2003 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING, THE DRIVER TO PULL OF THE ROAD. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER 2WD 4.0 6CYL PROB BEGAN AT 500-700 MILES. EXCESSIVE VIBRATION AND WHINING NOISE AT SPEEDS FROM 40-70 MPH. VEHICLE APPEARS TO STRUGGLE WHEN ACCELERATING, AND CRUISING SPEEDS. DEALER UNRESPONSIVE AFTER LEARNING THAT FORD ENGINEERS ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM AND HAVE NO CURRENT FIX. DEALER UNWILLING TO EXPLORE A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE, OR REFUND. FORD FEILD SERVICES ENGINEER ADMITTED TO ME THAT APPROXIMATELY 50% OF NEW EXPLORERS HAVE THIS FAULTY "RING & PINION GEAR" AND THAT VENDORS ARE WORKING TO CERTIFY REPLACEMENT PARTS.

TL-THE REAR END OR THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. YOU PUSH ON THE ACCERLARTOR THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND THEN IT SLAMMED INTO GEAR. IT YOU COME TO A STOP SING SOME TIMES IT WILL GO AND SOMETIMES NO IT FEELS AS IT SOME THING DROPS FROM UNDER THE TRUNCK.

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. IT HAD BECOME HARD TO START THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE BUT THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONSUMER TO CHANGE THE FUEL FROM UNLEADED TO PREMIUM AND PLACE A GAS TREATMENT IN IT AND THE PROBLEM WOULD NOT PERSIST BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN TOLD THAT THE TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT WAS THE PROBLEM BUT AGAIN THE PROBLEM RETURNED. *SCC *JB

I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 EXPLORER XLT IN MID-FEBRUARY 2003. AT ABOUT 9500 MILES THE SUV DEVELOPED A WHINING NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. LOCAL FORD DEALER CONFIRMS NOISE, BUT IS UNABLE TO FIX AS "FORD ENGINEERS HAVE NOT YET FOUND A FIX" ALSO AT 3800 MILES THE AT FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED-NOT REPLACED. LOCAL DEALER IS SUPPOSED TO LET ME KNOW. AS OF 3/9/04 NO WORD. THIS SUV IS A POOR VEHICLE.

WHILE DRIVING AT UNDER 50 MPH, THERE IS A SQUEAK THAT COMES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT SOUNDS LIKE A RUSTY SUSPENSION SPRING. HOWEVER, THIS SQUEAK IS HEARD AT EXACTLY 35 SECOND INTERVALS. I FOUND THIS TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER. IF IT IS TURNED OFF, THE NOISE GOES AWAY. THE NOISE IS PRESENT ANYTIME THE VENTILATION SYSTEM IS ON. I TOOK THE AUTOMOBILE TO COURTESY FORD IN POULSBO, WASHINGTON. I WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE. I DONT THINK FORD WOULD WANT ITS AUTOMOBILES GOING DOWN THE STREET WITH AN INTENTIONAL LOUD SQUEAK. I THINK THIS IS SOMEHOW ASSOCIATED WITH WHAT EVER CONTORLS THE AIR HANDLING SYSTEM, SUCH AS THE COMPUTER. HELP ME FIND AN ANSWER. *AK

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. *LA THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT HAD COME ON ALONG WITH THE RPM'S GOING UP. THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE VALVE BOOT AND THE SOLENOID WAS REPLACED. SOON AFTER, THE VEHICLE DIED AGAIN TWICE AFTER TWO REPAIR ATTEMPTS. *SC *JB

2003 FORD EXPLORER SITTING IN GARAGE. REAR HATCH GLASS EXPLODED AS HATCH WAS HALF WAY TO BEING CLOSED.*AK

GLASS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD LEAKING, WE HAD IT RESEALED AND IT IS AGAIN LEAKING AND THE NEW SEAL IS LIFTING. THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW WAS LEAKING AND THE WATER WAS LEAKING IN BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER PANELS. WHEN THE LIFTGATE IS OPENED ONE GETS AN UNEXPECTED SHOWER. THIS TOO REQUIRED REPAIRING.*AK DUP

I HAVE HAD MY EXPLORER SINCE MAY 27. IT HAD 11 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THE FIRST TIME IT WOULD NOT START IT HAD 300 MILES ON IT. EVENTUALLY I DID GET IT STARTED, BROUGHT IT TO FORD AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE 2ND TIME THE SAME THING HAPPENED I HAD 2300 MILES ON IT. I HAD IT TOWED TO FORD. WHEN IT GOT TO FORD IT STARTED AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT 2500 MILES AND 2700 MILES. FORD STILL HAS IT NOW. THEY HAVE HAD IT FOR A WEEK AND STILL DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ON JUNE 5, JULY 8, JULY 25 AND AUGUST 21. SO FAR ALL WORK HAS BEEN WARRANTY BUT I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY VEHICLE 21 DAYS IN THE 3 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED IT.

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL DETAILS. *PH

TL-*THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT PORTION ON THE LIFTGATE HAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES JUST UNDER THE GLASS. THE CONTACT FEELS THIS CAN BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER VEHICLES WHOSE REAR GLASS HAS BROKEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80000.

I WAS TRAVELING IN REVERSE (LESS THAN 1MPH) WHEN I STRUCK A TREE. THE ENTIRE BACK WINDOW OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SHATTERED SENDING SHARDS OF GLASS INTO THE REAR THIRD ROW SEATING AREA. THE GLASS WASN'T SAFETY GLASS. THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE (GLASS AND BODY) IS OVER $2,500.00. THERE ARE TWO AREAS OF CONCERN. FIRST, IF THERE WERE PASSENGERS IN THE 3RD ROW SEAT, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED IN GLASS ESPECIALLY IN THE FACIAL AREA? NUMBER TWO. WHY SHOUL THERE BE SO MUCH DAMAGE AT LESS THAN 1 MPH? IF I WAS REAR ENDED AT LET'S SAY 40 MPH, THE CAR WOULD BE TOTALLED. I FIND THIS INCIDENT POINTS OUT A DESIGN FLAW AND A SAFETY PROBLEM. JAMES HUTCHISON

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH IN WHICH NEITHER DRIVER NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONTACT HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE DEALER. *AK

RACK-PINION STEERING GEAR LEAKS FLUID. *LA

RE: SECOND (MID-SECTION) SEAT - DRIVER'S SIDE 1. SEAT BELT BECAME LODGED BEHIND SEAT RELEASE CAUSING BACK OF SEAT TO JERK FORWARD AND STRIKE MY CHILD IN BACK OF NECK. 2. FACTS: A) WHEN MY DAUGHTER (12 YEARS; 89 LBS.) LEANED FORWARD IN HER SEAT, PRESSURE WAS PLACED ON SEAT BELT CAUSING RELEASE TO ENGAGE AND JERK FORWARD; B) MY DAUGHTER WAS STILL IN SEAT BELT WHEN I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF ROAD TO CHECK ON HER; C) I WAS REPEATEDLY UNABLE TO GET THE BACK OF HER SEAT TO "LOCK IN" PLACE; D) UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND SEAT BELT TO BE LODGED SECURELY BEHIND SEAT RELEASE AND EACH TIME MY DAUGHTER MOVED FORWARD AND PLACED PRESSURE ON SEAT BELT, THE RELEASE WAS ENGAGED; E) THIS INCIDENT WASN'T THE RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT; E) BRAKES WEREN'T BEING USED AT TIME; F) SHE WAS SEEN IN EMERGENCY ROOM DUE TO PAIN IN HER NECK. BACK AND HEAD; SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CERVICAL STRAIN AND HAD TO WEAR A NECK COLLAR FOR FIVE DAYS. 3. CONTRIBUTING REASONS FOR OCCURRENCE: A) SEAT BELT IS SECURED TO SIDE OF VEHICLE; B) WHEN A PERSON GETS INTO THIRD ROW SEAT, IT'S EASY TO GET CAUGHT ON THE SEAT BELT CAUSING IT TO HANG BEHIND SEAT RELEASE; (C) IF SEAT BELT DOESN'T RETRACT PROPERLY, IT CATCHES BEHIND SEAT RELEASE; D) IT CAN ALSO CATCH ON FRONT OF RELEASE. 4. ADDITIONAL CONCERNS: A) SECOND SEAT RELEASE IS A TWO STEP RELEASE: IF THIS WAS A SITUATION WHERE THE BRAKES HAD TO BE APPLIED QUICKLY AND FIRMLY, SECOND PART OF RELEASE COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY ENGAGED CAUSING MY DAUGHTER TO BE STRUCK FROM BEHIND AND THROWING HER FORWARD CAUSING HER TO STRIKE THE FRONT OF HER HEAD ON THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHICH IMPACT COULD HAVE QUITE LIKELY CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. 5. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION WHICH COULD CAUSE CATASTROPHIC RESULTS IF NOT CORRECTED IN ALL EXPLORERS EQUIPPED WITH THIS TYPE OF SEAT BELT AND SEATING ARRANGEMENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. I LOOK FORWARD TO A RESPONSE IN THIS REGARD. *NLM

WHILE DRIVING ON A BACK COUNTRY ROAD AT 15 TO 20 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES. THICK BLACK SMOKE WAS BILLOWING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE. CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME, AND UNDER INVESTIGATION.*AK

WHILE DRIVING ON A BACK COUNTRY ROAD AT 15 TO 20 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES. THICK BLACK SMOKE WAS BILLOWING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE. CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME, AND UNDER INVESTIGATION. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS A RENTAL, AND TWO CONSUMERS WERE IN VEHICLE AT TIME OF INCIDENT.*AK

I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD EXPLORER 4WD V8 JUNE 4, 2003. ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER,AND LESS THEN 2,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, I STARTED TO NOTICE A VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MPH. THE VIBRATION BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE AND I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AT STAR FORD IN GLENDALE IN EARLY AUGUST. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BELIEVES THE VIBRATION IS COMING FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN, PROBABLY THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY. I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM ON 2002 - 2003 4WD MOUNTAINEERS AND EXPLORERS AND THAT THE ENGINEERS AT FORD WERE WORKING ON FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. AFTER DISCUSSING THE VEHICLE'S PROBLEM WITH THE QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER AT STAR FORD, I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE VIBRATION PROBLEM. BUT, THE ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE VIBRATION DID NOT WORK. NOW, I AM LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT HAS A VIBRATION, THAT SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN, WHICH THE ENGINEERS AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OR CAUSE, AND THE MECHANICS AT THE DEALER CANNOT FIX. I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED AND WOULD LIKE THE VEHICLE REPLACED OR MY MONEY REFUNDED. *JB

THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF NOISE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. *NM *TC *JB

MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH INCLUDE THE ELECTRONIC MOTHER BOARD HAVING BEEN REPLACED TWICE (UNDER WARRANTY), CRACKED LIFTGAGE (NOT UNDER WARRANTY COST $300), TRANSMISSION REBUILD APPROX 90,000 ($3000), DOME LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF, DOOR AJAR LIGHTS, ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN, O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND NOW THE FINAL PROBLEM AFTER HAVING REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION IN JULY 2011 IS A DRIVE TRAIN OR DRIVE LINE ISSUE. AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AFTER DROPPING FROM A HIGHER SPEED, A THUMPING HAPPENS. DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN 3 DAYS STILL WITH NO FINAL DETERMINATION. *TR

REF: ODI ID NUMBER : 10016221. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 EXPLORER AS THE REFERENCED PROBLEM. WHEN I GET OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT FULLY RETRACT. UNLESS I PHYSICALLY "THROW" THE EXCESS BACK INTO THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR GETS SHUT ON THE BELT. I HAD TO HAVE THE PLASTIC BUTTON ON THE BELT REPLACED BECAUSE THE DOOR BROKE THE ORIGINAL ONE.*AK

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER FAILED. I'M TOLD THIS IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM BUT FORD WON'T STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT. *JB

ANTILOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF. WHEN LIGHT COMES ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR AND WILL STILL STOP, BUT PEDAL PULSATES VIGOROUSLY. THIS OCCURS UNDER NORMAL BRAKING. ALSO WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON, UNDER A HEAVY STOP, ALL FOUR WHEELS WILL LOCK UP. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER (GWINNETT PLACE FORD, DULUTH, GA) FOR FIVE WEEKS NOW. THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE FOUR OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD CURRENTLY DOES NOT HAVE ANY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT THIS POINT. THERE HAS BEEN A REVISED ANTILICK BRAKE CONTROL MODULE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE RELEASED LAST FRIDAY. AS OF THIS MORNING, FORD HAS STOPPED THE RELEASE WITH "QUALITY ISSUE - ALL PARTS ARE BAD AND CANNOT BE SOLD" SO NOW I AM BACK AT THE STARTING POINT AND STILL DRIVING A SMALLER RENTAL VEHICLE INSTEAD OF THE $34,000 TRUCK MY COMPANY BOUGHT FOR ME TO DRIVE TO DO MY JOB.*AK

WHEN THE FRONT SEAT BELT WAS USED IT WOULD SLIP OUT OF THE PILLAR MOLDING. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE SEAT BELT CUT INTO THE MOLDING AND FRAYED THE WEBBING. THE MOLDING AND THE BELT HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *NM

WHILE DRIVING REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 50-55 MPH VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH AND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. UPON IMPACT, FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS VEHICLE WILL VIBRATE HEAVILY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

I PUT THE DATE OF INCIDENT AS THE DATE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I PUT THIS DATE AS SUCH BECAUSE EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT RUN AROUNDS BY THE SERVICE PROVIDERS AND CONSTANT REPAIRS EVERY 3-7 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST MAJOR REPAIR OCCURRED WHEN I HAD OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 18 MONTHS, AT 35,998. IT HAD AN $1800 TRANSMISSION JOB. SUBSEQUENT REPAIRS HAVE BEEN FOCUSED TRANSMISSION ISSUES (ALWAYS SOMETHING SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT THAN PREVIOUS), ENGINE FUNCTION, AND OTHER MECHANICAL ISSUES. AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS PURCHASED, BUT DUE TO THE PARAMETERS OF THE WARRANTY, ALL ISSUES WERE NOT FIXED BECAUSE THEY "WERE NOT ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED", (I.E. AN INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION ISSUE THAT HAD BEEN OCCURRING FOR 30,000 MILES). NOW THAT WE ARE OUT OF OUR WARRANTY VEHICLE, WE HAVE AN OVERPRICED VEHICLE THAT IS STILL OWED ON THAT WILL CONTINUE TO NEED SIGNIFICANT REPAIRS. THE MOST RECENT ISSUE IS THE HEATING ELEMENT, INCLUDING THE ACTUATOR AND BLEND DOOR FUNCTION. THIS FAULTY PIECE WILL FAIL IN THE COLD POSITION. THIS CAUSES A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU ARE FACED WITH A REPAIR THAT YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE AFFORD (SINCE THEY CAN RUN UP TO $1200) AND HAVING HEAT IN THE WINTER. WITH THE CURRENT AUTO INDUSTRY HAVING THE ISSUES THEY ARE, THEY NEED TO BEGIN TO MAKE QUALITY VEHICLES THAT AREN'T MADE TO BREAK JUST TO GET MORE MONEY OUT OF CUSTOMERS. TO HAVE CONTINUED CUSTOMERS, A COMPANY MUST HAVE A CONSISTENT PRODUCT THAT PEOPLE CAN TRUST. THE CURRENT AMERICAN AUTO INDUSTRY DOES NOT HAVE THAT. *TR

CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE WAS IN A COLLISION. UPON IMPACT,BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LIGHT ON. TRANSMISSION SLIPS DURING SHIFTING. DEALER INITIALLY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO UNTIL FORD ENGINEERING GIVES THEM THE FIX. SECOND VISIT TO DEALERSHIP THEY REBUILT TRANSMISSION TWO DAYS LATER TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AGAIN. *NLM

WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK CONSUMER SEEKING OR VEHICLE REPLACEMENT REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS ON ENGINE, RIGHT REAR DOOR, AND CENTER CONSOLE LID. *LA

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING.*AK

ON MY NEW FORD EXPLORER, THERE IS A AIR CONDITIONER LEAK IS LETTING 134A GAS INTO THE OZONE LAYER. 134A PISSES OUT OF THE A/C SYSTEM EVERYTIME I USE THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT.*AK

REAR GLASS OPENED WHILE DRIVING. LOUD WHISTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER DASH/ENGINE. NO POWER. STALLS ON TAKE OFF. *AK

2003 EXPLORER XLT, 2WD: LOUD NOISE COMING FROM DRIVELINE FROM 30 THROUGH 70 MPH. DEALER CHANGED DIFFERENTIAL GEAR SET--NO FIX. THEN CHANGED THE DRIVESHAFT--NO FIX. I NOW HAVE 26,000 MILES ON IT AND THE NOISE IS SO LOUD IT IS DISTRACTING. FORD SAYS THEY HAVE NO FIX (TRANSMISSION? AXLES? ANOTHER BAD RING AND PINION SET?). DEALER SAYS ONE OF THEIR STAFF HAS A 2003 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM....STILL NO FIX.*AK

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER, ON MAY 25, 2003 I WAS TAKING AN ELDERLY LADY FROM A BOARDING HOME THAT I VOLUNTEER AT, TO THE CEMETARY. I GOT HER IN THE EXPLORER, TURNED THE KEY ON AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG EXPLODED, I NEVER EVEN GOT TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR OR ANYTHING. .MY HUSBAND (GORDON SHERNAN) TALKED WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE BEING OVER WARRANTY, THEY WEREN'T THE LEAST BIT CONCERNED. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW WHY ONE WENT OFF AND NOT THE OTHER, AND WHY IT WENT OFF BY JUST STARTING THE VEHICLE. I FEEL THIS IS REALLY A SAFETY ISSUE,NOT ONLY DID IT SCARE HALF THE LIFE OUT OF BOTH OF US, BUT MAKES YOU WORRY EVERY TIME YOU GET IN A CAR WITH AIR BAGS. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING ON A ROAD WAY, I CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT. I FIND IT VERY LAX ON FORD MOTOR COMPANY PART THAT THEY ARE NOT CONCERNED AT ALL. FORTUNATELY I WALKED AWAY WITH JUST A SORE CHEST, SHOULDER AND STIFF NECK.*AK

FORD EXPLORER, 4-DOOR, 200 WINDOW ON REAR TAILGATE DOOR "POPS" OPEN ON ROUGH ROADS. HAPPENED 4 TIMES WITH NEW VEHICLE WITH UNDER 5,000 MILES.*AK

WHEN RETURNING TO VEHICLE CONSUMER HAVE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS OF GETTING THE VEHICLE STARTED. AFTER AND HOUR OR SO VEHICLE WOULD START UP AS IF THERE WAS NEVER A PROBLEM. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED SIX TIMES IN THE PAST. *AK

VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD WITH KEYS REMOVED AND FORD SAID NO DEFECT FOUND. *AK

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. I RECENTLY WAS PULLING OUT OF MY GARAGE WHEN I REALIZED I NEEDED TO CHECK AND SEE IF I HAD MY GLOVE AND SHOES IN THE BACK FOR MY SOFTBALL GAME. I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND POPPED THE TRUNK, WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY CAR THE CAR KICKED BACK INTO REVERSE AND STARTED TO ROLL. LUCKILY THE DOOR CAUGHT ON THE GARAGE DOOR AND BENT IT, BUT NO ONE WAS HURT. CLEARLY, THE TRANSMISSION KICKED BACK INTO REVERSE WITHOUT ME DOING IT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ITEM I HAVE NOTICED SOMETHING 'SCREWY' LIKE THIS WITH MY CAR, IT HAS BEEN ACTING UP A TIME OR TWO BEFORE. *TR

THE DRIVER'S POWER WINDOW BUTTON WAS VERY SENSITIVE. THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH/BUMP CAUSED THE WINDOW TO OPEN FULLY. THE CONSUMER ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, WHILE DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM. *JB

WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER, THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW SHATTERED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *NLM

2003 FORD EXPLORER----5 SECOND LAG, DELAYED ENGAGEMENT, HARSH JERKING MOVEMENT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE TO REVERSE, AND A BANG CAN ALSO BE HEARD. SHUDDERING IS ALSO PREVALENT. POWER TRAIN MODULE WAS REFLASHED TO CORRECT PROBLEM. LAG CONDITION STILL IS PRESENT SOMETIMES. FIRST INCIDENT WAS ON APRIL 21, 2003, LATEST INCIDENT WAS IN MAY 2004.*AK

ON MY NEW FORD EXPLORER WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH WHOLE FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY, THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO SHAKES VIOLENTLY, AND THE VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL.*AK

THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS WHILE IN THE PARK. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB

THERE'S A LOUD AND SEVERE VIBRATION WHEN THE TRUCK REACHED SPEEDS BETWEEN 59 - 63 MPH. THE DEALERSHIP, IN ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, HAS REPLACED THE TIRES 3 TIMES, ROTATED THE DRIVE SHAFT SEVERAL TIMES AND NEUTRALIZED THE ENGINE MOTOR MOUNT YET THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *NLM

I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN APRIL OF 03. WHEN WE TOOK RECEIPT OF THE VEHICLE THE DOME LIGHT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND WE TOOK OVER THE VEHICLE. FROM ABOUT 6000 MILES WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING OR NOT STARTING IN COLD OR HUMID WEATHER. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE TO THE DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY 8-10 TIMES A YEAR FOR VARIOUS PROBLEMS. WE HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING CONCERNS WITH THE VEHICLE; THE DOME LIGHTS HAVE BEEN OUT, THE REAR DRIVER WINDOW HAS GONE OUT, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON NUMEROUS TIMES, THE LIGHT FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS COME ON SEVERAL TIMES, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED OR LOCKED AND UNLOCKED WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH. WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING OR NOT STARTING IN COLD TEMPERATURES OR WHEN IT IS HUMID OR DAMP OUTSIDE. THEY HAVE REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER TWICE AND REPLACED VARIOUS SENSORS. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO PUT A FLIGHT RECORDER ON THE CAR TO TRY AND DETERMINE WHAT THE SENSORS WERE DOING AT THE TIME. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE THE AUTO WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR WAS IN PARK, THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS. WE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR STARTING HARD OR STALLING OR NOT STARTING AND ARE FRUSTRATED THAT NOTHING SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO BE DONE FOR IT. I HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE VEHICLE HOOKED UP TO THE MACHINE AND IT IS SHOWING A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SENSORS NOW. THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP STATED THE IGNITION COILS ARE RUSTY AND SHOULD NOT BE THIS WAY FOR THE CAR HAVING 60,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER THE ORIGINAL 3 YEAR WARRANTY WAS UP ON THE VEHICLE I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP I WANTED AN ADDITIONAL WARRANTY WHICH THE DEALER SUPPLIED WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED. I REALIZE WITH IT BEING AN "INTERMITTENT PROBLEM" IT MAY BE HARD TO DIAGNOSE, BUT FORD HAS RECEIVED THEIR MONEY FOR THE PRODUCT, I DON'T THINK IT'S TOO MUCH TO EXPECT A "RELIABLE" CAR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS MATTER. *TR

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION AT 35 MPH. NEITHER THE FRONT DRIVER NOR PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NLM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT DOOR WAS MISALIGNED AND BECAME CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED FOR THE REAR LIFT DOOR HINGE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIR CAUSED THE MISALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A NEW REAR LIFT DOOR AND THE DOOR WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,273.