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.
The compressor was shot and shavings were everywhere on the system. Had to service the whole thing and it was a double A/C. Had to change the compressor, filters, condenser and gaskets. for a car that has a double A/C it should come with a more potent compressor. Summer here spikes to 130s IN THE SHADE, engineers should consider rough weather conditions for this type of car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The compressor was shot and shavings were everywhere on the system. Had to service the whole thing and it was a double A/C. Had to change the compressor, filters, condenser and gaskets. for a car that has a double A/C it should come with a more potent compressor. Summer here spikes to 130s IN THE SHADE, engineers should consider rough weather conditions for this type of car.
- A K., Calexico, CA, US