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.
Ford Explorer Lug Nuts Shearing Off - if you own a ford explorer and want ford to do something about the lugs sheering off contact the department of vehicle safety at 1-800-424-9393 we HAVE TO GET THIS SAFETY ISSUE RECALLED!!!!!
We were travelling on the high way at 110 kms/hr and the rear wheel started vibrating . I almost lost control as I pulled off a busy 4 lane where i discovered 4 of 5 bolts had been sheared off the wheel! this was incident#3 and the most serious . This is a serious design flaw . I can't get the dealer to acknowledge problems but know of 2 others with the same problem.
Bought vehicle in January 2007. The only work done was oil changes & complete brake job. About 1 week ago while on a major interstate, traveling 65-70mph, the right front wheel and tire came off, all 5 studs had snapped off, by the grace of God nobody was hurt. Had the Explorer towed to a ford dealership. They told me they had no clue as to the cause & my extended warranty did not cover this. My main concern is that this doesn't happen to someone else. The dealership appeared to not be too concerned about the whole incident. Towed the vehicle back to where I work and my mechanic found even more damage that the dealership never saw. Since I did not feel safe in the truck anymore I traded for a Chevy Trailblazer and I'm much happier. NO more Fords!!!
- frameguy,
Poolesville, MD, US
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We were travelling on the high way at 110 kms/hr and the rear wheel started vibrating . I almost lost control as I pulled off a busy 4 lane where i discovered 4 of 5 bolts had been sheared off the wheel! this was incident#3 and the most serious . This is a serious design flaw . I can't get the dealer to acknowledge problems but know of 2 others with the same problem.
- Kim M., Fredericton, NB, Canada