Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that there was a loud squeaking coming from the rear window. The contact noticed that the driver side of the rear windshield hinge was crooked and the panel was fractured. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they advised that the hinges need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 118,000 and the current mileage was 121,000. Updated 6/4/12
2003 Ford Explorer body complaints
Page 4 of 13: complaints 71 to 100 of 354, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the window on the rear hatch developed a crack and the hinge was bent due to defective material. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the repairs associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v442000 (structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments) were previously performed. The manufacturer would not provide further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 53,000 and the current mileage was 64,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that there was a fracture in the rear lift gate hinge, making it impossible to connect the rear tailgate door to the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments), did not include the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the glass on the rear hatch bottom molding was cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. There were no recalls for the failure. The manufacturer was notified who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 180,000 and the current mileage was 186,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that she noticed a fracture on the lift gate window. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised her that she would have to have the panel replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. Updated 04/26/12*lj the consumer also stated the rear differential was replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear glass hatch housing was cracked in half. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the rear hatch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The current and the failure mileages were 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The vehicle was included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/lift gate:hinge and attachments) and was repaired. After the repair, the contact noticed a fracture in the panel under the rear liftgate window. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 04/10/12*lj updatd 04/20/12.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact noticed a crack at the rear hatch back under the rear window. The contact stated that the crack was becoming wider when the hatch back was opened and closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage was 40,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While parked, the contact noticed that the panel below the rear window hatch was cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician stated that the rear panel would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000. Updated 03/21/12*bf the consumer stated the rear panel connected to the back rear window cracked underneath the rear window and has weakened the rear view window. The seal has rotted out due to water seeping into the defective cracked panel. Updated 04/09/12 water seeped into the cracked panel and caused corrosion and electrical problems. Updated 05/07/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the rear tail gate door developed a cracked. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since there were no recalls related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 112,000.
Door adjar sensor fails in 2003 ford explorer its all over internet.
Multiple issues with my 2003 ford explorer which include the electronic mother board having been replaced twice (under warranty), cracked liftgage (not under warranty cost $300), transmission rebuild approx 90,000 ($3000), dome lights do not turn off, door ajar lights, electric rear windows do not open, o/d light flashes and now the final problem after having replaced my transmission in july 2011 is a drive train or drive line issue. At approximately 45 MPH after dropping from a higher speed, a thumping happens. Diagnosis for this issue has been 3 days still with no final determination.
Back glass hatch has a hairline crack to the left side of the ford embelm. Just suddenly apperared, after no impact.
I noticed a crack on the rear hatch trim panel under the window out of nowhere. Also, the paint on my hood and quarter panels has been bubbling and peeling off in huge chunks. It would seem they should do a recall on these issues since there are so many complaints.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explored. The contact stated that the rear lift gate glass shield cracked and shattered. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor was it repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 166,079.
I went to leave for work one morning & I noticed the rear panel was cracked. It wasn't like that the night before, so it literally happened overnight. My mechanic said it was cosmetic & common problem with these trucks. I was told the window would be fine, but there is a chance of the panel piece falling off. I haven't had it fixed yet due to the expense, but I am afraid a piece may fall off while driving which could injure someone. To add insult to injury, a week later, my transmission started slipping & the o/d light was flashing. I had it towed & sure enough, it had to be rebuilt. It also needed a new hub bearing and both front ball joints had to be replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that there was a crack on the frame of the vehicle starting from the bottom of the rear glass going down toward the manufacturer's emblem. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 86,000 and the current mileage was 96,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated the rear liftgate glass bolt brackets detached from the hinges, causing the glass to detach. There was a recall associated with the defect under the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v442000 (structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments) but the vehicle was ineligible for the recall repair due to the build date. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The vehicle was included in the recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments). After the repairs were performed the contact attempted to open the lift gate which separated from the strut and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the hinges. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
My 2003 ford explorer has a cracked rear panel. This is the second time it has happened. The first time it was covered by warranty and ford repaired it at no charge. This time they will not. I was told it will cost approximately $300.00 and it would happen again. The crack develops right in the middle of the panel under the rear window.
I have a 2003 ford explorer, ran to the store last night to buy groceries. Loaded things into my truck, closed the door and things were fine. Arrived home to remove the groceries and there was a 6 inch long crack on the rear hatch of my truck right beside the ford logo and rear windshield wiper. I take pride in my vehicle and keep it clean and the outside body is perfect; until this happened. I am disappointed that I called ford and there is no recall in regards to this, but there are hundreds of complaints online about the exact same issue. I want ford to pay for the repair of this. I have been a loyal ford customer and so has by family since the early 1980s. I will probably never purchase another ford as this is just another issue that ford won't acknowledge.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated while the rear lift gate was open the hinge failed causing the gate to fall on the contacts head. The dealer was stated the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign recall number: 04v442000: structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the approximate failure and current mileage was 68,000.
Dear mayzel, I appreciate your timely response, but I must admit that I am more than a little disappointed (and confused). I am reading ford explorer recall #04v442000, "ford recalls 2002-2003 ford explorer vehicles for liftgate glass" (see below), and it seems to cover my model year and my situation exactly. The lift hinge has stripped out the bolt three time, leaving the glass to hang from the other hinge (and struts). Can you explain why this recall would not apply? Sincerely, bill dascomb dear william, this is mayzel from ford's customer service department. I have read your email regarding the back hatch glass concern of your 2003 ford explorer. I am truly sorry to hear that you are having this issue with your vehicle. I have personally checked our resources and verified that your vehicle is not involved in any recalls or csp's at this time. Many factors are used to determine these such as warranty status, vehicle history, customer contacts, dealership comments and so forth. I have reviewed if any available coverages may assist in your repair request. There is not active esp to cover the part or the repair and the vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty. We recommend that your vehicle be inspected by a ford/lincoln/mercury dealership to determine the cause of any symptoms your vehicle may be experiencing. Once you have the repairs completed, I strongly suggest that you keep the original receipt for the repairs, so that in case a recall will be issued in the future, these receipts may be reviewed by your dealership's service manager for a possible refund. Thank you for contacting ford. Sincerely, mayzel customer relationship center ford motor company
I bought 2003 ford explorer in 2008, used, and in 2011 I opened my back glass and the hinge snapped on the left side and the glass started falling, and the only thing that saved the glass from breaking was the right side hinge held. I called the ford company and they said that I could take it to a dealer and have it inspected, but there was no saftey recall on my vehicle. I looked online and in 2004 the 2003 ford explorer was recalled for this very problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that there was a crack on the rear liftgate, extending up to the window. The contact expressed concern over the possibility of the window separating from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was cosmetic and they would be unable to assist with repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was 77,130.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated while opening the rear hatch the lift gate hinge failed off causing the lift gate to hang on by one hinge. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated the hinge needed to be replaced. The contact did not have the hinge replaced. The contact stated the lift gate could have fallen off while driving. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the hatch back had a crack from the end of it to the window. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who advised her that it was caused by stress from opening and closing of the door. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the rear lift gate fractured directly underneath the window seal. She noticed when the door was ajar the warning light would illuminate as if she had opened the doors. The dealer advised her that they were aware of the failure, but there was no recall. The vehicle was not inspected nor was it repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
The back panel on my explorer cracked by just closing the glass. The temperature was only 65 so considering the more extreme temperatures we have seen in north carolina was did it crack on that day?
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact was closing the rear liftgate when the rear glass detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to grab hold of the glass to prevent it from shattering. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostics or repairs. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v442000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments) that could have been be related to the failure but the manufacturer stated that the contact's VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.
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