2003 Ford Explorer: check engine light

Filed Jan 19, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 80,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving on an incline at an unknown speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the overdrive warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the solenoid pack and the oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact also mentioned that the check transmission and check engine warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Aug 28, 2015 · Brakes, Steering · 142,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine and ABS indicator illuminated. The contact mentioned that the brakes failed and the steering wheel seized. The emergency brake was engaged in order to come to a complete stop. The contact restarted the vehicle after few minutes and it functioned normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

Filed Nov 18, 2014 · Transmission · 94,000 miles · VT

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the transmission malfunctioned while in third gear. Also, while driving up hills, the failure recurred and the overdrive and check engine sensor lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2014 · Transmission · 163,300 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and quickly shifted into second gear. The check engine indicator was illuminated and the overdrive warning indicator was flashing. The repair shop stated that the transmission needed to be overhauled. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 163,300. Updated 9/12/14*cn updated 09/23/14

Filed Feb 18, 2014 · Transmission · 207,404 miles · CT

Flashing o/d off, check transmission, and check engine lights went on. Took to transmission service co for inspection. There response was this model ford transmission was no good. They flushed system, added new fluid and asked that I pray for extra miles. That was nov.'13. Now feb '14, transmission lighting same check lights. Total re-build likely at $2500 +/_. Complaints on 2003 explorers at carcomplaints.com are extremely out of control signaling something wrong. Please inquire about this defect and the 2003 explorer in general.

Filed Jun 7, 2013 · Transmission · 154,615 miles · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the overdrive and check engine transmission warning lights both illuminated upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but no cause for failure was found. The vehicle would also jerk and lunge forward when the contact was driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the transmission would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 154,615.

Filed Mar 26, 2013 · Suspension, Transmission · 135,000 miles · GA

Ok we were driving pulled out and it did not shift to second gear and cars were coming up and honking horn it takes car a long time to switch to 2nd gear at light and this is very dangerous can get hit. The o/d light flashes causing service engine light to come on. Transmission was serviced and I was told it was a ford issue with these transmission ford was not successful at helping their needs to be a recall on these transmission they are very dangerous and the customer is constantly paying the price on these vehicles.

Filed Mar 11, 2013 · Transmission · 131,000 miles · CA

My 2003 ford explorer while going down the road, I started to notice that it was a hard shift from 1st to second gear, the RPM would go to almost 4000rpm, then almost slam into gear. My o/d light started flashing, and my check engine light came on, when I got home I researched it on the internet and found there are numerous problems with the ford transmissions, after contacting ford they basically told me I was out of luck they wouldn't help,,,, I have been a loyal ford customer for years and so has the rest of my family and my business uses ford vehicles. Someone needs to research this, ford is getting away with a big injustice by making a substandard transmission that is costing their customs thousands of dollars. But all ford will say is if the federal safety agency decides to investigate and sees its a problem then they will act on it.

Filed Aug 22, 2012 · Engine, Suspension · 75,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH the check engine warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brackets that hold the timing chain fractured. As a result, the brackets and valve cover needed to be replaced. Also, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds she could hear a grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the front driver side hub assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.

Filed Mar 6, 2012 · Transmission · 77,500 miles · DE

Traveling the I-95 corridor in north carolina at approx. 3am the transmission over drive light began flashing and the check engine light came on shortly after. Vehicle began to have shifting problems. Had to ease into 1st gear and play with accelerator pedal to shift out of 1st gear. Not a good feeling when 500 miles from home and in the middle of nowhere. Researched and found that this is becoming a common problem for these vehicles. Brought vehicle to aamco and was informed again common in the explorer. Cost estimate for repair $2500.00. Vehicle had 77000 miles at time of failure. Called ford for "goodwill" repair. Should have talked to a door knob. Standard reply "vehicle out of warranty". Driving over forty years, never experienced transmission failure. This is a design flaw that they are not acknowledging. They may not pay now but in the long run the cost will be great. Drove my last ford.

Filed Dec 2, 2011 · Transmission · 148,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the transmission would not shift into gear and failed. The check engine and the bs warning lights were illuminated. The contact notified a mechanic of the failure and was advised that the transmission would likely need replacing.the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 148,000.

Filed Sep 14, 2011 · Transmission · 175,024 miles · NH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving 50 MPH, the overdrive and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who inspected the failure and informed the contact that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified who advised that there were no recalls for the failure and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 175,024.