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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.

6.0

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$0
Average Mileage:
131,500 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. hot glued the wiring connector in the steering column (1 reports)
2003 Ford Explorer accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2003 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #1

Jul 212011

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

left turn signal wouldn't work ....changed bulb and flasher. nothing. did research online and found problem. wiring connector in steering column pops loose. alerted dealer. no recall on this issue but should be. there was quite a few people reporting the same issue.

- Daniel H., Inverness, FL, US

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