**This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Ford Explorer body / paint problems

body / paint problem

6.6

fairly significant

Typical Repair Cost:

$400.00

Average Mileage:

49,764 miles

Number of complaints:

10 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. repaint hood and roof (5 reports)

Helpful Websites About 2003 Ford Explorer paint is peeling

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

problem #10

2008May 01

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

Hood appears to be rusting , except its made of aluminum I think. The paint bubbles up and peels. Once the bubbling starts, the paint has absolutely no adhesion. It does not seem to be primed either.
It is 2008, is it too much to ask for Ford to know how to put and keep paint on a car?Guys, if you need help why don't you ask the people at Toyota or Honda or anyone else.This is on top of the mystery crack that appeared on my rear window hatch.Ford dealer said that they had never heard of this problem before. That will probably be their response to this flaw as well.

E. B. R.

Indianapolis, IN, USA

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint
problem #9

2006Feb 25

Explorer 100TH V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

Funny I stumbled upon this website. I have had paint peeling in little specks on my Explorer for years now and never thought much of it other than maybe it's the bad weather or rocks may have hit it (even tho I don't recall 50 rocks hitting the front of my car) or something other than a manufacture defect. I see now that I'm not the only one. I have paint peeling in little spots ALL over the front bumper of my Explorer. I have never gotten it fixed because I figured it would cost too much, especially for something I can't explain. Thanks to all for your posts.

gnc

Charlotte, NC, USA

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint
problem #8

2006Jun 01

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

This car is only 5 years old and for no apparent reason, little spots on the front of the hood are bubbling and peeling. The car is in great shape except for that!

Carol M.

Fairfield, NJ, USA

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint
problem #7

2007Jul 03

(reported on)

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,641 miles

Paint peeled off starting from inside hem of aluminum hood with the primer still attached to the paint!

Allan G.

Keswick, Ontario, Canada

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint
problem #6

2007Jul 15

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Our 2003 Explorer started bubbling on the hood about a foot and a half long. This is on the passenger side, right where you pick up the hood. My husband heard from an employee that he too had the same problem with his 2003 Explorer. I think there should be a recall on this. There isn't any rust there, only paint missing and bubbles underneath the undercoat.

cmahaney

Keego Harbor, MI, USA

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint
problem #5

2007Feb 01

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

This paint peeling and corrosion seems to be a defect with the Ford Explorers and Expeditions. I saw chanel 5 consumer watch did a segment on this on going problem Ford has been having with the paint. You would think some sort of recall would have been done to come up with a corrective and actions so as to prevent this on going issue. The amount of money these trucks cost, no one should have to put up with this!

Karen W.

El Sobrante, CA, USA

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint
problem #4

2007May 09

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Paint on the hood is peeling off and a large rust bubble has formed. Paint along the the roof rack peeled of for the entire length of the roof on both sides. Finish around the center of all rims peeled of and rusting. $2700 estimate for repairs. All this in a 4 yr old vehicle!!

condo808

Amherstburg, ON, Canada

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint
problem #3

2007Nov 07

(reported on)

Explorer EB 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles

Sheet metal was not properly treated before painting. Paint would bubble and then peel on the front of the hood. It is not rusting yet, but it looks pathetic. Ford would not cover because I am the second owner. Even though it was still under warranty.

Larry C.

Appleton, WI, USA

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint
problem #2

2007Oct 29

(reported on)

Explorer XLT V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 70,000 miles

my 2003 explorer has the paint on the front of the hood rusting...it is from corrosion..i took it to my dealer and it says it looks like the hood never had some sort of clear coat on that and now it is rusting...however, this problem came from Ford, but they say it is NOT under warranty.

Emily A.

Madison, MO, USA

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint
problem #1

2007Apr 30

(reported on)

Explorer Eddie Bauer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

I categorized this as "really awful" because the paint has peeled down to the metal, which invites rust and deterioration of the entire surface. This vehicle has never been in an accident and is garaged in the winter. There is absolutely no good reason other than it is a manufacturer defect.

Donald D.

Groton, MA, USA

SEND A COMMENT »
Add A Complaint

We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your body / paint 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.