CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2003 Ford Explorer one of our worst vehicles on record. "Avoid like the plague" is putting it lightly.
The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.
Another common problem for the 2002-2003 Explorer is wheel bearing failure at around 90k miles, with a typical repair bill of $500 to $1000 depending on how many wheel bearings failed.
Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.
This is my second Ford Explorer, and I was pretty upset that with less than 50000 miles on a 6 year old car, the back hatch has a crack in it. I contacted our insurance company because I wasn't sure if something hit the vehicle. At any rate, we paid a small deductible and our insurance company covered the remaining balance. They said they would contact Ford and conduct analysis on the incidence of this problem.
OMG! Where and how to begin??? This past summer, I closed the tail gate on my car as I would any other time....and instantly, the giant, ugly CRACK shown in the two photos provided, was all of a sudden just there!? I couldn't believe it! What had I done wrong? What did I do different? NOTHING!!! That's what I did....nothing. So this happens, my husband and I research the issue online and discover hundreds of complaints regarding the same car, same year (including 2002 and 2004 models). All the reviews we read discussed the fact that Ford will do NOTHING to fix what is clearly a defect in the panel. Well I thought...."Well I'll get Ford to do something!" I wrote to Ford, was put in contact with two representatives, both of whom gave me the complete run around, claiming there is nothing Ford can do, as the car is out of warranty. OUT OF WARRANTY???? Is there a warranty for issues caused by a manufacturing flaw in the design of a vehicle? This is not just wear and tear on the car....this is a DEFECT, Ford! A warranty should not be the issue. I don't care that the cracked panel does not appear to be a safety issue. What I care about, is that in 2003, I purchased a $35,000 brand new vehicle.....not a cheap investment, and the freakin' car should not just crack when it feels like it, and Ford not be held accountable??? Ford....you SUCK, and although we have purchased other Fords in the past, I can guarantee this will be our last....and along with my new friends on the internet, I'll be spreading the word around town as well.
My problem is the same as many 2003 Ford Explorer owners -- cracked panel on the tailgate. I've had no luck in getting it repaired by Ford, and I've tried the corporate office and our local Ford dealership in Owensboro, KY, which is Champion Ford.
So, my next step is this: I'm starting a Facebook group encouraging unhappy Explorer owners to join and post photos of their cracked back panels. I'm then doing a YouTube video about the problem and hope that it goes viral.
I can't imagine Ford would want such negative publicity, so I'm hoping they repair my panel.
Since I've had the problem with the cracked rear panel on my 2003 Ford Explorer, I have seen many, many other Explorers with the same problem. I contacted the Customer Service Dept. for the main office of Ford Motor Company, with no luck in getting it repaired by them at their expense. Since then, I've contacted our local Ford dealership, Champion Ford, in Owensboro, KY to tell them of the problem, with no luck either. They're response was, "Well, if it had happened during the 3-year warranty period, it could have been fixed." Duh. From my research, I have discovered these panel problems don't occur while the vehicle is still new or fairly new. However, I think for such a severe problem to occur in the body of a vehicle that only has 70,000 miles on it (the mileage at the time of the crack), is ridiculous. (However, Champion Ford was happy to give me a quote for the cost to repair it at MY expense, using their body shop, of course.)
My next step is this: I'm going viral with this problem. First, I am starting a Facebook group to tell the world about this lack of integrity by Ford, and to get as many people to join as possible. I shall post pictures of the crack, and encourage other Explorer owners to post their own photos. Then, if I still have no positive response from Ford Motor Company, I shall make a video and post it on YouTube.
I'm getting ready to inform the corporate office and our local Ford dealer - Champion Ford of Owensboro, KY - that I am doing this. I would think they would not want the negative publicity and FIX MY FORD!!! Join me, Explorer owners, on getting the word out about this problem via the internet!
This is such a common problem. You see these things all over town with the cracked panels. It should be an embarassment to Ford! They should take some pride in their work and replace all of these obviously defective panels. My son also have an explorer and has had his replaced at his own cost. Wake up Ford...treat your customers right and they might start returning.
- LeRoy P.,
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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I've had to replace the transmission at 60,000, windows stopped working (Wires were to short broke) and now the back hatch cracked. They need to be recalled.
This has happened twice. The 1st time 2 years ago. After a tremendous hassle the Ford dealer replaced the panel for $100. Now that it has cracked again they will so nothing. This sucks. I have taken excellent care of the vehicle and except for this obvious manufacturer's defect it is in mint condition. FIX IT FORD.
On my 2003 Ford Explorer, the plastic panel under the tailgate window cracked to the left of the Ford emblem. This occurred after there was a recall for the window hinges, which I had done at the time of the recall. I have seen many of this model with the same crack. This is definitely a defect that should be fixed by Ford on a recall. Otherwise this car is great, Economical and no mechanical problems for the first 100,000 miles. For the price and usefulness, the explorer is the best car on the road. I also have a 2004 Eddie Bauer expedition, which I love.
Update from May 10, 2011: I just saw a summary of the number of similar complaints (5/10/11). 484 complaints for 2002 Explorers, 378 for 2003s, 452 for 2004s and even 108 for 2005s. Only GOD knows how many others are out there that didn't get reported. Ford should step up and fix them, if only for the PR benefit. I also got an email from a freind in Virginia concerning a recent news article that speaks of a class action suite by Virginians against Ford for this defect. Maybe a united class action suite is the way to go.
I am becoming very unhappy with this Ford Explorer...I love the car as for the way it handles and the space, but always something wrong...with so few miles. It has never been driven all that much. Just around the my area, long distance is with another car.
I always thought of Ford as a good buy, but all this makes me wonder...just what does one go out and buy today...recalls on all Brands......sick of this!!!
the tail gate on my 2003 explorer is cracked. As of today it is totally cracked to the bottom of lift. It looks awful and i hate it. I cannot afford to pay to have it fixed. Ford really sticks and apparently does not care about anyone but themselves and making money. This is the last ford they will ever make money on from me. I will NEVER buy another FORD. How can I fix it myself?????
Last week I found a crack in the panel below the rear window. My first instinct was to see if other Ford owners have had the same issue. I shall be contacting Ford shortly...but won't hold my breath for help with this issue.
My first vehicle was a 79 Ford LTD, I loved it. I then moved on to a Taurus which I liked. I know own a 03 Explorer which WAS in great shape until that damn crack on the rear panel showed up. This PROBLEM is not just with my vehicle, i've seen plenty of explorer's with the same crack. It is a MANUFACTURER DEFECT, because of the crap Ford used to make it. They know their in the WRONG, just look at the models today. It's all one damn lift gate. FORD YOU NEED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, NOT IGNORE IT.
Everyday I see at least one other Ford Explorer with the same crack in the tail gate as I have on mine. Ford needs to issue a recall on this if they want to keep customers!
I Think Ford Needs To Replace this part because it is not our fault and I have seen others like this and Ford should stand up for their reputation in making good vehicles.
This is crap !!! I can't believe Ford hasn't recalled this problem. I see Ford explorers on the road now and I look for this, and I see a lot of them with this crack, like my own.
This is the second time this problem occurred.I originally thought the hinges were the culprit since they weren't aligned properly on the car. It was repaired under warranty the first time in 2005 including new hinges and after that I stopped using the lift-gate glass. Since that repair I've been opening and closing the whole door very carefully and it still cracked. I notice the new Explorer's no longer have this piece of cheap plastic under the glass so Ford definitely knows about it. How many people have to complain before they recall?
I think ford need to fix this problem. I have seen a lot of fords with the cracked panel belowthe rear window cracked. I also think ford should do a recall
It is apparent that this is not an isolated few cases. Ford needs to step in and make this RIGHT! Ford Engineering Geniuses did not get this design correct - what else is out there? The crack certainly brings attention to the poor plastic design centered around the Ford Logo on the lift gate.
JUST WALK THROUGH A PARKING LOT - I counted fifteen at WalMart. What does that say about the design?
Hi, I have the same issue with my 03 Ford Explorer & have noticed everyone on the street has the same cracks. Please call BOTH numbers & report this. Hopefully they will recall it soon. FORD: 800-392-3673 then call National Hwy Traffic & Safety, they will make a report and mail it to you for confirmation: 800 424 9393 .
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This is my second Ford Explorer, and I was pretty upset that with less than 50000 miles on a 6 year old car, the back hatch has a crack in it. I contacted our insurance company because I wasn't sure if something hit the vehicle. At any rate, we paid a small deductible and our insurance company covered the remaining balance. They said they would contact Ford and conduct analysis on the incidence of this problem.
- Valerie L., Redondo Beach, CA, US