ADVISORY DATED 13 OCTOBER 2009. IT HAS AN INTERMITTENTLY FUNCTIONING CRUISE CONTROL, A PERMANENTLY ON ABS INDICATOR LIGHT, AND IT OCCASIONALLY GETS STUCK IN PARK. I WAS WONDERING WHY 2003 WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL. *TR

I HAVE NOTICED OVER THE PAST 2 WEEKS THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER GETTING HARDER TO MOVE FROM PARK TO REVERSE AND VISE-VERSA. NOW, THE STEERING COLUMN MOUNTED GEAR SELECTOR (PRND321) AT TIMES WON'T COME OUT OF PARK. I HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE GEAR SELECT LEVER/BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO GET THE INTERFACE TO RELEASE. I HAVEN'T AS YET TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. *TR

RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING. THERE IS ONLY 68,000 MILES ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND THE WHEEL BEARING HAS TO BE REPLACED. AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL THOUSAND COMPLAINTS ABOUT BAD WHEEL BEARINGS FOR THE EXPLORER. SHOULDN'T THIS BE A RECALLED SINCE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD???? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS, THE COLUMN SHIFT LEVER HAD FRACTURED. HE HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD-WAY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW STEERING COLUMN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SERVICE STATION AND REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE RE-OCCURRED, THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

OUR FORD EXPLORER SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING IN AN INTERSECTION. PEOPLE BEGAN PUSHING MY WIFE, BABY SON, AND TWO OTHER SONS OUT OF THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRUCK BEGAN SMOKING AND THEN THE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES. WE LOST THE TRUCK (WHICH ONLY HAS TWO PAYMENTS LEFT AND WHICH WAS IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER), OUR CAR SEATS, AND A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO SMOKE, FIRE, AND WATER DAMAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO BE SUMMONED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. *TR

OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS WHAT APPEARS TO BE A STRESS CRACK ON THE PLATE BELOW THE REAR HATCH WINDOW, NEXT TO THE FORD EMBLEM. I'VE SEEN DOZENS OF EXPLORERS SINCE THIS HAPPENED WITH THE SAME ISSUE, AND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THIS DEFECT, YET I AM TOLD THAT FORD WILL NOT PAY TO REPAIR THEIR DEFECTIVE PART, AS THERE IS NO RECALL ON IT. *TR

THE REAR END ON THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER STARTS TO WHINE, THEN GROWL' THEN LEAK THEN GO BAD. THE REAREND ON THE FORD EXPLORERS EVIDENTLY GO BAD OFTEN. THE OWNERS WOULD BE PUT IN DANGER WHEN THE BREAKDOWN OCCURS ON THE ROAD. THE EXPLORER IS A FAMILY VEHICLE SO THE REAREND GOING OUT ON A TRIP AWAY COULD BE DISASTER. I GOOGLED 2003 FORD EXPLORER REAREND PROBLEMS AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS AWD - DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, VEHICLE BEGINS VIBRATING EXCESSIVELY. O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHES, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON. TRANSMISSION BAD. $3000 TO REPLACE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR WINDSHIELD HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS, WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO FAIL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT THEY DID NOT PERFORM AN INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, AND IF HER MODEL TYPE WAS RECALLED, SHE COULD INQUIRE ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64,000.

I OWNED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I WAS GETTING READY TO GO ON A TRIP WHEN I NOTICED THAT A VERTICAL CRACK HAD FORMED IN THE MIDDLE UPPER LIFTGATE PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSE. HOWEVER, IT APPEARS TO THE SAME DEFECT THAT OTHERS ARE DESCRIBING IN THIS SAME MODEL. AT THE TIME IT WAS ABOUT 90,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. FORD NEEDS TO MAKE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *TR

I JUST NOTICED A CRACK IN THE PANEL UNDERNEATH THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I SEARCHED ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL & THERE IS NOT. I CAME UPON A WEBSITE, WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM & NOTICED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS AS MINE IN THE SAME MAKE & MODEL & AROUND SAME MILEAGE. I CONTACTED FORD TO LET THEM KNOW MY PROBLEM, REFERENCED THE SITE I FOUND & HOW TO INITIATE A RECALL OR FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM THE MAIN DRIVER & I CAN BARELY CLOSE THE HEAVY TRUNK SO I AM SURE I DID NOT DO CAUSE THE CRACK & IT IS A DEFECT. I HAVE TRIED TO USE THE TRUNK AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE SO I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WOULD BE CONCERNED A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE NOT DONE ANY REPAIRS SINCE I WANTED TO SEE IF FORD WOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. OUR CAR WARRANTY WILL ONLY COVER THE REPAIR IF IT IS A DEFECT SINCE THE CRACK WAS NOT CAUSED DURING AN ACCIDENT OR EXCESSIVE USE. I THOUGHT I WOULD TRY YOUR SITE TO FILE THE COMPLAINT TO SEE IF I CAN GET A RESOLUTION. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. SUDDENLY, THE DRIVER LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BRIDGE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH THE MASSIVE IMPACT. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES TO THE BACK NECK AND CHEST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO COLLISION CENTER. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 165,000. UPDATED 11/23/09. *LJ UPDATED 11/24

OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THE AIR BAG LIGHT BLINKS THEN STAYS ON CONSTANTLY WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY WHETHER MY AIR BAG IS ACTUALLY WORKING OR NOT. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET APPARENTLY SEVERAL OTHER FORD OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO I HAVE A CRACKED PANEL ON THE BACK HATCH , I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME CRACK AND AT THE SAME LOCATION , TOOK THE FORD DEALER IN CLARKSVILLE INDIANA WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO WEATHER , WAS TOLD SEVERAL FORD EXPLORER OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM BUT UNFORTUNATELY FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT NOT DOING A RECALL. WAS TOLD WOULD COST AROUND $300 TO REPLACE THE PANEL THE FORD DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTED ME TO FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THEY HAVE SEEN TOO MANY THEMSELVES. *TR

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER MANUFACTURED IN 01/03. IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT 'VOLUNTARY' RECALL OF FORD VEHICLES DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS THE SYMPTOMS OF THE VEHICLES WITH A DEFECTIVE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH (SEE FAQ BELOW FROM FORD.COM): Q. ARE THERE ANY EARLY WARNING SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS I WOULD NOTICE THAT WOULD INDICATE A PROBLEM? A. IF THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, A CUSTOMER MAY NOTICE VEHICLE SYMPTOMS SUCH AS; THE SPEED CONTROL MAY BECOME INOPERABLE, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK, THE REAR BRAKE LAMPS MAY NOT WORK, BRAKE FLUID MAY LEAK AT THE SWITCH, THE BATTERY MAY DRAIN OR GO DEAD, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT MAY FLASH OR A FUSE IN THE SYSTEM MAY OPEN. MY VEHICLE HAS AN INOPERABLE SPEED CONTROL. IT STARTED AS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, BUT IS NOW INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE FREQUENTLY DOES NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK, AND THE ABS LAMP FREQUENTLY ILLUMINATES. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD, AND THE DEALER TO REQUEST THE VEHICLE BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AT NO COST. BOTH HAVE REFUSED. *TR

I HAVE EXPERIENCED ALL OF THE WARNINGS THE NHTSA LISTED FOR FORD DRIVERS REGARDING POSSIBLE IMMINENT FIRES INCLUDING GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK MODE. MY PROBLEM IS THE RECALL ONLY INCLUDES 1995-2002 EXPLORERS AND I HAVE A 2003 EXPLORER. THE MANUFACTURE DATE IS 02/03. IS IT POSSIBLE THE PLANT STILL HAD THE TEXAS INSTRUMENT CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH IN STOCK FROM 2002 AND INSTALLED IT IN MY VEHICLE? APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE IS THE MOST RECENT DATE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GET OUT OF THE PARK MODE ON THAT PARTICULAR DATE (8/27/2009). THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WARNING HAS BEEN AN ON AND OFF PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST THE LAST 2 YEARS. BRAKE LIGHT WARNING ON DASHBOARD ONLY A COUPLE OF TIMES. THE MALFUNCTIONING CRUISE CONTROL LAST HAPPENED ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO AND MAY HAVE HAPPENED AGAIN BUT DON'T REMEMBER WHEN FOR SURE. THE ONLY ITEM I HAD CHECKED OUT WAS THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. NOVEMBER 21, 2008 THEY REPLACED THE DIFFERENTIAL SPEED SENSOR, I HAVE YET TO FIND OUT IF THAT IS RELATED TO THE RECALLED SWITCH. IT FIXED THE ANTILOCK BRAKE DASHBOARD LIGHT FROM COMING ON MOSTLY. IT HAS COME ON AFTER THAT, BUT ONLY A COUPLE OF TIMES AND ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEALS ON 3 AXLES WERE LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED; THEREFORE, THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE AND BOTH REAR AXLES WERE REPAIRED. THE AXLES WERE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND WERE REPAIRED AGAIN FOUR WEEKS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE REGARDING THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK SINCE THE AXLES COULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,828 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,294.

BOUGHT USED 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT XLT IN OCTOBER 2008. FIRST CAR I BOUGHT FROM DEALERSHIP. CAR STALLED PRIOR TO LEAVING LOT AND THE DEALERSHIP SERVICED IT CLAIMING IT NEEDED A CARBON CLEANUP. COME TO FIND THE FUEL RESET SWITCH'S CABLE CONNECTOR IS MELTED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND CAUSES CAR TO SHUT OFF EVEN WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. *TR

I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER AT 70 MPH IN THE FAST LANE OF THE FREEWAY AND DECIDED TO PULL THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR DOWN TO CUT DOWN ON THE SUN'S GLARE. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE PLASTIC MOUNT THAT HOLDS THE VISOR METAL STEM IN PLACE SHATTERED AND THE VISOR CAME LOOSE DANGLING IN FRONT OF MY FACE BY AN ELECTRICAL CABLE. THE VISOR WAS SEVERELY OBSTRUCTING MY VISION SO I HAD TO QUICKLY GRAB THE IT AND HOLD IT OUT OF THE WAY WITH MY LEFT HAND WHILE STEERING WITH MY RIGHT TO NEGOTIATE ACROSS 4 LANES OF FREEWAY TRAFFIC UNTIL I COULD STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY SHOULDER. THE ELECTRICAL CABLE DOES NOT HAVE A CONNECTOR SO IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DISCONNECT IT FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, I HAD TO DRIVE THE NEXT 20 MILES USING MY LEFT HAD TO HOLD THE VISOR UP WITH MY LEFT HAND WHILE DRIVING WITH MY RIGHT UNTIL I COULD REACH HOME. *TR

OVERDRIVE LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RUNNING FINE, THEN THE GEARS WOULD NOT SHIFT, WE WERE ON INTERSTATE 70 EASTBOUND BETWEEN WHEELING WV AND WASHINGTON PA TRAVELING AT 65 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW WITHOUT WARNING WE WERE NEARLY HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER THAT HAD BEEN FOLLOWING US! WE SEARCHED THE INTERNET TO SEE IF THIS HAD HAPPENED TO ANYONE ELSE AND LO AND BEHOLD HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS WERE LISTED ON NUMEROUS SITES, THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND BEFORE ITS ALL DONE IT WILL COST AT LEAST $2300 TO REPAIR AS THE TRANSMISSION WENT ALL AT ONCE WITH NO WARNING AT ALL! THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE DIY MECHANIC TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AS THE TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY SEALED (NO DIPSTICK) SO I GUESS I AM GRATEFUL THAT THE TRUCK DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SWERVE ENOUGH TO NOT HIT US OR FORD WOULD BE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR DEATHS! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. SHE STATED THAT WHEN SHE PURCHASED HER VEHICLE THE HINGE ON THE BACK OF THE WINDOW WAS BROKEN. THE DEALER TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND THAT IT COULD BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER LATER ADVISED HER THAT HER VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. LAST YEAR THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE BROKEN HINGE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129000.

THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES AS THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS COME ON. I HAD THIS OCCUR ONCE IN THE PAST AND THE DEALER REPLACED A SWITCH / RELAY BUT NOW IT IS OCCURRING AGAIN... MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY ... IN FACT, IT IS ILLUMINATED MORE THEN NOT NOW. *TR

TAILGATE IS SPLITTING. *TR

JUST HAPPEN DON'T NO WHY THE BOTTOM FRAME OF THE LIFT GATE HAS TWO CRACKS AND IM AFRAID THAT ONE OF THESE DAYS THE GLASS MAY FALL OFF THE FRAME AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, THANKS HOPE WE GET HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS PEELING PAINT ON ITS HOOD .THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD COMPLAINT. *TR

PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM CARMAX ON 9-19-07 IT HAS BEEN TOWED IN AT LEAST 5 TIMES AND HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE FOR THE SAME ISSUES OVER AND OVER AGAIN TRANSMISSION, RADIO/NAV SYSTEM ,SPARK PLUGS BREAKING OFF AND GOING INTO ENGINE , BACK FIRING WHEN STARTING VEHICLE ,STARTER / IGNITION SWITCH,FRONT NOISE AND LOSS OF POWER .ON 11/28/07 IT WAS TOWED IN 2 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED IT. THEY STATED ON THE INVOICE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKES SEVERELY RUSTED, CARMAX HAS SAID THEY PERFORMED TWO INSPECTION ON THIS VEHICLE 1 IN VA. AND 1 IN MD. HOW DID THEY MISS BRAKES ( ON MONDAY, MARCH10TH 2009 HEADING SOUTH BOUND I95. THE SUV ( 2003 FORD EXPLORER) STARTED TO SHAKING VIOLENTLY. AT THIS POINT, I HAD STARTED SLOWING DOWN FROM 65 MPH TO 55 MPH TO GET OFF OF 95. MOMENTS LATER THE TIRE FLEW OFF OF THE FORD EXPLORER, BEFORE I EVEN HAD A CHANCE TO GET OFF. FORTUNATELY, I KEPT CONTROL OF THE SUV AND WAS ABLE TO GET OVER COMING INCHS OF HITTING THE GUARD RAIL AND OTHER CARS AROUND ME. . THE TIRE WENT OF THE ROAD UP THE HILL AND BACK DOWN ONTO 95. THE TIRE WENT ABOUT 2/10 OF A MILE DOWN THE ROAD. FORTUNATELY, THE TIRE DID NOT HIT ANYONE ELSE AND NO ONE HIT THE TIRE. I CAME SLAMMING TO A SCREECHING HALT HARD ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR ,JAMMING MY LEFT ARM. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO CARMAX IN WHITE MARSH, MD. THEY HAVE STATED TO ME, VIA VOICE MAIL , THAT THIS IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN. THIS WAS DUE TO FAULTY WHEEL STUDS AND WE SHOULD FOLLOW UP WITH FORD . MY WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER ANY OF THE DAMAGE THAT HAS BEEN DONE TO SUV. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON FORD EXPLORES I HAVE FOUND THAT THEY HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH FAULTY WHEEL STUD SINCE 1998. YET, I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY RECALLS. WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE THAT MY FAMILY WAS NOT IN THE CAR . I FEEL THAT FORD EXPLORERS NEED TO BEEN INVESTIGATE AS WELL AS RECALLED. THEY ARE VERY UNSAFE AND IT LOOKS LIKE FORD IS COVERING THESE ISSUES UP. *TR

ADD TO THE PILE. WE HAVE A FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, 2003 BUILT 2004 MODEL. I HAVE HAD THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPAIRED AT MY COST BUT THE CAR STILL KICKS WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE. WE LIVE IN AUSTRALIA. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO HAVE TWO ADDITIVES PUT INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND REPLACE THE SOLENOID. THE ADDITIVES ARE NOT EVEN AVAILABLE FROM FORD IN AUSTRALIA. THEY SELL IT BUT NO PARTS. AMAZING. I EVEN HAD TO SOURCE THE PARTS FOR THE REAR DIFF MYSELF FROM THE U.S. FORD AUSTRALIA COULD NOT GIVE A PRICE, DATE ETC. THEY TOOK THE MONEY BUT DID NOT WARN ANYONE ABOUT THE FACT THAT YOU ARE DRIVING A TIME BOMB. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A FORD DEALER. I ONLY WISH THERE WAS A WAY TO PROVE THEY KNEW AND DID NOT DISCLOSE. IT WOULD BE AN INTERESTING CLASS ACTION AGAINST THE DEALERS IF FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I JUST WANT TO GET RID OF IT BUT CAN'T IN CLEAR CONSCIENCE DUMP IT ON SOME OTHER POOR BUGGER. THIS CAR HAS SUFFERED FROM EVERY PROBLEM FROM FLASHING ABS TO DIFF TO TRANSMISSION. THE LAST TIME THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED THE CAR ROLLED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF THE CAR CONSIDERING IT WAS PUT INTO REVERSE. *TR

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE THAT STARTLED ME. IT WAS DARK AND I DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE NOISE WAS. I EXAMINED THE CAR AND A VERTICAL CRACK HAD APPEARED IN THE BACK LIFT DOOR PANEL THAT IS JUST BELOW THE BACK LIFT WINDOW. SINCE THIS INCIDENT I HAVE NOTICED OTHER 2003 FORD EXPLORES IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT STATES WITH THE SAME FLAW. THE FLAW OCCURS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FORD EMBLEM OR RIGHT THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF IT. THE FLAW SEEMS TO OCCUR IN OTHER MERCURY MODELS AS WELL, WITH THE SAME ENGINEERING DESIGN. I BELIEVE THIS CRACK IS DUE TO STRESS AND AN ENGINEERING FLAW. I REPORTED IT TO FORD SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AS I CONTINUE TO SEE MORE AND MORE VEHICLES WITH THIS DEFECT. *TR

TRANSMISSIONS IN 2003 FORD EXPLORERS . FIRST TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 62,500 MILES AND SECOND NEEDS REPLACING AT 87,000 MILES. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT IS THE FORD TRANSMISSION PROBLEM FOR THAT YEAR OF EXPLORER MAY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

THE TRANSMISSION STARTED NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY AND THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. CHECK ENGINE CAME ON. TOOK 2003 FORD EXPLORER TO GET CHECKED BY FORD DEALERSHIP. RESULT: TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REQUIRED REPLACING. FORD EXPLORER ONLY HAD 83,000 MILES. $3,000 DOLLARS TO REPLACE. TOLD THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG FORD EXPLORERS. *TR

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED TO 70 MPH FIRST, THEN TO 80 MPH. I TRIED APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, BUT IT DID NOT SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE AT ALL. TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, I FORCED THE TRANSMISSION GEAR INTO PARKING. THIS MOMENTARILY SLOWED DOWN THE VEHICLE, AND I TRIED TO MOVE IT INTO THE FAR RIGHT LANE OF THE FREEWAY. THEN SUDDENLY IT STARTED DRIVING IN REVERSE AT A VERY HIGH SPEED, CAUSING ME TO COLLIDE WITH AN ONCOMING TRUCK ON THE FREEWAY. UNABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND FEARING FOR MY LIFE, I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY, WHICH BROUGHT THE CAR TO A HALT. THE HIGH PATROL ARRIVED WITHIN ONLY A COUPLE OF MINUTES. WHEN ONE OF THE OFFICERS TURNED ON THE CAR SO AS TO DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. HE TURNED OFF THE CAR AND DIRECTED EVERYONE TO STEP AWAY FROM THE CAR, CAUTIONING THAT THE CAR WAS DANGEROUS. TWO OFFICERS DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND SAID THAT THERE APPEARED TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR. THEY THEN PUSHED THE CAR OFF THE FREEWAY TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION. FORTUNATELY, I DID NOT GET HURT. BUT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT BODY DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND TO THE OTHER TRUCK WITH WHICH I COLLIDED. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER OF THAT TRUCK DROVE OFF, THUS I WAS UNABLE TO GET HIS INFORMATION. I HAD THE CAR IMMEDIATELY TOWED TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD FORD DEALERSHIP, WHICH DETERMINED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEFECTIVE. WHEN I ADVISED THEM THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD FAILED, I WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WORKS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BREAKS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL ON THE FREEWAY, DRIVING IN REVERSE, AND IT COULD HAVE INJURED MANY PEOPLE AND CAUSED A LOT MORE DAMAGE. FORD REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE BODY REPAIR, AND IS CHARGING ME NEARLY $1,000 TO REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE A COPY OF THE LETTER THAT I SENT TO FORD. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 50-60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE REAR BEARINGS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO MONTHS LATER. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AT A REPAIR SHOP. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, HE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THIS IDENTICAL FAILURE WITH OTHER FORD EXPLORERS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

2003 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE DEFECTIVE REAR RING AND PINION GEARS. STARTING WITH A WHINE, THE MISALIGNMENT AND WEAR COULD CAUSE THE DRIVE TRAIN TO SEIZE UP. REPLACEMENT PARTS BY DEALERSHIPS ARE ALSO INFERIOR, AND ONLY PROVIDE ~ 40-45K MILES OF RELIEF. *TR

I BOUGHT MY 2003 EXPLORER IN 2002 AT 110 MILES. WITHIN THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY THE AIR CONDITIONING HAD A URINE SMELL AND KNOCKING NOISE IN THE REAR BUT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO FIX IT. AS A RESULT I HAVE A SLOW LEAK WHICH MEANS IT HAS TO BE CHARGED EVERY YEAR. IN FEB 2007 A CRACK FORMED IN THE REAR PANEL THEY DIDN'T WANT TO FIX. OCTOBER 2007 AT 45000 MILES I NEEDED WHEEL BEARINGS FOR INSPECTION. AT 48000 MILES WHEN I PAID MY TRUCK OFF MAY 2008, WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE 0/D LIGHT & SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON RESULTING IN MY GEARS SLIPPING. I FOUND OUT THROUGH SEVERAL SHOPS THAT MY 2ND AND FIFTH GEARS WERE BURNED OUT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE SOLENOID BODY, THEN HAS TO GO IN TO CHECK FOR MORE. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BECAUSE I HAD NO EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH WAS A WASTE OF TIME BECAUSE FORD WASN'T COOPERATING. SO NOW IT'S JUNE 2009 AND I'M STILL DRIVING IT A WHOLE YEAR LATER BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED. I LEARNED HOW TO DRIVE THE TRUCK BUT I'M REMINDED EVERYDAY ABOUT THE PROBLEMS. PARK TO REVERSE IS A STRUGGLE, IT DOESN'T START EASILY SOMETIMES, IT HAS NO POWER WHILE DRIVING, ABS AND DOOR AJAR LIGHTS STAY ON, AND REVERSE ALARM WHEN TO CLOSE DOESN'T WORK, AND INSTEAD OF BEING HAPPY I PAID IT OFF IT'S NOTHING BUT A FEELING OF FRUSTRATION, ANGER, AND REGRET FOR BUYING FROM FORD. *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SOMETIMES WILL LOCK THE SHIFTER AT REVERSE AS I MOVE IT TO PARK. IT FEELS LIKE IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO PARK, BUT IT REALLY STOPS (AND WON'T MOVE) AT REVERSE. LETTING OFF THE BRAKE, ASSUMING IT IS IN PARK, CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HINGES FOR THE REAR LIFTGATE FRACTURED AND ALMOST CAUSED THE GLASS TO DISENGAGE AND CAUSE INJURY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

03' FORD EXPLORER, STEERING COLUMN WON'T SHIFT INTO OR OUT OF PARK CORRECTLY, HAVE TO PUSH VERY HARD ON BRAKE AND STRUGGLE W/SHIFT TO GET IT TO WORK. DURING OIL CHANGE OPERATOR NEARLY HAD A ROLL AWAY ACCIDENT AS PARKING TO RETURN TRUCK TO OWNER AFTER CHANGE. THIS OCCURS AT LEAST 4 TIMES A DAY. *TR

TODAY I GOT IN MY FORD EXPLORER AND NOTICED THAT MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING. SO, PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS AND SOON RIGHT AFTER THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON..I THEN LOOK THROUGH THE MANUAL AND IT INDICATES THAT IF THESE LIGHTS WERE TO COME ON PLEASE TAKE IT TO SERVICE ASAP. I DID THE FOLLOWING AND TOOK THE SUV TO PEP BOYS. I DESCRIBED MY PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HE SAID PLEASE DON'T TELL ME IT'S A FORD EXPLORER....I HESITATED AND LOOKED AT HIM WITH A PUZZLED LOOK ON MY FACE AND SAID YES. WHY ? I SAID. WELL FORD EXPLORERS ARE KNOWN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THAT I SHOULD CHECK TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS. I THEN WENT TO FORDS WEBSITE AND FOLLOWED THE DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO CHECK FOR ANY RECALLS ON YOUR VEHICLE AND ENTERED MY VIN# AND GOT BACK NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. WITH ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND CONSUMERS CRYING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM HOW CAN WE ALLOW A CAR GIANT LIKE FORD TO GET AWAY WITH THIS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM? AT LEAST THEY SHOULD HAVE THE DECENCY TO INFORM YOU THAT THERE CARS HAVE BEEN KNOWN FOR HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS DATING BACK TO 1995. THE LIST OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I HAVE WAS RUDE AWAKENING AND VERY DISTURBING TO SEE. WE NEED A RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM REGARDLESS OF WHAT IT TAKES. PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY IF YOU NEED TO. *TR

MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUTS BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES WERE ALLEGEDLY REPAIRED. ONE OF THE GLASS HINGES THAT WAS ALLEGEDLY REPLACED HAD FAILED. THE HINGE PIN FOR THIS HINGE HAS BEEN SHEARED OFF IN A SIMILAR MANNER TO THE PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL HINGES COVERED UNDER THE ABOVE REFERENCED RECALL. MY FORD DEALER AND FORD ARE ENTIRELY UNWILLING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE UNDER THE ORIGINAL RECALL, STATING THAT THEY HAVE MET THEIR OBLIGATION. SINCE THE 'REPLACEMENT' HINGE HAS FAILED IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE ORIGINAL I AM LEFT WITH ONLY TWO POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS. THE 'REPLACEMENT' PART IS SIMILARLY FLAWED OR THE PART USED IN THE RECALL WAS NOT THE REPLACEMENT PART. REGARDLESS OF THE EXPLANATION, A SAFETY ISSUE REMAINS WITH THE GLASS LIFTGATE ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THIS DIRECTLY RELATES TO THE ABOVE RECALL. THE LIFTGATE GLASS HAS NOT (YET) FALLEN, BUT WITH A FAILED HINGE SUCH A ACCIDENT WILL OCCUR. *TR

NO NOISE/WARNING. THE CAR HAD BILLOWING BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. ON INSPECTION OIL WAS GUSHING FROM A VALVE AT THE BACK OF THE ENGINE AND BURNING, IT NEARLY BURST INTO FLAMES. IT WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO FOUND THE TIMING CHAIN HAD BROKEN, SLASHING A VALVE COVER AND CUTTING INTO THE BACK OF THE ENGINE. IT CAN BE FIXED FOR $3,000 PLUS TAX ESTIMATE, BUT THE FORD DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDS AGAINST THIS AND SAYS IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE /REFURBISHED ENGINE $5,000 PLUS TAX. FORD REFUSE TO ACCEPT THIS IS A DEFECT, DESPITE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET. THE CAR WAS A FORD EXPLORER 2003 WITH ONLY 60,720 ON THE CLOCK. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND MAINTAINED IT WELL. I STILL HAVE PAYMENTS ON IT SO AM SELLING IT FOR $2000 TO COVER THE PAYMENTS. IT WAS A $34,000 CAR. *TR

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR NO REASON (HAS SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED IN 2006). THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND WON'T ALLOW ME TO LOCK/SET MY ALARM ON MY VEHICLE PLUS IT LEAVES THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ON FOR A WHILE (STARTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO). I AM NOW EXPERIENCING A BANGING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CHANGE THE TEMPERATURE (HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONING)(STARTED IN LAST 4 MONTHS). I HAVE TO TURN THE FAN ON HIGH TO GET IT TO STOP. IT WILL DO IT EVEN IF THE TEMP IS OFF SOMETIMES. IT ALSO WILL NOT LOCK INTO GEAR WHEN PUT INTO PARK ON AN INCLINE (MY DRIVEWAY)...WITHOUT ROCKING BACKWARDS INTO GEAR(STARTED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS). *TR

I CURRENTLY OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. ABS LIGHT HAD BEEN SHOWING SOMETIMES AND GAINED A SMALL VIBRATION IN THE ENGINE. THEN ONE DAY BY A TURN OF THE KEY THERE WAS A LOUD THUMB SOUND AND IT NEVER STARTED AGAIN. PUT A NEW STARTER ON GOT IT STARTED BUT IT HAD A MAJOR PECKING SOUND COMING FROM TRANSMISSION. TOOK TRANSMISSION OUT AND FOUND THAT THE TORQUE HAD A BAD RATTLE IN IT. REPLACED TORQUE AND RESTARTED ENGINE AND STILL HAD ANOTHER SMALL PECKING SOUND IT WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE DROPPED OIL PAN AND FOUND TO HAVE A BALANCE SHAFT CHAIN GUIDE BUSTED AND THE TIMING CHAIN WAS LOOSE. SO BY THE TURN OF THE KEY RESULTED IN TORQUE LOCK UP IN WHICH CAUSED STARTED DRIVE TO BUST AND ALL THE PRESSURE WHEN THE NEW STARTER KICK IN BROKE TORQUE LOOSE AND CAUSED THE CRANK TO OVER SPIN THE TIMING CHAIN IN WHICH BROKE CHAIN GUIDE. SO LUCKY IT HAPPENED BY THE TURN OF THE KEY INSTEAD OF DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. *TR

ON 5-14-09 AT ABOUT 7:15AM I GOT MY CHILDREN'S DIAPER BAG OUT OF THE BACK OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER MY HATCH DOOR WAS FINE. I THEN WENT TO WORK AND IT WAS A WARM DAY BUT NOT HOT. AT ABOUT 6:10PM THE SAME DAY I WENT OUT TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE BACK AND I SAW IT. THERE IS 2 CRACKS THE UPPER PART OF THE HATCH IN TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. ONE STARTS AT THE WINDOW AND GOES DOWN THE OTHER STARTS AT THE BOTTOM AND GOES UP. AT THAT POINT I CONTACTED THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THEM TO LOOK AT. THE SERVICE GUY SAID HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT COULD HAVE MADE THIS HAPPEN. HE STATED HE COULD TELL IT HAD NOT BEEN HIT OR ANYTHING AND THAT IT WASN'T A FLEX POINT. HE TOLD ME TO CONTACT THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. I CONTACTED APPLE FORD (LYNCHBURG VA) ON 5-15-09 AND WAS INSTRUCTED THEY HAD SEEN MANY CASES OF THIS BUT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL FORD PUTS OUT A RECALL. I THEN CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS INSTRUCTED THEY WILL NOT FIX IT BUT TO HAVE A DEALER LOOK AT IT. MY CONCERN IS IF THE WINDOW FALLS OUT BECAUSE OF THIS WHAT IS IT GOING TO DO TO MY 1 YEAR OLD AND 3 YEAR OLD IN THE BACK SEAT OR THE PEOPLE IN THE CARE BEHIND ME ON THE ROAD. I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. IT IS A DEFAULT FROM THE COMPANY THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE HARM. I HAVE ALSO RESEARCHED IT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND VIA GOOGLE THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE LIKE ME. IF WATER GETS DOWN THROUGH THE CRACK IT COULD VERY WELL RUST THE LATCHING MECHANISM AND MAKE IT FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS CONTINENTAL TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSIDE OF BOTH FRONT TIRES ON HIS VEHICLE WERE SLICK. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIRES, BUT CURRENTLY THE REAR TIRES ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE LINE AND SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECOND ROW MIDDLE SEAT BELT WAS NOT WORKING. THE SEAT BELT CANNOT BE PULLED OUT TO HOOK INTO THE CHILD SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO A CHILD SEAT TECHNICIAN AND THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I RECENTLY WAS PULLING OUT OF MY GARAGE WHEN I REALIZED I NEEDED TO CHECK AND SEE IF I HAD MY GLOVE AND SHOES IN THE BACK FOR MY SOFTBALL GAME. I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND POPPED THE TRUNK, WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY CAR THE CAR KICKED BACK INTO REVERSE AND STARTED TO ROLL. LUCKILY THE DOOR CAUGHT ON THE GARAGE DOOR AND BENT IT, BUT NO ONE WAS HURT. CLEARLY, THE TRANSMISSION KICKED BACK INTO REVERSE WITHOUT ME DOING IT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ITEM I HAVE NOTICED SOMETHING 'SCREWY' LIKE THIS WITH MY CAR, IT HAS BEEN ACTING UP A TIME OR TWO BEFORE. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER 4 DR. REAR COIL SPRING IS BROKEN. NO RUST ON OUTSIDE OF SPRING, BUT ITS BROKEN DUE TO BAD METAL USED TO MAKE IT. *TR

II PURCHASED A 2003 EXPLORER, 2-11-03. KEPT HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING OUT OF REVERSE, AND FINALLY, 3-8-04, AND AGAIN, 9-13-04, AND WAS TOLD BY DEALER THE PROBLEM WAS NOT VALID, AND WOULD EVENTUALLY GO AWAY, WITH NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. I CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS, ON AND OFF, AND NOW HAVE OVER 89,000 MILES ON VEHICLE, AND IT IS HAPPENING MORE AND MORE. SOMETIMES, I HAVE TO CONTINUE CUTTING THE ENGINE OFF, RESTART, AND KEEP TRYING TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT OUT OF REVERSE. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION, EITHER FROM FORD, OR DEMPEWOLF, THE DEALER. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, BUT, ENOUGH TO MAKE ME NERVOUS THAT ONE DAY IT MIGHT NOT BACK UP AT ALL. WHEN IT DOES SHIFT, THE FORCE ALMOST THROW ME OUT OF THE SEAT. IT IS A SCARY SITUATION. I ALWAYS TOOK MY VEHICLE TO DEMPWOLF FOR SERVICING, AND TO TRY AND GET THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM RECTIFIED. I HAVE MY MAINTENANCE RECEIPTS, ALL OF THEM! *TR

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN I NOTICED MY VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE THIS TAPING NOISE. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SEE WHAT IT COULD BE THEN NOTICED IT WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I DIDN'TTT FEEL SAFE CONTINUING TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY SO DROVE TO THE NEXT EXIT AND GOT OFF. THE NOISE STARTED TO GET LOUDER SO I PULLED INTO A GAS STATION AND WAITED FOR SOMEONE TO COME PICK ME UP BECAUSE I DIDN'T FEEL THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. AS I WAS SITTING THERE WITH THE CAR TURNED OFF, SOMETHING ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE HOOD BURST INTO FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME OUT AND PUT VEHICLE FIRE OUT. *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I JUST READ THE ARTICLE IN THE PAPER REGARDING TRANSMISSION HAZARDS. I CAN HONESTLY SAY I DO BELIEVE THESE SUV'S DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION SLIPPING IN AND OUT OF GEAR ON THERE OWN. I HAVE SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE MINE HAS DONE IT. ONE TIME I HAD PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE AND IT JUMPED FORWARD AND I ACTUALLY RAN OVER THE CURB IN FRONT OF ME BUT THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN REVERSE. THERE IS PROBLEMS REGARDING THIS SUV. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO CARMAX WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM BUT IT STILL DOES IT. THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW. IT WILL DO IT RANDOMLY. I DON'T KNOW THE REASON BUT I DO THINK IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE REAR LIFTGATE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GLASS WAS LOOSE AND THE HINGE WAS FAILING. HE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY CATCH THE GLASS BEFORE IT STRUCK THE GROUND OR HIMSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO CURRENT RECALL REGARDING THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,250.

THE BACK REAR PANEL OF THE HATCHBACK CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT WHICH THE COMPANY IS UNWILLING TO PAY FOR. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, AN EXCESSIVELY LOUD RATTLE AND WIND NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE INTERIOR REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED THAT THE LIFTGATE HINGE FAILED AND THE BOLTS LOOSENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE LIFTGATE HINGE WHICH WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER; 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODYHATCHBACK/LIFTGATE;HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) IS A IDENTICAL TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SINCE IT ONLY APPLIED TO FOUR DOOR VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TEMPORARILY REPAIRED AND RESUMED OPERATION WITH CAUTION. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 65,000. UPDATED 05/18/09. *LJ THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS INOPERATIVE. UPDATED 05/20/09.*JB

BOTH FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER AT 67,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY DRIVEN ON PAVED ROADWAYS AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY BOTH MYSELF AND FORD. UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS ALL 4 OF THESE BEARINGS SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. *TR

WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND TRANS STARTED SLIPPING. O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND THEN NEXT DAY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO A DEALER WHO TOLD ME I NEED TO EITHER REBUILD MY TRANS FOR $3200 OR PUT IN A REBUILT FROM FORD FOR OVER $4000 WHICH WOULD GIVE ME A 100K MILE WARRANTY, 64K MORE THAN THE BRAND NEW ONE THAT WAS IN THE CAR WHEN I BOUGHT IT. CAR HAD 74,500 MILES ON IT BUT WAS LESS THAN 3 WEEKS OVER THE 5 YEAR/ 75K EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED FROM FORD. I CALLED THE CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP NUMBER AND THE WARRANTY PEOPLE NUMEROUS TIMES AND NO ONE OFFERED ANY HELP. I EVEN OFFERED TO BY A NEW FORD IF THEY WOULD GIVE ME A FAIR TRADE ON MY OLD ONE, IT SEEMED AS IF AFTER DRIVING FORD'S FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS THEY DID NOT WANT ME AS CUSTOMER ANY LONGER. I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP AND FIXED IT FOR $2000 AND I JUST TRADED IT FOR A NEW NISSAN PATHFINDER WHICH COST ME LESS, HAS MORE POWER AND GETS BETTER GAS MILEAGE. I AM HAPPY TO SAY I HAVE OWNED MY LAST FORD. *TR

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER IT HAS A CRACK IN THE REAR PANEL UNDER WINDOW OF LIFTGATE I HAD IT REPLACE BEFORE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM NOW FORD REFUSE TO FIX THE CRACK SAYING THE HAVE NO RECORDS OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

WE WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE FROM WI TO MN AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND THE FORD EXPLORER WAS NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY AND A FEW TIMES WAS STUCK AT 50+ MPH EVEN THOUGH THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON. WE RETURNED TO OUR HOME AND TOOK THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHO SAID THE REPORT INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DESIGN OF THE TRANSMISSION ON THESE VEHICLES DOESN'T ALLOW THE OWNER TO CHECK FLUID LEVELS. IT FELT LIKE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND THE VEHICLE NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY AND ACTUALLY "REVVING" AND STAYING AT 50+ MPH WHILE THE CRUISE WAS NOT ON. *TR

HORIZONTAL CRACK IN LIFT GATE RUNNING FROM TOP OF PIECE (BOTTOM OF WINDOW) TO BOTTOM OF PIECE. *TR

I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER ON THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT CAME ON AND BEGAN FLASHING. I BROUGHT IT IN TO GET CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. SUPPOSEDLY NEED TO CHANGE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I AM NOT THE FIRST AND AFRAID THAT I WON;T BE THE LAST WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! *TR

THE PANEL BELOW THE GLASS ON THE REAR HATCH OF MY WIFE'S 2003 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED FORNO APPARENT REASON. THE DEALER TELLS ME IT WILL COST $800 DOLLARS TO REPAIR PLUS A BODY SHOP EXPENSE (PAINT). I'VE NOTICED ON MANY FORUMS ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND FORD SHOULD ADDRESS IT! *TR

WE HAVE OWNED THE SUBJECT 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT SINCE IT WAS NEW. THE REAR LIFTGATE HINGE HOLDING THE REAR GLASS FAILED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS FAILURE IS THE SUBJECT OF NHTSA RECALL #04V442000. FORD INFORMS ME THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS CONTINUING SAFETY DEFECT BECAUSE THEY REPLACED THE HINGE ONCE BEFORE IN 2006. I HAVE NO RECORD OF SUCH A REPAIR, NOT DO I AGREE THAT FORD'S POLICY OF ONLY PERFORMING ONE REPLACEMENT IS VALID. EVEN IF THEY DID REPLACE IT ONCE, THE DESIGN IS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE AND THE SAFETY ISSUE STILL REMAINS. I WOULD EXPECT NHTSA TO DIRECT FORD TO PROPERLY FIX THE PROBLEM, RATHER CAUSE ME TO PAY FORD FOR YET ANOTHER REPLACEMENT FOR THE INEFFECTIVE ONE THEY PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. *TR

LARGE SPONTANEOUS STRESS CRACK APPEARED, BISECTING THE UPPER LIFTGATE BODY PANEL ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. FORD REFERS TO THIS PART AS LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE. *TR

THREE DAYS AGO I GET INTO MY TRUCK AND START TO DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD AND MY TRUCK DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEARS. THEN WHEN IT FINALLY DID IT JERKED REALLY HARD AND I BOUT WENT INTO A DITCH. THEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. LATER THAT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TRY TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL BUT YOU CAN'T IN THIS TRANSMISSION. WHEN I GOOGLE THIS PROBLEM I FIND ALL THESE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM I HAVE. THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT ON MY TRUCK AND IT ONLY HAS 69,000 ON IT. I OWNED AN OLDER MODEL EXPLORER AND HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION TWO TIMES IN IT. THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM FORD HAS WITH THESE VEHICLES AND THEY AREN'T DOING ANYTHING TO HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS FIX IT OR FIX IT THEMSELVES. I THINK THIS BEING SUCH A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH FORD EXPLORERS THAT FORD SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE CONSIDERING YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOUR TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO GO OUT DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I HOPE THAT YOU CAN FIND SOME SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

REAR HATCH BELOW WINDOW HAS CRACKED FROM TOP OF PANEL TO BOTTOM THIS MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO COLD WEATHER BUT I'M READING ABOUT ALL KINDS OF THESE CRACKS HAPPENING IN ALL PROVINCES AND STATES. WHEN IS FORD GOING TO ACCEPT THE FACT THIS IS A DEFECT AND MAKE A RECALL? *TR

THE BACK LIFT GATE (HATCH) OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS A VERTICAL CRACK UNDER THE WINDOW NEXT TO THE CENTER FORD LOGO. I NOTICED ON THE INTERNET THAT 1,000S OF OTHER PEOPLE TO INCLUDE IN OUR CITY ARE HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS. THIS HAPPENED IN WINTER. I SEE IN CAR STATS THERE ARE COMPLAINTS THERE TOO. *TR

REAR TAIL GATE HAS A CRACK IN THE FIBERGLASS FROM THE WINDOW ALL THE WAY DOWN. *TR

THE HOOD ON MY VEHICLE IS BLISTERING AND BUBBLING OFF IN MANY AREAS. *TR

THE BACK LIFT GATE (HATCH) OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS A VERTICAL CRACK UNDER THE WINDOW NEXT TO THE CENTER FORD LOGO. I NOTICED ON THE INTERNET THAT 1,000S OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS. *TR

A CRACK IN THE REAR HATCH NEAR THE FORD EMBLEM ON 2003-2005 FORD EXPLORERS. FORD HAS A TSB (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN) ON THIS ISSUE SO THEY KNOW IT EXISTS AND YET THEY ARE REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE IS JUST ONE OF A FEW OUT THERE REGARDING THIS MATTER... HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2003/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML. *TR

THE REAR HATCH HAS CRACKED FROM THE BACK GLASS DOWN ON BOTH SIDES OF THE EMBLEM. I CALLED FORD AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE BUT IT WAS NOT A RECALL AND THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT. *TR

AFTER ONLY 24,000 MILES, OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS EXPERIENCED TWO PROBLEMS WITH FIBERGLASS & ALUMINUM BODY PARTS. BELOW THE REAR WINDOW A CRACK DEVELOPED IN THE FIBERGLASS AFTER CLOSING THE WINDOW DURING COLD WEATHER. AFTER TALKING TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL, I BECAME AWARE OF THE FACT THAT BODY SHOP OWNERS ARE INFORMING THEM THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT IN THAT MODEL. SINCE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AND THE OWNER SHOULD HAVE THEIR VEHICLES REPAIRED BY FORD. MY DEALER HAS SAID FORD HAS NOT ISSUED ANY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. WHY HAS THIS NOT HAPPENED? IN ADDITION, THE ALUMINUM HOOD IS NOW SHOWING BUBBLING UNDER THE PAINT, AND THE PAINT IS BEGINNING TO PEEL OFF THE HOOD. IT IS APPARENT FORD HAS EITHER HAD SOME DEFECTIVE PAINT DELIVERED TO THEIR PLANTS, OR THEIR IS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT ALONG WITH A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT HAS CAUSED THESE PROBLEMS. THIS IS FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY, NOT THE OWNER, AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL REGARDLESS OF THE PROBLEM SOURCE. AFTER REVIEW BY FORD'S ZONE MANAGER HE CONCLUDED FORD HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE REFER TO THE FOLLOWING WEB SITES FOR OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THESE PROBLEMS WITH FORD DENYING ITS ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MISTAKES: HTTP://WWW.AUTOMOTIVEFORUMS.COM/VBULLETIN/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=489142&PAGE=2 HTTP://WWW.AUTOMOTIVEFORUMS.COM/VBULLETIN/T489142.HTML HTTP://WWW.LEMONLAWCLAIMS.COM/FORD_EXPLORER_CRACKED_PAINT.HTM HTTP://CBS5.COM/CONSUMER/FORD.PEELING.PAINT.2.755918.HTML HOW CAN FORD ISSUE 'SERVICE BULLETINS' ON THESE ISSUES, BUT FAIL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS? IT IS THEREFORE QUITE OBVIOUS THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS, BUT FAILING TO ADDRESS THEM SATISFACTORILY. THEY THEN LEAVE THE DEALER WITH THE PROBLEM OF INFORMING THE CUSTOMER OF THEIR DECISION AND TAKING ALL THE 'HEAT' FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS AGO, MY WIFE AND I NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC TRIM BETWEEN THE REAR WINDOW AND THE FORD LOGO WAS CRACKED. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED IT ON A MAJORITY OF 2002 - 2004 EXPLORERS. I HAVE ALSO FOUND NUMEROUS ONLINE POSTS AND OTHER WEBSITES DESCRIBING THE SAME ISSUE WITH OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS AND A REFUSAL BY FORD TO REMEDIATE THE PROBLEM. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE HINGE BROKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE GLASS WAS WEDGED INSIDE THE ROOF. IF THE HATCH HAD NOT BEEN WEDGED, THE GLASS WOULD HAVE SHATTERED ONTO HER FEET OR CAUSED INJURIES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,555 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 74,575. 4/01/09 *NJ UPDATED 04/07/09. *JB

2003 FORD EXPLORER STARTED ACCELERATION FROM 40 KM UP TO 90 KM IN JUST SECONDS, BRAKES WOULDN'T STOP OR SLOW IT DOWN, USED EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND IT EVENTUALLY STOPPED. TOOK IT TO FORD, AND THEIR REASON FOR THE ACCELERATION WAS FLOOR MAT IN THE WAY. WHAT A JOKE, THAT'S WAS THE FIRST THING I CHECKED FOR AND THEY WEREN'T IN THE WAY. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER 4.0 SOHC ENGINE RATTLE NOISE.I GUESS THERE IS ALOT OF ISSUES DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. TIMING CHASIS *TR

THE PAINT HAS BLISTERED AND IS ACTIVELY PEELING OFF OF A SUBSTANTIAL AREA OF THE HOOD OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. ACCORDING TO LEMONLAW.COM, FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAD ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN INDICATING A MAJOR PAINT DEFECT IN MANY 2000-2005 FORD, LINCOLN, AND MERCURY CARS, TRUCKS, AND SUV'S THAT USE ALUMINUM BODY PARTS. THE BULLETIN FURTHER STATES THAT, "SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT BUBBLING OR BLISTERING UNDER THE PAINT ON ALUMINUM BODY PARTS". I AM NOT A LAWYER, BUT I DO KNOW THAT WARRANTY OR NOT, THIS IS A CLEAR BREACH OF ALL EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE BODY PARTS AND/OR PAINT WERE DEFECTIVE FROM THE START SINCE THE BULLETIN STATES THAT FORD RESEARCH ADMITTED THAT THE PROBLEM STEMS FROM IRON CONTAMINATION WITHIN THE ALUMINUM BODY PART PRIOR TO BEING PAINTED. I REGISTERED MY COMPLAINTS WITH MY LOCAL DEALER AND WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY, ASKING FOR FULL REMEDY OF THE SITUATION. THE ONLY OFFER THEY MAKE IS A DEAL ON A NEW CAR! I HOPE THAT FILING THIS COMPLAINT WILL HELP THE CONSUMER WHO HAS BEEN CLEARLY HURT AND IS EXPERIENCING ECONOMIC LOSS DUE DIRECTLY TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS SITUATION REMEDIED SINCE SEPTEMBER 2008, BUT MY COMPLAINT CONTINUES TO BE PUSHED ASIDE. I BELIEVE THEY HOPE ALL OF THE CONSUMERS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WILL GO AWAY QUIETLY. *TR

HAD TO REPLACE WIRE HARNESS TO TRANSMISSION AFTER 85,000 MILES NOW THE OVERDRIVE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS FLASHING. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE DRIVER TO SUSTAIN MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CODE WAS DISPLAYED DURING THE TESTING, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND SENT A LETTER WITH A CHECK FOR $1,000 TOWARDS THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

LIFT GATE FRAME CRACKS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE. I WAS TOLD BY CORTESE FORD IN ROCHESTER THAT THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THIS DEFECT AND THEY BELIEVE IT HA SOMETHING TO DO WITH HOW THE FRAME IS PUT TOGETHER. *TR

3 LARGE CRACKS IN PLASTIC TRIM BELOW GLASS ON REAR LIFT GATE "APPEARED" AFTER A COLD/ICY DAY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS CRACKED ON HER VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS NOT DEFECTIVE; THEREFORE, SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT DISAGREES AND BELIEVES THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DEFECT AND WILL NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,300. UPDATED 03-04-09 *BF THE BACK OF THE LIFTGATE PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW CRACKED. UPDATED 03/04/09. *JB

PLASTIC BODY PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW ON THE LIFT GATE HAS CRACKED. *TR

REAR TAILGATE/LIFTGATE DOOR PANEL CRACKED IN TWO PLACES VERTICALLY WHILE IN GARAGE PARKED. *TR

I BOUGHT MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN SEPT 2007. AFTER DRIVING IT TO AND FROM WORK I NOTICED A LOUD HUMMING SOUND UP FRONT @ 94,000MILES. WHEN I FINALLY HAD IT LOOKED AT 2 MONTHS LATER, I HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SIDE WHEEL BEARING. NOW A FEW MONTHS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BEARING IS HUMMING EVEN WORSE SO I HAD THAT ONE REPLACED. 10,000 MILES LATER THE DRIVERS SIDE HAS STARTED DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. I DO NOT LIVE ON A DIRT ROAD, THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN IN SUCH A SHORT TIME. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A $400.00 WHEEL BEARING (EACH) IN MY LIFE ON ANY TRUCK OR CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED UNTIL NOW ON A FORD EXPLORE. *TR

WE HAD COLD WEATHER THE LAST FEW DAYS (-11 BELOW) AND NOW THERE IS A CRACK IN BODY, JUST BELOW THE WINDOW ON THE REAR HATCH. IT EXTENDS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW TO THE END OF THE HATCH. *TR

CRACKED REAR PANEL BELOW THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON LINE AT CARCOMPLAINTS.COM FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS, BUT THEY ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS THE SECOND ONE FOR MY EXPLORER AND WILL NOT BE REPLACED BY ME. *TR

JUST HAD TRANSMISSION SERVICED LAST WEEK. NOW O/D LIGHT IS FLASHING AND CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT IS COMING ON. SEE BY INTERNET THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THE FORDS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE LIFT GATE GLASS, THE HINGE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 98,773.

I HAVE A 2003 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER. LAST NIGHT, WHEN MY SON WAS ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE REAR LIFT GATE GLASS DOOR, THE HINGE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BROKE OFF. THE GLASS LIFTGATE IS PRESENTLY BEING HELD UP BY THE OTHER HINGE AND IT WON'T BE LONG BEFORE THAT ONE BREAKS ALSO. I SPOKE WITH AN ANDREA AT FORD 1-800-392-3673 AND SHE BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT I WAS OUT OF LUCK, THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY, I TOLD HER THE DESCRIPTION OF MY VEHICLE. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO OWNS A FORD EXPLORER AND HE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, AND SINCE HIS WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, HE DIDN'T ENCOUNTER ANY PROBLEMS IN HAVING IT REPAIRED. YOU WONDER WHY SO MANY PEOPLE BUY JAPANESE CARS AND TRUCKS. HERE IS ONE OF MANY REASONS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS OBVIOUSLY ATTEMPTING TO SAVE MONEY AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR SAFETY. *TR

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

APPLIQUE UNDERNEATH THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED NEXT TO EMBLEM WITH NO IMPACT. *TR

CRACKED REAR PANEL BELOW THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORD EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON LINE AT CARCOMPLAINTS.COM FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS, BUT THEY ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY BEFORE DAWN AND HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE (IT WAS THE SOUND OF AN EXPLOSION). I THOUGHT THAT A TIRE MAY HAVE BLOWOUT, WHICH WAS STRANGE SINCE THE CAR HAS A SET OF NEW TIRES AND I DID NOT NOTICE ANY CHANGES IN THE DRIVING OF THE VEHICLE. I STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND CHECKED THE CAR USING A FLASH LIGHT. I SAW NOTHING. LATER THAT DAY WHEN I WENT TO GET GASOLINE, I SAW A CRACK IN THE PANEL THAT CONTAINED THE FORD LOGO, ABOUT 2 INCHES TO THE RIGHT OF THE LOGO THAT EXTENDED FROM THE TOP OF THE PANEL TO THE BOTTOM. IT WAS JUST A CLEAN CRACK ON THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THIS HAPPENED ON A COLD NIGHT (19 DEG. F). FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN AND READ IT SOUNDS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE FACT THAT A PLASTIC PART IS GLUE TO A METAL PART WITH A DIFFERENT COEFFICIENT OF EXPANSION. THE CAR IS A FORD EXPLORER XLT 2003. ALTHOUGH THE CRACKED PANEL DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A SAFETY DEFECT, THE DISTRACTION CAUSED BY THE LOUD BANG NOISE WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND STOPPING IN THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE CLEARLY PUT ME AND MY FAMILY AT RISK. MOREOVER, THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THE REAR WINDOW PANEL MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE AT SPEED, BEING A SAFETY ISSUE FOR OTHER MOTORISTS. *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

FORD EXPLORER REAR HATCH DEFECT, CRACK IN HATCH, FORD HAS RELEASED A TECHNICAL BULLETIN BUT SAYS IT IS AN OWNER RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. AS A DISABLED VETERAN ON A FIXED INCOME I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET REGARDING THIS ISSUE WITH BASICALLY THE SAME ANSWER FROM FORD. *TR

DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON AND TURNS ON INTERIOR LIGHT WHICH MAKES DRIVING DIFFICULTY. INTERIOR LIGHT COME ON WITH NO WARNING. VEHICLE HAS NO DAMAGE AND PERIODS OF EXTENDED WET WEATHER CAUSES SENSOR TO MALFUNCTION. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DEACTIVATE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATION MECHANISM FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE IGNITION KEY WAS TURNED OFF WITH THE GEAR SHIFTER PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STOPPED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE RPM'S RACED WHEN THE IGNITION WAS RESTARTED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND, AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE ENGINE IDLED NORMALLY. WHENEVER THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM WAS NOT IN USE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 93,000. UPDATED 3/12/10 *CN UPDATED 06/01/10.*JB

I PUT THE DATE OF INCIDENT AS THE DATE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I PUT THIS DATE AS SUCH BECAUSE EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT RUN AROUNDS BY THE SERVICE PROVIDERS AND CONSTANT REPAIRS EVERY 3-7 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST MAJOR REPAIR OCCURRED WHEN I HAD OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 18 MONTHS, AT 35,998. IT HAD AN $1800 TRANSMISSION JOB. SUBSEQUENT REPAIRS HAVE BEEN FOCUSED TRANSMISSION ISSUES (ALWAYS SOMETHING SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT THAN PREVIOUS), ENGINE FUNCTION, AND OTHER MECHANICAL ISSUES. AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS PURCHASED, BUT DUE TO THE PARAMETERS OF THE WARRANTY, ALL ISSUES WERE NOT FIXED BECAUSE THEY "WERE NOT ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED", (I.E. AN INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION ISSUE THAT HAD BEEN OCCURRING FOR 30,000 MILES). NOW THAT WE ARE OUT OF OUR WARRANTY VEHICLE, WE HAVE AN OVERPRICED VEHICLE THAT IS STILL OWED ON THAT WILL CONTINUE TO NEED SIGNIFICANT REPAIRS. THE MOST RECENT ISSUE IS THE HEATING ELEMENT, INCLUDING THE ACTUATOR AND BLEND DOOR FUNCTION. THIS FAULTY PIECE WILL FAIL IN THE COLD POSITION. THIS CAUSES A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU ARE FACED WITH A REPAIR THAT YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE AFFORD (SINCE THEY CAN RUN UP TO $1200) AND HAVING HEAT IN THE WINTER. WITH THE CURRENT AUTO INDUSTRY HAVING THE ISSUES THEY ARE, THEY NEED TO BEGIN TO MAKE QUALITY VEHICLES THAT AREN'T MADE TO BREAK JUST TO GET MORE MONEY OUT OF CUSTOMERS. TO HAVE CONTINUED CUSTOMERS, A COMPANY MUST HAVE A CONSISTENT PRODUCT THAT PEOPLE CAN TRUST. THE CURRENT AMERICAN AUTO INDUSTRY DOES NOT HAVE THAT. *TR

2003 FOR EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER - THE REAR LIFTGATE PANEL UNDER THE REAR GLASS HAS A CRACK ALL THE WAY THROUGH IT. NO KNOWN CAUSE. THERE APPEAR TO BE A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR

THE TRANSMISSION IN OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER ONLY 58,000 MILES. FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN READING, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH 2003 EXPLORERS AND I WANTED TO DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM WE HAD. I CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY REFUSED ANY HELP. *TR

WHILE DRIVING LOUD GRINDING NOISE FOLLOWED BY A PULLING TO THE SIDE. A DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLE CATASTROPHIC EVENT. THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS. HAD CAR TOWED AND NEW WHEEL BEARING PLACED. A VERY EXPENSIVE AND SHOULD BE UNNEEDED REPAIR. *TR

THE REAR PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW ON THE HATCH JUST SUDDENLY CRACKED... IT WASN'T HIT OR ANYTHING, IT JUST CRACKED. *TR

TRIM PANEL ON THE BOTTOM OF REAR HATCH WINDOW DEVELOPED A LARGE CRACK UNEXPECTEDLY. CRACK IS VERTICAL FROM WINDOW TO BOTTOM OF LIFTGATE GLASS. *TR

I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AROUND 27 OCT 29TH 2008, TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR WHAT I PRESUMED WAS PERHAPS A NEEDED TRANSMISSION FLUSH, THE SERVICE MANGER TOLD ME THAT I HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION CAN GO AT ANY TIME, TWO DAYS, TWO MONTHS OR TWO YEARS, TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME THAT NIGHT, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ENGAGE, HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AAMCO FOR A FREE DIAGNOSTIC, WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REBUILT AT A COST RANGING FROM 2500 TO 3500, I THEN CALLED FORDS NATIONAL NUMBER TOLD THEM THAT I AM A (4) TIME EXPLORER OWNER AND ASK IF THERE IS ANY HELP OR ASSISTANCE THAT I CAN RECEIVE FORM FORD, I WAS TOLD THAT FORD WILL HONOR ANY PRICE ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO ME BY ANY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR MY TRANSMISSION, I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM WHAT NATIONAL HAD TOLD ME, THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION FOR $2200 OUT OF THE DOOR, LATER THAT DAY THAT NUMBER WAS REDUCED TO $1900, I TOLD AAMCO TO PLEASE MOVE MY VEHICLE TO THE DESIGNATED FORD DEALERSHIP, AFTER ABOUT 5 DAYS I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP TELLING ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS FINISHED AND WAS TEST DRIVEN AND EVERYTHING WAS OK,, THEN IT WAS TEST DRIVEN AGAIN LATER THAT DAY AND A PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED AND NOW THE VALVE BODY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF AN ADDITIONAL $400.00. I GOT MY VEHICLE BACK THEN AFTER ABOUT 10 DAYS I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AGAIN AND THERE WAS LEAK SPOTS ON MY DRIVEWAY, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT SOME SEAL IN THE TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING, HOWEVER IT IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I SHOULD REPLACE SOME SORT OF PUMP WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION FOR AND ADDITIONAL $300.....THIS IS THE CLASSIC BAIT AND SWITCH, THEY ARE THE PROFESSIONAL AND SHOULD BE COMPETENT AND EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX A TRANSMISSION. THE $1900 IS NOW $ 2600; I AM DONE WITH FORD AFTER OVER 15 YEARS OF LOYALTY. *TR

O/D LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING, LATER ABS LIGHT ON. AAMCO SAID TRANNY WAS GOING OUT...PROBABLY TORQUE CONVERTER BUT COULD BE SEAL. RECOMMENDED JUNK YARD TRANNY. HE SAID THAT FORD HAD ALL KIND OF TROUBLE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. *TR

PLASTIC BODY PART BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS CRACKED. *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HEATING SYSTEM STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN I TURNED IT ON, THEN I FOUND THAT IF I TURNED IT TO COOL SIDE THE CLICKING STOPPED, NOW THERE IS NOT HEAT AT ALL ONLY COLD AIR. I AM TOLD BY A FORD MECHANIC THAT IT IS A BROKEN BLEND DOOR, AN EXTREMELY COMMON & COSTLY REPAIR SINCE THE BLEND DOOR IS IN A RIDICULOUS SPOT BEHIND THE DASHBOARD THAT TAKES 6-8 HOURS OF REPAIR TO REMOVE & REPLACE THE $20 PART. I FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER FORD OWNERS DATING BACK TO THE 1993 FORD RANGER MODEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM...WHY IS THIS NOT FORCED TO BE A RECALL FOR FORD TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM? THE PIN THAT BREAKS ON THE BLEND DOOR IS PLASTIC, ANY NIMROD KNOWS HEAT AND COLD WILL CAUSE PLASTIC TO BECOME BRITTLE AND BREAK, THUS YOU WOULD THINK THAT MAKING THE PIN METAL WOULD HAVE BEEN A SOLUTION YEARS AGO, IT IS ONLY A 3-4 INCH PIN...NOT THAT EXPENSIVE TO FIX BUT SURE IS COSTLY TO FIX THIS NUTTY ERROR FOR FORD. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER PAINT PEELING. *TR

I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER 2003 WITH 93000 MILES AND THE O/D LIGHT AS WELL AS THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. FROM MY RESEARCH IT SEEMS THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT FORD REFUSES TO ADDRESS ON THE CAR MENTIONED. *TR

THE BACK LIFTGATE PANEL IS CRACKED ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I LIVE IN COLORADO AND THE LOCAL FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS LIKELY DUE TO OUR DRY WEATHER, THEY HAVEN'T HEARD OF IT OCCURRING IN OTHER STATES. I TRAVEL BEYOND COLORADO FREQUENTLY AND HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A MANUFACTURER/FORD DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED UNDER A RECALL. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE WARNING INDICATOR FOR THE DOORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND WOULD NOT DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO DEFECTS. THE FAILURE PERSISTED OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. THE CONTACT ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN PARKED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AGAIN; HOWEVER, IT BEGAN TO STALL SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

WHEN I PULL DOWN MY STEERING WHEEL, THE LEFT BLINKER DOES NOT WORK NEITHER DOES THE BRAKE LIGHTS. IF THE WHEEL IS UP EVERY THING WORKS. *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 5 MONTHS OLD AND I PAID FOR THE PIECE TO BE REPAIRED. TODAY MY VEHICLE IS BACK IN THE SHOP FOR A FOURTH TIME SAME EXACT PROBLEM ALTHOUGH NOW THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS THE AXLE IS FROZEN IN THERE AND THEY NEED TO BREAK IT BEFORE FIXING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED. SEEKING HELP FOR THIS LEMON!!!! *TR

I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN APRIL OF 03. WHEN WE TOOK RECEIPT OF THE VEHICLE THE DOME LIGHT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND WE TOOK OVER THE VEHICLE. FROM ABOUT 6000 MILES WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING OR NOT STARTING IN COLD OR HUMID WEATHER. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE TO THE DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY 8-10 TIMES A YEAR FOR VARIOUS PROBLEMS. WE HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING CONCERNS WITH THE VEHICLE; THE DOME LIGHTS HAVE BEEN OUT, THE REAR DRIVER WINDOW HAS GONE OUT, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON NUMEROUS TIMES, THE LIGHT FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS COME ON SEVERAL TIMES, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED OR LOCKED AND UNLOCKED WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH. WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING OR NOT STARTING IN COLD TEMPERATURES OR WHEN IT IS HUMID OR DAMP OUTSIDE. THEY HAVE REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER TWICE AND REPLACED VARIOUS SENSORS. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO PUT A FLIGHT RECORDER ON THE CAR TO TRY AND DETERMINE WHAT THE SENSORS WERE DOING AT THE TIME. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE THE AUTO WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR WAS IN PARK, THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS. WE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR STARTING HARD OR STALLING OR NOT STARTING AND ARE FRUSTRATED THAT NOTHING SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO BE DONE FOR IT. I HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE VEHICLE HOOKED UP TO THE MACHINE AND IT IS SHOWING A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SENSORS NOW. THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP STATED THE IGNITION COILS ARE RUSTY AND SHOULD NOT BE THIS WAY FOR THE CAR HAVING 60,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER THE ORIGINAL 3 YEAR WARRANTY WAS UP ON THE VEHICLE I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP I WANTED AN ADDITIONAL WARRANTY WHICH THE DEALER SUPPLIED WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED. I REALIZE WITH IT BEING AN "INTERMITTENT PROBLEM" IT MAY BE HARD TO DIAGNOSE, BUT FORD HAS RECEIVED THEIR MONEY FOR THE PRODUCT, I DON'T THINK IT'S TOO MUCH TO EXPECT A "RELIABLE" CAR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS MATTER. *TR

CHROME WHEELS ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED "CENTENNIAL" MODEL ARE CRACKED AND PITTED AT THE CENTER HUB WHERE THEY GET MOUNTED TO THE VEHICLE. I TRIED TO BUY NEW TIRES RECENTLY, BUT THE TIRE DEALER WILL NOT INSTALL NEW TIRES ON THESE WHEELS. THEY SAY THEY ARE A SAFETY HAZARD AND THAT THE WHEELS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAID THE WHEELS COULD FAIL AND CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I REPLACED ONE OF THESE WHEELS BACK IN 2006, BUT NOW 2 MORE OF THEM ARE CRACKED. THESE ARE TOP-OF-THE-LINE CHROME WHEELS AND SELL FOR MORE THAN $400 EACH. *TR

VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN JULY, 2008 AND MECHANIC AT COUNTRY FORD NOTED NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING ON VACATION IN OCT. 2008, I NOTICED NOISE IN REAR WHICH WAS NOTICEABLE AT 35-40 MPH AND GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO COUNTRY FORD AND THEY FOUND THE REAR CARRIER BEARINGS WORN AND HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. COST WAS $1132. VEHICLE NOT UNDER WARRANTY (52,000 MILES). VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AS PER FORD GUIDELINES AT COUNTRY FORD SERVICE, LEVITTOWN, NY. *TR

RE: FORD MOTOR COMPANY FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS ILLEGALLY CHARGING CUSTOMERS FOR COMPUTER ENGINE UPDATES. IN JULY OF 2008 MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER 2003. . I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT BUERGE FORD THAT MY ENGINE CODES HAD TO BE UPDATED PER FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THEY UPDATED THE ENGINE CODES IN 15 MINUTES AND CHARGED ME $128.00 DOLLARS FOR UPDATING FORDS NEW ENGINE COMPUTER CODES. THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS THAT IF THE ENGINE CODES ON MY FORD EXPLORER XLT 2003 NEEDED TO BE UPDATED TO FORDS NEW ENGINE CODES A RECALL SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED, OR THE CHARGE SHOULDN'T BE PASS ON TO THE CONSUMER. A RECALL WAS NEVER DONE, AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS BEEN ILLEGALLY PASSING ON THIS CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER FOR YEARS, WITHOUT A RECALL NOTICE. NOTHING WAS AT FAULT AT MY END. I HAVE A COPY OF MY BILL FOR YOUR RECORDS ON THIS ILLEGAL CHARGE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR NOT IMPLEMENTING A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR SUV'S, CAR'S AND TRUCKS. SINCERELY. JEFFREY ROTH *TR

WHILE OUT OF TOWN, VACATIONING AND TOURING FOR FALL COLORS, I LOST ALL POWER TO THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM AFTER A SHORT COFFEE STOP. WHEN I STARTED MY EXPLORER I NOTICE I HAD NO HEAT, FANS, DEFROSTER OR POWER TO THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. THINKING I HAD BLOWN A FUSE, I OPENED THE OWNERS MANUAL AND CHECKED THE FUSE DIAGRAM PAGES FOR THE SYSTEM THAT WAS NOT WORKING. I CHECKED ALL THE FUSES INDICATED BUT, I FOUND NONE OF THEM HAD BLOWN. AFTER DETOURING AND HEADING FOR THE LOCAL SMALL TOWN, I PURCHASED AN EMERGENCY FUSE REPLACEMENT AND TESTER KIT AS IT WAS NOW GETTING DARK, TRYING TO CONTINUE RE-CHECKING ANY FUSES (WHILE IN THE CONFINED AND MOST AWKWARD PLACE TO INSTALL A FUSE CONTROL PANEL UNDER THE DASH BOARD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE) WAS GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT TILL DAYLIGHT. ON MY RETURN TO MY CAMPSITE I CHANGE THE HEAD LIGHTING FROM AUTO TO MANUAL AND PULLED OUT ON THE KNOB TO TURN ON THE FOG LIGHT SYSTEM. AS I DID THIS ALL POWER TO MY CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM RETURNED AND WAS WORKING NORMAL AGAIN. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A REAL PROBLEM AS THE NEXT MORNING I WOKE UP TO FROST AND 0` TEMPERATURE AND OVERCAST FOR THE DAY. *TR

FACTORY PAINT BLISTERING ON HOOD. VEHICLE IS 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS 44,000 MILES. THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON A LONG LIST OF INTERNET SITES. FORD IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THIS ISSUE. APPARENTLY THIS IS AFFECTING 2000-2005 VEHICLES. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER PURCHASED NEW. OUT OF THE BLUE CHECK TRANSMISSION AND O/D OFF LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. AT DEALERSHIP NOW FOR REPAIR ESTIMATE. WHILE RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I WAS AMAZED TO SEE THE NUMBER OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM ON THE EXACT SAME CAR. I SPOKE WITH FORD TODAY & THEY TOLD ME SORRY AND TO "HAVE A GOOD DAY". I AM MORTIFIED AT THE PROBLEM AND THE LACK OF ASSISTANCE FORD IS WILLING TO PROVIDE WITH THIS OBVIOUSLY LARGE SPREAD PROBLEM. *TR

I HAVE A 2003 4WD 4.0 6 CYL. FORD EXPLORER WITH 84,000 MILES ON IT. MY OVER DRIVE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. I HAVE JUST SEEN ONLINE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND FORD IS NOT RECALLING OR DOING ANYTHING TO HELP WITH REPAIRS. *TR

I CAN'T SEEM TO GET THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL TO STOP LEAKING - NEITHER CAN MY MECHANIC. MY MECHANIC HAS REPLACED THE "CRUSH WASHER" (WHERE THE DRIVELINE CONNECTS TO THE DIFFERENTIAL) A COUPLE OF TIMES. I WAS TOLD THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS MANUFACTURED BY DANA. I DON'T WANT TO REPLACE THE DIFFERENTIAL BECAUSE MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT HALF-SHAFT WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO BE REPLACED ALSO... THE THREADS ON THE END OF THE SPINDLE HAVE RUSTED OFF. I'LL PROBABLY ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE THE (LF) WHEEL BEARING. (I THINK I'LL HAVE TO BECAUSE I HAD TO HAVE THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACE BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS BACK WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 36,000 MILES ON IT) NOT CRITICAL STUFF HERE - JUST A NUISANCE. THANKS. *TR

BUBBLING AND PEELING PAINT. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER - 65K MILES - BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR 7.6HP FAILED CAUSING A/C TO REMAIN IN ON POSITION WITH NO HEAT OR DEFROSTER. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT PRESSED THE BUTTON ON HER KEY FOB TO OPEN THE GLASS ON THE REAR HATCH. AS A RESULT, ONE OF THE TWO HINGES FRACTURED AS THE WINDOW WAS OPENING. SHE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE GLASS, BUT APPARENTLY IT WAS MISALIGNED. DUE TO EXCESSIVE PRESSURE, THE GLASS SHATTERED AND DEBRIS FELL ONTO THE CONTACT AND THE GROUND. SHE CALLED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE COVERAGE DATE FOR THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE DEALER WOULD HAVE TO PERSONALLY PETITION TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER ON HER BEHALF. AS OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,600 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,600.

AS MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING STALL, MY VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN CAUGHT OFF. WE WERE UNABLE TO GET IT RESTARTED. AFTER MECHANICS CHECKED IT OUT, I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE MOTOR. DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND, BECAUSE WE HAVE ONLY 38,208 MILES ON OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER; AND A WEEK BEFORE THAT WE HAD A COMPLETE OIL CHANGE. I CONTACTED OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER AS WELL AS FORD IN DETROIT AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THEM. I TOLD THEM WE HAD NO WARNING OF A PROBLEM, THE INDICATOR NEVER CAME ON AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION AT ALL THAT WE HAD A PROBLEM, NO NOISE OR ANY SIGNS OF TROUBLE. WITH ONLY A FEW MILES ON THE CAR, I TOLD THEM I FELT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. BECAUSE THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY CALLS SINCE MY COMPLAINTS, THEY FELT IT WAS NOT A FORD'S PROBLEM AND THAT IT WAS A SITUATION I HAD TO TAKE CARE OF. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE AND I THINK FORD SHOULD HANDLE THIS PROBLEM. NO WAY SHOULD I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY MOTOR WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES. IT'S NOT FAIR THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR A JOB THAT I BELIEVE FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR. TELL ME, WHAT DO I DO? *TR

ONE OF THE RIMS ON OUR FORD EXPLORER FELL OFF THE CAR AT HIGH SPEED AND, ACCORDING TO FORD, IT CAME WITHIN SECONDS OF FALLING OFF ON A PREVIOUS OCCASION (ALSO AT HIGH SPEED). THESE ARE THE FACTORY RIMS THAT CAME WITH THE CAR WHEN WE BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2003. THE DEALER HAS NOW DETERMINED THAT THE RIMS ARE SO RUSTED THAT WHEN THEY ARE REMOVED FOR SERVICE AND THEN REPLACED WITHOUT HAVING THE RUST REMOVED, THE SURFACE OF THE RIM IS ROUGH AND DOES NOT "MATE" PROPERLY AGAINST THE HUB. EVENTUALLY, THE RUSTED MATERIAL STARTS TO FLAKE OFF, WHICH CAUSES THE RIM TO LOOSEN AGAINST THE HUB AND THE LUGS TO SNAP OFF. THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT IDENTIFIED BY FORD UNTIL AFTER THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT (JULY 4, 2008). THE RIMS HAVE BEEN CAUSING PROBLEMS SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2005, WHEN THE CAR WAS TWO YEARS OLD AND UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY (WE ALSO HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT EXPIRED A FEW MONTHS AGO). DESPITE HAVING THE CAR SERVICED AT FORD DEALERS AT LEAST 11 TIMES BETWEEN SEPTEMBER OF 2005 AND JULY OF THIS YEAR, NOBODY EVER TOLD US THAT THE RIMS WERE SO DEFECTIVE THAT THEY COULD FALL OFF AT ANY TIME. OUR DEALER HAS OFFERED TO PAY HALF THE COST OF NEW RIMS, BUT WE REFUSE TO PAY A SINGLE CENT. WE HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS PROBLEM, WHICH COULD HAVE KILLED OUR FAMILY TWICE. *TR

I PURCHASED A 2003 EXPLORER IN AUGUST 2006; MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. BY OCTOBER THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS LATER, I WAS BACK BECAUSE MY CAR WAS JERKING. NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AT THAT TIME. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THE STARTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AS WOULD THE RECENTLY INSTALLED ALTERNATOR. I RETURNED LESS THAN A MONTH LATER WITH THE SAME JERKING ISSUE, ONLY THIS TIME I NOTIFIED THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THE O/D LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON. FURTHERMORE, MY CAR HAD ACTUALLY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. AGAIN, NOTHING WAS FOUND. BY EARLY DECEMBER, I WAS BACK. MY CAR HAD STALLED ON A FEW MORE OCCASIONS AND WOULD NOT "PICK UP". THAT IS, EVEN THOUGH THE RPM'S WOULD REACH ANYWHERE FROM 2500 - 4000, MY CAR COULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 25 - 30 MPH. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED WORK. I GOT MY CAR BACK A FEW DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND DECIDED LAST MINUTE TO HEAD TO THE MOUNTAINS. AS SOON AS I REACH A SLIGHT ELEVATION, THE CAR CEASED TO ACCELERATE AND WHAT'S MORE, A THICK HEAVY CLOUD OF BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE REAR AND PERSISTED FOR AT LEAST TWO MILES. I HEADED BACK DOWN THE MOUNTAIN FOR HOME. I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY KEPT IT FOR AT LEAST A WEEK AND A HALF TO REPAIR THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND OTHER TRANSMISSION RELATED ISSUE. IN EARLY FALL 2007, I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR SOME STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IT ENDED UP COSTING $2500.00 TO REPAIR. I RETURNED IN NOVEMBER FOR MORE WORK, THIS TIME FOR THE SAME TORQUE CONVERTER AND SOLENOID ISSUE AS A YEAR AGO. DURING THIS TWO YEAR PERIOD, MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE TOTAL REPAIR COST FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP IS ANYWHERE FROM $5000 - $9000, OF WHICH I PAID AT LEAST $2500 OUT OF POCKET. MY WARRANTY HAS SINCE EXPIRED AND I AM WORRIED THAT THESE SAME ISSUES WILL RECUR, AS I HAVE READ THEY HAVE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL ISSUED. *TR

THIS VEHICLE IS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED WITH A SEVERE ROAR COMING FROM THE REAR END. THERE IS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN OUT AT REPAIR SHOPS BUT NO RECALL. IT COULD RESULT IN THE GEARS LOCKING DOWN AND LOSING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. IT IS A DEFECT OF THE FORD MOTOR CO AND SHOULD BE UNDER RECALL. THE COST OF REPAIR IS AROUND $1400.00. THE NOISE IS SO LOUD THAT IT COULD BLOCK THE ABILITY TO HEAR ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT USING A CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING IN THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO HEAR THE OTHER PERSON. I UNDERSTAND THAT ALL FORD,LINCOLN, AND MERCURY SUV'S ARE A PART OF THIS TECH-BULLETIN. THE YEARS THAT ARE AFFECTED ARE 2002-2006. PLEASE CONSIDER ISSUING A RECALL SOON. *TR

ON 9/4/08, DRIVING IN TOWN, I WAS AT A RED LIGHT, PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE, THEN PREPARED TO BRAKE, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED KEPT ACCELERATING. I HAD TO RIDE MY BRAKES TO KEEP MY CAR FROM GOING ANY FASTER. WHEN I LET OFF THE BRAKE, THE ACCELERATOR TOOK OFF AGAIN ON ITS OWN AT A FAST RATE! I PULLED OVER TO TURN OFF MY CAR, WAITED FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES AND PROCEEDED AGAIN. AFTER DRIVING 5 MILES IT STARTED UP AGAIN, I RODE ON MY BRAKES THE REST OF THE WAY HOME AND THEN HAD MY HUSBAND FOLLOW ME TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, WHERE IT IS RIGHT NOW. *TR

THERE IS A CRACK ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION LIFT GATE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER CARS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE SAME CRACK IN THE SAME SPOT. *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE BUYING IT FROM VOGLER FORD IN CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS. A FEW MONTHS AGO THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ALL THE TIME AND IT SHIFTS HARD GOING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. I SEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF I COULD REPLACE A PART ON IT. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE TRANSMISSIONS. HAVE THEY RECALLED ANY FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS FROM FORD VEHICLES. *TR

MY BACK REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE I WAS AT WORK. IT HAPPEN AT 400AM SO IT WAS NOT HOT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW, IT COMPLETELY SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,843.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE WAS DAMAGED AND CRACKED. THE DEALER STATED THAT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILED COMPONENT, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 10/16/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/17/08. *JB

SEVERE REAR END NOISE HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. REAR DIFFERENTIAL NOW NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT WORK WITH ME ON THE COST OF THESE REPAIRS. I HAVE ALSO HAD A SENSOR REPLACED TWICE AND IT IS NOW BROKEN AGAIN. *TR

PAINT PEELING OFF MY CAR. *TR

VERTICAL CRACK IN THE BACK HATCH OF MY FORD EXPLORER 2003 JUST BELOW THE GLASS AND GOING DOWN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE HAS BF GOODRICH TIRES, SIZE P245/65R17, RUGGED TRAIL T/A. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE KEEPS LOSING AIR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VALVE STEM, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE TIRE IS FINE FOR TWO WEEKS AND THEN NEEDS TO BE INFLATED AGAIN. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,300.

FACTORY REAREND WAS REPLACED IN MY 03 FORD EXPLORER. SINCE THEN THE PROBLEM OF GRADUAL REAREND DETERIORATION HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. IF THE REAREND FAILS CATASTROPHICALLY THEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR. FORD MOTORS DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN, BUT IT DEFINITELY IS. FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLES WITH THE DEFECTIVE REARENDS AND FIX THEIR PROBLEM. *TR

THERE IS A VERTICAL CRACK THAT JUST APPEARED IN THE REAR HATCH OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WE TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF OUR VEHICLES AND THIS TRUCK IS RARELY DRIVEN. IT IS ALSO PARKED IN OUR GARAGE EXCEPT WHEN BEING DRIVEN. I HAVE READ THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON IN THIS TRUCK. OUR "DOOR AJAR" LIGHT AND WARNING REGULARLY INDICATES THAT THE DOOR IS NOT CLOSED PROPERLY. IT HAS EVEN FLUNG OPEN WHILE WE ARE DRIVING. WE HAVE THE THIRD ROW SEAT IN THIS MODEL AND KEEP MY TWO 5 YEAR-OLDS IN THAT SEAT. IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND WE HAD TO PULL OVER SUDDENLY TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THERE IS A SERIOUS DEFECT IN THIS DESIGN WHICH CAN CAUSE INJURY TO THOSE IN THE VEHICLE OR AROUND YOU SINCE THE HATCH OPENING OUT OF NO WHERE IS STARTLING. *TR

ON 7/15/08 WE BROUGHT OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A TUNE-UP. WE THEN FOUND OUT OUR FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACING. OTHER PROBLEMS OCCURRED TOO. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND UPPER CONTROL ARM ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WE ALSO HAD A FRONT PINION SEAL LEAKING. THE COST OF THE TUNE-UP WAS $555.54 WHILE ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS COSTS US $1402.30. WE WERE PREPARED TO PAY FOR THE TUNE-UP BUT NOT FOR ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS. WE ASKED IF FORD COULD HELP OUT BEFORE THIS WORK WAS DONE BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID WE WERE OUT OF WARRANTY SO WE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY AND HAVE IT FIXED BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THESE WERE SAFETY ISSUES. SOON AFTER WE LEFT THE DEALERSHIP WE NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIRES. WE BROUGHT OUR EXPLORER BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 7/31/08 ONLY TO FIND OUT THE OTHER FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAD GONE. THEY TOLD US IT WOULD COST ANOTHER $365 AND AGAIN WE ASKED IF FORD COULD HELP OUT AND THEY SAID WE WOULD NEED TO CALL FORD OURSELVES. WHICH WE DID IN THE WAITING ROOM OF THE DEALERSHIP. FORD DID NOT WANT TO HELP AT ALL. I EXPLAINED TO FORD ALL THE COMPLAINTS I FOUND ON THE NHTSA SITE AS WELL AS THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WE WERE HAVING WITH OUR EXPLORER. FORD FINALLY SAID THEY WOULD COVER $265 BUT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $100 AS A DEDUCTIBLE. WE SAID NO AND TRIED TO EXPLAINED TO FORD THAT THESE PARTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND THAT FORD SHOULD COVER ALL THE EXPENSES. FORD SAID IT WAS UP TO THE NHTSA SITE TO ISSUE A RECALL AND UNTIL THAT TIME FORD WILL NOT PAY FOR THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE SERVICE MANAGER THEN SAID HE WOULD COVER THE $100 BUT WE WOULD HAVE TO GO AFTER FORD ON OUR OWN FOR THE PAST EXPENSES. WE HAD THE PART FIXED BUT WE WANT FORD TO STEP UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING AND ADMIT THESE PARTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND COVER THE COSTS. OUR EXPLORER HAS ONLY 73000 MILES AND WE FEEL THESE PARTS SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE. FORD SHOULD CARE MORE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS SAFETY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HINGE HAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT OPENED THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS AND, WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE IT, THE LIFTGATE WOULD NOT SHUT CORRECTLY. THE HINGE SPLIT INTO TWO PIECES. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT IF HE ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE REAR LIFTGATE, THE GLASS WILL SHATTER. HE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE, BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FREQUENTLY MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN HE WOULD SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. HE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT TEN MINUTES FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE OR EVEN SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND TRY AGAIN. EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THEY COULD NEVER DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. AFTER A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5-6 TIMES FOR THE FAILURE, BUT WAS NOT GIVEN ANY EXPLANATION. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.

BRAKE PADS COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED WHEN INSPECTING PADS, FRONT EDGE OF ROTORS HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED. PADS WERE IN GOOD SHAPE THICKNESS WISE IN SOME AREAS AND ROTTED IN OTHER AREAS. PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED NOW 5 MONTHS LATER IT'S STARTING AGAIN. PARKING BRAKE PADS DELAMINATED AGAIN. ABS LIGHT CAME ON DURING TRIP FOR NO REASON? *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD WHINING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE ACCELERATING AND DECELERATING. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING IN HIS COMPUTER THAT WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THERE ARE CURRENTLY TEN NHTSA SERVICE BULLETINS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE REAR AXLE MAY HAVE TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/11/08. *JB

I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER AND THE BACK GLASS FELL AND IT HANGING OFF. WHY BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR LAST YEAR THE PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED. *TR

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

TIRE VALVE PROBLEM - 3 BLOWN TIRES IN 60 DAYS ORIGINAL TIRES PURCHASED 1/31/2007 - CAR MILEAGE 75,857 AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE 1ST INCIDENT - APRIL 12, 2008 - CAR MILEAGE 91,400 (RIGHT FRONT TIRE) BLOWN TIRE ON INTERSTATE 81 IN VIRGINIA (TIRE REPLACED W/NEW VALVE) NO PROBLEM DETERMINATION DONE RELATIVE TO THE VALVE 2ND INCIDENT - APRIL 26, 2008 - CAR MILEAGE 92,300 (LEFT FRONT TIRE) BLOWN TIRE ON INTERSTATE 85 IN NORTH CAROLINA (TIRE REPLACED W/NEW VALVE) NO PROBLEM DETERMINATION DONE RELATIVE TO THE VALVE 3RD INCIDENT - JUNE 18, 2008 - CAR MILEAGE 93,100 (LEFT REAR TIRE) BLOWN TIRE ONE INTERSTATE 285 IN GEORGIA (TIRE REPLACED W/NEW VALVE) PROBLEM DETERMINATION DONE REVEALED VALVE SEEMED TO BE ROTTED 4TH TIRE (RIGHT REAR) WAS CHECK DURING THE 3RD TIRE REPLACEMENT - VALVE WAS "WIGGLED" AND THE TIRE STARTED TO LEAK - 4TH TIRE PRO-RATED AND NEW TIRE AND VALVE WAS PUT ON THE CAR AS A RESULT OF THE ANALYSIS DONE DURING THE 3RD TIRE REPLACEMENT - IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VALVES WERE THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE TIRE FAILURES TIRES WERE MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN SUV ORWL P235/7R-16 VALVE NUMBERS WERE NOT DETERMINED THE ONLY REASON WE INVESTIGATED THE POSSIBILITY OF A RECALL ON THE VALVES WAS BASED ON THE STATEMENT MADE BY THE TIRE SERVICE ATTENDANT THAT THEY HAD SEEN A FEW OF THESE AND THEY WERE GETTING REIMBURSED DUE TO A FAULTY VALVE. THE PURCHASE PLACE OF THE TIRES WITH THE VALVES IN QUESTION WAS DISCOUNT TIRE IN KENNESAW GEORGIA - JANUARY 2007 CONSEQUENTLY, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 4 TIRES (WHICH WERE COVERED UNDER MY ROAD HAZARD INSURANCE WITH DISCOUNT TIRE) AND A NEW ALIGNMENT... TOTAL COST, INCLUDING EVERYTHING WAS ABOUT $150 (THANKS TO THE ROAD HAZARD INSURANCE). *TR

THE BACK LIFT GATE PANEL IS CRACKED ON MY 2003 EXPLORER. I HAVE HAD THE CRACK FOR APPROX. 2 YEARS. THE CRACK HAS PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID " THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL CASES SUCH AS THIS, BUT FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL" I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL EXPLORERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT THINK IT SHOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO COVER THIS WHEN IT IS OBVIOUSLY A FORD DEFECT. *TR

APRIL 2008, O/D LIGHT STARTED BLINKING & VEHICLE STARTED SHIFTING HARD; TOOK TO FORD DEALERSHIP THE NEXT WEEK; AFTER COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC SAID I NEEDED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION ON 2003 EXPLORER WITH 80,000 MILES; WITHIN 2 MONTHS THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT WANTING TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE REGARDLESS OF WEATHER CONDITIONS. *TR

MY BACK WINDSHIELD EXPLODED LAST THURSDAY WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. NOT ONLY DID THE GLASS EXPLODE, BUT THE FIBERGLASS UNDERNEATH THE GLASS WAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE BACKEND OF THE TRUCK IN A BOWING POSITION. I HAD THE BACK HINGE REPLACED AFTER THE RECALL, IT'S BEEN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN NASHUA WILL DO NOTHING FOR ME, STATING THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT BEFORE AND THERE ARE NO OTHER COMPLAINTS. WHEN I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE AREA FACTORY REP, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE ONE. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER, WHO PRETTY MUCH SAID, HERE'S YOUR HAT, WHAT'S YOUR HURRY, OUT YOU GO...HE THEN FLAGGED ME AS BEING AN "IRATE" CUSTOMER. I AM A MOTHER OF 4 YOUNG CHILDREN, GOD FORBID THEY HAD BEEN IN THE CAR WHEN THAT HAD HAPPENED. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES..FORD-BUILT STRONG MY LEG! ANYONE INTERESTED IN FILING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN THE STATE OF NH, PLEASE LET ME KNOW, I AM GOING TO CONTACT MY LAWYER TODAY. *TR

JULY OF 2007 THE REAR WINDOW ON OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAD BROKEN AT ONE OF THE HINGES AND THE WINDOW SAGGED. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET WE FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL, (04V44200). WE THEN CONTACTED FORD AND THEY AGREED TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO CHARGE. NOW 10 MONTHS LATER WHILE THE AUTO WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY THE WINDOW SHATTERED WITH NO ONE AROUND. THERE WAS A NEIGHBOR WORKING IN THE YARD WHO WITNESSED THIS HAPPEN. GLASS WAS BOTH INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER A WEEK OF PHONE CALLS WITH NO LUCK, I WAS FINALLY IN TOUCH WITH A ONE OF THE PARTS GUYS AT FORD WHO SAID THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT HE WAS AWARE OF. HE EVEN STATED THAT THEY ONLY REPLACED THE HINGES AND NOT THE GLASS WHICH IS KNOWN TO SHATTER. AFTER SEVERAL PHONE CALLS, WE WERE NOTIFIED THAT THE RECALL WAS ONLY ON THE HINGES (EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW THE GLASS IS DEFECTIVE AS WELL) AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP US OUT. WELL IM NOT PAYING $1,600 OUT OF MY POCKET FOR ANOTHER PRODUCT THAT FORD KNOWS HAS A PROBLEM AND DOESN'T BACK UP THERE WARRANTIES. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE LIFTGATE, THE RIGHT HINGE SWUNG OUT AND BECAME DETACHED. THE HINGE NEARLY STRUCK HIS CHILD. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL ON HIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE FOR THIS IDENTICAL FAILURE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT IF THE FAILURES ARE THE SAME, HIS VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 70,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WIRING FAILED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,550 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,330. UPDATED 06/25/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE DEALER FIXED THE RECALLED REAR HATCH PROBELM, THE CARGO HATCH FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. A

CRACK IN PANEL ON REAR HATCH I SEE SAME CRACK IN SAME SPORT ON ALL SAME VEHICLES. *TR

I HAVE A SET OF WILD COUNTRY XTX TIRES THAT HAS SOME SORT OF MANUFACTURE DEFAULT. THEY ARE CHOPPING SOMETHING TERRIBLE. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE TRUCK FOR 6 MONTHS AND I WENT INTO HAVE THEM ROTATED AND THEY WOULDN'T ROTATE THEM BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE TIRES LOOK. THE TIRE SIZE THAT I HAVE IS LT 235/70 R16 ..I DON'T KNOW IF U NEED ANYMORE INFO ON THEM. BUT THEY LOOK LIKE THEY COULD BE GETTING VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON. AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT ELSE I COULD DO BOUT THIS PROBLEM . THEY DIDN'T LOOK THIS WAY WHEN I BOUGHT THE SUV. OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE HAD THE CAR COMPANY PUT NEW TIRES ON THE SUV WHEN I BOUGHT IT. I TRIED LOOKING UP THE COMPANY WHO MADE THE WILD COUNTRY TIRES BUT DIDN'T HAVE ANY LUCK. SO I THOUGHT I WOULD LET U KNOW BOUT IT. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH CRACK IN REAR DOOR PANEL (CARGO DOOR) WE NOTICED THIS CRACK AFTER A COLD NIGHT. IT WAS NO FAULT OF OUR OWN, AND SINCE THEN WE HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER FORD EXPLORERS WITH THIS SAME VERTICAL CRACK IN THE BACK DOOR. I REALLY THINK THIS IS A DEFECT OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY,AND EXPECT THEM TO RECALL THIS PRODUCT. ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE US WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I HAVE ALSO READ MANY OF THESE SAME STORIES ABOUT THE CRACKED REAR DOOR ONLINE. WITH SO MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING, IT'S A SHAME THAT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY FORD TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP. *TR

AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MILES WITHOUT INCIDENT, I PULLED INTO TRAFFIC AND ACCELERATED TO ABOUT 45 MPH THEN LET UP ON PEDDLE BUT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. TO BRING IT UNDER CONTROL I HAD TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND AT THAT POINT, LOST POWER STEERING AND SOME BRAKES. I HAD CAR TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER AND HAVE NOT YET HEARD FROM THEM. *TR

AS MANY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED AND AM SURE COUNTLESS OTHERS DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO, I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT THE CRACK IN THE REAR OF THE 2003 EXPLORERS. IS ANYTHING GOING TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS THAT YOU KNOW ABOUT? I HAVE TALKED TO FORD AND TO DEALERS AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING. MY CONCERN BECAME LARGER THEN COSMETIC TODAY WHEN I LEFT THE CAR WASH. NOW NOT ONLY IS THERE THAT HUGE CRACK BUT ALSO THE SEAL AROUND THE WINDOW IS FALLING OUT AND WATER IS GETTING IN. IF THIS IS STARTING TO HAPPEN I WONDER NOW IS IT JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THESE WINDOWS START TO FALL OUT??? DOES FORD REALLY NEED ANOTHER HUGE LAWSUIT WHEN WHAT I SEE STARTING TO HAPPEN TO ME STARTS WITH OTHERS IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY. WILL FORD JUST WAIT FOR REAR WINDOWS TO FALL OUT GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE CAUSING WRECKS, OR WILL THEY FINALLY OWN UP TO THE THOUSANDS OF 2002-2004 EXPLORER OWNERS THAT THEY MADE AN ERROR IN PRODUCTION. NO ONE IS PERFECT BUT WE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR ACTIONS. *TR

WHEEL BEARING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AFTER 50K MILES WHICH SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON ON 2000+ MODEL YEAR FORD EXPLORERS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE RPM'S TO INCREASE FROM 1,000 TO 4,000, FOLLOWED BY A LOUD THUMPING NOISE. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WOULD ALSO REMAIN ILLUMINATED AFTER THE MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, BUT STILL CONTINUES TO FAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.

THE BACK PANEL OF MY 2003 EXPLORER IS CRACKED. THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED AT LIBERTY FORD IN RANDALLSTOWN. THEY ADMIT AS WELL AS THE FORD CORP. OFFICE THAT THE PANELS ARE CRACKING BUT THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THEM. THEY ARE SAYING THE PROBLEM IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. THEY COULD NOT TELL ME WHEN THE INVESTIGATION STARTED OR WHEN THEY THINK IT WILL END. THEY ARE ONLY SAYING THAT ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO PARTICULAR REASON THAT THESE PANELS ARE CRACKING THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE TO REPLACE THEM. *TR

O/D LIGHT FLASHES TRANSMISSION HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING OUT OF 1ST GEAR. *TR

LOUD ROARING SOUND INSIDE OF CAR. TURNED OUT TO BE THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL BEARING. REPLACED NOW THE REAR IS DOING THE SAME THING. MY VEHICLE DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH MILES FOR THESE FAILURES TO HAPPEN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE SPEED RAPIDLY INCREASED ABOVE 55 MPH. THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ATTEMPTED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CRUISE CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE FUEL SYSTEM AND DATE OF PURCHASE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,335 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,392.

CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES: FAILS TO ENGAGE, UN-COMMANDED ACCELERATION, UN-COMMANDED DECELERATION, SPEED SURGING, INDICATES ENGAGED AND IS NOT ENGAGED. *TR

THE REAR HATCH HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE PANEL JUST BELOW THE VISIBLE GLASS OF THE HATCH. THIS CRACK ENCOMPASSES THE REAR FORD LOGO. THIS CRACK OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *TR

CRACK DEVELOPED WITHOUT APPARENT CAUSE IN PLASTIC PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. I'VE NOTICED THIS IN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS OF SIMILAR YEARS. *TR

REAR DOOR HATCH HAS CRACKED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HATCH. *TR

BEARINGS IN FORD EXPLORER ALMOST SEIZED.... THIS COULD CAUSE A MAJOR PROBLEM IF THEY HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. 3 OUT OF FOUR AT ONE TIME? *TR

I HAVE A 03 EXPLORER. AND MY HATCH CRACKED IN 07. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER SEEING OTHER MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE PART AND IT COST ME ROUGHLY $800.00 TO FIX. I FEEL AS THOUGH FORD SHOULD RECALL THE PART AND REFUND ALL THE CUSTOMERS WHO HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, AND HAD TO SPEND $$ TO GET IT FIXED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. AT 50,000 75,000 AND 80,000 MILES, THE WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED. THE TWO FRONT AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. AT 30,000 MILES, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE STATE INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER FURTHER STATED THAT THE FREQUENT FAILURES OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS MAY BE DUE TO DRIVING ON A DIRT ROAD. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE; THEREFORE, HE SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WILL HAVE THE WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED, BUT HE FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST. THE DEALER INFORMATION AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

DRIVING TO WORK FROM HOME, O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND GOING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR LAGGED. RETURNING HOME THAT NIGHT, O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH LAGGING IN SHIFTING. TOOK TO MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE AND REPLACED SOLENOID. THIS CORRECTED SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT, BUT O/D LIGHT STILL FLASHED. FOUND FILINGS IN TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH LED TO REPLACING TRANSMISSION. FOUND FORUMS THAT RELATED SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. AT LEAST I GOT 90,000 MILES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. *TR

LOSS CONTROL OF MY SUV, AND FOUND OUT MY SPINDLE, BEARINGS AND EVERYTHING WAS SHOT! *TR

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND HAS A FLEX FUEL SYSTEM 4.0L 114,000 MILES AT TIMES NOT ALL THE TIME ONCE IN AWHILE I WILL GO TO TURN AND SLOW DOWN THE IDLE JUMPS UP AND DOWN YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE RPS GO NUTS AND THE ENGINE SHUTS ITSELF OFF I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR NOT BEING PREPARED FOR THE SHUT DOWN THE BRAKES THE STEERING ALL GOT HARD TO HANDLE... HAS ANYONE BEEN LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM AT ALL? I HAVE CHANGED SPARK PLUGS THE FUEL FILTER AIR FILTER AND STILL DOES THIS IN WARM WEATHER AS IT DOES IN COLD WEATHER.. ANY CLUE AS TO WHAT I CAN DO? VARY UNSAFE. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR OR TRUCK DO THIS MORE THAN ONCE. *TR

THE REAR HATCH ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORE XLT CRACKED IN 3 SEPARATE PLACES. THE VEHICLE IS PRIMARILY HOUSED IN A GARAGE. I CALLED FORD TO REPORT THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT FULLY COVER THE DEFECT. THEY WOULD "HELP" SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I FEEL THE CRACKS ARE A FLAW IN MANUFACTURING OR PRODUCT DESIGN. THEY SHOULD BE COVERED ENTIRELY BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

REAR DOOR CRACK IN THE MIDDLE ON FORD EXPLORER, BELOW THE WINDOW, PROBABLY BECAUSE THE MATERIAL THE FRAME IS MADE OF IS JUST PLASTIC. I KEEP SEEING PEOPLE IN MY TOWN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WONDER IF THERE IS A FORMAL COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS DEFECT. I CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT NO ONE HAS COMPLAINED. THIS IS NOT JUST A COSMETIC PROBLEM, BUT A SAFETY PROBLEM. SOMETIMES WHEN I AM DRIVING THE DOOR WINDOW GETS OPEN. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP ME AND OTHER CUSTOMERS WHO OWN A FORD EXPLORER AND WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

EXCESSIVE WHINE/NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE THE VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY SLAM INTO THE GEAR AFTER SOME TIME HAS LAPSED, OR OTHER TIMES IT WON'T MOVE INTO ANY GEAR AND FREEZES IN A NEUTRAL STATE, EVEN WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS MOVED INTO DRIVE OR ANY OTHER GEAR, FOR THAT MATTER. THESE EVENTS HAVE OCCURRED AT LEAST SEVERAL TIMES IN THE 1 MONTH PERIOD WE HAVE OWNED IT. PURCHASED IT FROM A DEALER ON 2/24/08 WITH 53,000K MILES ON IT. IT IS CURRENTLY IN A FORD DEALER (1 WEEK SO FAR) FOR SERVICE, BUT THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. IF I PICK UP THE VEHICLE NOW THE USED VEHICLE WARRANTY THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE WILL EXPIRE AND WILL NOT COVER THE PROBLEM WHEN IT DOES COMPLETELY FAIL. AFTER READING ALL THE PROBLEMS THESE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE, IT IS INEVITABLE IT WON'T BE LONG BEFORE THAT HAPPENS. HOPEFULLY, IT WON'T BE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC OR WORSE YET, WHEN DRIVING WITH MY GRANDKIDS SOMEWHERE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE TOTAL FAILURE OFTEN HAPPEN WITH NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE OTHERWISE DRIVES GREAT. *TR

THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE IN THE DASH WHEN I TURNED THE HEAT ON. ONE DAY THERE WAS ONE MORE HARD CLICK AND AFTER THAT NO MORE HEAT. SO NOW WHEN I TURN THE HEAT ON THERE'S A CLICKING NOISE AND NO HEAT, WHEN I TURN IT ON COOL THE CLICKING NOISE STOPS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE BECOMES LOUDER AS THE VEHICLE TRAVELS FASTER. THE WHINING APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,800. UPDATED 04/14/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT NO CHARGE BY FORD AT 55,000 MILES DUE TO A DEFECT. THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE MAKES EXCESSIVE NOISE WHEN IN GEAR. UPDATED

THE PANEL JUST BELOW MY BACK WINDSHIELD HAS A CRACK IN IT WHICH HAS OCCURRED FOR NO REASON AT ALL. AFTER SPEAKING WITH SOME AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED TO HEAR THAT ABOUT 99% OF THESE HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WOULD COST ME ALMOST $400 TO DO SO. I CALLED FORD AND THEY ONCE AGAIN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM BUT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. AT THAT TIME I ASK TO SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR AND WHEN SPEAKING WITH HER I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. (WHICH I FIND HARD TO BELIEVE SINCE 3 DEALERS HAVE NOW TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM.) MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS IF I DO NOT FIX THIS RIGHT AWAY THAT I WILL LOSE THIS PIECE AND IT WILL END UP HURTING SOMEONE. *TR

REFERENCE MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER 4X4. RIGHT REAR SPRING IS BROKEN. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 45,506 MILES. *TR

CRACK IN BODY OF TAILGATE WITH NO CAUSE; CRACK STARTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BACK WINDOW AND RUNS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PLASTIC PANEL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT IS A KNOW DEFECT, BUT WILL NOT FIX IT. IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD ALONE, THERE ARE AT LEAST 4 OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS ! IT TAKES AWAY FROM THE TRADE-IN VALUE OF MY CAR. *TR

RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE THE REAR BEARING AND HUB REPLACED B/C IT WAS GOING BAD. REPAIR SHOP INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS B/C THE WHEEL COULD COME OFF WHILE DRIVING AND IT WAS WALKING WEARING THE BRAKE PADS OUT UNEVENLY RESULTING IN ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONCERNS. THE REPAIR SHOP IS REPLACING BEARING ASSEMBLY AND ALL BRAKES. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND NOTICE MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. IT ONLY WAS DETECTED B/C WE THOUGHT THE TRANSMISSION WAS ACTING UP WHICH WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SO WE TOOK IT IN. IF WE HADN'T, MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IF THE WHEEL CAME OFF AND/OR BRAKES FAILED DUE TO BEARING BEING BAD CAUSING BRAKES TO WEAR UNEVENLY. THE REPAIR COST ABOUT $1500. *TR

WITH NO ADVANCE WARNING, THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP. MECHANIC SAID THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT. I HAVE NOT DONE ANY OF THE WORK YET, AS I CAN NOT AFFORD $3000 IN REPAIRS. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ON A LARGE NUMBER OF FORD EXPLORERS. *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. FIRST, I NOTICED A SMALL CRACK IN THE TAILGATE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. WITHIN TWO DAYS, THE CRACK SPREAD THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE APPLIQUE AND THROUGH THE FORD EMBLEM. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT, HOWEVER, THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL. WE PURCHASED AN EXTENDED 75,000 MILE WARRANTY, BUT THIS CRACK HAPPENED AT 78,000 MILES. FORD SAID THEY WOULD NOT FIX BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND NO RECALL ON THEIR END. *TR

WHILE MOVING IN TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY ABOUT 45 MPH. GAS ACCELERATOR PADAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO FLOOR ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AND NEVER RETURNED TO THE UP POSITION. THROTTLE CABLE FOR CABLE END BROKE OFF AT THROTTLE BODY FOR GAS ACCELERATOR PADAL. *TR

BODY PANEL BELOW REAR GLASS ON LIFT GATE IS CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. I NOTICED THIS ON MANY EXPLORERS OF THE SAME APPROX. AGE WHILE SHOPPING FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR

REAR AXLE LOUD NOISE. FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING BECAME EXTREMELY NOISY. AUTOMATIC 4WD CONTROL ENGAGED UNEXPECTEDLY DURING LOW SPEED TURNS AND PARKING. SEVERAL VISITS TO THE FORD REPAIR SHOP, ALMOST $2.5K IN REPAIRS, "ERRONEOUSLY" DIAGNOSED. RESULTS: FINALLY, FAILURES STILL IN PLACE. WHAT A SHAME!!! *TR

BOUGHT MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN JUNE 2005. AFTER LENGTHY TRIP HOME I NOTICED A LOUD BUZZING SOUND UP FRONT. WHEN WE FINALLY HAD IT DIAGNOSED ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER, WE HAD TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE WHEEL BEARING. NOW THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BEARING IS BUZZING EVEN WORSE SO WE WILL NEED TO REPLACE THAT ONE AS WELL. WE HAVE 66,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

SEAT BELT WON'T RETRACT. *TR

WHILE PULLING OUT OF LOCAL WAL-MART PARKING LOT IN REVERSE AN EXPLOSION THAT ROCKED MY EXPLORER CROSS UTILITY VEHICLE CREATED SOME PANIC FOR MY WIFE AND MYSELF. UPON CHECKING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT THE FRONT LEFT TIRE HAD EXPLODED FROM ONE SIDE OF THE RIM TO THE OTHER RENDERING THE TIRE TO BE COMPLETELY RUIN. THE RIM WAS INTACT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW HATCH HAS A PIECE OF PLASTIC UNDER THE GLASS, WHICH HOLDS THE WINDOW IN PLACE. THE PLASTIC HAS CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE WINDOW. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. UPDATED 04/02/08. *LJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE SIMILAR TO A TIRE BLOWOUT. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE LUG STUDS FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEELS HAD SHEARED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE STUDS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO PARK, BUT THE GEAR BECAME STUCK. SHE JIGGLED THE GEAR UNTIL IT WENT INTO PARK. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW SUDDENLY BLEW OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE, BUT THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE CAUSE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE SHOP BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,000. UPDATED 03-31-08 *BF AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE GAS IN THE STRUTS THAT HOLD THE TOP PORTION OF THE REAR HATCH CAN EXPLODE WHEN COLD WEATHER IS A FACTOR. UPDATED

REAR TAILGATE MOLDING BELOW WINDOW CRACKED. APPEARS TO BE A PREVALENT FLAW BASED ON INTERNET RESEARCH. CALLED FORD AND THEY ADVISED IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM HOWEVER WERE NOT PLANNING TO RECALL. I BELIEVE THIS IS RELATED TO THE PRIOR RECALL OF REAR LIFTGATE GLASS AS THIS PART WAS NEW POST RECALL. *TR

TRANSMISSION WAS FINE AND THEN IT STARTED HAVING TROUBLE SWITCHING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. NEXT THING THE OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING SO I DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. BY THE TIME I GOT THERE THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. THEY DID A COMPUTER CHECK ($90 COST) ON IT AND RECOMMENDED TO INSTALL A REMANUFACTURED UNIT FOR $3829. AFTER SOME MORE RESEARCH, I DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO AAMCO. THEY WENT BEYOND THE COMPUTER CHECK AND DISCOVERED THAT THE 2ND SERVO PISTON WAS BROKEN AND THE OD SERVO PISTON ALSO RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THEM. IN THE END, THE COST WILL BE $2043. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, ON FEBRUARY 17, 2008, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT WARNING. SEVERAL VEHICLES WERE RAPIDLY APPROACHING THE CONTACT, WHICH NEARLY CAUSED A FATAL CRASH. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRESENT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, AFTER THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, ALL OF THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS ORDERED AND MAY BE AVAILABLE BY NEXT WEEK. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR TWO WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER'S PRESIDENT WAS NOTIFIED ON TWO OCCASIONS AND THE SECRETARY FORWARDED THE MESSAGES TO A LIAISON. THE CONTACT WANTED THE VEHICLE REPLACED, BUT THE LIAISON STATED THAT SHE COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT SAW ON THE NEWS THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL AND FILED CASE NUMBER 0490000518. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO EXISTING RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FOLLOWING FAILURES OCCURRED WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER: ON MARCH 1, 2004, THE RING AND PINIONS FAILED, ON MARCH 31, 2004, THE PINION VALVE LEAKED, WAS DAMAGED, TESTED AND REPAIRED. ON APRIL 14, 2004, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE FRONT PINION SEAL WAS LEAKING AND REPLACED. THE UPPER BEARING WAS ALSO REPAIRED. THE VIN APPEARS TO BE INVALID. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 40,000.

HATCHBACK ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED, AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT, THE TOTAL COST WAS $290.00. *TR

PANEL BELOW GLASS ON LIFT GATE DEVELOP A CRACK. *TR

THE SHOCKS AND THE WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE BACK LEFT PASSENGER SIDE TIRES ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER ARE SHOT. MY EXPLORER HAS 87,000 MILES ON IT!!! *TR

MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A FORD EXPLORE SPORT 2003 NEW FROM THE DEALER; ON SEVERAL OCCASION WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM.THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO GO FORWARD AFTER APPLYING BRAKES. THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED BRAKE BOOSTER, MASTER CYLINDER AND IT STILL TODAY IT CONTINUE TO DO THE SAME THINGS SURGE FORWARD AFTER TWO VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THIS PROBLEM. THERE RESPONSE WAS WE CAN'T FIND IT AND SENT US ON OUR WAY. NOW THE WARRANT IS GONE AND WE ARE STUCK WITH A VEHICLE THAT MAY OR MAYNOT STOP IN TRAFFIC WHICH PUTS OUR LIVES AND MAYBE SOMEONE ELSES LIFE AT RISE. WE REALLY DON'T WANT TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE AT THIS TIME; SINCE FORD CAN'T FIX OR LOCATE THE PROBLEM. I PULL THE FORD UP TO ANOTHER VEHICLE OF MINE TO JUMP THE BATTERY AND IT WOULDN'T STOP AND CRASH INTO MY GRILL ;DESTROYED THE FRONT OF MY S10 CHEVY. HOWEVER THAT I CAN FIX. WE APPRECIATE ANY THING YOU CAN HELP US WITH. *TR

THE TRANSFER CASE FAILED ON OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AT FORD AND DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE EXPLORER. IT COST $2,000 TO FIX. OUR MECHANIC REFERRED US TO A TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER CASE SPECIALIST WHO HAD SEEN MULTIPLE EXPLORERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS KNOWN DEFECT. THE CONSEQUENCES OF A FAILURE IN THE TRANSFER CASE CAN BE A COMPLETE SHREDDING OF THE GEARS AND SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER, WHICH COULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4WD. APPROXIMATELY 12 MONTHS AGO, THE REAR TRIM PANEL BENEATH THE REAR WINDOW CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE. I CONTACTED MY NEAREST DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT WHILE FORD HAD RECOGNIZED THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM, THEY DID NOT PLAN TO ISSUE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OR RECALL. THE DEALER SERVICE REPS EVEN AGREED THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS WELL AS MANY COMPLAINTS ON-LINE. TODAY THE REAR HATCH LEFT LATCH BROKE OFF CAUSING THE ENTIRE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW TO NEARLY FALL OFF. THE PROBLEM COULD POSSIBLY BE RELATED DUE TO THE EARLIER CRACK CAUSING THE WEIGHT OF THE REAR GLASS TO SHIFT, PLACE TOO MUCH STRAIN ON THE LEFT LATCH. THE DEALER IS REPAIRING THE BROKEN LATCH, WINDOW MOLDING AND REAR HATCH STRUTS, UNDER AN EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN BUT STILL WILL NOT REPAIR THE PREVIOUS CRACKED TRIM PANEL. THIS IS INDICATIVE OF FORD'S FAILURE TO BACK UP THEIR PRODUCT AND THEY HAVE LOST A LONG TERM CUSTOMER. *TR

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4WD. APPROXIMATELY 12 MONTHS AGO, THE REAR TRIM PANEL BENEATH THE REAR WINDOW CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE. I CONTACTED MY NEAREST DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT WHILE FORD HAD RECOGNIZED THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM, THEY DID NOT PLAN TO ISSUE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OR RECALL. THE DEALER SERVICE REPS EVEN AGREED THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER EXPLORERS AND MOUNTAINEERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS WELL AS MANY COMPLAINTS ON-LINE. TODAY THE REAR HATCH LEFT LATCH BROKE OFF CAUSING THE ENTIRE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW TO NEARLY FALL OFF. THE PROBLEM COULD POSSIBLY BE RELATED DUE TO THE EARLIER CRACK CAUSING THE WEIGHT OF THE REAR GLASS TO SHIFT, PLACE TOO MUCH STRAIN ON THE LEFT LATCH. THE DEALER IS REPAIRING THE BROKEN LATCH, WINDOW MOLDING AND REAR HATCH STRUTS, UNDER AN EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN BUT STILL WILL NOT REPAIR THE PREVIOUS CRACKED TRIM PANEL. THIS IS INDICATIVE OF FORD'S FAILURE TO BACK UP THEIR PRODUCT AND THEY HAVE LOST A LONG TERM CUSTOMER. *TR

AT 40,000 MILES 4000 OUT OF WARRANTY, THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED. NO WARNING AT ALL. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHIFT IN AND OUT OF GEAR. MY WIFE NURSED THE CAR HOME. THE CAR HAD NO FIRST GEAR AND WOULD SLAM FROM SECOND TO THIRD. FORD CONFIRMED THIS, AND SAID THE ONLY FIX WAS A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION. 6,000 MILES LATER, THE SAME THING. SINCE THIS WAS UNDER WARRANTY, FORD SAID THAT THEY COULD REPLACE SOME SOLENOIDS AND THAT WOULD FIX IT....NOT!! THREE MORE TRIPS AND FINALLY A TRANSMISSION THAT DOESN'T ACT UP ALL THE TIME. IT STILL SHIFTS FUNNY AND SOMETIMES FAILS TO GO INTO GEAR. MY WIFE HAS COME CLOSE TO BEING REAR-ENDED NUMEROUS TIMES, I.E. BACKING INTO THE STREET. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD HAS BEEN IGNORING, READ THE FORUMS. I HAVE MANY OTHER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. READ DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCHES GOING BAD, KEYLESS ENTRY FAILING, DOOR LOCKS FAILING, AND A WINDOW THAT WORKS PART-TIME....KINDA LIKE FORD ENGINEERS. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED REAR HATCH WITHOUT IMPACT. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE COLDER THAN NORMAL. THERE ARE TWO VERTICAL 1/4" CRACKS THAT APPEARED SUDDENLY BELOW THE REAR HATCH LIFT GATE WINDOW. WE HAD NOT USED THE BACK LIFT DOOR OR THE LIFT GATE WINDOW IN SEVERAL DAYS. *TR

CRACKED HATCH ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WORRIED THAT PANEL WILL FALL OFF. FORD DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT. HAVE READ THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE AROUND COUNTRY HAVE SAME PROBLEM NO MATTER WHAT CLIMATE IS. FEEL THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF PANEL FALLING OFF WHILE DRIVING AND CREATING AN ADVERSE INCIDENT WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY. *TR

THE HINGES ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER BROKE WHILE OPENING THE LIFT GATE. I WANT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE FIXED. THEY CHARGED ME $323.55 TO REPLACE THE HINGES & STRUTS. LATER I FOUND OT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE WAS BUILT DURING THE DATES LISTED IN THE RECALL IT WAS NOT BUILT AT A SPECIFIC PLANT. OF THE 955,000 VEHICLES COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL MY CAR (WHICH ACTUALLY HAD THE PROBLEM) WAS NOT COVERED. BELOW IS A COPY OF THE RECALL FROM YOUR OFFICE. I AM CERTAIN THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER FACING THIS ISSUE. FORD MOTORS NEEDS TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS. I WOULD LIKE TO GO ON RECORD WITH THIS COMPLAINT STATING THAT THE RECALL BELOW BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE ALL 2003 FORD EXPLORERS REGARDLESS OF PLANT THAT BUILT IT. THE HINGES ARE BAD. 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 COMPONENT: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED : 955732 SUMMARY: 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. CONSEQUENCE: IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR. *TR

REAR GLASS APPLIQUE UNDER REAR HATCH HAS CRACKED TWICE, FIRST TIME UNDER WARRANTY, SECOND TIME IT IS NOT COVERED. *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 TAX.' I PERSONALLY FEEL THIS IS A 'MANUFACTURES DEFECT' AND WHY SHOULD THE CONSUMER HAVE TO PAY FOR A 'MANUFACTURES DEFECT?' ALSO, IF THIS IS SUCH A 'COMMON PROBLEM' WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL FOR IT BEING FAULTY; OTHER THAN BECAUSE IT'S NOT A SAFETY HAZARD. I APPRECIATE ANY TIME YOU PUT INTO MY QUESTION AND DILEMMA. I WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY IT ISN'T A RECALL. *CN

I PURCHASE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN THE SAME YEAR. LAST YEAR MY WIFE NOTICED A CRACK ON THE LIFTGATE DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THE CRACK WAS ABOUT 4 INCHES LONG AND NARROW IN WIDTH. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALERS BODY SHOP AND WAS TOLD BY THE MANAGER " THAT I SEE THIS ALL THE TIME IN ALL OF FORDS SUV'S INCLUDING THE LINCOLN AND MERCURY MODELS. IT IS A DEFECT FROM THE FACTORY AND ONE THAT FORD WILL NOT RECALL". HE GAVE ME A ESTIMATE OF $350 AND ADVISED THAT I GO TO THE DEALER AND TALK TO SOMEONE THERE. I DID SO AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THERE WERE 2 REASONS WHY THEY WOULD NOT FIX THE CAR FOR ME. THE 1ST IS THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE 2ND WAS THAT I DID NOT BUY THE CAR FROM THEM, I PURCHASED THE CAR AS A DEMO FROM ANOTHER DEALER. I WAS GIVEN A NUMBER TO CONTACT FORD WHICH I DID AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING THAT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT HE WOULD HAVE THE REGIONAL REP FROM FORD CONTACT ME WHENEVER HE WAS IN TOWN. HE ALSO STATED THAT IF FORD WOULD NOT HELP ME THEN HE WOULD FIX THE CAR FOR HALF PRICE THE COST. I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM IN A YEAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AS THE BODY SHOP MANAGER AT THE DEALER SAID, THIS IS A FLAW THAT FORD MOTOR CO. IS AWARE OF AND WILL NOT RECALL. MY CAR NOW HAS 3 CRACKS ON THE LIFTGATE AND I LIKE SO MANY OTHERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM. WE ARE DESPERATELY SEEKING HELP FROM SOMEBODY IN HOLDING FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS. THANK YOU! *TR

CRACK IN LIFTGATE OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER; NOTE: 2ND TIME IT HAS CRACKED, AFTER REPLACEMENT ONCE...NOW ABOUT 25,000 MILES LATER, SAME PROBLEM WITH NEW LIFTGATE. CRACK JUST "APPEARS". *TR

WHEN I GOT TO MY CAR THIS MORNING, THE MIDDLE OF THE BACK REAR PANEL OF MY '03 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER SERIES HAD CRACKED FROM BETWEEN THE WINDOW TO THE LATCH - RIGHT UNDER THE FORD EMBLEM. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT - NOTHING THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS DAMAGE. LUCKILY THERE ARE ONLY 51K MILES ON THE TRUCK, AND THE DEALER IS WILLING TO FIX WITH A $75 DEDUCTIBLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. IN AN ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK IN THE TAILGATE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NOTICED THE OTHER DAY THE BRAKE LIGHT WERE STUCK "ON" AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE AND ONLY AFTER TAPPING THEM A FEW TIMES DID THEY TURN OFF. THE ONLY PLACE TO GET A REPLACEMENT BRAKE ON / OFF SWITCH IS VIA THE DEALER FOR APPROX $95.00, INSTALLATION EXTRA. HE TOLD ME HE SELLS ALOT OF THESE FOR EXPLORERS, MAYBE IT NEEDS TO GO ON THE "RECALL LIST". IT POTENTIALLY WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF THEY WERE TO STAY ON AND THEN HAVE A NEED TO STOP QUICKLY THE PERSON BEHIND YOU WOULD NOT SEE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND REAREND YOUR VEHICLE. *TR

SAT. JAN. 19, 2008; APPROX. 99,780 MILES - ENGINE STALLED WHILE WE WERE TURNING OFF THE HIGHWAY TO A SIDE STREET. WE HAD JUST DRIVEN APPROX. 20 MILES, SO THE ENGINE WAS WARM. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHEN THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, WHICH CAUSED US TO GO INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS COMING TOWARDS US SO WE COULD STOP, PUT IT IN PARK, AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS IS ABOUT THE FIFTH OR SIXTH TIME IT HAPPENED. *TR

HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2003/BODY_PAINT/CRACKED_PANEL_BELOW_THE_REAR_WINDOW.SHTML THE LINK ABOVE IS BASICALLY WHAT I EXPERIENCE - A CRACK IN MY BACK BODY PANEL - NO WRECK - NOTHING TO CAUSE IT - JUST SITTING THERE! FORD WILL NOT REPLACE - THEY CLAIM IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY - AS IF A BODY PANEL SHOULD CRACK BY ITSELF! *TR

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 NUMBER AGAIN AND GOT A REAL BONEHEAD. SHE CONFIRMED THAT 75K MILES WAS THE CUT-OFF. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE GENTLEMAN TO WHOM I HAD PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED MY COMPLAINT, GIVING HER HIS IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. SHE REFUSED. I HUNG UP AND DIALED THE 1-800 NUMBER AGAIN. THIS TIME I GOT A KIND LADY WHO TOLD ME THAT THE FIELD ENGINEER HAD THE AUTHORITY TO OFFER COMPENSATION. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEN LEARNED THAT THE FIELD ENGINEER HAD BACKED OUT OF THE DEAL AND I WAS ABOUT TO FORK OVER $700 FOR REPLACEMENT. HOW IN THE WORLD DOES THE CUSTOMER GET HOSED FOR THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK, KEPT IT INSURED, DID MY MAINTENANCE AND DUE TO A FACTORY DEFECT, I STILL HAVE TO PAY? UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS IN A CRASH OR FIRE, AN AIR PLENUM SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE ON-GOING SAGA CONTINUES, AS THIS BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE, NOW I CAN'T SEE OUT OF MY WINDOW DUE TO SNOW AND ICE. *TR

BRAKE ROTORS CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT THE FRONT SURFACE WAS FLAKING OFF. *TR

BRAND NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER. REPLACED ENGINE AT 115 K MILES AND NOW THE TRANS IS GOING; SPECIFICALLY, THE O/D LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING AND IT SHIFTS BADLY. I'VE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING ONLINE, WHILE FORD IGNORES THIS FAULTY TRANS. *TR

BACK HATCH SPLIT ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

STALLING WITH NO WARNING. FORD FOUND NOTHING. THEY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM. SAID I SHOULD GET AN AFTER MARKET COMPUTER. OK *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH BAD RECALL REPAIR WORK. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE WRONG. HE STATES THAT THE HINGES WERE SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER REPLACED THE STRUTS AND HINGES. *KB WHEN THE CONSUMER TRIED TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED THE FIRST TIME HE WAS TOLD THE STRUTS LOOKED FINE. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HINGE BEGAN TO SEPARATE AND THE WHOLE LIFTGATE SUBSEQUENTLY SHIFTED; THE GAP BETWEEN THE LIFTGATE AND THE BODY WAS NO LONGER SYMMETRICAL BUT WAS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHILE DECREASED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. AS A RESULT, THE LIFTGATE NO LONGER LATCHED OR WOULD ONLY LATCH WITH A GREAT DEAL OF PRESSURE APPLIED WHEN CLOSING IT. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE TWO HINGES AT THE TOP OF THE REAL HATCH GLASS SECTION THAT ATTACHED TO THE ROOF OR BODY OF THE VEHICLE THAT WERE BROKEN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LIFTGATE LATCH, TRIM PANEL AND THE REAR TAILLIGHT WERE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF THE DEFECTIVE HINGE AND SHOULD BE FIXED WITHOUT CHARGE. RECALL# 04V442000 *JB

2003 FORD EXPLORER, AFTER HAVING SERVICE COMPLETED , JAN '07 NOTICED AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS VERTICAL CRACK ON REAR HATCH PANEL RIGHT OF FORD EMBLEM. DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT BECAUSE THERE WAS ROAD SALT COVING THE BACK HATCH AND I COULDN'T CONFIRM WHAT HAD HAPPENED.HOWEVER THERE WAS NO IMPACT MARKS. I HAVE NOTICED A NUMBER OF OTHER SAME YEAR EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME VERTICAL CRACK. IWILL TRY TO PURSUE WITH FORD. *CN

TYPICAL FORD EXPLORER TRANMISSION PROBLEM HAVING TO DO WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. OD LIGHT FLASHING. NOTHING DONE TO ENVOKE THIS PROBLEM AND NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. JUST DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *CN

ABOUT 8 - 10 MONTHS AGO WE STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SHUTTING OFF. WE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. FINALLY, DEC 31ST, WE DISCOVERED THAT THE BATTERY HAD BEEN FULLY DISCHARGED OVERNIGHT BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAD COME ON. THE PART RESPONSIBLE WAS THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH COST $118.00 PARTS AND LABOR. THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM RESULTED IN RECALL NHTSA 04V106000 ON THE 2003 FORD TAURUS. OUR VEHICLE IS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER.*CN

IN JULY 2006, MY HUSBAND AND I NOTICED A HAIRLINE CRACK ABOVE THE FORD EMBLEM ON THE BACK WINDOW/LIFTGATE PANEL. WITHIN 1 WEEK, THE CRACK HAD GONE ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE LIFTGATE. IN HOT WEATHER, THE CRACK IS BARELY VISIBLE (BECAUSE THE PLASTIC SEEMS TO SWELL); IN COLD WEATHER, THE CRACK IS AT LEAST 1/8-1/4" WIDE. I'M CONCERNED OF WEAR ON REMAINING COMPONENTS SINCE I HAVE NO IDEA IF WATER/SNOW JUST GO THROUGH THE CRACK OR GET INSIDE THE PANEL ITSELF. IS THERE A FIX OFFERED BY FORD FOR THIS SINCE IT IS APPARENTLY A DESIGN/COMPONENT FLAW?*CN

SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE NOTICED THE ENGINE MAKES A WHISTLING NOISE IN COLD WEATHER BETWEEN 25-40 MPH. THE NOISE USED TO GO AWAY AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MINUTES. IT NO LONGER DOES. SO FAR THIS WINTER, I HAVE NOTICED THE ENGINE CONTINUING TO MAKE THE WHISTLING SOUND ENTIRE 35-45 MINUTE COMMUTES. THE SPEED NOW RANGES FROM 25-70 MPH AND COMES AND GOES THROUGHOUT THE DRIVE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS KEPT THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS (IN PREVIOUS YEARS) AND HAVE NOT HAD A FIX FOR THIS ISSUE.*CN

2003 FORD EXPLORER- THE TRIM PIECE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED VERTICALLY FOR NO REASON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT, BUMPED, OR SLAMMED. THE CRACK SIMPLY APPEARED. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE DAMAGE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT.*CN

I PURCHASED MY 2003 FORD FOCUS IN 2005 AND EVER SINCE THE IGNITION SWITCH GETS STUCK BUT IT HAS GOT STUCK OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS . *CN

2003 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 62,000 MILES. *TR

WENT OUT TO LOAD SOME THINGS IN THE BACK OF MY EXPLORER AND NOTICED A CRACK IN THE REAR LIFTGATE UNDER THE GLASS. IT GOES FROM THE GLASS TO JUST ABOVE THE LICENSE PLATE. *TR

WHILE DRIVING IN A NICE ASPHALTED ROAD UP A HILL, I FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STARTED TO SLIP. THE VEHICLE LOST FORWARD MOMENTUM SO I LOOKED FOR A SAFE PLACE TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP. I ENDED UP AT A SERVICE STATION WHERE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY LOST AND THE SERVICE STATION SUFFERED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. *TR

TRAVELING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY 65-70MPH, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AND TIRE CAME OFF. ALL 5 STUDS HAD SNAPPED/SHEARED OFF. WENT ON THE INTERNET, TURNS OUT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. PLEASE HELP!!!!! MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THE EXACT VEHICLE SO DO MILLIONS OF OTHER INDIVIDUALS. *TR

THE FORD RECALL FOR ENGINE STALLING DOES NOT APPEAR TO APPLY TO THE 2003 EXPLORER, BUT I HAVE DEFINITELY HAD THE ENGINE STALL 5 OR 6 TIMES WHILE I'VE BEEN DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE I'VE BEEN DECELERATING, EITHER FOR A STOP SIGN, TRAFFIC LIGHT, OR TURN. THE ENGINE WAS WARM EACH TIME. I WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE QUICKLY ENOUGH SO THAT NO ACCIDENTS OCCURRED, BUT THE CLOSEST CALL WAS WHEN IT HAPPENED AT A BUSY TRAFFIC LIGHT. I DID NOT WRITE DOWN THE EXACT DATES WHEN IT HAPPENED, SO THE INCIDENT DATE BELOW IS ONLY APPROXIMATE. I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED. *TR

I WAS DRIVING ON THE 118 FWY WEST,EXITED OFF THE BALBOA EXIT, WHICH HAS AN INCLINE, I STARTED APPLYING MY BRAKES TO REDUCE MY SPEED SO I COULD TURN LEFT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, IT FELT LIKE NO GAS WAS GOING TO MY ENGINE,THEREFORE I HAD TO REALLY TRY TO FORCE MY VEHICLE TO GO LEFT. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE WHEEL ROTATE ABOUT AN INCH-THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE RIGHT (WE AVOIDED GOING OVER THE OVERPASS). I SHUT THE CAR ENGINE OFF, WAITED A COUPLE OF MINUTES ,TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND THE CAR STARTED UP AGAIN. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I'M SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE MY CAR. I KEEP IT MAINTAINED, I HAVE RELATIVELY NEW TIRES ON IT AND IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 57,400+ MILES ON IT. *TR

WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE - AND TRANSMISSION ONLY LASTED 59,500MILES (LESS THAN 5 YEARS). COVERT FORD DEALER IN AUSTIN, TX ONLY MONEY HUNGRY. WOULDN'T HELP AT ALL. *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT VERTICAL CRACK IN FIBERGLASS TAILGATE PANEL JUST BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS (NO IMPACT TO TAILGATE OCCURRED - CALLED DEALERSHIP AND THEY NOTED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM). *TR

STRING OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES A THE SAME TIME - RESULTED IN LOSS OF VEHICLE FOR 3-4 DAYS AND WE HAD TO RENT A CAR TO FILL IN WHILE IT WAS GETTING REPAIRED - FULL BATTERY FAILURE, FAILURE OF THE 4WD COMPONENT, BROKEN OR DETACHED WIRE IN DRIVER'S DOOR, RESULTING IN INABILITY TO LOCK/ALARM THAT DOOR WITH REMOTE. *TR

VEHICLE ENGINE STOP WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. DRIVING AS NORMAL, APPROX 30 MPH WHEN VEHICLE JUST STOPS. EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER OR BRAKE. PERFECT WEATHER, NO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES--NORMAL TEMPERATURE, ETC. INCIDENT OCCURRED TWICE, APPROX ONE YEAR APART. TOOK INTO REPAIR SHOP TO DIAGNOSE, NO CODE LEFT ON COMPUTER. *TR

MY VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL AT NEAR STOPS OR WHILE STOPPED. OR WHENEVER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. TOOK TO SHOP, WHERE THE "THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR" WAS REPLACED. ALSO REPLACED WAS THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. WAS TOLD THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE (WARPED). THE REPAIR PERSON (DEALER AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP) WHO WORKED ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER USED TO WORK FOR A FORD DEALERSHIP, AND HE SAID HE HAD SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. I HAVE THE PART THEY REPLACED. IF THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS BEFORE, SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL? *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TWO REAR ROTORS RUSTED TWO INCHES FROM THE TOP. THE REAR ROTORS, REAR BRAKES, AND PARKING BRAKE DISINTEGRATED DUE TO THE CORROSION FROM THE ROTORS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE CORROSION; HOWEVER, ALL THE COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000. UPDATED 03/14/08. *LJ

ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK YESTERDAY I NOTICED AN UNUSUAL VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL OF MY EXPLORER ? ALMOST FELT LIKE A FLAT SPOT ON THE TIRE. ALSO HEARD SOME SQUEAKING /SQUEALING WHICH WAS MUCH WORSE IN TURNS. WHEN I GOT HOME I CHECKED AND FOUND: - ONE WHEEL STUD AND NUT COMPLETELY MISSING - ONE WHEEL STUD LOOSE/BROKEN (TRIED TO TIGHTEN NUT BUT IT KEPT SPINNING FREELY) - ONE LOOSE LUG NUT. THE REMAINING TWO LUG NUTS WERE TIGHT. BY TIGHTENING THE ONE LOOSE NUT IT ALLOWED ME TO DRIVE ON CAR WITHOUT THE VIBRATION ? AT THAT POINT HAD ONLY THREE FUNCTIONAL LUG NUTS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND THEY CLAIM CORROSION CAUSED THE FAILURE, BUT ONLY ON THAT WHEEL. REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE HUB WAS REQUIRED AS YOU CANNOT REPLACE INDIVIDUAL STUDS. IT WOULD HAVE COST $400, BUT BECAUSE OF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY IT ONLY COST ME THE $50 DEDUCTIBLE. MY FEELING IS I SHOULD NOT HAVE EVEN HAD TO PAY FOR THAT, THIS APPEARS TO ME TO BE A DEFECT OR DESIGN FAILURE. FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS & REPORTS ON MYCARSTATS.COM. *TR

THE REAR TAILGATE ON MY FORD EXPLORER HAS A VERTICAL CRACK THAT RUNS THROUGH THE FORD MEDALLION ON THE BACK. MY NEIGHBOR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS EXPLORER AND REPLACED IT. WHEN I LOOKED ON A GOOGLE SEARCH, I FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS. NOT REPLACED, THE PIECE WILL FALL OFF AND POSSIBLY CREATE A ROAD HAZARD. *TR

VEHICLE PURCHASED IN 2003 AFTER 1 YEAR ROARING NOISE BEGAN IN REAR AXLE. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER AND DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER ASSEMBLY REPLACED. VEHICLE NOW HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY. (ROARING NOISE) *TR

PAINT BUBBLING UP ON FRONT OF HOOD ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *TR

MY 2003 EXPLORER SUDDENLY DEVELOPED A CRACK ON THE BACK PANEL BENEATH THE REAR WINDOW. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF IT PROGRESSES THE GLASS WILL HAVE NO SUPPORT AND BREAK. I SPOKE WITH FORD AFTER LEARNING THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE SUV'S AND WAS TOLD IF I HAD NO WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST. *TR

ON MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR FUSES REPEATED BLOW AND ALSO THE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH EVERY TIME YOU HIT A BUMP ALL THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS COME ON AND SOME TIMES THEY JUST FLICKER OFF AND ON FOR NO REASON. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRING IN MY VAN AND I HAVE HEARD THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS TO BE LOOKED INTO. *TR

2003 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4.6L V-8 AWD, TRANSMISSION FAILED DURING MORNING COMMUTE. I HEAR NOISE, THE CAR LOST SPEED, AND "O/D OFF" WAS FLASHING. I COULD BARELY MERGE THE CAR TO THE FAR RIGHT LANE AND MANAGE TO GET THE CAR TO THE OFFICE. *TR

1) IMPROPER ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS 2) DESTRUCTION OF ALL 4 GOODYEAR TIRES 3) FORD DENIED TO REPLACE TIRES ALTHOUGH THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (05-11-11) PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE. *JB

WE PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4X4 IN JUNE 2006. ONE MORNING IN MID-FEB 2007, WE DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE LIFEGATE GLASS APPLIQUE THAT STARTED FROM THE TOP DOWN, APPROXIMATELY 8" LEFT FROM THE CENTER OF THE GATE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACT TO THE PLASTIC, BUT RATHER A STRESS CRACK. SINCE THAT TIME, THE CRACK HAS GROWN WIDER AND ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE. NOW, ANOTHER CRACK HAS STARTED ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE APPROXIMATE 6" FROM THE CENTER OF THE LIFTGATE. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN MID-FEB 2007 AND THEY STATED WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CRACKED LIFTGATE AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $800. WE CONTINUE TO OBSERVE OTHER FORD EXPLORER'S IN THE LOCAL AREA WITH SIMILAR CRACKS IN THEIR LIFTGATE PLASTIC APPLIQUE. *JB

I'M NEVER BUYING ANOTHER FORD. LAST WEEK THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON IN MY FORD EXPLORER. I DROVE IT RIGHT HOME AND GOT THE MANUAL OUT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. "TRANSMISSION PROBLEM" WAS WHAT THE MANUAL INDICATED, AS WELL AS SEVERAL WEBSITES I REVIEWED. I DIDN'T WORRY AT FIRST, SINCE I FIGURED THIS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. MY EXPLORER IS JUST UNDER 5 YEARS OLD AND JUST UNDER 60K MILES. SURELY THERE WOULD AT LEAST BE A 60K POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. NO ONE WOULD BUY A VEHICLE IF THEY KNEW THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ONLY LAST 59K MILES. WELL, THE DEALER TOLD ME A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED (5TH AND 2ND GEARS WERE WORN DOWN), THAT IT WOULD COST $3500, AND THAT IT IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. AND TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY HE CHARGED ME $90 TO TELL ME THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD (SOMETHING I OBVIOUSLY KNEW) - ISN'T THIS SIMILAR TO STEALING? I THEN ASKED HIM WHAT TRADE IN VALUE I COULD GET (NOT THAT I REALLY WOULD BUY ANOTHER POOR QUALITY FORD, BUT I WANTED TO EXPLORE ALL OPTIONS). $5500 IS THE MOST THEY COULD GIVE. I LAUGHED - SINCE I HAD TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THE VEHICLE. IT TOLD ME THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT THE VEHICLE EITHER - SO MUCH FOR THEM REALLY STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THEY KNOW THE QUALITY IS POOR. OBVIOUSLY I WAS QUITE IRRITATED. I ASKED WHAT CAUSED THIS. NONE OF THE POSSIBILITIES APPLIED SINCE I TOOK GOOD CARE OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT SERVICED ACCORDING TO THE MAINTENANCE MANUAL. IN FACT, THE DEALER (COVER FORD IN AUSTIN) DID THE 30K CHECKUP. I SPENT $1K ON THAT (AND PROBABLY GOT RIPPED OFF). I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST AND HAD IT FIXED FOR UNDER $2500. HE INFORMED ME THAT HE SEES A LOT OF ISSUES LIKE THIS WITH EXPLORERS - PROBABLY A POOR DESIGN AND POOR QUALITY. ALSO, JUDGING BY VARIOUS WEBSITES THERE ARE INDEED LOTS OF COMPLAINS LIKE THIS. *TR

THE MESSAGE CENTER LIGHTS ARE NOT VISIBLE IN THE DAYTIME UNLESS DRIVER IS IN A SHADED SPOT CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO GET ANY OF THE READOUTS! *TR

MY HUSBAND HAD JUST PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN WHEN HE FELT THE VEHICLE CRASH TO THE GROUND AND SAW THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE ROLL INTO SOMEONE'S FRONT YARD. HE EXITED THE CAR TO FIND THE LUGS BROKEN IN HALF. MY THREE YEAR OLD IS VERY UPSET, KEEPS TALKING ABOUT BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. WE ARE UNCERTAIN AS TO THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK, WE HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR YET. THERE IS BODY DAMAGE THAT IS VISIBLE, WHO KNOWS WHAT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK LOOKS LIKE. I DO HAVE IN MY POSSESSION ONE OF THE LUG NUTS, THERE ARE TWO MORE AT THE BODY SHOP. WE COULDN'T FIND THE REMAINING TWO, WHO KNOWS WHEN THEY WERE LOST. THIS IS THE THIRD INCIDENT I HAVE HEARD OF THIS MONTH OF THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENING (WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM). *JB

PAINT IS BUBBLING UP AND PEELING ON MY ROOF IN 3 AREAS. I CAN SEE THE METAL. *JB

WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING WEST ON ROUTE 64 IN THE LEFT HAND LANE NEAR ROCKY MOUNT, NC AT A SPEED OF 70 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY A LOUD NOISE AND THEN THE VEHICLE PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING MY SON TO RUN A MOTORCYCLIST OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID BEING HIT. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A SHOP AND THE DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT BEARING ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL. *JB

THE REAR WINDOW ON THE LIFTGATE OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IMPLODED AS I WAS WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE WINDOW DID NOT JUST CRACK...IT SHATTERED INTO PIECES. MY CAR WAS NOT HIT BY ANOTHER CAR OR BY AN OBJECT. AN INITIAL PROBLEM AROSE BEFORE THIS EVENT. A CRACK FORMED ON THE MOLDING JUST BELOW THE WINDOW WHERE THE FORD SYMBOL IS LOCATED. THIS IS AN ISSUE I HAVE READ ABOUT FROM OTHER PEOPLE WITH EXPLORERS. I HAVE READ OTHER CASES OF THE LIFTGATE WINDOW SHATTERING BUT MORE OFTEN DURING OPENING OR CLOSING OF THE WINDOW. IN THIS CASE, I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLUMPED AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL, BRAKE, ROTOR, LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND AXLE WERE DAMAGED. REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000. UPDATED 01/09/08.*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS AND REAR END VIBRATING. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

2003 FORD EXPLORER "EDDIE BAUER" ~49,000 MILES. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHOWS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACT. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE NEAR STANDARD. PLASTIC PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW SPLIT IN TWO AND HAS ~1/16" GAP. SPLIT IS VERTICAL AND VERY NEAR CENTER OF PANEL. IT PASSES UNDER CENTER OF "FORD" OVAL SYMBOL. NOT SURE IF THERE IS DANGER OF REAR WINDOW OR BROKEN PANEL PIECES FALLING OFF VEHICLE. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN, STILL ATTEMPTING TO GET MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR APPARENT DEFECT. *TR

COMPAINT IS ABOUT B.F. GOODRICH TIRES (LT 265/75R16) TIRES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED PERFECTLY, ROTATED EVERY 7500 MILES. TOTAL TIRE MILEAGE ABOUT 61,XXX. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED. I HAD SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE COSTING OVER $2800.00, PLUS REPLACEMENT OF ALL TIRES DUE TO LACK O FAITH IN THE BF GOODRICH TIRES. THE BODY WORK/REPAIRS WILL BEGIN THIS WEEK. *TR

PANEL BELOW REAR WINDOW CRACKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I'M CONCERNED OF A SAFETY HAZARD AFTER READING ON INTERNET THAT THE PANEL CAN FALL OFF AFTER THIS CRACK. IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET BECAUSE FORD CLAIMS IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ITS EXTENDED PREMIUM WARRANTY. *TR

I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN JUNE OF 07 WITH NO PROBLEMS IN SEPT OF 07 I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A LOAD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SOUNDING LIKE A TIRE WAS FLAT OR SOMETHING WAS RUBBING. I TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE REAR DIFF WAS OUT ON THIS AND IT WAS GOING TO COST SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIX. I CONTACTED FORD THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSED TO FIX IT AND SAID THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY SO THEY WEREN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I NOW SIT HEAR WITH SOMETHING THAT I OWE MONEY ON AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX. I HAVE A WIFE AND A SON AND THIS IS OUR ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION. I AM VERY UPSET THAT FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS LIKE THEY SHOULD. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM BUT WITH NO SOLUTION. *JB

MY SPORT TRUCK 2003 CAUGHT ON FIRE ON MARCH 26, 2007 I REPORTED COMPLAIN TO FORD AND THEY SAY THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. TODAY SEPTEMBER 20/07 MY FRIEND CAR HAS A RECALL FOR THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH POSING THE RISK OF AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR AND FORD DOES NOT WANT TO ADMIT THAT THE REASON FOR THE FIRE WAS IT. MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I WAS DRIVING WITH ALL MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. I DID NOT HAVE FULL COVERAGE ON MY CAR SINCE MY CAR WAS PAID IN FULL WHEN I BOUGHT IT IN SAGRASS FORD IN FT. LAUDERDALE FLORIDA. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. AS A MECHANIC WAS REPAIRING THE EMISSIONS MODULE ON THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,000. EQ-10203418-4200, RECEIVED 12/12/07 (2 DOC). UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

WHILE TRYING TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL IT WILL SOMETIMES WORK AND OTHER TIMES WILL NOT WORK. WHEN IT DOESN'T WORK THE GREEN INDICATOR LIGHT JUST FLASHES WHEN PUSHING THE SET BUTTON. ALSO THE AREA AROUND THE BUTTONS GETS VERY WARM. IT SEEMS THAT IT WORKS LESS IN WARM WEATHER THEN IN COOL. *JB UPDATED 11/07/07 *TR

TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE. CONVERTER "RATTLES", NEEDS REPLACEMENT. PRIOR COMPLAINT TO DEALER ABOUT "LURCHING" AND "CLUNKING" WERE FOUND TO BE "NON-DUPLICATIVE" DURING WARRANTY PERIOD. *JB

PAINT PROBLEMS PAINT KEEPS ON BLISTERING AND PEELING ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO MISS A WILD HOG IN THE ROAD. SHE DROVE INTO THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP WHERE IT CURRENTLY REMAINS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000.

I WAS GOING BACK HOME TO MIAMI AND MY CAR 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE EXIT OF THE MIDTOWN TUNNEL IN NEW YORK CITY. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT MOTOR AT THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE POLICE USED 3 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS BUT ALL THE EFFORT THEY DID WAS NOT ENOUGH. MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE. THE MOTOR, THE SEATS , ALL THE INTERIOR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROY BY THE FIRE. THE FIREMAN ARRIVED AFTER A FEW MINUTES, BUT IT WAS TO LATE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR CASH BRAND NEW FROM SAWGRASS FORD IN FT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA. I DID NOT HAVE FULL COVER AND I LOST EVERY THING.. I WAS IN NEW YORK WITH MY FAMILY AND WITH NO CAR TO GO BACK HOME.. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING THAT HAPPEN TO THAT CAR. I AM SURE THIS IS NOT FAIR TO ME OR TO ANYBODY. THE CAR WAS A 2003 AND ONLY HAD ABOUT 46,000 MILES. *JB

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. SIX MONTHS AGO I NOTICE A SPLIT ON THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE NEAR THE REAR WINDOW. THE SPLIT WAS ON THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT SOMEONE DAMAGED MY VEHICLE. THEN I NOTICED WHEN IT GETS REALLY HOT THE SPLIT CLOSES UP AND DISAPPEARS. I CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL THEY SAID NO. I TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT THERE OUGHT TO BE. I TOOK A SURVEY. THERE WERE AT LEAST 1 OUT OF EVERY 5 FORD EXPLORERS HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY STRESS ON THE VEHICLE(WHAT EVER THAT MEANS) I THINK FORD NEEDS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT CAN BECOME "UNSIGHTLY" *JB

CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND FIXED AT A COST OF 1479.67 PAID BY THE OWNER (ANGELA MORGAN). VEHICLE REQUIRED SERVICING AS IT BEGAN STALLING WHILE IN TRAFFIC (ATLANTA). CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS CAUSED OTHER ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND AS THIS CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS EXTEND BEYOND THE FORD 2002 MODELS; I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER 2003. PLEASE CONTACT ME ANGELA MORGAN *TR

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER FAILED. I'M TOLD THIS IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM BUT FORD WON'T STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT. *JB

THE PLASTIC TRIM PANEL ON THE REAR HATCH OF MY FORD EXPLORER XLS CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, WITH NO PROVOCATION. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. MY LOCAL DEALER SERVICE REP SAID THEY HAD REPAIRED "DOZENS OF THEM", AFTER HE TOLD ME FORD WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT. THE CRACK EXPANDS AND CONTRACTS NOTICEABLY WITH TEMPERATURE CHANGES, AND I BELIEVE THE COMPOSITE IS NOT PROPERLY FORMULATED RESULTING IN INSTABILITY OF THE MATERIAL DURING TEMPERATURE CHANGES. CLEARLY, THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT FOR WHICH FORD SHOULD PROVIDE A REMEDY. MY EXPLORER STILL LOOKS GREAT, AND THIS IS THE ONLY BLEMISH. AT THE QUOTED COST OF OVER $700 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HATCH ASSEMBLY (THE ONLY OPTION OFFERED), I WILL LIVE WITH THE ANNOYING CRACK AND TELL EVERYONE I SEE ABOUT FORD'S UNWILLINGNESS TO HELP. *JB

2003 FORD EXPLORER. LIFTGATE PANEL CRACKED FROM RIGHT UNDER GLASS ALL THE WAY TO BOTTOM OF PANEL RIGHT THRU THE MIDDLE OF FORD EMBLEM. APPEARS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. FROM ALL I READ FORD WILL NOT FIX PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH IT IS THEIR FAULT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A CLICKING SOUND DURING DECELERATION. A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AS A WORN OUT RANGE HUB IN THE TRANSFER CASE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE COULD NEVER GET OUT OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE, WHICH BURNS MORE GAS AND ACTIVATES COMPONENTS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 73,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE, OR IT LOOKS TO BE SEVERAL STRESS CRACKS BELOW THE BACK GLASS OF THE HATCH. THEY RANGE ANYWHERE FROM AN INCH TO SEVEN OR EIGHT INCHES. I TOOK THIS TO THE FORD HOUSE IN HALTOM CITY, THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE BUT TO CHECK WITH OTHER OWNERS TO SEE IF THIS IS HAPPENING TO THEIR EXPLORER. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED LITERALLY AT LEAST 75 EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME THING. THE ONES I HAVE SPOKE WITH HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD DOES NOT WANT TO REPLACE THIS COST. I THINK AFTER 2003, FORD CHANGED THE WAY THEY MADE THE BACK HATCH AND IT DOESN'T HAVE THE SAME SEVEN OR EIGHT INCH MOLDING UNDER THE GLASS. I AM AFRAID THAT IF I OPEN THE GLASS SECTION ON MINE OR CLOSE IT, IT WILL BREAK THE GLASS OR THE GLASS WILL COME OUT. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS?*JB

CRUISE CONTROL TURNS OFF DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES ON MULTIPLE DATES. 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4 DOOR, 4WD 4.0L-6 CYLINDER. *AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PRESSED THE RESET BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD, WHICH DEACTIVATED THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FEATURE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR OPEN LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000.

CONSTANT LOUD SQUEAL COMING FROM SERPENTINE BELT, REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP AND I HAD TO PURCHASE, STILL SQUEAL, WARRANTY AND REPLACED, STILL SQUEALED DEALERSHIP CALLED FORD, FORD SUGGESTED STRONGER BELT THAT NORMALLY DOES NOT GO IN THIS TRUCK. CURRENTLY NO SQUEAL. TOTAL BELTS: 4 *TR

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THAT CUTS OFF AFTER TAKE OFF, BUT WHILE YIELDING TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR BRAKING TO MAKE A TURN. THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS AND THE CAR MUST BE BROUGHT TO A FULL STOP TO PLACE IN PARK AND RESTART. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO OUR LOCAL DEALER, DICK MASHETER, WHO HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, BUT HAPPENED TWICE YESTERDAY.

WHEN WE STARTE D OUR CAR FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER IT HAD SAT AT AN AIRPORT PARKING LOT FOR A WEEK, WE HEARD A TICKING NOISE UPON START UP OUF OUR VEHICLE (2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER WITH V8 ENGINE). UPON TAKING IT TO A REPAIR SHOP THEY STATED THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE VALUE GUARD AREA IN THE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE BOTH CYLINDER HEADS (PER FORD NEED TO REPLACE BOTH & CANNOT REPLACE JUST ONE). THE COST OF THIS REPAIR WOULD BE $4,000.00. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR OUR MODEL & YEAR. WITH ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS WE HAVE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR, IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE FORD LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND POSSIBLE HAVE A RECALL. THANK YOU.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A SEVEN-INCH CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING OF THE HATCHBACK DOOR HINGE. RECALL # 04V442000 (STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) WAS FOUND. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE CONTACT FEELS THAT IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 46,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK 6" VERTICAL CRACK IN PLASTIC BELOW HATCHBACK WINDOW. RECALL 04V442000 DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VIN NUMBER HOWEVER IS SAME PROBLEM. SPENT 40 MINUTES ON PHONE WITH FORD AND THEY STATED THAT I MUST COMPLETE A COMPLAINT FORM. *TR

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.

MY MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN TIRE BLEW OUT AT THE SIDEWALL. IT WAS A CLEAR SUNNY DAY, 30 MPH, ON A SMOOTH HIGHWAY. I CHECK MY TIRE PRESSURE REGULARLY SO I KNOW THE TIRE WAS PROPERLY INFLATED. I CONTACTED MICHELIN AND THEY REFERRED ME TO MELODY LAKES TIRE AND AUTO. MY WIFE CALLED AND THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD HER IT WOULDN'T DO ANY GOOD TO COME IN BUT SHE COULD. THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD MY WIFE THE PROBLEM WAS "HEAT INFRACTION?" AND IT WAS NOT COVERED. IT IS INCREDIBLE TO ME A RECEPTIONIST, OVER THE PHONE, CAN DIAGNOSE TIRE PROBLEMS. MICHELIN, NOR THE DEALER HAD ANY INTENTIONS TO DETERMINE WHY A BLOWOUT OCCURRED, LET ALONE TRY TO FIX IT. I WILL FORWARD THIS COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA AND HOPEFULLY YOU WILL HAVE TO LISTEN TO THEM. I HAVE 4 MORE OF THOSE DEFECTIVE TIRES WHICH I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL BLOW!! UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB

I HAVE 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. ONE MORNING IN MID-MARCH OF THIS YEAR, I OBSERVED A CRACK IN THE PLATIC PANEL UNDER THE WINDOW ON THE TAILGATE. MY WIFE AND I KNEW WE HAD NOT HAD ANY TYPE OF IMPACT IN THAT AREA THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE PANEL TO CRACK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE WITH A SERVICE TECHNICIAN ABOUT IT. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS JUST OVER 3 YEARS OLD AND HAVE JUST OVER 30K MILES ON IT, THE CRACKED PANEL WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT HE HAD SEEN A NUMBER OF THESE PROBLEMS AND IT WAS CAUSED BY THE WAY THE PANEL WAS ATTACHED. I HAD THE CRACK REPAIRED - COST OVER $400. I SENT A LETTER TO THE FORD CUSTOMER RESPONSE CENTER IN DETROIT WITH PICTURES AND COPIES OF THE REPAIR INVOICE ASKING THEM TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR COST. AFTER 30 DAYS, I HAD NOT HEARD FROM THEM. SO I SENT COPIES OF THE LETTER BY CERTIFIED MAIL TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, THE CUSTOMER RESPONSE CENTER AND TO THE CEO OF FORD. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED ME AND SAID THIS WAS A FORD PROBLEM, NOT A DEALERSHIP PROBLEM, SO THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT GOING TO TAKE ANY ACTION. I FINALLY RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE FORD CUSTOMER RESPONSE CENTER, AND THEY WANTED TO KNOW IF I WOULD ACCEPT A 50% REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR. I AGREED ONLY TO FIND OUT THE NEXT DAY FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND ALL OVER THE INTERNET. I AM VERY UPSET THAT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY COULD BE SO UNETHICAL TO NEGOTIATE A SETTLEMENT THAT IS CLEARLY EVIDENT A DESIGN FLAW. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REIMBURSE ANY OWNER OF A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHO HAS THIS CRACKED PANEL REPAIRED. I ALSO THINK A CLASS ACTION SUIT SHOULD BE BROUGHT AGAINST FORD SEEKING COMPENSATORY AND PUNITIVE DAMAGES FOR FAILING TO REIMBURSE FOR THE REPAIR AND ACTING UNETHICALLY BY TRYING TO PLACE SOME OF THE BLAME ON THE OWNERS BY TRYING TO NEGOTIATE THE REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT FOR A FLAW THAT IS CLEARLY THEIR OWN FAULT.

THE MESSAGE CENTER ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER CAN'T BE SEEN IN DAYLIGHT CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO READ THE COMPASS , MILEAGE, MILES /GAL, ANY READOUT OF THE AUTO. ALMOST CAUSED MY WIFE AND I TO RUN OFF THE ROAD WHILE TRYING TO READ THE COMPASS. NIGHT READING IS FINE, BUT DAYLIGHT IS TERRIBLE.. THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE FIXED BY FORD BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED TRYING TO READ THE MESSAGE CENTER IN DAYLIGHT. *TR

FORD TAURUS 2003, WINDSHIELD WAS HIT WITH A STONE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON MAY 10, 2007, A CHIP WAS VISIBLE AND WITHIN A FEW DAYS BECAME A 12 INCH CRACK. HAD REPLACED AT A COST OF $197.34. *TR

WITHOUT IMPACT, '03 FORD EXPLORER LIFTGATE PANEL CRACKED FROM GLASS, AROUND FORD EMBLEM, TO BOTTOM OF PANEL. VERY COMMON PROBLEM. NO COOPERATION FROM FORD. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AVAILABLE ON MAY 10, 2007, BUT IT STILL HAS NOT ARRIVED. THE REPAIR IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 56,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC UNDERNEATH THE REAR LIFTGATE'S GLASS DOOR HAS BEGUN TO CRACK. THE DOOR STILL OPERATES PROPERLY. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 78,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

CRACKING IN THE LIFTGATE PANEL. THE PANEL BELOW THE GLASS ON MY EXPLORER HAS CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE. *AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BOTTOM REAR LIFTGATE HAS CRACKED. HE STATED THAT THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ON THE HINGES FOR THE LIFTGATE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE LIFTGATE FALLS REPEATEDLY AND CAUSED THE LIFTGATE WINDOW TO CRACK. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 64,370 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXCURSION DIESEL TURBO 6.0 ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES SINCE THE ABOVE DATE FOR A/C PROBLEMS & SHUTTING OFF ON ME. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERIES ON 4 OCCASIONS IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS. THEY HAVE FOUND ONE SHORT IN FEBRUARY & AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERIES AGAIN IN APRIL 2007 THE VEHICLE DIED ON ME. WHILE I AM DRIVING THE LIGHTS TURN OFF & I LOSE POWER. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND & CORRECT THE PROBLEM & I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I HAVE TO PICK UP MY 4 CHILDREN AND FEEL I AM PUTTING THEM AT RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT.*AK

2003 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE BOTTOM REAR LIFTGATE IS CRACKED. CONSUMER BELIEVES CONCERN IS RELATED TO RECALL ON THE HINGES FOR THE LIFTGATE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE CRACKS ON THE LIFTGATE WERE DUE TO WEAKNESS. UPDATED 07/08/07. *JB

REAR LIFTGATE HAD A CRACK JUST BELOW THE GLASS ON THE 2003 EXPLORER. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE GLASS WILL BECOME LOOSE AND FALL OUT AND HURT SOMEONE. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED ON MY 2002, FORD EXPLORER. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL EXPLORERS WITH THIS SAME CRACK. FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE LIFTGATE WITH A BETTER DESIGNED ONE.*AK

THE REAR TAILGATE ON THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED WHEN I CLOSED IT AFTER TAKING AN ITEM OUT OF THE BACK OF THE CAR. I HAD SEEN MANY OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND YEAR WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT DID NOT KNOW WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM UNTIL IT HAPPENED TO ME. I DID NOT ABUSE THE TAILGATE ,AND I DID NOT USE ANY EXTRA EFFORT TO CLOSE IT THAN I NORMALLY WOULD. I CALLED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER , AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT AND THEY WOULD FIX IT AT NO CHARGE. WHEN I CALLED LATER ON THE DAY I DROPPED IT OFF. THEY INFORMED ME THEY HAD PERFORMED THE RECALL WORK ON THE HINGE AND BALL PIVOT, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE TAILGATE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE TAILGATE SITUATION ON THIS VEHICLE BUT IT HAD NOT BEEN POSTED AS A RECALL ITEM. *AK

WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION WITH A 5.4 L, V-8 TRITON ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING WE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS BACK FIRING. WE SMELLED GAS AND A BURNING SMELL. WE HAD OUR EXPEDITION TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WERE INFORMED THAT SPARK PLUG #7 HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE HEAD, STRIPPING THE THREADS. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT THE HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $3,500. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THIS EXPEDITION INTO FORD AT 72,723 MILES BECAUSE THE ENGINE LACKED POWER AND SURGED. WE WERE TOLD THAT SPARK PLUG #7 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS PRIOR TO THE FORD'S RECOMMENDATION OF A TUNE UP TO BE DONE AT 100,000. THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUG #7 UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WE WERE CHARGED TO REPLACE THE OTHER SPARK PLUGS. THIS IS THE SAME SPARK PLUG THAT BLEW OUT AT 108,411 MILES. WE HAVE CONTACTED MANY MECHANICS TO SEE WHAT OTHER OPTIONS WERE AVAILABLE. WE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE OUR EXPEDITION REPAIRED BY PLACING A RECOMMENDED PERMANENT THREAD REPLACEMENT INSERT PUT INTO THE #7 CYLINDER; WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS LOW COMPRESSION IN #7 CYLINDER AND NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $6,000. THE MECHANIC SHOPS THAT WE CONTACTED HAVE INFORMED US THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH THE ALUMINUM HEADS ON THE FORD EXPEDITION AND SOME OTHER FORD TRUCKS. A REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA SHOWS THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE FORD ENGINES. WE ARE REQUESTING THAT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION BE COMPLETED AND THAT FORD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECT IN THEIR FORD EXPEDITION ENGINES/HEADS. *JB

IN FEBRUARY OF 2006, I TOOK MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN TO HAVE IT FIXED. AT THE TIME, MY VEHICLE ONLY HAD APP. 36,300 MILES ON IT. I HAD TO HAVE ALL THE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY HAD GONE BAD. I WAS TOLD THE SPARK PLUGS SHOULD HAVE LASTED FOR 90,000 TO 100,000 MILES. IN APRIL OF 2007, WITH APP. 43,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THE SPARK PLUG WIRES WERE ARCING AND WERE BURNED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE WIRES WERE ROUTED BADLY AND THAT THEY LAY AGAINST HOT AREAS OF THE CAR. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE ALL THE WIRES. THE GARAGE HAS CALLED ALL THE DEALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS IN MY AREA FOR THE WIRES AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY CAN'T GET THE WIRES, THAT THEY SEEM TO HAVE BEEN PULLED OFF OF THE SHELF. IF THE WIRES ARE ROUTED BADLY AND LAY AGAINST HOT THINGS, I WOULD THINK EVENTUALLY THAT WOULD START A FIRE. THE GARAGE IS GOING TO GIVE ME THE OLD WIRES JUST IN CASE I NEED THEM. I WOULD THINK AN INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE DONE TO SEE IF, IN FACT, THE WIRES ARE ROUTED BADLY AND COULD START A FIRE. *TR

REAR AXLE WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE, WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE SEAL WAS BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS REPLACED AND THE NOISE STILL CONTINUES. OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM AND NOTHING HAS EVER HAPPENED WITH THIS ISSUE. IT COST A LOT OF MONEY TO HAVE THE AXLE WORKED ON AND IT IS STILL NOT FIXED! *JB

FOR ABOUT A WEEK STRANGE NOISES WERE OBSERVED UPON SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. DURING A 5 MILE TRIP INTO TOWN, POWER STEERING PUMP NOISE WAS OBSERVED WHEN TURNING. UPON REACHING DESTINATION I EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY MANEUVERING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND OBSERVED A LOT OF STEERING PUMP NOISE. UPON RETURN HOME I CHECKED THE RESERVOIR TO FIND IT EXTREMELY LOW AND A CHECK UNDER THE VEHICLE REVEALED FLUID HAD BEEN LEAKING AND DISTRIBUTED ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FILLING AND STARTING THE VEHICLE, NO APPARENT LOCATION WAS OBSERVED EXCEPT THE CONNECTION TO THE RACK & PINION LOOKED TO BE LEAKING BUT THE ONLY EVIDENCE WAS APPARENT LACK OF DUST BUILD UP WHICH WAS EVIDENT AROUND THE ATTACHMENT PLATE WHICH INDICATES THERE HAS BEEN ENOUGH FLOW TO REMOVE BUILDUP FROM LEAKING CONDITION. *JB

NO ACCIDENT, EXPENSE REPAIR $1000.00 TO REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER. 22,145 MILES. THIS HAS TO BE THE RESULTS OF FAULTY PARTS. *TR

PLASTIC UNDER (ATTACHED TO) REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW CRACKED. CRACK RUNS TOP TO BOTTOM, AROUND THE FORD EMBLEM. ENTIRE LIFTGATE NEEDS REPLACING. FORD SAYS I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL EXPLORER ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SAME DEFECT. DON'T REALLY KNOW IF THIS WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT I'M SURE THE INTEGRITY OF THE STRUCTURE WOULD BE COMPROMISED IN A ROLLOVER. *TR

MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR'S TRANSMISSION JUST WENT OUT WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. IT ONLY HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS GOING DOWN A VERY BUSY ROAD AND WHEN I PUSHED DOWN ON THE GAS, THE ENGINE REVVED UP. THANK GOD I WAS SOMEWHERE I COULD LET THE VAN COAST OFF THE ROAD BEING I HAD 4 SMALL CHILDREN IN THE VAN WITH ME. I HAVE HEARD THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH FORD'S TRANSMISSIONS. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I BELIEVE FORD OUGHT TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE PER THEIR OWN EXPENSE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT BECAUSE THEIR VEHICLE JUST STOPS PULLING IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT SPORT. WHILE CLOSING THE LIFTGATE THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. THERE WAS NO PRIOR DAMAGE TO THE WINDOW. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN A FEW CUTS ON THE CONTACT'S HANDS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 38,254.*AK UPDATE 05/21/07.*JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER INSTALLING TWO NEW TIRES ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING SOUND WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SOUND WAS CAUSED BY THE DIFFERENCE IN TREAD BETWEEN THE NEW TIRES AND OLDER REAR TIRES, CAUSING THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL AND TRANSFER CASE TO FAIL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,000.*AK

REAR PINION GEAR ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER CAUSES HIGH PITCHED WHINING SOUND, AND IS WELL KNOWN TO FORD DEALERSHIPS IN THE AREA. THE STATED COST TO REPAIR (REPLACE PINION RING, PINION GEAR, SEALS) IS IN EXCESS OF $1,100. *TR

FOLLOWING THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO CORRECT THE FAULT WITH THE REAR DOOR/LIFTGATE RECALL, A LARGE CRACK DEVELOPED ON THE LIFTGATE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE GLASS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LIFTGATE. I HAVE NOTICED THIS SAME CRACK ON SEVERAL OTHER EXPLORERS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT FORD RECOGNIZES AS AN ITEM FOR "RECALL." I AM UNSURE OF THE INTEGRITY OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR DOOR/LIFTGATE. *JB

WE WERE INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON THE BELOW DATE. A PERSON WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND HIT OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA AT APPROX 40 MPH. THERE WAS OVER $ 6,000 IN DAMAGE ON OUR VEHICLE. WHEN OUR VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO US FROM THE BODY SHOP 6 WEEKS LATER, OUR HEATER, WHEN TURNED ON WAS MAKING A LOUD BANGING SOUND. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS KNOCKED LOOSE FROM THE IMPACT. IT IS NOW APRIL 2007, AND WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET OUR INSURANCE COMPANY TO FIX THIS. WE TOOK OUR 2003 FORD TO CAPITAL FORD IN CARSON CITY, NEVADA WHERE WE BOUGHT 3 NEW FORD VEHICLES. CAPITAL FORD TOLD THE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. ALLSTATE , OUR INSURANCE COMPANY TOLD US THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY "AT OUR OWN EXPENSE" TO TAKE THE DASH APART ON THIS VEHICLE TO SEE IF THIS WAS ACCIDENT RELATED, AT 10 HOURS LABOR AT $ 90 PER HOUR! I HAVE CHECKED ALL RECALLS WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND CALLED FORD DIRECTLY, AND HAVE FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH THIS HEATER. PLEASE HELP US! *TR

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, WITH 59K MILES, DEVELOPED A LOUD ROARING ROAD NOISE THAT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM THE TIRES. INSPECTION BY THE FORD DEALER IDENTIFIED 3 DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS. THE RIGHT FRONT AND BOTH REARS. I KNOW THAT WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE SO I INSTRUCTED THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE 4TH BEARING WHICH THEY SAID WAS NOT MAKING NOISE BECAUSE I WOULDN'T RISK A FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. I KEPT THE OLD BEARINGS AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DETERMINE WHICH ONE THEY THOUGHT WAS GOOD. THEY ARE ALL EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ROTATE AND THERE IS VERY OBVIOUS ROUGHNESS DURING ROTATION. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED THE COST OF THE FIRST THREE. MY PRIMARY CONCERN IS THE SHORT LIFESPAN OF BEARINGS. THE FRONT BEARINGS WERE SO BAD THAT I FEEL SURE AN EXTENDED TRIP WOULD HAVE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. MY SECOND CONCERN IS THAT FORD HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM. ON-LINE RESEARCH HAS CONFIRMED THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST TO HAVE BEARING FAILURE BEFORE 60K ON A 2003 EXPLORER. *TR

I WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER INVESTIGATING A "SQUEEKING" COMPLAINT THAT MY LEFT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACING AT A COST OF OVER $300.00. AT THE TIME, IT HAD AROUND 38,000 MILES AND WAS "OUT OF WARRANTY". MY REGULAR NON-DEALER MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS, AND THE COST WAS ABOUT RIGHT. I PURCHASED 2 BEARING ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACED THE LEFT ONE. NOW, ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER, THE RIGHT ONE IS MAKING SO MUCH NOISE I CAN'T HEAR THE RADIO, SO I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT. I HATE TO THINK ABOUT SPENDING $500.00+ EVERY COUPLE OF YEARS REPLACING THESE BEARINGS WHEN EVERY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED, ALL GM BY THE WAY, WENT OVER 100,000 MILES WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE DEALER NEVER MENTIONED, AND ACTUALLY DENIED, ANY TSB'S OR PROBLEMS WITH THE BEARINGS. *TR

CRACK IN BODY OF TAILGATE WITH NO CAUSE; CRACK STARTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BACK WINDOW AND RAN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL. *JB

THERE APPEARED WITHOUT WARNING A BIG CRACK IN THE REAR LIFTGATE OF THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CRACK GOES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE GLASS ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LIFTGATE. THE CRACK EXPANDS AND SHRINKS ACCORDING TO THE TEMPERATURE. SO FAR IT GOT AS WIDE AS 1/4 INCH. . THE CRACK IS IN THE SHAPE OF A PEACE SIGN.*AK NOTHING HIT THE VEHICLE; IT'S STORED IN A GARAGE EVERYDAY. I WENT TO MALLOUF FORD DEALERSHIP IN NORTH BRUNSWICK NJ AND THEY SAID I'D HAVE TO PAY $800 TO FIX IT. THERE WAS ANOTHER PERSON IN THE DEALERSHIP AT THE SAME TIME WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND A SLEW OF OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THE GLASS OF THE REAR LIFT GATE NOT BEING PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME LOOSE, CRACK OR FALL OUT. LET'S NOT WAIT FOR SOMETHING HORRIFIC TO HAPPEN BEFORE THIS GROWING PROBLEM IS FIXED.

2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE BACK DOOR PANEL THAT HAS THE FORD EMBLEM ON IT IS CRACKED IN HALF FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM NEXT TO THE EMBLEM. I SEE MANY OF THEM LIKE THIS. FORD WANTS ME TO PAY FOR THIS DEFECT. IT'S THEIR DEFECT.*AK UPDATED 09/16/08.*LJ

ON FEBRUARY 2007 I WAS DRIVING THE EXPEDITION IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFICWHEN I NOTICED THAT CAR BEGAN TO FEEL VERY HEAVY. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS GOING DOWN DESPITE FACT THAT I WAS PRESSING DOWN THE GAS PEDAL, AND SUDDENLY ALL OF THE ENGINE LIGHTS TURNED ON. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND START THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEM ,BUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT WILL DO THE SAME THING ALL OVER AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND EVER SINCE THEY ARE AWAITING FOR PARTS TO COME IN ,AND THEY HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. FORD D REFUSES TO GIVE ME EITHER A RENTAL OR A LOANER. FORD CONSUMER DEPARTMENT SUCKS.*AK

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH 43000 FAILURE MILEAGE) A CRACK ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE MADE THE HATCHBACK FLY UP WHILE DRIVING. THERE WAS RECALL 04V442000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER ABOUT THE CRACK, OR THE HATCH FLYING UP. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44264.*AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND WAS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO PARK. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE IN GEAR IT HESITATED AND JERKED BEFORE ENGAGING. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPAIRED TWICE PREVIOUSLY AT 18,000 MILES AND 27,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED THE SAME REPAIR AT 58,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,742.*AK

PURCHASED A 2003 EXPLORER XLT IN NOVEMBER 2003. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS NOTICED A LEAK THAT ORIGINATED FROM DIFFERENTIAL AREA. TOOK TO DEALER WAS TOLD A SEAL HAD TO BE REPLACED AND EVERYTHING SHOULD BE OK. TOOK A FAMILY TRIP RECENTLY, THE FIRST ONE IN THE EXPLORER ON MARCH 17, 2007 AND REAR AXLE SEAL FAILED ON A 1,200 MILE ROUND TRIP. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED, I EVEN EXPLAINED THERE WERE SEVERAL TSB CONCERNING MY ISSUE, I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT A RECALL THEREFORE IT WASN'T COVERED. I WAS TOLD BY FORD TO GO AND HAVE IT DIAGNOSED BY LOCAL DEALER, SAME ONE THAT FIXED THE PROBLEM ORIGINALLY. I HAD PROBLEM'S DIAGNOSED, CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT DEALER WOULD PROVIDE "CUSTOMER CARE AFTER WARRANTY". CALLED DEALER WAITING FOR REPLY FOR NEXT STEP. MY EXPLORER ONLY HAS 33,600 MILES WHILE 1,200 MILES WERE PLACED IN THE LAST FEW DAYS, AND WARRANTY EXPIRED 4 MONTHS BACK. *AK

TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED NEAR THE LOCATION OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THE NHTSA WEBSITE LISTED SEVERAL RELATED COMPLAINTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE DEFECT, AND WILL NOT AUTHORIZE THE REPAIR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 49,000.*AK

CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FRONT HUB/WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY. *JB

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE PANEL ON THE REAR GATE UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW ON THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN OPEING S THE LIFTGATE IT FELT SHAKY AND UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THIS CAUSES THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INFORMED HER THE BACK PANEL ON THE REAR LIFTGATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 120,000 MILES. *AK

THE VEHICLE SHAKES OR VIBRATES WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT AT LOW SPEEDS. *JB

2003 FORD EXPLORER FAULTY TRANSMISSION. *JB

NOISE AT REAR END OF VEHICLE. DIAGNOSIS REAR AXLE AND REAR END. REPLACE REAR AXLE AND REAR END KIT (REBUILD). THE NOISE WAS NOTICEABLE FOR SOMETIME AND BECAME WORSE. I HAVE REVIEWED NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD ADDRESS. THERE WERE SERVICE BULLETINS THAT REFERENCED IMPROPER FLUID USE BY MANUFACTURER. *JB

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE HOOD RELEASED. FORTUNATELY, THE SAFETY LATCH PREVENTED THE HOOD FROM COMPLETELY RELEASING. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE. 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED ABOUT THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON, AND WHEN IT WAS ON, THE AIRBAG DEACTIVATED WHICH WAS A SAFETY PROBLEM. IT HAPPENED ALL THE TIME. THE FUSES HAVE BEEN CHANGED UNDER WARRANTY, AND NOW THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, IT WAS NO LONGER REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS TOLD BY ONE SERVICE STATION THAT IT WAS STANDARD FOR THE FUSES TO BLOW BECAUSE OF THE FUSE BOX LOCATION. ANOTHER SERVICE STATION TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THIS WAS NOT TRUE THAT THE FUSE BOX WAS TO HIGH IN THE CAR FOR PEBBLES TO BE ABLE TO GET INTO THE FUSE BOX. ALSO, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WON'T TURN OFF BY THEM SELVES, EVEN WHEN THE KEYS WERE OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WERE CONSISTENTLY ON. MOREOVER, THE ELECTRONIC SEAT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. SHE HAD THE SEAT REPAIRED TWICE AND IT FAILED AGAIN. FINALLY, CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE'S UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE CLANKED STOPPING, TURNING TO GO FORWARD, OR JUST SITTING STILL. THE FIRST TIME THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR SHE WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT IT WAS THE DRIVER'S SEAT THAT WAS CAUSING THE CLANKING NOISE, AND THE SECOND TIME SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE WAS NOT SOMETHING THEY COULD IDENTIFY BECAUSE DURING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING IT DID NOT SHOW A SPECIFIC FAILURE CODE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 114000.*AK

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD & STARTED SLOWING DOWN AS I CAME INTO TOWN. I WAS COASTING ALONG AND MY CAR STALLED OUT. I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE IT HAD CUT OUT, I STILL HAD STEERING & BRAKES BUT I HAD TO RESTART MY VEHICLE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER (I HAD JUST BOUGHT IT 6 DAYS PRIOR) AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT. THEY WORKED WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND CAME BACK WITH "NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT". THEY SAID THERE WASN'T EVEN A RECORD OF THE INCIDENT TAKING PLACE. *JB

CRACK IN BACK HATCH BY FORD EMBLEM. *NM

I WAS TURNING ON TO MY STREET WHEN I HEARD AVERY LOUD BANG AND MY CAR STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. AS I SAT THERE IN SHOCK IT APPEARED THAT MY CAR WAS TILTED DOWN ON THE LEFT SIDE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS LEANING. THE BODY OF MY CAR WAS RESTING ON THE TOP OF THE TIRE. SINCE I COULDN'T DRIVE IT I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE TO BE LOOKED AT. AFTER MY CAR WAS INSPECTED FOR THE REASON FOR THE BANG I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. ALSO, THE SWAY BAR WAS BROKEN AND THE FRONT STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING WERE BROKEN. WHAT COULD I DO BUT HAVE THE REPAIRS MADE. I HAD TWO NEW FRONT COIL SPRINGS PUT ON (I WASN'T TAKING ANY CHANCES WITH THE OTHER SPRING), A NEW SWAY BAR, A NEW STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING PUT ON AT A COST OF $444.64. I HAD JUST COME OFF OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH. IF THE SPRING WOULD HAVE BROKEN THERE, I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN. I STILL HAVE THE BROKEN SPRING. IT STILL HAS THE PROTECTIVE COATING ON IT. SO CORROSION COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR. *NM

I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. I QUICKLY NOTICED A NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN SPEEDS OF 55-60 MPH WERE ACHIEVED. AFTER BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WAS NOT ONLY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BUT EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE FORD EXPLORER. SHOULD THIS TYPE OF REPAIR THAT COULD RESULT IN HUMAN INJURY, BE ADDRESSED BY FORD. I AM HOPEFUL THAT YOUR ANSWER WILL BE YES! *JB

I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORE AND I STARTED TO HERE AND NOISE FROM THE REAR END WHEN I TOOK OFF FROM A DEAD STOP. I DIDN'T WORRY ABOUT IT RIGHT ANY,THEN IT KEPT GETTING WORSE, SO I TOOK IT IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY SAID THE CLUTCH WAS BAD IN THE DIFFERENTIAL AND IT WOULD BE BETWEEN 500 TO 700 TO FIX. THIS EXPLORER ONLY HAS 49,000 MILES ON IT. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR AND I KNOW IT HAS NEVER BEEN BEAT ON. I STILL DO NOT HAVE MY TRUCK BACK YET IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS NOW. I AM ABOUT UP TO 1200 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME THING ON THE INTERNET. I JUAST CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY DON'T HAVE A RECALL. *JB

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH 51,000 MILES. ON 2/13/2007 O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND SERVICE TRANSMISSION MESSAGE APPEARED IN MESSAGE CENTER. TOOK TO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY THE TORQUE CONVERTER. HAD IT TRANSFERRED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHERE THEY REMOVED THE TRANSMISSION PAN AND FOUND METAL SHAVINGS. THEY SAID IT IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND I WILL NEED A PARTIAL OR FULL REBUILD, THEY WILL NOT BE SURE UNTIL THEY REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION. THEY ALSO MENTIONED THEY HAVE SEEN THIS IN MULTIPLE VEHICLES AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE A LARGE NUMBER OF EXPLORER TRANSMISSIONS FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISES, WINING, AND GRINDING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED: CLUTCHES, RING, PINION, CARRIER BEARING, PINION BEARING, AND PINION SEAL. THE CONTACT HAD TO UPDATE THE AXLE SEALS. AT THE TIME OF THE ORIGINAL FAILURE THE VEHICLE HAD AN ODOMETER READING OF 37,000 MILES AND THE WARRANTY HAD JUST LAPSED. THE CONTACT DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THE WEATHER WAS A FACTOR, AND THE SOUNDS WERE ALWAYS WHEN SHE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT STARTED VERY SLOWLY AND BECAME AN EVERY DAY OCCURRENCE. *AK

BRAKE & ACCELERATOR PEDALS TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. MANY TIMES APPLYING BRAKES WILL HIT ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME AND THE ACCELERATOR WINS. PRIMARILY GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE OR DRIVE TO REVERSE, BUT HAS ALSO HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC. (V8 2003 FORD EXPLORER) . *NM

TL*- WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE AND THE BACK OF THE SUV BEGAN TO VIBRATE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS AT AN ANGLE. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THE DEALER FORGOT TO PUT THE LUGS:NUTS BACK ON THE WHEEL. THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR AXLE SHAFT FAILED ,ALMOST CAUSINGA CRASH AFTER THE DEALER HAD WORKED ON IT. ONLY ONE NUT WAS HOLDING THE SHAFT IN PLACE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THIS WAS ALSO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE WEATHER WAS OVERCAST AND 20 DEGREES. IT SNOWED, BUT THE ROAD WAS DRY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED THE NEXT DAY TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 60000.*AK

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WAS SERVICED AT DICK EDWARDS FORD IN JUNCTION CITY , KS TO REPLACE A LEFT HAND REAR AXLE SHAFT SEAL ON THE 12TH OF FEBUARY 2007. VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP AT THE DEALERSHIP BY MY WIFE. ON THE 13TH OF FEBUARY SHE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK (ABOUT 3-5 MILES) SHE CALLED ME ON HER CELL PHONE AND SAID SHE COULD HEAR NOISES, SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND THE REAR OF THE CAR WAS MOVING AROUND AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS LOW. I TOLD HER TO PROCEED HOME WITH CAUTION. WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME I LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE, AND NOTED THE LH REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS AT A 30 DEG ANGLE. I CALLED DICK EDWARD FORD AND THEY INFORMED ME TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. TODAY THEY IMPLIED IT WAS A BEARING FAILURE. I LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE, SPOKE TO THE MECHANIC AND I NOTED IT WAS A REAR AXLE SHAFT RETENTION NUT MALFUNCTION. THE NUT HAD BACKED OUT ON THE AXLE TO THE POINT THAT THE ASSEMBLY WAS ABOUT DEPART FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC WANTED TO BLAME THE AXLE BEARING, WHICH WAS DESTROYED. THIS NUT IF IMPROPERLY TORQUED, OR THE ASSEMBLY IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY PRIOR TO TORQUING THE NUT, THE NUT CAN BECOME LOOSE AND BACK OFF, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS RH THREAD, THERE IS NOT A COTTER PIN OR ANYTHING HOLDING THIS THING TOGETHER, ONLY A TORQUED NUT. THEY THEN TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR IT AS IT WAS A COINCIDENCE THIS HAPPENED. I REFUSE TO PAY. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE SETTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN PICTURES AT THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT WAS TAKEN APART. IF MY LOVED ONE HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE DOING 70 MPH THIS WOULD HAVE PROBABLY HAVE ALLOWED THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO DEPART FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT. AND POSSIBLE DEATH TO HER AS WELL AS OTHERS. HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES OUT THERE WITH THE SAME POOR ENGINEERING DESIGN ? *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW THAT CRACKED IN HALF VERTICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ,AND WHEN HE GOT TO THE VEHICLE HE FOUND IT THAT WAY. HE HAD NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THAT DAY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, THE REAR WINDOW OF EXPLODED . THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 48000.*AK

CRACKED PANEL BELOW GLASS ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER, BOTH ON MINE AND MY WIFE'S EXPLORER, BOTH BOUGHT BRAND NEW WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER. *NM

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE PLASTIC PANEL JUST BELOW THE TAIL GATE WINDOW HAS CRACKED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE 100'S OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS. *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE REAR WINDOW CRACKED NEAR THE LOCATION OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THE NHTSA WEBSITE LIST SEVERAL RELATED COMPLAINTS. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE DEFECT AND WILL NOT AUTHORIZE THE REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,890. *AK

1. WHILE STOPPED ON THE INTERSTATE WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO MOVE, MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER SUV TRAVELING AT PRESUMABLY HIGHWAY SPEED. AS A RESULT, MY SUV WAS PROPELLED FORWARD, HITTING THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. 2. **DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.** PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED (THE DRIVER WAS THE ONLY PASSENGER). **THE BASE, AND POSSIBLY THE BACK, OF THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE.** (I WAS RESTRAINED IN A SEAT BELT.) I HIT THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, HITTING MY HEAD QUITE HARD ON THE RUBBER GASKET EDGE OF THE MOONROOF, AND WHEN LANDING I THINK I HIT MY NOSE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN I LANDED, THE BASE OF THE SEAT BROKE...WHEN LOOKING AT IT FROM THE SIDE (LOOKING AT THE CONTROLS), THE BASE OF THE SEAT HAS A BEND IN IT LIKE AN UPSIDE-DOWN V, AND THE SEAT BACK APPEARS TO BE RECLINED. I STILL HAVE A KNOT AND PAIN ON THE TOP OF MY HEAD, MY NECK IS STIFF AND NOW SOMETIMES POPS/CRACKS/CRUNCHES WHEN I TURN MY HEAD, MY LEFT SHOULDER JOINT IS VERY SORE, AND I HAVE SOME DULL INTERMITTENT LOWER BACK PAIN. BESIDES TEMPORARY BLEEDING IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I AM UNAWARE OF ANY DAMAGE TO MY NOSE. 3. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN DONE. INSURANCE DAMAGE ESTIMATE IS PENDING, BUT I EXPECT IT WILL BE CONSIDERED TOTALED. *JB

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 54,000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE COMPLETE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, I WAS SURPRISED TO FIND OUT HOW WIDE SPREAD THE ISSUE IS. IN READING OTHER COMPLAINTS, THE COMMON THEME IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION @ ROUGHLY 50,00 MILES OR LOWER. MORE SPECIFICALLY, MY OD LIGHT KEPT FLASHING ,NOT ABLE TO SHIFT TO REVERSE, AND NOT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT TO HIGHER GEARS. *JB

FORD EXPLORER 2003. TAILGATE CRACKED IN HALF BELOW WINDOW. NO PRECIPITATING CAUSE. CAR UNDER WARRANTY, DEALER STATED THIS WAS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. REPLACED AT NO CHARGE, APPARENTLY WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE TAILGATE. TAILGATE CRACKED AGAIN 9 MOS. LATER. DEALERSHIP REQUIRED PAYMENT OF 20% FROM OWNER SINCE VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY (38K MILES) EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ADMITTEDLY FORD'S MANUFACTURING DEFECT. FORD REPLACED THE TAILGATE WITH A THIRD DEFECTIVE TAILGATE THAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY CRACK AGAIN. BOTH FORD FACILITIES STATED THAT THEY'D WISH THAT FORD WOULD DO A RECALL AND "ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT". THEY'D REPLACED ONE A MONTH AT THE SMALL DEALERSHIP AND "MANY" AT THE LARGER DEALERSHIP. PICTURES AVAILABLE PER E-MAIL IF DESIRED. *NM

2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT VERTICAL CRACK IN FIBERGLASS TAILGATE PANEL JUST BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS NO IMPACT TO TAILGATE OCCURRED-CRACK JUST APPEARED WHILE DRIVING. TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT AT 50000 MILES. *JB

UPON GOING OUT TO MY TRUCK THIS MORNING TO PUT MY SONS STUFF IN THE BACK, I NOTICED THAT I HAVE A CRACK IN THE PANEL JUST BELOW MY LIFTGATE GLASS. THIS STRUCK ME AS UNUSUAL AS I DON'T EVEN USE THE LIFTGATE WINDOW. I DECIDED THAT I WOULD DO A SEARCH FOR A RECALL THAT I MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRIVY TO...AND I HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS, BUT NO RECALL. THE DEALERS ARE REFUSING TO REPLACE THIS ITEM EVEN WHEN IT IS UNDER WARRANTY, THEY SAY IT ISN'T COVERED. IF THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT AND THIS MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE ... WHY ISN'T SOMETHING BEING DONE ABOUT IT. IF IT KEEPS CRACKING THE GLASS IS GOING TO FALL OUT!! THE DEALERSHIPS ARE SAYING THAT IF YOU STILL HAVE WARRANTY THAT THEY WILL REPLACE IT NO CHARGE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME EVEN IF YOU DO HAVE WARRANTY ... IT ISN'T COVERED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS...AS IT DOES POSE A HAZARD IF THE WINDOW FALLS OUT DUE TO THE CRACK IN THE STRUCTURE. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS OR WHO WE NEED TO CONTACT??? *JB

THE PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2003 EXPLORER HAS CRACKED/BROKEN INTO PIECES. THE 6-8 INCH BREAK RUNS TO THE RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. APPARENTLY THIS IS A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN 2002-2003 EXPLORERS WHICH FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE. *JB

REAR HATCHBACK WAS TAKEN TO FORD FOR A RECALL REGARDING THE HATCHBACK HINGES. THE STRESS OF THE FAILED HINGES HAS CAUSED CRACKS TO DEVELOP BELOW THE REAR WINDOW IN THE FACIA, IT IS CRACKING. *JB

TL* -THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH AN ODOMETER READING 58000 MILES AND THE FRONT DEFROSTER DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH HE HEARD SOUND COMING FROM DASHBOARD, THEN THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO BLOW HOT AIR. PRESENTLY, ONLY COLD AIR BLEW OUT FROM THE DEFROST. THE CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. ALSO, HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY TOLD HIM TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT FIXED BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL AT THIS TIME.*AK UPDATED *JB

REAR AXLE NOISE. STARTED AT ABOUT 34,000 MILES BUT I DID NOT BRING TO FORD UNTIL JUST AFTER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY. FORD WOULD DO NOTHING AND SAID REPAIR WAS ABOUT $2,000. AT 42,000 NOW AND NOISE IS GETTING WORSE. *JB

JUST NOTICED A LARGE CRACK IN PANEL UNDERNEATH REAR WINDOW OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CRACK JUST APPEARED WITHOUT ANY REASON. DEALER REFUSES TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT. WE HAVE NOT REPAIRED YET BECAUSE WE ARE SEEKING DEALER REIMBURSEMENT. THERE ARE A HUGE NUMBER OF CASES OF THIS SAME PROBLEM IN 2002 AND 2003 EXPLORERS. ONE WEBSITE THAT LISTS MANY OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM IS AUTOBEEF.COM. DEALER ESTIMATE WAS $648. PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS COMPLAINT AND INFORM US ON HOW TO PROCEED. *JB

2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS HUMMING COMING FROM THE BACK WHEELS. THERE IS A SQUEEK AND GRINDING COMING FROM THE FRONT AXEL.

WHILE CRUISING UPHILL ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED TO MAINTAIN SPEED. AFTER CRESTING THE HILL, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT BACK INTO OVERDRIVE AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND THE TRUCK WOULD NOT SHIFT 1-2 UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 4500 RPM AND THEN WOULD DO SO VERY HARSHLY. WHEN ACCELERATING THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND DOES NOT PROVIDE FULL ACCELERATION. ACCORDING TO MY LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP THE REPAIR WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $3000 AND REQUIRE AN ALL NEW TRANSMISSION. *NM

EXCESSIVE NOISE FORM REAR DRIVETRAIN. *JB

2003 FORD EXPLORER'S DRIVER'S SEAT SHIFTED WHEN THE CONSUMER ACCELERATED OR DECELERATED QUICKLY. *TS THE SEAT WAS REPAIRED ONCE ALREADY. A LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS LOOKED AT THE SEAT RECENTLY BUT INDICATED THAT THEY CANNOT GUARANTEE THE REPAIR. *NM

WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER IT STARTED TO SHAKE CAUSING LOSE OF STEERING AND BRAKES. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL THE CAME OFF BECAUSE THE LUGS HAD UNSCREWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL HAD BLOWN APART FROM THE INSIDE OUT. IT APPEARED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY UNEVEN TIRES AND THE 4X4 ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING ON ITS OWN. *TS *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN THE CONTACT STOPPED TO INSPECT THE PROBLEM, LEAKING TRANSMISSION WAS NOTICED. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHERE A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE TO THE ONBOARD COMPUTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

REAR LIFTGATE BODY PANEL BELOW GLASS WINDOW DEVELOPED A CRACK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM TODAY AFTER CLOSING THE LIFTGATE. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS NOT COVERED AND THEY HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT SINCE THIS PANEL IS BROKEN BUT NOT THE GLASS IN THE LIFTGATE. *JB

THE LIFT GATE TRIM PIECE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED FOR THE 4TH TIME NOT INCLUDING LIFT GATE RECALL WHICH WOULD BE THE 5TH REPAIR. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY LOCAL DEALER THAT THIS IS "DESIGN FLAW" AND FORD HAS YET INFORMED THEM HOW TO CORRECTLY REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *JB

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER 4X4 HAS DEVELOPED A SEVERE BINDING, SHUDDER SENSATION IN THE REAR AXEL DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. IT ALSO HAS A WHINING SOUND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, TYPICALLY 55 - 70 MPH). THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 34,000 MILES ON IT AND THE DEALER WANTS TO REBUILD THE REAR AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - AT MY EXPENSE SINCE THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY TIME LIMIT IS UP. IF LET GO, THE FORD DEALER INDICATES THE REAR AXLE COULD 'BLOW UP' (THEIR WORDS), RESULTING IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF DRIVE TO THE REAR WHEEL. I HAVE DISCOVERED AT LEAST SIX (6) TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED BY FORD ON THIS PROBLEM! THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A BAD DESIGN AND LATENT DEFECT WHICH CAN EFFECT THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. *JB

MY 2003 XLT EXPLORER HAS A FIBERGLASS PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW ON THE TAIL GATE. WE PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM A FORD DEALER IN AUGUST AND WITH IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS A CRACK APPEARED FROM THE WINDOW TO THE TOP OF THE FORD EMBLEM. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN MANY EXPLORERS AND FORD IS AWARE OF IT BUT THEY DO NOT OFFER ANY SAVINGS OR WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR REPAIR. IF THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT, THAN WHAT IS FORD DOING TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE? *NM

2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER. 50 TO 60 MPH REAR AXLE WHINE STARTED AT 6000 MILES, AT 12,000 MILES DEALER INSPECTED AND SAID THE REAR AXLE ASSY WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND REPLACED THE ASSY. WHINE RETURNED AND DEALER REPLACED THE ASSY AGAIN AT 24,000 MILES. WHINE HAS RETURNED AND I AM CONSIDERING GOING TO INDEPENDENT SHOP TO REPAIR SINCE BEYOND 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY FORD CAN'T FIX THIS WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. *NM

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH 60,000 MILES ON IT. MY OVER DRIVE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. I HAVE JUST SEEN ONLINE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND FORD IS NOT RECALLING OR DOING ANYTHING TO HELP WITH REPAIRS. I THINK THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN. I ALSO GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT IN MAY OF 2006 WITH MY 2002 EXPLORER AND IT WAS TOTALED. I FLIPPED IN THE VEHICLE TWICE AND NOT ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *JB

ON 11/07/06 WAS IN HEAD ON COLLISION WITH 4 INCH STEEL POST, AIR BAG ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER DID NOT DEPLOY. WOULD LIKE TO SEND PHOTOS. *NM

HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER 2WD THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION CONCERNS IN EARLY 2005, VEHICLES JUST OVER A YEAR OLD. AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES IN A YEAR, WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T VERIFY THE PROBLEM. FINALLY, IN MARCH 2005 WAS TOLD THEY HAD TO TEAR TRANSMISSION DOWN AND REPLACE THE CLUTCH PACK, ON TESTING TRANSMISSION, LINE PRESSURE WAS LOW. AFTER WORK PERFORMED, TOOK BACK AGAIN, WAS HAVING SAME CONCERN, AGAIN TOLD COULDN'T VERIFY PROBLEM. HAD TRANSMISSION SERVICED, AFTER TELLING THEM I WAS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM, THEY SERVICED TRANSMISSION AND SAID ALL WAS FINE. IN OCTOBER OF 2006, WAS HEADING OUT OF TOWN ON A TWO LANE ROAD, WHEN I WENT TO PASS A BIG RIG ON HIGHWAY 113, JUST OUTSIDE OF WOODLAND, AS I GOT AROUND BIG RIG, AND ACCELERATED, THE CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO 3RD GEAR, THE RPMS KEPT RACING AND FALLING, RACING AND FALLING. I HAD PLENTY OF ROOM TO PASS THIS TRUCK, OR SO I THOUGHT, UNTIL THE CAR DID WHAT IT DID. I WAS NEARLY HIT HEAD ON BY AN ONCOMING CAR BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET AROUND THE TRUCK, DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING INTO A HIGHER GEAR. WE GOT TO WOODLAND AND IMMEDIATELY WENT TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE WE WERE TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SERVICEABLE, AND THAT WE WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. UPON RETURNING HOME, AND DOING SOME RESEARCH, HAVE DISCOVERED THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT HAVE HAD EXACT SAME FAILURE OF THEIR TRANSMISSIONS. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO., AND HAVE HAD NO RESULT. LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAYS SORRY, CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW, IT WILL COST AROUND 3600.00. ASKED WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN BEFORE FORD RECOGNIZES THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION, AND WAS TOLD THEY DIDN'T KNOW. VERY DANGEROUS IN MY OPINION, TO BE OUT ON A HIGHWAY AND HAVE THE CAR LOSE THE 3RD GEAR, PREVENTING YOU FROM GOING OVER ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR. *JB

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

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING TO ANY GEAR AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE OIL NEEDED TO BE CHANGED EVERY MONTH.

I OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT, AND YESTERDAY I NOTICED THAT THE BACK PANEL BELOW THE BACK GLASS, HAS A 1/4 CRACK ALL THE WAY DOWN IT! IT IS LOCATED A INCH OR TWO RIGHT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN FOR AN ESTIMATE, SINCE I HAVE 59,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, IT ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. WELL, ON THE FORD WEBSITE UNDER MY WARRANTY INFORMATION IT STATES THAT CORROSION AND DEFECTIVE PARTS ARE COVERED FOR 5 YEARS REGARDLESS OF MILES DRIVEN. WELL WHAT DOES THIS FALL UNDER? I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF OTHER MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, THAT I AM NOT GOING TO PUT MORE MONEY IN IT FOR THIS. FORD NEEDS TO COVER IT, OR START SOME TYPE OF INVESTIGATION FOR A RECALL. *JB

FORD EXPLORER- 2003 LOCATION REAR HATCH OR DOOR. PANEL BELOW WINDOW WHERE FORD EMBLEM APPEARS. PLASTIC BODY PART SPLITS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER EXPLORERS. DEALER SAYS IT IS CAUSED BY REAR WIPER MOTOR BEING HOUSED BEHIND CRACK. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR, THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT, WITHOUT CHARGING CUSTOMER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DEDUCTIBLE. *NM

I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THE END OF APRIL 2006 AT TIME OF PURCHASE ABS LIGHT WAS ON- DEALER FIXED PROBLEM WITHIN FIRST 1 1/2 WEEKS OF PURCHASE AFTER ORDERING A PART. NOW 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE THE CHECK ENGINE AND O/D LIGHT COME ON UNEXPECTANTLY. WITHIN 1 WEEK OF LIGHTS COMING ON CAR STOPS ON ME UNEXPECTANTLY. WHEN TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR I AM TOLD I NEED A NEW ALTERNATOR AND A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AS THE SUV SLIPS OUT OF 2ND AND 5TH GEARS. I DIDN'T PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DUE TO THINKING IT WAS STILL UNDER ORIGINAL WARRANTY AND JUST PURCHASED. I FELT THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE OVERHAULED THE VEHICLE AND MADE SURE EVERYTHING WAS WORKING UP TO PAR. I NOW HAVE A REPAIR BILL OF ALMOST $2000 AND DON'T FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.

2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSES TRANSMISSION TO LURCH AND SLIP UNEXPECTEDLY. FEARFUL OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION MIGHT LOCK UP. FORD IS AWARE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2002 AND LATER MODELS. *NM

MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IS EXPERIENCING SIMILAR SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY OTHER FIRE VICTIMS: CRUISE CONTROL TOTALLY INOPERATIVE, PERSISTENT ABS ALERTS, "LOW OIL PRESSURE" ALERTS (SOMETIMES JUST DAYS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE), AND STEERING ISSUES. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IS PROVIDING SERVICE AT MY EXPENSE BUT PRETENDED THAT THEY HAD NO IDEA AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND READING TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER FIRE VICTIMS, I AM TERRIFIED. IN MY SUBDIVISION, HOUSES STAND ONLY A FEW FEET APART...THE HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION PROHIBITS ANY PARKING ON THE STREET. THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER MODELS SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY.

WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, WHICH IS ON AN INCLINE, I PROCEEDED TO START THE CAR AND SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF INTO MY HAND. I WAS FORTUNATE BECAUSE I WAS NOT ON THE ROAD OR HIGHWAY, NOR DID I BACK OVER A CHILD, CAT OR DOG, ETC. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS IF I WERE ON TRAIN TRACKS AND THE TRAIN WAS COMING AND I COULDN'T GET OUT OF GEAR, OR TRY TO PARK ON A HILL IN SAN FRANCISCO, OR DOWNSHIFT TO MAKE IT UP A MOUNTAIN GRADE. TOWED VEHICLE TO TUTTLE CLICK FORD. RECEIVED QUOTE FROM THEM AS WELL AS SANTA MARGARITA FORD. (OVER $600 DIFFERENCE. QUOTE WAS DOUBLED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TUTTLE CLICK VS OVER THE PHONE QUOTE!) CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO AUTOMOTIVE PLUS WHERE A RELIABLE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN, AS FORD RECOMMENDED. ALSO, A RENTAL CAR WAS NEEDED, AND THERE WAS A "DIAGNOSTIC" CHARGE OF $50. I SAVED THE OLD PART FOR INSPECTION/LEGAL ACTION. *NM

HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. AT 13,000 MILES MY TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING. HAD TO TOW MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEIR INITIAL ASSESSMENT WAS THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN DUE TO A "FACTORY DEFAULT". THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE MY ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. AFTER 3 WEEKS, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, MADE NO REPAIRS AND DID NOT REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THE PROBLEM MYSTERIOUSLY FIXED ITSELF. NOW AT 28,000 MILES, MY TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING EVERYTIME INTO 3RD GEAR, SOMETIMES JUST REVVING INSTEAD OF GOING AND THEN JERKING VERY HARD INTO GEAR. FORD DEALERSHIP STATES THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. I HAVE HEARD THE SAME COMPLAINT ABOUT FORD EXPLORERS AFTER 2002 AND TRANSMISSIONS GOING OUT TOO EARLY. FORD NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND RECALL THOSE PARTS. IT FEELS AS IF THEY ARE BLOWING ME OFF UNTIL MY WARRANTY EXPIRES SO THEY WON'T HAVE TO FIX MY CAR. I AM SCARED DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THAT I WILL GET REAR ENDED EVERY TIME MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND GOES INTO NEUTRAL. I HAVE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS. I AM GOING BACK ON MONDAY, STILL TRYING TO GET THEM TO FIX MY CAR... *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY UNLOADING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR GATE HINGES FRACTURED AND THE GLASS DROPPED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND INFORMED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN BECAUSE THE HINGES HELD THE GLASS AND THE INCIDENT COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AFFECTING OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD.

THE SEAT BELT IS CUTTING THROUGH THE PLASTIC ON THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT WHERE THE BELT COMES OUT OF THE HOLE, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD WEAR OUT THE BELT AND CAUSE IT BREAK IN AN ACCIDENT. *NM

ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE GATE LIFT OF MY EXPLORER OPENED ON IT'S OWN. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS QUITE NEW. I REPORTED IT TO FORD AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THAT UNLESS IT MALFUNCTIONED WHILE THEY WERE IN POSSESSION OF IT, THEY COULD NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. I NOW TIE DOWN THE GATE WHEN CARRYING PRECIOUS CARGO, MY DOGS. *JB

I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER NEW, EVER SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE, I BELIEVE THE FIRST 6 MONTHS IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS. ISSUES WITH WINDOWS, PAINT BUBBLING AFTER HAVING THE PROTECTIVE COAT PUT ON IT. THERE HAVE BEEN FAR TO MANY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE TO EVEN RECALL. I TRIED ONCE TO GET IT REPLACED UNDER THE LEMON LAW AND WAS TOLD IT DID NOT QUALIFY. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 39,000 MILES ON IT AND ALREADY HAS HAD 2 RACK AND PINIONS REPLACED. WHEN I ASKED FORD IF THERE WAS A RECALL THEY SAID THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT, WHEN I SAID HOW CAN A 36,000 MILE VEHICLE ALREADY NEED 3 RACK IN PINIONS THERE RESPONSE WAS WELL ITS ACTUALLY ONLY TWO, I SAID NO IT ORIGINALLY HAD A RACK IN PINION WHEN I PURCHASED IT SO IT IS ON ITS 3RD. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ELECTRICAL REPAIRED IN THE REAR WINDOW AS WELL AND NOW IT HAS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. WHEN I CALLED TO SET UP AN APPT. WAS TOLD I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT FIXED IT THE FIRST TIME, THEY TOLD ME KNOW BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HONOR MY WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A FORD WARRANTY. I CALL THE SHOP BACK COMPLAINING WHY WAS I SENT THERE, THEY SAID BECAUSE IT WAS THE ORIGINAL SHOP AND THEY SHOULD HAVE SERVICED IT. THIS IS THE PROBLEM, YOU TAKE THE VEHICLE IN WITH PROBLEMS NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT AND WHEN THEY DO THEY FIX IT AND IT BREAKS AGAIN. SO AT THIS POINT MY REAR WINDOW DOES NOT OPEN, I AM ON MY 3RD RACK IN PINION, HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE GAUGES NOT WORKING AND SO ON AND SO ON. THIS IS THE WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. HERE I PURCHASED A NEW ONE SO I WOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT CAR PROBLEMS AND THAT IS ALL I HAVE HAD SINCE DAY ONE. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND A FORD TO ANYONE NOR WOULD I PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE. SORRY THING FOR ME, WAS IF I DID NOT PAY CASH FOR IT, I WOULD HAVE DEFAULTED ON THE LOAN AND THEY COULD HAVE KEPT THE VEHICLE. *NM

FORD HAS DEFECTIVE HUB ASSEMBLIES ON THE 2003 EXPLORERS. LEADING UP TO THE DEFECTIVE HUBS GOING OUT, THERE IS A VERY LOUD ROARING NOISE COMING FROM WHAT EVER WHEEL THE BEARING IS GOING OUT ON. NO ACCIDENT WAS INVOLVED BUT IT WAS DEFECTIVE AND WAITING TO HAPPEN. WHEELS DO COME OFF OF VEHICLES WHEN THE BEARINGS GO BAD. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM THEY HAVE. I REPLACED BOTH FRONT HUBS 9-15-05 WITH 41,000 MILES ON THEM. HAVE JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT HUB AGAIN THIS WEEK WITH UNFORTUNATELY 15,000 MILES ON IT WHICH THEY ONLY WARRANT IT TO 12,000 MILES. I HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM AT A BIG EXPENSE TO ME. AT THIS TIME, I JUST CRINGE WAITING TO HEAR ANOTHER ONE START ROARING AND GOING OUT. I DO HAVE ALL THREE WHEEL HUBS THAT THE BEARING HAS GONE OUT. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING HEAVY BRAKING, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES VIBRATED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ABS SENSOR 7 TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DOES WORK. FAILURE OF BLEND DOOR OR EVAPORATOR ASSEMBLY HEAT DOES NOT WORK AND WINDSHIELD DEFROST DOES BLOW WARM AIR. BLEND DOOR MOTOR OR PLENUM BOX IS AT FAULT.*JB

THE PANEL DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW IN MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAS DEVELOPED LARGE CRACKS IN IT. AFTER TALKING TO THE DEALER, IT WAS VERY EVIDENT THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT AS THEY SAID THEY SEE A MINIMUM OF 10 PER YEAR AND THAT FORD WILL NOT FIX IT UNLESS IT IS UNDER WARRANTY. MY VEHICLE HAS 68,000,MILES ON IT. I ALSO HAVE SEEN THIS DEFECT LISTED MULTIPLE TIMES IN AUTOMOBILE DEFECT WEBSITES SUCH AS WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. *NM

THE REAR PANEL BELOW MY WINDOW ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I WENT SNOW SKING AND AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT THIS SCENARIO IS COMMON. THE PANEL GETS MOISTURE BEHIND IT AND FREEZES, THEN CRACKS. I HAVE A FORD MANUFACTURER WARRANTY, AND I AM STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE, AND CONTACTED THE LOCAL MEDIA, WHO SUGGESTED YOUR WEBSITE. NO ONE IS WILLING TO FIX THE PROBLEM, AND ONE DAY IT WILL FALL OFF WHILE I AM IN TRAFFIC. CURRENTLY I HAVE NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. I ADVISED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE THAT I WOULD NEVER FIX THE PROBLEM. I WOULD KEEP IT THERE AS A CONSTANT REMINDER OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE. CHECK OUT THE INTERNET (AUTOBEEF.COM) LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *JB

VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHEN DRIVING---BOTH LOW AND HIGH SPEED--BRAKES, STEERING, ELECTRICAL, GAS--ALL QUIT. AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE CAR WILL START AGAIN. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. DEALER, VISTA FORD, SAYS NOTHING WRONG/CAN'T DUPLICATE. *NM

WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4.0L V6 THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WITH NO WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES RANDOMLY. TWO TIMES WERE ON A HIGHWAY COASTING TO A TOLL BOOTH. EACH OF THOSE TIMES I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THE THIRD TIME WAS ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. *NM

REF FORD TSB 05416 FEB 06 - FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IN 2003 EXPLORER BEGINS TO MAKE NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING, SLOWING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. DEALER HEARS PROBLEM, NO PARTS AVAILABLE, AGREE TO RETURN WHEN PARTS RECEIVED. MAR 06 - PARTS RECEIVED (RETAINER CLIPS) AND REPAIRS MADE PER TSB 05416 AUG 06 - SAME PROBLEM AGAIN, DEALER RECOMMENDS REPLACING SEAT TRACK FRAME. WILL NOT COVER UNDER TSB AND CLAIMS "BUMPER-TO-BUMPER" EXTENDED WARRANTY ALSO WILL NOT COVER. NOW IN CAT AND MOUSE GAME WITH FORD REGARDING THIS OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT IS POSSIBLY SAFETY RELATED AS WELL. *JB

2003 FORD EXPLORER 63,000 MILES OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING 2 DAYS AGO. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP THEY RAN A CHECK ON IT AND THE CODE CAME UP: PO741-TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID INTER/MECHANICAL FAILURE. I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPLACE THE SOLENOID PACK AND THAT IT WOULD BE 218.00 PLUS LABOR. WENT TO PICK IT UP 3 HOURS LATER AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW AND SHOULD NOT NEED A TRANSMISSION REPLACED! *NM

LESS THAN 2 YRS AFTER PURCHASE OF A NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BOWER 4X4 V8 FROM A DEALER, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED GRINDING AND SLIPPING. DEALER SERVICE RECORDS DOCUMENTED MY CONCERNS AND THEIR INABILITY/UNWILLINGNESS TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM DUE TO THE LACK OF A "SERVICE WARNING" LIGHT. SUBSEQUENT VISITS WITH THE SAME ISSUE BROUGHT SIMILAR RESULTS FROM THE DEALER. WARRANTY EXPIRED LESS THAN ONE YEAR BEFORE I FINALLY GOT A WARNING LIGHT AND THE NEWS FROM MY DEALER WAS THAT IT MEANT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR JUST UNDER $6500. WITH ABSOLUTELY NO HELP FROM ANY LEVEL OF FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED FOR JUST OVER $3000 - OBVIOUSLY NOT BY FORD. *NM

4 ITEMS 1 - HAVE OWNED THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER FOR 7 MONTHS. WHILE TEST DRIVING, I NOTICED A HUM NOISE COMING FROM REAR TIRES. WAS TOLD IT WAS TREAD NOISE. WE TOOK IT FOR OIL CHANGE AT VERY WELL RESPECTED NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE SHOP. I WAS INFORMED I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE REAR HUB ASSEMBLY THAT IS WAS CRITICALLY BROKEN. WAITING TO CONTACT LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR RESOLUTION BASED ON TSB RESEARCH I HAVE DONE. 2 - WHINING NOISE FROM AIR CONDITIONER WHEN ACCELERATING. DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. SAW THIS ALSO ON TSB. CONTACTING LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. 3 - ABS LIGHT RANDOMLY COMES ON. DON'T KNOW WHY AND NO PATTERN TO WHEN. CONTACTING LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. 4 - CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THIS WEEKEND, USING CRUISE CONTROL. STOPPED QUICKLY FOR A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN I STARTED GOING AGAIN, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULDN'T WORK AND HASN'T WORKED SINCE THEN. I DON'T KNOW IF IT HAS TO DO WITH THE BRAKES. I NOTICED FORD RECALLED SOME CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISMS IN OTHER VEHICLES BUT NOT IN THE 2003 EXPLORER. *JB

AFTER OPENING THE HATCHBACK TO PUT GROCERIES INSIDE, THE WINDOW FELL. AFTER INSPECTING IT, IT TURNS OUT THE HINGE ON HATCHBACK BROKE CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL. IT HIT MY LEFT ARM AND FOREARM CAUSING SEVERE BRUISING, OTHER THAN THAT NOBODY ELSE WAS HURT AND THE WINDOW DID NOT FALL OFF COMPLETELY. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS ASKED TO DROP IT OFF FOR INSPECTION. WAS EVENTUALLY FIXED. BUT I CAN'T HELP TO WONDER IF IT WILL HAPPENED AGAIN AND IF THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE WORSE. *JB

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER WITH 94,000 MILES ON IT. WITHIN 2000 MILES THE REAR END BEGAN HOWLING SO MUCH THAT MY FIANCE IS AFRAID TO RIDE IN THE VEHICLE AS THE THINKS SOMETHING IS READY TO BREAK. I READ SOME FORUM POSTS TO LEARN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2001-2004 EXPLORER. FORD SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM AS IT IS CLEARLY A MECHANICAL FAILURE THAT WILL LEAVE A FAMILY STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *NM

AT 58,000 MILES, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR AXLE SEALS DEVELOPED SUBSTANTIAL LEAKAGE NECESSITATING IMMEDIATE REPAIR. FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT MADE NO MENTION THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND REQUIRED FULL PAYMENT BY ME FOR COST OF REPLACEMENT. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT ON THE EDGES OF THE VEHICLE FRONT HOOD WAS BUBBLED AND PEELED. THE SERVICE DEALER DETERMINED IT WAS CAUSED BY CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REQUESTED THE VEHICLE OWNER TO PROVIDE A REPORT ON THE PAINT ISSUE FROM THE SERVICE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THE REPORT FROM THE SERVICE DEALER

DT:* THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHUTTERED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 35MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL FILTER NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. A NEW FUEL FILTER WAS INSTALLED BY THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.

CONSISTENT REAR AXLE WHINE FROM 45-65 MILES PER HOUR HIGHWAY DRIVING, DEALER, RAMP FORD IN PORT JEFFERSON, NY REPLACED REAR END THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, AND FINALLY STATED THAT ALL EXPLORERS MAKE THE SAME NOISE. THEY COULD NOT GIVE ME ANY INDICATION WHETHER OR NOT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I DEFINITELY GET THE FEELING THAT THEY WISH I WOULD JUST GO AWAY. THERE ARE NUMEROUS TSB'S ON THIS ISSUE AND I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT. *NM

THE CONSUMER'S 2003 FORD EXPLORER HAD A ROCK CHIP THE WINDSHIELD. A CRACK DEVELOPED FROM THE CHIP. *KB THE CRACK RAN THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE WINDSHIELD ARE POORLY MANUFACTURED. *NM

2003 FORD EXPLORER REAR AXLE FAILURE AT 66,266 MILES. REAR END WAS GRINDING WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP AND DURING A LEFT TURN. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE COMPLETE INTERIOR PARTS OF THE AXLE ASSEMBLY. REPLACED RING AND PINION GEARS, REPLACED BEARINGS DUE TO PITTING, REPLACED DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH PACK. *JB

2003 FORD EXPLORER OVERHEATED AND LOST COOLANT. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. FIRST 2 TRIPS, PROBLEM NOT FOUND. AFTER 3RD INCIDENT, A CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK WAS FOUND. IN ADDITION TO ENGINE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP, THIS OCCURS MOSTLY IN COLD WEATHER AT LEAST ONCE WEEKLY. UPON TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP (PROBLEM CANNOT BE REPLICATED); THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH, DAMAGE TO A PEDESTRIAN........GEE, HATE TO THINK OF THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES. *NM

THE REAR SEAT (CUSHION PORTION) WAS DISLODGED AND THREW THE PERSON SITTING IN THE SEAT WITH A SEAT BELT ON UP AGAINST THE BACK OF THE FRONT SEAT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH SUDDEN STOPS. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT IT SEVERAL TIMES AND CAN FIND NO WAY TO ANCHOR THAT PORTION OF THE SEAT IN. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW EXPLODED. DURING THE INCIDENT THE TEMPERATURE OUT DOORS WAS ABOUT 70F. LAST YEAR, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE GATES DEFECTIVE HINGES, ACCORDING TO RECALL # 04V442000 INSTRUCTIONS. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE INCIDENT BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD POOR QUALITY GLASS MAY HAVE USED TO PERFORM THE RECALL WORK. THE CONSUMER HAD THE WINDOW REPAIRED AT HIS EXPENSE, HOWEVER DAYS LATER HE HEARD A NOISE AND UPON INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE INSIDE PANEL OF THE LIFTGATE WAS VERY LOOSE AND IT LOOKED AS THOUGH IT WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. UPDATED 08/02/06. *JB

MY SUV HAS 86791 MILES ITS A 2003 AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT.. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT STOP SHIFTING AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND $1400.00 LATER ITS FIXED.. WITH THE FORD EXPLORER YOU CAN'T CHANGE OR CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IT'S IN A SEALED CANISTER.. ITS MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED THIS SOON IN A VEHICLE....THIS IS A POOR DESIGN AND FORD WON'T EVEN FACE UP TO IT.. I ALSO FOUND OUT IT IS A PROBLEM NOT ONLY IN MY CAR BUT IN OTHERS.. *JB

I WAS HAVING EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE AND CAR WAS NOT HANDLING PROPERLY DUE TO A BAD DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY. *JB

EXPLORER LIMITED. SIX MONTHS INTO OWNING THIS CAR, BOUGHT AT APPROXIMATELY. 32,000 MILES, I NOTICED THERE WAS BUBBLING ON THE HOOD OF CAR. IT WAS ON THE FRONT OF THE HOOD ON BOTH SIDES ABOVE HEAD LAMPS AS WELL AS IN THE MIDDLE (POINT OF THE OF THE HOOD). EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT KENNY ROSS IN PITTSBURGH WILL NOT WORK WITH ME IN GETTING REPAIRED. ONE OF THEIR COLLISION MEN SAID I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER HE SAID IF IT IS UNDER WARRANTY NOT A PROBLEM. THEN THE HEAD GUY OF THE COLLISION DEPARTMENT SAID EVEN IF I HAD A WARRANTY THE HOOD WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED ONLY UNDER THE 12 MONTHS, 12,000 MILES WARRANTY (???). JUST THE BASIC RUN AROUND AND THEY INSULT YOUR INTELLIGENCE. THE PAINT IS NOW CRACKING AND PEELING OFF. I NOTICED THE BUBBLING AT ABOUT 39,000+ MILES AND JUST REPORTED IT TO FORD MAY OF THIS 2006, ALTHOUGH I DID MENTION IT TO THE GUY THAT SOLD ME THE CAR A YEAR OR SO AGO. IN ADDITION I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN FROM THIS SO CALLED DEALERSHIP THINKING I WAS GETTING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, WHICH WAS IMPLIED, ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE EXTENDED SERVICE ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. BUYER BEWARE BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE TO DISCLOSE THE DIFFERENCE. WHY WOULD I BUY AN ESP WHEN I CAN EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR JUST ABOUT THE SAME PRICE. *JB

2003 EXPLORER LIMITED. RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES. I REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AT A LOCAL SEARS. THE WHEELS THAT CAME WITH THE CAR WERE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER MUST HAVE REQUESTED. 17" 5 SPOKE CHROME. AS SEARS WAS REMOVING WHEELS TWO OF THE 4 CENTER CAPS FELL APART AND COULD NOT BE USED AGAIN. AFTER THE TIRES WERE PLACED BACK ONTO MY CAR SEARS REP ASKED THAT I PUT ABOUT 20 MILES ON THE CAR AND BRING IT BACK JUST TO CHECK. ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER AS I WAS RETURNING TO SEARS I HEARD A RUBBING SOUND COMING FROM WHAT APPEARED TO BE THE LEFT FRONT. AS I PULLED INTO SEARS, THE GARAGE THE REP LISTENED AND SAID IT WAS COMING FROM LEFT REAR. AS A MECHANIC PLACED A KEY ON THE LUG NUTS ALL LUGS HAD WORKED THEMSELVES LOOSE AND HE ACTUALLY COULD TURN THEM WITH HIS HAND. I HAD TO PUT MY SPARE TIRE ON AS A REPLACEMENT. A COUPLE OF THE OTHER LUGS ON THE OTHER WHEELS WERE ABOUT A 1/4 TURN LOOSE. I REPORTED THIS TO KENNY ROSS ONLY TO GET NO REAL ANSWER FROM THEM JUST AS I DID WITH THE BUBBLING/PEELING PAINT ON MY HOOD. EVIDENTLY THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE TOLD THEM TO ALWAYS BLAME THEM BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT THEY SEEM TO ALWAYS DO IS BLAME THEIR CORPORATE OFF OFFICE AND THEIR HANDS ARE TIED, YOUR OUT OF WARRANTY, OR WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER. WHAT HAPPENED TO JUST HONESTLY WORKING WITH PEOPLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. NO WONDER THEY ARE IN TROUBLE. ANYWAY ALL FOUR CHROME WHEELS ALSO HAD VISIBLE CRACKING AS WELL AND SEARS SAID THAT THE LUG HOLES ON THE WHEELS ARE SLIGHTLY OBLONG SO THAT IS WHY THE LUGS WORK LOOSE. I HAD TO PURCHASE ALUMINUM SPOKE WHEELS. THIS IS ON A 2003!! GO FIGURE. I ALSO TOLD THE KENNY ROSS REP THAT I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A TOYOTA OR GM. HIS REPLY WAS THIS HAPPENS ON ALL CARS. HAHA, WHAT A RESPONSE AND JUST WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR. NO FORDS IN MY FUTURE AND I WILL UNLOAD THIS ONE AS SOON AS I CAN! *JB

HELLO. I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER INCLUDING SEVERAL SAFETY ISSUES. THE FIRST COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHICH SHIFTS ROUTINELY ON ACCELERATION AND DE-ACCELERATION. THIS CONCERNS ME IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND THE SEAT MALFUNCTIONS. THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE GEAR SHIFTER NOT GOING INTO PARK EASILY. I HAVE TO JIGGLE IT TO INTO PARK. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE PARK AND MY VEHICLE MIGHT ROLL. THIRDLY, MY REAR LIFT GATE TRIM HAS HAD TO BE REPAIRED AT LEAST 3 TIMES. I AM CONCERNED THAT ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NO SAFETY ISSUE, THERE POSSIBLY COULD BE DUE TO THE REAR LIFT GATE HINGES BEING RECALLED AND REPRESENTATIVE INFORMING ME THAT THE REASON THAT I CONTINUE TO HAVE A CRACK APPEARING IS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. THIS CONCERNS ME B/C I FREQUENTLY UTILIZE THE LIFT GATE TO RETRIEVE GROCERIES AND OTHER ITEMS AND DO NOT WANT THE WINDOW TO FAIL AND FALL ON MY HEAD. THE REMAINDER CONCERNS ARE REGARDING THE FUNCTION OF MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE 3 OF THE WINDOW MOTORS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRANSMISSION HAS HAD TO BE FIXED TWICE (SHIFTING MODULE MALFUNCTION). FINALLY, THE FUEL GAUGE HAD TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO IMPROPER FUEL READINGS. I GUESS ALL THESE ITEMS COULD BE VERY PROBLEMATIC AS WELL B/C I COULD RUN OUT OF GAS AND BE STRANDED WITH MY CHILD, MY VEHICLE MIGHT NOT SHIFT PROPERLY LEAVING ME STRANDED. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. PS. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT AS I WAS COMPLETING THIS PROCESS I REMEMBERED THAT MY VEHICLE HAD A HIGH PITCHED WHINE THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED. I DO NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED BUT IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *NM

ANTS HAVE EATEN INTO THE COMPUTER ON MY 1994 FORD EXPLORER LAST YEAR . THIS YEAR EVEN THOUGH I PUT OUT POISON ON THE GROUND AND SPRAYED THE MOTOR AND INSIDE OF BOTH VEHICLES THEY GOT INTO THE DASH OF MY 03 AND STARTED EATING THE (LOOMS) WHAT EVER THAT IS AND THE WIRING TO MY AIR BAGS. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND WHAT DID THEY DO TO STOP IT? WHAT ARE THEY MAKING THE WIRING OUT OF. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PAINT LOOKED BUBBLY LIKE A BLISTER ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE HOOD. THE CORROSION WAS LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF THE HOOD CLOSEST TO THE HEAD LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THERE WAS A VAST AMOUNT OF INFORMATION ON THE MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE REGARDING THE DEFECTIVE PAINT WHICH WAS OBSERVED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH OR FIRE.

GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S TIRES HAVE 1 TO 3 INCH SPLITS APPROX. 1 INCH FROM THE RIM, I HAVE THIS ON ALL 4 TIRES. THEY ARE ON A FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC 2003. *NM

2003 EXPLORER ENGINE STALLING AND SURGING WHEN DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP. *TS ***NAR*** THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE PCM. 8JB

I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION. IT CLUNKS OUT OF GEAR WHEN LETTING OFF THE GAS GOING FROM SECOND TO FIRST GEAR. IT ALSO SEEMS TO DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION AT TIMES AS IT ACTS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL GOING FROM FIRST TO SECOND ON OCCASION. I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES. THE "SAID" THE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WITH ONE THAT WAS REBUILT, BUT IT ACTED THE SAME WAY. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK AND WAS NOW TOLD THAT UNTIL IT ACTUALLY BREAKS, THEY WILL NOT WORK ON THE TRANSMISSION ANY LONGER. *JB

REAR HATCHBACK WAS TAKEN TO FORD FOR A RECALL REGARDING THE HATCHBACK. PRIOR TO THAT, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE HATCHBACK, I.E. ACCIDENTALLY OPENING. NOW JUST BELOW THE REAR WINDOW OF THE HATCHBACK, IT IS CRACKING. SIMILAR TO MANY OWNERS LISTED ON THIS SITE. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD. THIS OCCURRED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. UPON INSPECTION, A FRACTURE WAS OBSERVED ON THE FRAME OF THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE . THE FRACTURE BECAME LARGER OVER TIME. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FRACTURE, BUT RECOMMENDED REMOVING THE BOLTS, AND ADDING A METAL PATCH TO THE FRAME. UPDATED 06/07/2006. *AK *TS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHROME ON THE RIMS IS CRACKING. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON ALL FOUR RIMS AND IS DUE TO THE ALUMINUM UNDERNEATH CORRODING CAUSING THE CHROME TO CRACK. THE CONTACT HAS ALERTED NUMEROUS DEALERSHIPS AND NONE OF WHICH HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND EXPLAINED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT REQUESTED TO SPEAK WITH A MANAGER AND WAITING FOR A RETURN CALL.

I WAS FOLLOWING UP ON THE DEATH OF A 1 MONTH THAT WAS EJECTED FROM A COSCO CHILD SEAT IN A MOTOR VEHICLE TRAIN ACCIDENT. WHILE FOLLOWING UP ON THE DEATH, I WAS LOOKING AT PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE INVESTIGATING AGENCY. I NOTICED THERE WERE NO PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CAR SEAT OR THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE TRAIN HAD STRUCK THE VEHICLE. I WENT TO THE IMPOUND LOT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS STORED AND MET THE FATHER OF THE DECEASED CHILD. HE WAS COLLECTING PROPERTY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE SHOWED ME A STROLLER AND THE CAR SEAT. THE STROLLER HAD BEEN EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS DAMAGED AND THE CAR SEAT WAS STILL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS CAR SEAT AND STROLLER ARE SOLD AS A SET FROM K-MART AND HAD BEEN PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2005 IN HUTCHINSON KANSAS. UPON LOOKING AT THE CAR SEAT WHICH WAS REAR FACING IN THE VEHICLE AND STILL STRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE BY THE SEAT BELT. I WAS INFORMED BY THE CAPTAIN OF THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT THAT ONE OF THEIR OFFICERS TRAINED TO INSTALL CHILD SAFETY SEATS SAID THE SEAT WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. MY CONCERN OF THE ACCIDENT WAS THAT THE STRAP THAT WOULD HAVE GONE OVER THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE CHILD WAS COMPLETELY UNDONE FROM THE LATCH ON THE BACK OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE STRAP ON THE LEFT SHOULDER WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY UNDONE AND I PHOTOGRAPHED THE ROUTING OF THE STRAP BEFORE REMOVING THE SEAT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE OWNER OF THE SEAT GAVE ME THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OFF OF THE SEAT. MODEL # 22-300-SWB; 11/10/04 GBIB. REG NO PA-25334(CN) PERMIT # 1780-333 DOREL JUVENILE GROUP INC. FROM THE IMPACT OF THE TRAIN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR 1/4 PANEL OF THE 20-03 EXPLORER, THE CHILD WAS EJECTED FROM THE CHILD SEAT AND DIED 3 HRS LATER FROM HEAD INJURIES. FROM THE INVESTIGATION, I BELIEVE THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE LATCHING AND HOLDING ABILITY ON THE BACK OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. *JB

EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN NOISE UPON MORNING FIRST USE. IF YOU LET THE CAR SIT OVERNIGHT AND THEN STARTUP THE CAR, BACK UP OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, AND ACCELERATE NORMALLY DOWN THE RESIDENTIAL STREET, THE COOLING FAN SOUNDS LIKE AN AIRPLANE PROPELLER CHOPPING THE AIR. THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE (A V8) SEEMS SLUGGISH AS THE ENGINE FIGHTS TO SPIN THE FAN AT EVERY INCREASING ENGINE RPM. THE NOISE IS EXCESSIVE AND UNNERVING. ONCE YOU COME TO A STOP SIGN AND THE ENGINE SLOWS TO IDLE, THE FAN RESUMES NORMAL OPERATING MODE AND NO LONGER SPINS AT ENGINE RPM SPEEDS. THIS IS A VERY REPEATABLE EVENT. 3 OUT 5 MORNINGS I HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS. FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE DEALER IDENTIFIES THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT CAN BE WRONG HERE IS THE FAN CLUTCH. BUT UNTIL THE PROBLEM STAYS BROKEN, AND IT WONT AS IT GOES AWAY ONCE YOU GO TO IDLE, THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. MY CONCERN IS MULTIFOLD. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AS IT IS UNNATURAL FOR THE COOLING FAN TO BE SPINNING AT ENGINE RPM. IF THE FAN WERE TO DISINTEGRATE, WHO WILL BE IN THE WAY OF THE HIGH SPEED FRAGMENTS? I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE DAMAGE THAT WOULD OCCUR TO THE VEHICLE IF THE FAN WERE TO LET LOOSE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE FAN'S LIFE IS BEING REDUCED AND WILL SUFFER PREMATURE FAILURE. THE DEALER REFUSES TO REVIEW TSB 17163 -- EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN NOISE. *TT (NHTSA ID #10004057) UNTIL THEY EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER SEEMS TO BE UNCOOPERATIVE AND CHOOSES TO IGNORE THE CUSTOMER'S COMPLAINT. *NM

2003 EXPLORER - TRANSMISSION GOES INTO *NEUTRAL* WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD AND/OR 3RD AND 4TH. A SOLENOID BODY HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES AT DECREASING MILEAGE INTERVALS. NOW FAILING FOR 5TH TIME WITH 2,000 MILES SINCE LAST *FIX*. FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE WITH FREEWAY TRAFFIC. PURSUING BBB ARBITRATION FOR REPURCHASE AS FORD IS UNABLE TO REPAIR. *NM

REAR AXLE NOISE, REPLACED AT A PRICE OF 1200 DOLLARS. *JB

NHTSA 10003163. NOISE FROM CONVERTER HOUSING. SUV HAS 42,272 MILES AND DEALER ESTIMATED $1200.00 REPAIR. FORD KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH TSB #17050. *JB

MOLDED RUNNING BOARD BROKEN UNDER NORMAL USE, ONE DEALER ACCUSED ME OF HAVING A CHILD JUMP ON THE RUNNING BOARD - REASON UNKNOWN. ANOTHER DEALER TOOK PHOTOS AND SENT TO DETROIT, WARRANTY REPAIR REFUSED? *JB

AROIUND 37,000 MILES I STARTED HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. HALF OF THEM GO OFF WHEN THEY SHOULD AND HALF OF THEM STAY ON WHICH RUNS MY BATTERY DOWN AND I HAVE TO BE JUMPED. THEN AROUND 40,000 MILE I STARTED HEARING A LOUND WHINING NOISE FROM MY REAR END. THE DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. IT IS SO LOUD YOU HAVE TO ALMOST YELL TO TALK TO SOMEONE. THEN AT 47,000 MILES MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON STARTED COMING ON. IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE COOLANT AREA. I AM AFRAID TO TAKE MY VEHICLE OUT OF TOWN AND I OWE TOO MUCH ON IT TO TRADE IT. *NM

1 HISTORY OF ENGINE SURGE, VERY FAST IDLE UPON STARTING SINCE VEHICLE ACQUIRED.-ALL REPORTED TO DEALER.---------------------------------------------------------------- 2.CAR STOPPED, MOTOR OFF. STARTED, PLACED IN REVERSE-TOUCHED ACCELERATOR AND CAR JUMPED BACK FULL SPEED. VERY NARROW PARKING AREA (HAVE PICTURES). HAD TO TURN CAR RAPIDLY TO AVOID LARGE HILL AND TREES -TOO SHORT A DISTANCE TO TURN COMPLETELY AND HIT FRONT LEFT FENDER AND BUMPER GLANCING BLOW OFF TWO TREES. WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND GOT STOPPED AFTER GOING IN A SEMICIRCULAR AND BACKING OVER CONCRETE PARKING BARRIER.-MOTOR STILL RACING--UNABLE TO TURN OFF WITH KEY UNTIL FOURTH OR FIFTH TRY AND THAN MOTOR BUCKED SEVERAL TIME TRYING TO STOP. 3.NO CORRECTIONS TO DATE. REPORTED TO FORD! !*JB

PLASTIC UNDER (ATTACHED TO) REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW CRACKED. CRACK IS 10 TO 12 INCHES LONG. ENTIRE LIFTGATE NEEDS REPLACING. FORD SAYS I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL EXPLORER ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SAME DEFECT. *JB

AFTER HAVING ABOUT OF FREEZING WEATHER MY WIFE NOTICED A CRACK ON THE PLASTIC PANEL ATTACHED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR HATCH BACK WINDOW. I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER UPON WHICH I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING AND THAT THEY REPLACE QUITE A FEW OF THESE EVERY YEAR. BUT BEING THAT MY WARRANTY EXPIRED IN AUGUST OF 2005 THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR REPLACEMENT. I FEEL FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *JB

HAVE HAD MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF MILES ON IT. HAVE HAD REAR BRAKE SENSOR REPLACED 2 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY, FRONT AXLE SEAL REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND REAR AXLE BEARING REPLACED WITH 44000 MILES AND NOW THE REAR AXLE SEAL IS LEAKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE MECHANIC WHO DOES MY REPAIRS STATED THE AXLE SEALS ARE ON BACKORDER DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF EXPLORERS THE SEALS ARE DEFECTIVE ON. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFORMATION ON THE SEALS AS I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. COULD YOU PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS DEFECT. I BELIEVE THERE WERE SEVERAL DEFECTIVE PARTS USED ON THE 2003 FORD EXPLORERS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED OR REPORTED. THANK YOU. *JB