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 found out that my Explorer was loosing coolant and thought I had a leak or faulty rad. My mechanic checked and did not find it, but suggested that he put some dye in the engine to check. Nope, it was not leaking out. A pressure test did not show anything unusual and he said it must be a very fine crack into one of the cylinders and I am burring the coolant. This was a manufacturing defect that Ford will not admit to. Nothing I could do but keep an eye out and top up my coolant and hope...he did suggest I sell the car, I should have listened. Then it happened on the highway, then engine died on a very cold morning. One of the cylinders seized. To make a long story short, I was lucky enough to find a new engine for a reasonable amount of $ and replace it. But that after spending over $5000 the problems just keep on coming.... After 3 Explorers no more Fords.
I bought this Explorer new and I have been the only owner. I babied it. This explorer is a P.O.S. Quality is not job one at Ford. I've had so many problems with this P.O.S. This was the last straw. So the P.O.S. blew a plug out which I hear is a common problem.
On top of this major issue, the paint started chipping off hood at like 50K miles, the rear hatch plastic piece cracked in half all by itself, the ECT sensor, ABS sensor, and O2 Sensors all went around 60K Miles, the vehicle constantly shakes at 70 mph, and the transmission started acting up at 75K miles.
I just got rid of this P.O.S. I paid $38K for this P.O.S. and got $5K for a trade. They do not hold value as every one knows that these things just fall apart at 90K or so miles. I have an Acura with 140k miles that still drives like new.
Drove my explorer less than 10 miles parked it. Returned in the morning only to find the motor completely seized. No warning. Full of oil and coolant and the car operated normally.I have an extended warranty that in under on the miles but 4 months over time and ford would not give any help. Is any one else having a similar concern and what results did you have?
believe or not, 2003 ford explorer is now trash,computer failure and engine need to be taken off to be checked ,this will cost 5000.00 and may be more mentioned the dealership,best suggestion is to buy a used engine will cost 4500.
- Rafik A.,
Bridgewater, MA, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
I had no warning, no check engine light nothing. the engine is done, I either buy a new engine or I am just screwed. I am still paying payments on this vehicle.
spark plug in 1st cylinder completely sheared off. has this happen to anyone else? had oil changed all the time. engine is done. not sure what to do, I'm past the three year warranty
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I found out that my Explorer was loosing coolant and thought I had a leak or faulty rad. My mechanic checked and did not find it, but suggested that he put some dye in the engine to check. Nope, it was not leaking out. A pressure test did not show anything unusual and he said it must be a very fine crack into one of the cylinders and I am burring the coolant. This was a manufacturing defect that Ford will not admit to. Nothing I could do but keep an eye out and top up my coolant and hope...he did suggest I sell the car, I should have listened. Then it happened on the highway, then engine died on a very cold morning. One of the cylinders seized. To make a long story short, I was lucky enough to find a new engine for a reasonable amount of $ and replace it. But that after spending over $5000 the problems just keep on coming.... After 3 Explorers no more Fords.
- freudsdad, Hamilton, ON, Canada