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.
Anyone else experience this???... Diagnostics state cylinder 4 either misfiring or low compression. But this only shows up when it is riding rough, sputters and hacks when it rains hard. I changed the plugs and wires, checked the compression (it is fine), changed the transmission fluid, and oil. after a day or so, the engine is purring like a kitten and runs great. Anybody got a frggin' suggestion on what the heck is going on???
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Anyone else experience this???... Diagnostics state cylinder 4 either misfiring or low compression. But this only shows up when it is riding rough, sputters and hacks when it rains hard. I changed the plugs and wires, checked the compression (it is fine), changed the transmission fluid, and oil. after a day or so, the engine is purring like a kitten and runs great. Anybody got a frggin' suggestion on what the heck is going on???
- soss, Riga, MI, US