Ford Explorer wheels / hubs problems

wheels / hubs problem

6.3

fairly significant

Typical Repair Cost:

$626.00

Average Mileage:

72,385 miles

Number of complaints:

7 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replaced wheel bearings (6 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)

Helpful Websites About 2003 Ford Explorer rear wheel bearing failure

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

problem #7

2008Jun 11

Explorer NBX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

Well maintained explorer, normal use only. Discovered during a routine tire balance and rotation. Hadn't noticed anything abnormal during driving, which seems odd. Very dangerous situation, driving on this much longer could have been catastrophic. Mechanic confirmed that wheel was dangerously close to breaking loose. Quoted repair cost (at a dealership) was around $600 to replace both the bearing and hub.

bm422

McAdenville, NC, USA

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problem #6

2008Apr 23

Explorer NBX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

I went in for an oil change and a "wobbling noise on turns". They came back with that my tires weren't balanced and needed to be rotated, my belts and pulley were worn, front brakes and rotors, sway bar bushing was shot, rack and pinion seal was leaking and the rear bearings were starting to go and if I didn't change them "my tire could come off while I was driving". My laundry list of problems ran me $1800. Good times...........

Mike A.

East Brunswick, NJ, USA

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problem #5

2008Mar 08

Explorer XLT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

The driver side rear hub assembly is currently being replaced because the bearings failed. I took it to the shop and they were unable to get the bearing out to replace them so they have to replace the entire hub assembly. The mechanic said my he was surprised my tire hadn't already fell off while I was going down the road.

mdavid

Muskegon, MI, USA

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problem #4

2008Feb 01

Explorer Eddie Bauer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,992 miles

Our company has another 2003 Explorer and we just replaced the real wheel bearing on it. Now, our second 2003 Explorer is making the same noise. So it looks like this too will have to be have the bearings replaced. This is my first experience with Ford and it is not a good one. The vehicle has been extremely well maintained. Often the 'check engine' light also comes one, but there is no obvious problem.

tenderron

Barrie, Ontario, Canada

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problem #3

2008Jan 27

(reported on)

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,500 miles

Three of four wheel bearings are being replaced now (along with one rear axle) Differential may also need to be replaced. How can Ford justify this at 55,000 miles?

Kenneth T.

Flushing, NY, USA

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problem #2

2007Sep 26

(reported on)

Explorer Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,700 miles

I bought this SUV in 2006. Its a 2003 with 30,400 mi. On Mother's day of 2007, I was on the parkway going about 65. I heard a loud sound and then we almost tipped over. I swerved all over the road and almost hit two different cars. Thank goodness the exit was right there. I got out and looked around to see the blowout. All the tires were filled. No blowout. I started looking at the tires closely. My rear passenger tire had no bolts on it. I called a friend. He came and lifted the car up with a jack. The tire fell right off!!! We couldn't believe it. There was nothing there to hold it. I had to have it towed and everything. It was very scary!!! I can't believe they know what's going on, and not fixing the problem. I had to have all the tires fixed. I can't believe they are risking peoples lives for money!!!! I bet they are NOT driving their FORDS!!!

Jackie W.

Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, USA

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problem #1

2007Apr 21

(reported on)

Explorer Limited 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,500 miles

Both rear wheel bearings developed loud roaring noise and required replacement. Failure at 59K miles is not acceptable. Ford does not acknowledge that this failure is abnormal or that it is not an isolated case. The front bearings also failed at the same mileage.

William B.

Gulfport, MS, USA

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