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RPMs Too High Shifting From 1st To 2nd Gear
2003 Ford Explorer (Page 1 of 2)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
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.
8.6
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $2,450
- Average Mileage:
- 93,500 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 22 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- not sure (10 reports)
- replaced with refurbished transmission (6 reports)
- had transmission rebuilt (3 reports)
- new tranny (3 reports)
transmission problem
Helpful websites
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I bought a really overpriced car in a local dealership. The Explorer in question started flashing O/D lights when the 5th gear was needed. It slips a lot in 1st and 2nd gears and it has that classic cracking problem at the trunk plate.
- Marcio A., Midvale, UT, US