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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
70,985 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
While driving 35 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer took vehicle to dealer four times. The first time mechanic replaced an air bypass valve. The second time mechanic reset computer module. The third and fourth times mechanic was not able to duplicate the problem. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The driver took the vehicle to the dealer for analysis. The mechanic can not duplicate the problem.
Intermittent problems of getting the 2003 Ford Explorer vehicle to start. After an hour or so vehicle would start up as if there was never a problem. This incident happened more than 4 times in the past.
The ignition, seats and other electrical features did not work, due to a faulty sensor module, dealer replaced the module twice, however the problem recurred.
- Horse Cave, KY, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Greenville, NC, USA