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.
Customer - My 2003 Explorer 4.0 AWD 126700 was shifting fine, then, it started staying in 1st too long, O/D light flashing, check engine light came on. Transmission shop said the servo ports needed to be bored, brass sleeves inserted/transmission rebuilt $2000. I went to the above website, saw that the symptoms were the same as what I had, ordered the modified servos, had a shop install them, and vehicle shifts like new. Total cost for parts and installation less than $700. Check it out
Similar to all the others in here, No prior notice of trouble. O/D light starting flashing. Brought it in to dealer who gave me 2 options; try to fix the existing one for a minimum of $1900 with no great guarantee or install a rebuilt w/100k mile guarantee for $3900. Original has 89k miles on it and the truck has been great up to now. 4 grand is a tough pill to swallow but I can't see going with little to no warranty. Just thought I'd add mine to the list.
Like everyone else in these complaint's, it started out as an O/D trouble light flashing. Took it to the local dealer (whom I also purchased the vehicle from) and was told a $100 computer fee and then a $900 tear down charge would be applied just to see what exactly was wrong. Since the vehicle was of course not under warranty, I took it to a different recommended repair shop. They told me what all the problems were without even hooking up computer, as they are repairing approximately 6 Explorers a month for exactly the same problems. The end result is only $1200 for repair not $3600 as quoted from the dealer. To add, shop owner also stated most trucks are coming in with the problems around the same mileage bracket of 55,000 to 65,000 miles.
Before having the truck checked I knew there had to be an over problem with the 2003 Explorer and I was proven right but unfortunately Ford had not taken this into consideration. I still hold a car note on this and have only had this truck since 2007 it was bought used. Now what am I supposed to do?
This is the second Explorer I have owned. What a dumb a$$ I am for buying a second one when I replaced the 1995 Explorer I had with two; count them !2! transmissions. I bought my 2003 about 2 years ago and it only has 69,000 miles on it and was working fine and then get in it Monday morning and the O/D light is flashing and taking a long time to shift from 2 - 3 gears. Then that afternoon the Check Engine light comes on. I don't know how long I will have to drive it so I have left it parked afraid I might do more damage. I was so shocked when I googled this problem and found out it was the transmission. I thought that Ford had fixed this problem. I am so flipping disgusted right now!!! Now I am going to have to put a lot of money into this truck to fix the transmission, not to mention fixing the two window motors that went out a couple months ago. I WILL NEVER EVER OWN ANOTHER FORD AGAIN!!!! If anyone knows how to get Ford to answer for this please email me and let me know. This is not fair!!!
Add another victim to the list...Took the vehicle into Ford cause the O/D light was flashing, complete rebuild. Aluminum case with a Solid steel piston!! Who gets paid millions of dollars to design a product thats complete garbage!! And they wonder why they are going bankrupt!! This is the last Ford I ever purchase all this truck has been is problems...if your looking at a used one...LOOK AT ANOTHER LOT!!! Try Nissan or Toyota!!
- slimmy72,
Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
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As others, the economy has me scraping by as it is. I can't afford to fix the transmission so what do I do now? Give it back to the bank? Then I won't be able to even get another vehicle. Thanks Ford.....not!
I bought my first new vehicle in 2003 . Eddie Bauer explorer and pai 40k. at 40 thousand miles transfer case and rear end needed to be replaced and repaired.Just out of 36 thousand mile warranty. Now at 70k miles tranny needs to be replaced. I Called Ford and they said nothing they can do to help me out. I wish congress would tell them SORRY WE CANT GIVE YOU BILLIONS IN TAXPAYER MONEY to BAIL YOUR ASS OUT. Would love to see that .I will never buy another ford again neither will anyone in my family.
54,500 miles I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION, especially I just bought the lease out 30 days ago and have kept up on everything so I did not take the extended warranty. What a piece of junk!!!!
Dad worked for Ford, only bought Ford, but only because he received the employee discount. This is the 3rd Ford I have owned and disliked. Problem started around 75,000 miles, I bought it at 50,000 miles and this is my first problem, besides the "door open" light that is constantly turning on and off (I'm told this is also common on explorers). It's going to cost around 1750 to rebuild the trany at Columbus Transmission and I'm having it done. Hope it lasts...
Well add me to the list. 2 weeks ago the O/D light is flashing and feel the transmission slipping. going to the shop next week...what a mess....Just what i was looking forward too...Im totally surprise to see all these complaints about the OD..I really wasnt expecting this.......way to go ford!!!
Looks like am just another customer that FORD neglected. Car seamed to work fine one moment, next thing you know there is flashing light, and bang everyone wants to charg $2500 to $3000 to either replace with a rebuilt or have the tranny rebuilt. You could save about $1000 on a used model with about 40K, but after reading these reviews I think we are gonna go with a new vehicle. FORD might help there cause getting some engineers to find out how to make a transmission that will last.
Like others, the problem started with the o/d light flashing. Then the service engine soon light came on and car would not shift properly from 1st to 2nd. I was a happy Ford Explorer owner until now. Drove my '96 Explorer for 8 years without any major issues. I'm very disappointed in the 2003 and will probably make this my last Ford. Not fixing this issue - too pricey. I'll try to take advantage of some dealer overstocked inventory.
Ford really needs to do a recall. This is a piece of sh*t.... ford really means FOUND ON ROAD DEAD!!!!! I will never buy another ford again. I wouldn't even want it if I won one. The transmission is a joke.... We are one of the lucky ones and found an honest, good mechanic. If you are in Arizona you really should look up Shift Solid transmission and talk to nate not only does he get it right and fix the problem, he was the only one that was honest with me from the start which says a lot when dealing with this transmission... Do not take it to a FORD Mechanic they do not need any more of our hard earned money!!!!!
I am extremely shocked at the volume of complaints for this issue and the lack of attention Ford has given, or not given, to this obvious lemon issue. Count me in on the class action suit but with the estate of the auto industry today, I'll probably be paying for this repair out of the bailout money.
Looking for a reliable mechanic for help and am HONEST solution.
Had same problem that started with flashing O/D light. Took to local dealership for check, flashing had stopped but showed an error. Dealership told me it needed a transmission flush -- paid $178 for that. Two weeks later transmission became very clunky, almost to the point of not shifting. Took to dealership again ... they pulled transmission and said it was severely damaged. Had rebuilt transmission installed for $3,600. Got car back two days ago and so far all is well.
I havge a 2003 ford explorer (not worth capitalizing), which only has 68000 mi on it. I have taken great care of this vehicle despite numerous issues from the start. As a result I purchased the extended warranty which has recently expired. I too have had transmission failure. The dealer recommended replacement of the unit which was going to cost 3500. I called a local transmission place and they believe I can rebuild and will charge me approx 1200. If times weren't the way they are I would be purchasing a new vehice (Honda Pilot?) However, with the economy and the holidays I am left no choice. Ford has never been helpful!!!!!! With any issues and believe me there have been many!!! I should have ditched it along time ago. Needless to say I will NEVER purchase a ford again should they even survive this economy!!!!
My wife's birthday on Monday, we went to lunch and noticed the o/d light flashing. The we noticed the gears slipping without ant noticed. I took the explorer to someone we trust to look at it. He said it was definitely the tranny. He said there was nothing that we did wrong it was Ford putting in transmissions that were designed to fail. Shame on you Ford! If you knew this was going to be a problem you have done a dis-service to the public. Thanks for screwing up my children s Christmas. Ford should have a new slogan" Have you called a tow-truck lately?"
Blinking o/d light leads to failure of the transmission. My transmission is still working but shifting hard. I took it to a Mercury/Subaru dealer. I avoid Ford dealers, they are greedy. The dealer said $4265 to fix and an interesting comment. They will no longer be a Ford/Mercury dealer in about two weeks. They are located in Chicago and said the other dealer Lynch is also being cancelled. Perillo is the only one left at least in my area, North Chicago.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Similar to all the others in here, No prior notice of trouble. O/D light starting flashing. Brought it in to dealer who gave me 2 options; try to fix the existing one for a minimum of $1900 with no great guarantee or install a rebuilt w/100k mile guarantee for $3900. Original has 89k miles on it and the truck has been great up to now. 4 grand is a tough pill to swallow but I can't see going with little to no warranty. Just thought I'd add mine to the list.
- inhotwater, Westport, MA, US