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.
No major problems with my Explorer until now. The ride is noticeably rougher, so I took into to an independent garage to get the wheels aligned and hoped for the best. I was told that there were several problems that needed attention, including a broken pinnon drive seal. Associated problems included the left rear wheel bearing, left front wheel bearing, rear brakes and rotors, and a new transmission solenoid. All together $1,800 worth of repairs. I need the vehicle and am getting everything fixed, but I am not a happy camper with Ford. These seem like a lot of problems to have to take care of...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
No major problems with my Explorer until now. The ride is noticeably rougher, so I took into to an independent garage to get the wheels aligned and hoped for the best. I was told that there were several problems that needed attention, including a broken pinnon drive seal. Associated problems included the left rear wheel bearing, left front wheel bearing, rear brakes and rotors, and a new transmission solenoid. All together $1,800 worth of repairs. I need the vehicle and am getting everything fixed, but I am not a happy camper with Ford. These seem like a lot of problems to have to take care of...
- mrbill, Munster, IN, US