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.
The top portion of the interior door panel has faded. I suspect it could be from sunlight, but I've never had this problem before with any of my other cars parked in the same spot. I've never used harsh chemicals to clean the inside vinyl or plastic.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The top portion of the interior door panel has faded. I suspect it could be from sunlight, but I've never had this problem before with any of my other cars parked in the same spot. I've never used harsh chemicals to clean the inside vinyl or plastic.
- Peter K., El Dorado Hills, CA, US