9.0
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$732.00
Average Mileage:
85,134 miles
Total Complaints:
12 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace temperature blend door (9 reports)
- not sure (2 reports)
- found an aftermarket kit for $120.00 (1 reports)
AC / heater problem
Helpful Websites About 2003 Ford Explorer temperature blend door broke
2009Mar 10
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 87,000 miles
I took my Explorer to Long-Lewis Ford in Muscle Shoals, Alabama because the blend motor in the front heater was broken. They sold me the vehicle new, and in my opinion are an honest, trustworthy dealership. I would do business with them again... If I were to ever purchase another Ford product, which I will not do.
After checking my problem, and charging me sixty-odd bucks for the check-out, they told me that the repair would cost about $1000.00. After I picked myself off the floor, they explained that the blend motor breaking was a common problem in Explorers because there was a support member blocking access to it. To get to the part, they would have to remove the dash. Oddly enough, they told me that it is the same assembly that is found in a Windstar, but with the addition of a support strut in the Explorer. We, fortunately have rear air in the vehicle, and when it is cold, we shut down the console vents in front, and crank the rear air.
I am extremely disappointed to read how common this problem is with the Explorer, and the fact that Ford does nothing to ameliorate the cost of repair in some way. I will never, never buy another Ford product because of their cavalier attitude to this most expensive problem that is apparently so common. Shame on them.
Update from Oct 29, 2009: Well, I sent the Customer Relations Manager a copy of my complaint. She responded with a typical non-response... You know the type, something right from a boiler-plate menu in the word processor. I makes be angry when folks say they're sorry, when you dang well know that they're lying. So I decided to send along the text of the reply e-mail I got from the dealership. Here is is:
Mr. Wiggins -
I'm sorry for the concern you are experiencing with your Explorer. If this is a common problem, the percentage of issues is not enough to warrant a manufacturer recall. The part that needs replacing is plastic which over time may break or stop functioning properly due to wear. Unfortunately, the needed repair takes several hours because indeed the dash does have to be removed. Since your vehicle is 6 years old and has 70K+ miles, there is no other assistance that the dealership can provide you.
Again, I am sorry you and your family must deal with this unfortunate circumstance. If you have any other questions or if I can be of any future assistance, do not hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
XXXXXX XXXX
Customer Relations Manager
Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln Mercury
I took the Manager's name out. Who knows, the way Ford operates, I might be sued if I hadn't done so.
I did find a company that has a kit to fix the problem in 2 to 3 hours for $120.00. Think that I will take them up on it.
2009Aug 07
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 117,348 miles
Ford knows this problem exists and has for quite a long time yet refuses to do anything about it. If this was a Toyota they would fix the problem to have a happy customer. and we wonder why they are kicking our ass.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Oct 14
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 110,340 miles
This is a safety prolem. If your windows won't stay clear during ice, snow or high humidity because a $13 part breaks why even waste your money on this vehicle? $650-$700 to fix in this economy? Thanks Ford.
2008Sep 15
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Ford tough? huh, tough is 4 girls in middle of northeast winter with NO HEAT! What kind of idiot puts a 2 inch plastic square on a 1/8inch plastic pin over the hot and cold blower of a car! Then to boot lets put it in dead center behind the dashboard where we have no other option but to put the entire dashboard, steering wheel, radio etc off just to replace this $13.00 part so that my 4 children are not freezing to death in the dead of winter! Its not a safety issue, therefore a recall is not required is what you hear when you call the manufacturer...2 additional complaints...keep going!
2007Mar 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Started hearing a ticking sound coming from under the dashboard, near the floor. It wasn't constant, but there were times when it was really loud. Finally, I went to turn the heat on one day, and nothing but cold air came out. Took it to a local shop who said it was the blend door actuator and sent me to a dealership since it is too hard to fix, requiring the removal of the dash and all. Ford dealer charged 650 for the repair, but now the heat doesn't get as hot and the a/c doesn't get as cold as they once did. The car was not even 4 years old at the time.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jan 10
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 135,000 miles
Late one evening my car began to make this loud ticking noise. It was constant and I could not tell where it was coming from initially. I took the truck in to the dealership and it cost approximately $600 to repair
2008Feb 06
Explorer Truck 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
Learn that this problem happens often, ford has no recall.The Pathfinder that i have had for 17 years i never had any heating problems. I telling everyone Ford cars sucks, things break without being touch. Never another Ford. T
2007Dec 07
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
What a rip off, get ready for A RANT!!! I am ANGRY!!!
After checking the Internet (look for Ford heater or blend door: check ask ford), MAN there are heater issues, the same kind of fault across the Ford product line for at least the last 12 years.. Seems Ford has had this problem with blend doors and actuators since at least '95.
Ford is aware of the problem. If they really have their head stuck someplace... They have not and apparently will not take any positive action to correct issue. Except to stick it to the consumer!!!
ANOTHER OF FORDS BETTER IDEAS, Reminds me of late 70s ford product: The FAMOUS Exploding Ford pinto, that came from the factory with self destructing firestone tires..... Ford design engineers must have a cranial rectal inversion to put such a weak, poorly designed part in such a inaccessible area of the vehicle, requires taking out the dash board assembly to repair, they probably have a clause in their contract with Ford that states they will never have to work an anything they design. I suppose Great product management however as the fault does not seem to show up until just after the warranty expires. AGAIN STICK IT TO THE CONSUMER.
Maybe if enough folks raise enough objections Ford will do something, I doubt it, hoping for something like Ford to correct an obvious defect without being forced to is not realistic. I suppose somebody will have to get hurt due to this problem (possible safety issue due to iced up windshields blocking view etc) before they will do anything about it.
I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT.. I hope Ford goes broke due to this kind of BS.
2007Mar 08
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
the part mysteriously stopped working 20 minutes after I picked it up from the dealership from having an $800 solenoid replaced in the transmission
living in TX I need A/C one day and heat the next so with the blower off I switch it to the temp I want then turn the blower on and it eventually switches!
2006Oct 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
Little piece of plastic fell out of my dash in the Fall of 2006. I heard a bit of a whoosh from the ventilation system when it happened. Kept the little piece of plastic in my console for quite a while since I didn't know what it was. Didn't notice that it was a problem until summer came along and the A/C just couldn't get the car cool. Took it to my mechanic and showed him the piece of plastic. He knew immediately what it was and estimated $800 to fix it because of the cost of removing the dash and because he couldn't just replace the door arm. Took it to the dealership to see what they could do and they were at least nice enough to give me a free rental car and managed to fix it for around $500.
2007Oct 21
(reported on)Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,923 miles
The temperature blend door is a small $20.00 part, but because of it's location it's a $600.00 to $800.00 fix. To get to it you need to pull apart the complete front dash, airbags and everything else. This is obviously a manufacturing fault by ford like the 1999 models. Why do I have to pay $800.00 for a mistake by Ford?
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your AC / heater problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Oct 24
Explorer XLS V6
This is the second time that this part has failed. The first time I paid the dealer to have it repaired. I know that every car has its quirks. From now on I will stick to Toyotas or Nissan or maybe even Mazda. Well, I tried to support American made cars. I have auto mechanic training so I am going to attempt to repair it myself. Forget about the dealership
Ave H.
North Brunswick, NJ, USA
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