I have a 2003 Ford Explorer. I had stopped and was waiting for a mail carrier to finish putting mail in a mailbox when I was rear-ended. The other driver hit me at high speed. I was subsequently pushed into the mail carriers vehicle---even though he tried unsuccessfully to get out of the way. I don't believe I hit the mail carrier at high speed, but still it did cause damage to the back bumper of his vehicle and light damage to my front bumper. The truck then rear-ended me again due to his speed and inability to stop. Neither air bag in the front of my vehicle deployed. My vehicle was totaled due to the damage from the rear-end hit. The only door on my vehicle that opened correctly was the front passenger door. My seat on the front is apparently broke and laying flat. The cargo area was pushed into the third seat, the third seat into the second seat, etc... I'm not sure if the airbags should have deployed or not. But, if they should have this really needs to be looked into. I believe my injuries would not have been as severe if the airbags had deployed. I have what I guess may be classic whiplash type injuries. Back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain; as well as, my elbow was hurt; and both wrist from trying to grab the steering wheel to prevent myself from being thrown into the steering column or windshield during the second hit from the rear. Anything you can tell me that will help with these questions? I am being asked by other people that know about the wreck why the airbags did not deploy.

- Sallis, MS, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the horn was defective and the airbag light illuminated on the instrument panel. A local mechanic diagnosed a defect within the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but did not offer assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 100,000. Updated 08/10/11

- Foothill Ranch, CA, USA

Own a 2003 Ford Explorer the air bag light blinks then stays on constantly while the car is running. I am concerned about my safety whether my air bag is actually working or not. After searching the internet apparently several other Ford owners are having the same problem. Also I have a cracked panel on the back hatch, I have seen several Ford Explorer with the same crack and at the same location, took the Ford dealer in clarksville Indiana was told it was due to weather, was told several Ford Explorer owners are complaining about the same problem but unfortunately Ford is aware of the problem but not doing a recall. Was told would cost around $300 to replace the panel the Ford dealership instructed me to file a complaint because they have seen too many themselves.

- Clarksville, IN, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. While driving 70 mph, the contact swerved to miss a wild hog in the road. She drove into the path of oncoming traffic, slammed on the brakes, and the vehicle rolled over three times. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to the shop where it currently remains. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The VIN, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 65,000.

- Refughio, TX, USA

I purchased a new 2003 Ford Explorer as a gift and I noticed several days later, that the passenger side air bag compartment had started a sinking, appearance in the compartment area that holds the air bag, it was questioned and I was told it was juat settling. As the sinking worsen, months down the road, I questioned it again, and was told the same thing again. Now the air bag compartment has started sinking badly and the compartment is now budging out to the point where you can put all your fingers under and in it. The bag can deploy at any time now. If this should happen all of a sudden and it will, it will cause a terrible accident, possible death if the sudden fright cause the driver to go out of control. My daughter said the air bag was beginning to frighten her and she again attempted to address the issue at the dealership service department in which the vehicle was purchased from, again she was told it was not covered under warranty, and that the cause seem to be elsewhere, yet in fact if the issue had been addressed when I first brought it to their attention, it would have been covered. I have contacted Ford corporation, awaiting a resolution to this problem. This is a very serious problem that needs to be taken care of immediately before an accident or death arises from this issue.

- Murfreesboro, TN, USA

Consumer lost control of vehicle and an accident occurred. The vehicle began to shake from right to left. The consumer could not control the vehicle. The vehicle was moving on it's own. The air bags did not deploy. The consumer crashed into the border wall, spun around, and stopped on the other side.

- Hartsdale, NY, USA

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.

- Santa Barbara, CA, USA

While driving and without warning a loud clinking noise can be heard. The dealer is aware of the problem. Squeeling noise from motor. Transmission lurched and would not engage. Transmission and transfer case had to be flushed. Replace steering shaft for clinking noise. Clockspring replaced.

- Troy, MI, USA