7.0
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$400.00
Average Mileage:
56,536 miles
Total Complaints:
18 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (9 reports)
- repaint hood and roof (8 reports)
- re-paint hood (1 reports)
body / paint problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2003 Ford Explorer paint is peeling
2009Jul 15
Explorer LT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
The paint is peeling on the front edge of the hood and the roof rail sections. Disappointed with the truck in general. Would not but another.
2006Aug 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
I purchased this car in Ohio. The car came from Michigan per report that I paid for on the internet. The vehicle was a leased vehicle when it was wrecked. Ok, I am over that part. This is a black Explorer and about 2 or more months after it was purchased, I started seeing these spots (the clear coat was coming off). When I took it back to Buckeye Ford, they said there was nothing they could do. My loan was for 5 years and by then I could do nothing. The paint job sucks and from reading other complaints, Ford should know by now. What does Ford stand for...Fix or Repair Daily? Thanks for nothing Ford.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jan 01
Explorer XLT 4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
I like how after the warranty expires the paint starts peeling. I took it to the dealership where I bought it and they called Ford and said they would call me back after they hear back from Ford. I NEVER received a call back and the dealership is no longer in business.
2009Jan 15
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Large area of rust (12 inch x 12 inch) on front and center of roof. Paint peels easily away from the roof. Problem extends all the way down the length of the roof, mostly in the grooves that run down the roof.
This problem must be a paint defect. There is no other explanation for it. I read a service bulletin about aluminum parts that were contaminated with iron. Not sure if this includes the roof.
2007Jan 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
I did research over the last 18 months. Every 2003 Ford Explorer XLT I saw (with same paint color as mine), I saw paint bubbling and/or chipping on both driver and passenger corners of hoods. I wrote down VIN #s and submitted to Ford (warranty, dealer, etc). Ford refused to acknowledge my complaint and investigation results. I have seen over a dozen vehicle within Michigan with this same issue. I was shocked to only see 12 complaints so far on this website. I think more of us customers need to address Ford. I have owned/leased 5 Ford Explorer products. I have had other minor issues that I have "let go". I am furious that Ford would not correct this issue. I will NEVER buy another Ford product. I will be submitting other issues on this same vehicle (visor fabric tuck issue, seat belt retainer -fabric tuck issue, paint peeling on outside trim between all doors and around windows, plastic exterior trim is fading. This is ridiculous !!!! I work with someone who has the exact same vehicle -but different color. His vehicle has the exact same issues. I am very disappointed - where is the customer satisfaction?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jun 14
Explorer LX 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
My truck looks like sh*t. I thought maybe it had been wrecked and the replacement paint was the problem. I had my body guy look at it and that's not the case. Fords paint just sucks!!!
2006Jul 14
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
Paint is peeling off on the front side of the hood and also in the bottom side of the front doors
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.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
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!
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!
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.
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!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jan 10
Explorer V6
i paid cash for my car and paint should last longer than it is its rusting and making my truck look realy bad
Cody G.
Rensselaer, NY, USA
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