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2003 Ford Explorer
Accessories - Exterior Problems
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.
2003 Ford Explorer Accessories - Exterior Problems
Click on a problem below to read more.
- Alarm Going Off For No Reason
- Broken Door Handle
- Key Lost Its Program
- Stuck Backup Assistance Mirrors Require Manual Adjustment
- NHTSA: Latches/Locks/Linkages
- NHTSA: Latches/Locks/Linkages: Hatchback/Liftgate: Lock
- NHTSA: Visibility/Wiper
- NHTSA: Latches/Locks/Linkages: Tailgate: Latch
- NHTSA: Trailer Hitches
- NHTSA: Latches/Locks/Linkages: Hood: Latch
- NHTSA: Visibility: Rear Window Wiper/Washer
- NHTSA: Visibility: Rear Window Wiper/Washer: Linkages
- NHTSA: Visibility: Rear Window Wiper/Washer: Switch/Wiring
- NHTSA: Visibility: Rearview Mirrors/Devices
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Compare Ford Explorer Model Years
Curious how the 2003 Explorer compares to other years?
Check out our Ford Explorer overview to see the most problematic years, worst problems and most recently reported complaints with the Explorer.