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 had the cracked panel under the rear window as well. I closed the liftgate on a really cold afternoon and it cracked. I started noticing that almost every explorer had the same problem! FORD told me that it was not covered under the recall that was running at the time and that I was responsible for fixing it!! FORD is terrible for not standing behind their products!!! I tell everyone I know to never buy a FORD explorer!!
The rear panel on our Explorer cracked right after it went out of warranty. Like so many other Explorers that the same had happen to. We took it to the Ford place and of course they told us it wasn't covered and there had been no recalls on it, which is strange considering there have been so many with the same problem. We took it at least 3 times to the Ford place but to no avail. It is evident that this is a product flaw, and Ford should be responsible for replacing it. We finally gave up. It's hard going up against the GIANT company.
Update from Nov 12, 2014: After asking Ford to replace the rear panel and they refused, we paid $300.00 to have a new panel put on and painted. It lasted for about 2 1/2 years. The new panel cracked in the same place as the original.
one cold feb morning noticed a crack along the plastic panel below rear window. Didn't think much about it until i noticed numerous explorers with the same problem. now everytime i see a explorer i look for this defect and have counted numerous other explorers with the same problem. the dealer states this is a defect but they are not going to pay for repairs. the cost to replace this piece of plastic would be around $400.00. the question is, why should i pay for something that is a obivious defect?
I've had my 2003 Ford Explorer for 3 years now, I've never had any kind of problems out of it other than the cracked panel below the rear window, cracked 2 months ago. I didn't notice it at first because my explorer is a dark green but it seems to be getting worse. At first I thought someone had hit me but it's too far up for someone to have it me, then I started noticing alot of ford explorers on the road the same year as mine with the cracked panel below the read window. This is Ford's error therefor FORD should be responsible for replacing it. Not sure why this has not already been recalled. It really makes me mad, my explorer is in very good condition other than that cracked panel and from what I've been told by several different autobody mechanics, it is a fairly expensive part to fix. I'm merely in shock that FORD will not fix this? If they can't make vehicles any better than this then they need to STOP MAKING THEM. I know alot of people who buy from FORD, but for now own I WILL be letting everyone I know who is considering buying a FORD vehicle that FORD will not replace cracks in the vehicle that they are responsible for. This is ridiculous.
- meganms,
Hernando, MS, US
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The back latch was fixed in a recall that we didn't even know about. We just took it in for regular service and they told us they needed to fix the rear latch. Until I found your site I assumed that the problems of the crack and the latch were related. My concern was that we were past any statute of limitations. I would love for Ford to own up to this design flaw and fix it. I'm a little concerned that folks who are getting this problem fixed on their own are told that it isn't a permanent fix - we bought this car for the long haul.
I just find it odd that there seems to be a huge number of individuals with the 2003 model (Explorer or Eddie Bauer) that seem to have the same cracked tailgate problem. Not only the same problem, but in the exact same location on each vehicle. (to the Left of the Ford symbol on the liftgate) Obviously, there is a defect in the manufacturing of this part and should be covered for repair, regardless of warranty or mileage.
We too thought someone hit the back of the vehicle, but the area seemed too high and there was NO OTHER damage. My husband was in a parking garage in Annapolis, Maryland (close to the Naval Academy) just this past week and noted upwards of SIX Ford Explorers with the SAME DAMAGE!!!!!
Come on Ford, don't pull a Toyota on us -- make good on this!!!!
I own my second Ford Explorer which is a 2003. It has 62,000 miles on it and it long off the manufactures warranty. Last month I noticed a cracked panel below the rear window to the right of the emblem. I took it to the Ford Dealership in Mesquite Nevada and since they do not have a body shop they referred me one in town. They also printed this diagram and told me that it was as common problem and a defect on several models around my year(s). I decided to have a fix rather than a complete overhaul, but the fix does not look good. That is the reason I am contacting you. I have read 11 pages of other owners with the same problem and they say FORD will do nothing to resolve this problem. I wonder if their CEO's know how bad this is for business or for future sales? Some owners are planning to file a class action law suit and I will be an advocate in my area. Perhaps a letter to the Nevada State Attorney General's Office will get the ball rolling? I encourage others to do the same in their respective States. This is so very wrong. I await your reply and resolution to this matter.
I wish Ford Motor Company would do the right thing and repair the cracks occurring on mine and many other vehicles. This crack happened while the Explorer was sitting in our driveway.
Ford in Victoria says this crack is unique! Their service department refuses to acknowledge the preponderance of complaints about this fault in the Explorer design.
We just purchased a new Honda because further dealings with Ford's lack of responsibility is not an option.
I did not have it repaired but took our car into have it done assuming it would still be under the new purchase warranty agreement. We did by it used, however our dealership had a 6 month 6500 mile warranty with the purchase. Wouldn't you know it, the back panel was not covered. The auto body shop I took it to said that this repair was common and that there was a 95% chance that within a few years time I would be replacing it AGAIN. Why hasn't Ford recalled this?! It obviously is a problem and with all the issues of Toyota right now you would think they would not want that kind of reputation as well. The newer models do not have this same panel on the back, in my opinion Ford is in the wrong here and should be fixing this problem.
How annoying this problem is. I walked out one day and there was a big crack on the rear panel of my car. No dent, not scratched like someone might have hint it. Just a great big crack. That really pissed me off. And for as much money as we pay for our vehicles, crap like this should not brake so easy. Other wise they should lower the prices. I'm going to keep complaining until someone fixes it. GRRRRRRRRRRRR
This is my second Explorer and I have been so very disappointed to see this crack in it! I wonder what is problem that is keeping Ford from fixing this. When my dealer said that the crack is a very common problem, I thought he was just being the usual used car salesman until I began to notice more and more vehicles. I am very happy with my Explorer but will probably research a few more options when its time for a new one.
My husband come out one morning and found a crack in the rear panel just below the rear windshield. We thought maybe something hit it and caused this damage, but when we looked at it closer there was no sign of impact. We called the car dealer and they told us that they had heard of this and informed us that Ford will not pay for it. It will cost us $500 to fix it. This is rediculous expecially when it's a defect. Ford needs to fix this.
Rear liftgate panel developed a crack next to FORD emblem. The cracked appeared after a cold day. Ford should cover the repair cost, given that so many explorers have developed the same problem.
The crack first appeared 2/18/10 while in the parking lot of a Dr.'s office. We thought someone must have backed into us a fairly goodclip. It happened we were going to be near the body shop that repaired our "deer" damage a couple of years ago. He said this is a problem with this particular piece of plastic. He has repaired many, many of them. In his opinion Ford should be picking up the tab for this.
I too have been upset with the crack that appeared down the rear hatch on my 2003 Ford Explorer. It was in December so it happened to be in the cold weather. I not only have one crack but now have 2 more cracks. I take good care of my vehicles and have always had Ford vehicles. I agree with others and I may be looking at other Makes. I do like the Explorer but I am getting tired of paying for all these little problems I am experiencing with this model. It all adds up!
I had the panel completely fall off! the glue behind it wore away and when I took it into the car wash today the high pressure water finally knocked the panel completely off. I guess I should be thankful it didn't fly off on the highway!
Why is this even a separate stick-on panel? Why does the glass have to go down that far? Other designs of this type of vehicle have the glass only going as far as the bottom of the panel, and then the rest of the tailgate is made out of metal. Is it because you can open the glass portion separate from the tailgate? I'm still wondering.
I am going to try and call ford at the number provided (800-392-3673) and see if I can get a new panel paid for.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I had the cracked panel under the rear window as well. I closed the liftgate on a really cold afternoon and it cracked. I started noticing that almost every explorer had the same problem! FORD told me that it was not covered under the recall that was running at the time and that I was responsible for fixing it!! FORD is terrible for not standing behind their products!!! I tell everyone I know to never buy a FORD explorer!!
- newrn2009, Black Rock, AR, US