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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.

6.6

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$420
Average Mileage:
76,900 miles
Total Complaints:
551 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. Ford should recall (226 reports)
  2. repair or replace tailgate (143 reports)
  3. not sure (104 reports)
  4. replace the panel (30 reports)
  5. need a redesigned tailgate (22 reports)
  6. ford needs to pay for being fixed (14 reports)
2003 Ford Explorer body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2003 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 4 of 28)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #491

Oct 102007

Explorer XL V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Worse vehicle I ever owned, continually replacing the wheel bearings along with the cracked panel. I eventually had the panel replaced, because water was going into the back of the vehicle.

- Walter & Christine P., Evansville, IN, US

problem #490

Nov 152013

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

My Ford SUV has been my baby since 2003. Tough as nails and very dependable. I used to see all those other Ford SUV's with the crack under the rear window by the emblem and wondered why so many people had an anger management problem. Then I found out why first hand. I took my Ford through the car wash in November. I recall it was very cold out that day. I drove through the wash and the last cycle came on...Heated blowers. Next thing I heard was the crack of a gunshot. I thought the rear window had shattered. When I checked I had the symbolic Ford crack under the rear window like everyone else - I had just joined the p.o. Ford owners club.

- crackednwacked, Sanatoga, PA, US

problem #489

Jun 112005

Explorer Limited 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,500 miles

I have seen the crack under the rear window on many Explorers and have talked to the dealerships about it and their response is that Ford is unwilling to fix the problem.

- Shawn H., Denver, CO, US

problem #488

Jun 012012

Explorer XLT 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,528 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Whenever since my back cracked panel underneath my window has been broken, I can't set my alarm on my SUV because it won't quit going off, so therefore I can't lock my SUV. I want this problem fixed.

- Dawn E., Piketon, OH, US

problem #487

Oct 082009

Explorer XL 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

This problem is annoying and should be fixed at Ford's expense.

- Millissa J., broken bow, OK - Oklahoma, US

problem #486

Jun 152014

Explorer Exployer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

The panel NEEDS TO BE FIXED TO PREVENT THE PANEL TO CRACK. IF YOU LOOK AT THE HATCHBACK, IT IS NOT SET RIGHT. THE WHOLE DOOR NEEDS FIXING TO PREVENT THIS PANEL TO CRACK.

- janerussell, Santa Rosa, CA, US

problem #485

Nov 272013

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ford needs to fix the problem, like how my transmission went at 85000 miles and they know of the problem but ate not doing anyhting about this is is a joke.

- Sebastiano D., New Britain, CT, US

problem #484

Jan 152013

Explorer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,000 miles

Ford needs to do a recall since there are so many cars with the same problem.

- bigjeff777, Santee, CA, US

problem #483

Apr 052008

Explorer ES 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I have seen several Ford Explorer's with the crack on the rear panel. This should be a defect and Ford should recall. Mine has been cracked for several years. I was trying to figure out what I did to make it crack and then I started seeing more cracked rear panels on Ford Explorer's than I could count. And I live in a remote area.

- Russell C., Red River, NM, US

problem #482

May 012005

Explorer LX 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window

As much as Ford is proud of their name, you would think a crack on pretty much every Explorer on the road, right next to their logo, would get their attention. They should be ashamed! I will never buy another Ford if they don't recall it and I've always bought Fords!

- gotovrit, Plant City, FL, US

problem #481

Dec 082009

Explorer XLT 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Every time I see an Explorer, I see the same crack.

- hjones15, Bedford Hills, NY, US

problem #480

Nov 082014

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

They need to recall and fix the cracked back door panels. I have no heat and a cracked back door panel because they were trying to save money and used plastic instead of metal. I wonder if Ford Executives would drive around with no heat, cracked back door panels, paint peeling off hood? Oh, but they would not be able to drive the 2003 Ford Explorer until they bought a new motor and rebuilt the transmission because they blew up also before hitting the 100,000!!!!!!!

- andersona, Freeland, PA, US

problem #479

Jan 012006

Explorer XLT

  • 111,847 miles

I found out long ago that I was not the only one having this issue of the rear tailgate up panel having a crack in the plastic. I took it to Ford and they looked at me like I had two heads, and said you were the first complaint with this problem. I had the car for several years when I took it in with this problem. Hmmmm, no recalls no mention. How weird, I'm the only one in the world with this problem?

I asked further and they said $300 for a new panel plus paint and labor to finish it. $500 to $600.

Ya, ok, I'll get right on top of that. I bought some narrow stick on plastic molding and created my own "cover up"

Why do dealerships lie to our faces, yet when we go to buy our new cars or trucks, they agree with everything we say and the BS continues. Do dealership sales and service people grow up to be politicians?

- jerryontario, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

problem #478

Mar 242010

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

When I talked to a Ford service person, he said he'd seen numerous cracked back panels, but Ford would not pay to fix them. Not acceptable!

- Jewell M., Burgin, KY, US

problem #477

Nov 202010

Explorer Eddie Bauer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

The cracks in the rear panel are bad and getting worse. The large crack is separating and I'm afraid the window is going to come out. The rear panel rattles when I'm driving. I can't understand why Ford will not fix this problem. If you walk through a parking lot you can see all the Explorer's that have cracked rear panels. I would think Ford would be embarrassed by this problem. After all, Ford used to be proud of their products.

- Jacqueline M., Rio Vista, CA, US

problem #476

Oct 172014

Explorer Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window

I am very unhappy that Ford has decided not to institute a fix for this well-know issue.

- Cary K., Anaheim, CA, US

problem #475

Jul 142004

Explorer XLT 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,735 miles

It's ugly to look at, it's annoying and every other one other I see has the same problem. Are the Ford people stupid or what? Maybe they just don't give a sh*t!!!

- Raymond B., Box Elder, SD, US

problem #474

Nov 012012

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

3 cracks on the lift gate below the window, haven't seen a 2003 Ford Explorer without this problem yet.

- Michael S., Lompoc, CA, US

problem #473

Aug 082009

Explorer XLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Shows how much Ford cares about their product after it leaves the dealership. Should be a warning to all potential Ford buyers.

- cwilloughby, St. Augustine, FL, US

problem #472

Feb 012008

Explorer NBX 4.0L, V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I just thought I would add my cracked window panel to the list.

I bought my Explorer NBX new in October 2002.

In February 2008 driving to Denver on a very cold day, we all heard a loud crack that you could feel too. As there was no debris on the freeway, I thought it was not a rock, but maybe someone has shot the car. I pulled over a few miles later, and taa daa, there was a 1/4 inch crack in the rear window panel.

I talked to the dealer. No help. I wrote to Ford. No help.

As it does not leak, I have not had it fixed to date. I consider it free advertising for Ford Quality.

- kindofirritated, Colorado Springs, CO, US

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