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.
I noticed a partial crack in the rear window panel several months ago on my 2003 Ford Explorer and now it is completely cracked. After driving around Southern California you look to see if other have the same problem, and you would be suprised to see how many Ford Explorers have the same problem. This should be addressed by Ford. TW
I think it's terrible that Ford will not recall this problem. I notice this same crack on so many other cars just driving around town. FORD you need to own up to this issue and do the right thing and fix these cracked tailgates.......
If Ford is to maintain the progress it has made in the past two years it must fix these defects. Mileage and usage does not enter into the problem. It is definitely defective parts and/ or inferior design. I have bought and driver mant fords in the past. If
ford refuses to correct the problem at their expense, I will Never buy another ford. If Toyota had this problem, I am sure they would issue a recall. They will fix their tarnished reputation. Ford is not going to keep their a reputation if they refuse to correct there obvious design problems.
It is obvious looking at other Explorers of about the same year that this is a widespread problem. What is crazy is that Ford is not doing anything to compensate owners for this defect. The way Ford has pretended this is not a problem will keep me from ever buying another Ford. If they turn a blind eye to the obvious they are not honest nor customer oriented.
The panel cracked, I went to the Ford Dealer and was told that the warranty has expired. I was a Ford customer since 1989, at that time my first Ford was an Escort GT,
1n 1993 bought an Escort wagon and a GT, on 1995 a Mustang, on 1997 a Thunderbird, on 2001 an Explorer Sport and on 2003, two Explorer. I still have one and
sold the other. Had the same problem with both. All these cars were bought from Gus Machado, in Hialeah, the sales man was Wicho. I never will buy another Ford, because
Ford does not come forward and recognize the problem. Other than that it is a good truck.
This is obviously a problem that is apparent by the number of Explorers you see around with the same problem. It is obviously the result of a manufacturing problems or material break down. It is not acceptable for a vehicle that has been taken care of. My vehicle has regular maintenance. The purchase of a vehicle is the second largest investment most people make in their life, it should last for a long time. Car builders use to stand behind their product and I think Ford should stand behind this one. It could eventually lead to other issues like the lock mechanism for the rear hatch and window. Come on Ford stand up and fix it.
I'd seen this crack on several of these trucks and wondered how hard someone had to slam the door to cause that to happen: and when it might happen to mine. It gets cold enough, and there you go! And I'm in a southern state. I wonder how long it took for Explorers in northern states to crack like this. How long does it take now for water to get in and ruin something else?
THIS PANEL HAS BEING CRACKING TWICE ALREADY NOT JUST MY TRUCK BUT SEVERAL I SEE CRACKED, FORD HAS NOT REPLACED PROPERLY OR DONE A CORRECT FIXED WITH THIS PROBLEM.
Unbelievable. I have the Eddie Bauer package and paid a lot of money for this car. Went to trade it in at the FORD dealer and they noticed the crack right away. Discounted me for the damage. Was looking for a new Explorer. NOT ANY MORE
About 3 months ago I noticed a crack on the back door panel on the left of the Ford emblem. I thought someone had tried breaking in to my automobile. I looked at the hatch and am wondering why it comes loose or open w/out my pressing the unlock on the doors or w/my fobb. I then saw another Ford model vehicle, some lil hatchback w/the same crack on this back panel. Now as of 2 weeks ago the crack is wider. It runs top to bottom of the panel and is about 7 inches (the entire height of that panel above the window). I'm always looking for any new scratches dents by other obnoxious careless drivers. This is a major EYESORE. I take pride in what the body of my cars stay in, and this is unacceptable. How can this be fixed or what is causing this crack to just suddenly appear? Are there gaps or spaces behind that panel on this door ? This really needs to be looked at cause I am not ready to dish out 400-1000$ out of my pocket to get it fixed. Will my insurance cover this ? Will this cause any leaking or damage if this crack gets any wider ?
This SUCKS!!!!!!!!! I just bought this Explorer on 12-03-10 and afterward learned about the problem with the cracked plastic happening on these models. I considered myself extremely fortunate that mine wasn't cracked. I get up this morning and damned if there wasn't a HUGE crack from top to bottom just to the right of the Ford emblem!!!! This car was FLAWLESS! perfect body, perfect paint and now this!!
Noticed this a few months back; a friend has the same issue; crack down the back of the hatch around the Ford emblem; Ford should recall and fix for free; my family has been Ford supportive for many many years! Fix this problem Ford. We will be calling around to see what can be done; joined the FaceBook group, etc.
This is my 3rd complaint about my 2003 Ford explorer. Washing the piece of crap when I noticed the rear cracked. Apparently other explorers are doing the same thing. There should be a class action suit against Ford for the Exploder's and I don't mean Explorer, because this SUV is making me broke.
I could not believe reading all the complaints about a problem that just occured to me. My daughter callled me at work to tell me of a crack on the rear panel below the window. She even sent me a pic mail of it. I didn't contact dealer yet here in Harrisburg PA but will this week. I bought the vehicle used in 2004 and have had no problems except normal things aside from an alternator. The saleman is a friend for years but will get an earful if nothing is done. I'm one for buying US made vehicles to help OUR economy and to keep corporate profits here. Ford Corporate will also get a call. If nothing is done HOW can they (Ford) expect to have to have return customers. I truly enjoy the truck, but maybe Chevy needs another look. Ford needs to man up
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I noticed a partial crack in the rear window panel several months ago on my 2003 Ford Explorer and now it is completely cracked. After driving around Southern California you look to see if other have the same problem, and you would be suprised to see how many Ford Explorers have the same problem. This should be addressed by Ford. TW
- twheeler, Fountain Valley, CA, US