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.
Went to internet to see if cracked panel under rear lift window has been a problem for others. About 60 problems of the same nature were listed. Have an appointment with local dealer regarding this significant body trim / window problem tomorrow. Will add more after the dealer evaluates the problem. Will take copies of most of the reports listed for this complaint.
I accused my husband of backing into something. I didn't know what had happened to cause the crack under the back window. Two co-workers told me this had happened to them and Ford fixed the problem. I am calling today and see what I can get done. It's worth a try!
I spoke with Ford on this issue and they told me there is nothing they can do for me without a warranty. The guy "Mike" said I would have to pay for the cost myself. You would think that for what these SUV's cost, Ford would stand behind their product. What a bunch of cowards.
Who would like to join me in a class action? I am contacting the BBB, as well as posting a sign on the back of my car. Ford should be held accountable for their workmanship, not the consumer who pays their bills.
Just checked the web to see if anyone else had this happen to them and was shocked at how many others have the same problem (and these are the people who are taking the time to go online to gripe - I'm sure there are countless more who just haven't complained online).
Mine has been slowly cracking for quite a while. In fact, at first I thought it was just a crack that had always been there - it was just a hairline crack between the window and the Ford emblem. I'm not sure when it really started cracking. It was after my warranty expired that my dad pointed it out to me - he has a 2002 Explorer and doesn't have this crack.
In the last few weeks, the hairline crack has gone all the way down the rest of the panel and looks like the Grand Canyon on the back of my car. What a piece of junk!
I called my dealership (didn't bother stopping by because I knew the answer to my question) and they stated that it wasn't a recall item and I'd have to pay for it. I have a call into Ford Customer Care and have been told I'll hear back from someone this afternoon. Sure. I'm holding my breath.
I should add that I also have had the finish on the black trim between the windows peeling off and the recirculation door arm (shifts air between heat and A/C) broke off. Between these 3 things, I'd have to say this car is a piece of junk.
I replaced a 1994 Explorer with the 2003 Explorer. The 1994 was well-built and rarely had a problem. Gosh, I almost miss it!
I'm thinking of selling this old heap and getting a nice, well-built, foreign SUV.
I see this is a known problem, my husband said he came out and there was this huge crack under the rear glass. Haven't talked to Ford yet, this better be covered under the warranty seeing that this is a known problem.
- maas,
New Berlin, WI, US
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The back panel below the window on the liftgate cracked this August (2007). I noticed visible cracks about 2 months ago while washing the vehicle.
Last week my daughter came in and said there was a huge crack on the back window back panel. I took it to Anderson Ford in
Cleveland Texas. Where I bought a premium warranty with 100k
6 years. "$1795.00"never used. It is NOT UNDER WARRANTY!!!!
It will cost 387.00 to fix - plus 3 days with a rental car
Now Im reading these stories..Im not the only one.
Another thing that is really odd....
The new Ford Explorers DONT HAVE THE BACK PANEL-I wonder why...
If anyone know if this ends up on a recall-- please inform me-- As I will do the same!
The back panel below the window on the liftgate cracked this August (2007). It was just sitting in the driveway. I haven't contacted anyone yet but reading all the complaints about the same problem I think Ford should consider a recall. Why should the customer have to pay for the company's defect? I have owned Ford products for years and years but seeing all the problems listed and nothing being done by the company I may consider looking elsewhere!
I'm the second owner and I was told the panel cracked before. Now its cracked again. Two of my friends own explorers and had the same problem. Luckily their warranty didn't expire. I called Bell Ford dealer in NJ where I live and they didn't say much to help me. I also drove a blue explorer from Loman Ford on Rte. 1 which had the same problem which they tried to sell to me. I asked them about the cracked panel and got no answer. If there is a problem or a defect we the consumers should have no problem being taken care of or maybe that's it we're just being taken. And Ford is wondering why their consumers are going elsewhere!
My explorer had the cracked liftgate as well...it had around 40-50,000 miles at the time...it did it when it was only 2 years old. my dealer fixed it, no questions asked...they said this was a common problem.
The panel broke and looks bad. I started noticing that many of the Explorer's on the road have the same problem. Some have multiple cracks. It doesn't take much research to determine this is a common problem and definitely a design problem.
the rear panel cracked, also the panels between windows paint is peeling, it is 4 years old, never seen anything like it. Ford takes no responsibility. Dealer takes no responsibility. I even bought an extended warranty when i purchased the vehicle. Not covered.
A few weeks ago the infamous crack appeared on my liftgate. I had already assumed that Ford would not repair it based on the information here. On 10/4/07, while waiting at a light, I hear an explosion. The window on the rear liftgate exploded/imploded. I talk to Ford and they tell me my car is not part of any recalls so I am responsible for the repairs. Now I know why foreign cars are outselling US cars...because US cars suck. Definitely won't be buying another Ford. My sister has a 2002 explorer and the rear liftgate window has shattered twice when closing.
Cracked back panel, as many others have reported. Love the car but thinking of ditching it because of this as well as the door ajar light and a broken visor. You should expect a better made vehicle for this price range at less than 50,000 miles.. When will Ford step up and make these issues right? American car manufacturers wonder why we buy foreign cars, give us our money's worth!
For no apparent reason the "plastic" rear panel below the window lift gate cracked. When first noticed the crack was 2" long. The next day the crack was completely through the panel. Neither the door or window lift section has never been slammed or abused. The Explorer has 41250 miles is always garaged and in immaculate condition. I also have a 2nd 2003 Eddie Bauer Explorer that I bought for my daughter. Both Explorers are "twins" with identical equipment except for the color. The "plastic" rear panel on her Explorer is OK.
Does anyone know what gives??? Is there going to be a recall???
The dealership told me to take the car in when I called to complain about the cracked panel. Once there, I was told Ford would not pay for it because they were only paying certain VIN numbers & my car didn't qualify even though I had the extended warranty. They offered to repair the panel & I was to pay 25% of the bill. I was quoted about $100 out of pocket for the repair. When I picked up my car, I accidentally saw the bill which was a total of $327.19 & they had the nerve to charge me $216. I contested their math calculations but they told me to pay or they would not release the vehicle. After I payed, I noticed that my full size spare tire was missing! Thieves, thieves, thieves.
I also have a cracked rear panel. It's right in the middle of the rear door--next to the Ford emblem. I personally know two other people who also have cracks. One of them was able to buy the part and have it fixed by a friend--she said it was $140-160 dollars just for the part. I figure that it is a faulty part and refuse to pay any more money to put in a part that could very well crack again. I will replace it when I am ready to sell the stupid car and I hope that is soon. I will never buy a Ford again.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Went to internet to see if cracked panel under rear lift window has been a problem for others. About 60 problems of the same nature were listed. Have an appointment with local dealer regarding this significant body trim / window problem tomorrow. Will add more after the dealer evaluates the problem. Will take copies of most of the reports listed for this complaint.
- Marion D., Feura Bush, NY, US