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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.

2.0

hardly worth mentioning
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
132,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
2003 Ford Explorer AC / heater problems

AC / heater problem

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2003 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #1

May 232004

Explorer XLT 4.00 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

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

The unit, when accelerating or going up a hill that requires speed, begins to enter through the windows of air conditioning an unpleasant and annoying smell, tearful eyes.

- Marcelino R., Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico

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