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.
6 CD, stereo AM/FM radio, went out after only owning the vehicle from new ,6 months. Fixed under warranty, but the dealer replaced it with a "factory reconditioned "unit. 2nd unit went out right when 3 year warranty expired! Will cost $450 to replace!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
6 CD, stereo AM/FM radio, went out after only owning the vehicle from new ,6 months. Fixed under warranty, but the dealer replaced it with a "factory reconditioned "unit. 2nd unit went out right when 3 year warranty expired! Will cost $450 to replace!
Screwed again!
- nevadahudson, Minden, NV, US