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.
Its only leaking on the driver's side, the were blown out that didn't work. Had the windshield replaced 2x thought it was that,ins covered that. not it. went to auto glass place they found 1 of the hoses undone clamped it. stopped leaking over the front dash and middle console and side along the top of the door. now that its all stained. thought it was fixed,nope. water on the driver floor. this all mind you runs directly in the middle of all my electrical and wires etc.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Its only leaking on the driver's side, the were blown out that didn't work. Had the windshield replaced 2x thought it was that,ins covered that. not it. went to auto glass place they found 1 of the hoses undone clamped it. stopped leaking over the front dash and middle console and side along the top of the door. now that its all stained. thought it was fixed,nope. water on the driver floor. this all mind you runs directly in the middle of all my electrical and wires etc.
- Gio T., Methuen, MA, US