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.
I just fixed the front wheel bearings because they were so loud i didn't hear the differential knocking. just found the problem today not sure what this is gonna cost now.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I just fixed the front wheel bearings because they were so loud i didn't hear the differential knocking. just found the problem today not sure what this is gonna cost now.
- Gio T., Methuen, MA, US