2003 Ford Explorer: engine failure

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 May 7, 2014 · Engine · MD

Submission from constituent re a filed complaint with ford motor company and would like to be reimburse for all the cost by ford. *smd the consumer stated when he attempted to start the vehicle, it would not crank. He replaced the battery, but the vehicle still would not start. The vehicle was towed to a local garage. The next day, the consumer was informed, the engine had seized. There was no warning from the dash indicators, no engine sounds, and the oil was at the proper level. It cost $3,669.98 to replace the engine.

Filed Jul 25, 2012 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explore. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH the transmission failed. The over drive warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact then depressed the brake pedal and everything seized before stalling. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle functioned properly. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where they stated that the solenoid was defective in the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance because the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed May 11, 2011 · Electrical, Transmission · 85,000 miles · NY

First I must say I love this truck. Its my second one and both had same problems. While driving home from work all of a sudden truch lurched forward then o/d off lite started flashing then check engine lite flashing.took it to my mechanic and it came up with a po775 code, he said its very common and not the first one hes seen do this. Pressure control solenoid b needs replacing for about $400.00 then after removing pan whole transmission needed overhaul now $2200.00 later. I think ford knows of this problem and should stand behind it. Also blend door stopped working and all 4 calipers seized up. Dont know if ill ever buy another ford.also power windows quit working, broken wire in door. Nothing but trouble with this vehicle.I think a class action suit should be started against ford for repairs on these transmissions.I cant afford to dump hundreds of dollars into this truck after paying thousands of dollars for it.

Filed May 10, 2011 · Body, Engine · 107,000 miles · NH

My 2003 ford explorer limited blew a spark plug right out of the engine. Very scary & very loud while going to the grocery store. I thought for sure the engine blew.

Filed May 27, 2009 · Engine · 60,720 miles · FL

No noise/warning. The car had billowing black smoke coming from under the hood. On inspection oil was gushing from a valve at the back of the engine and burning, it nearly burst into flames. It was towed to a local mechanic, who found the timing chain had broken, slashing a valve cover and cutting into the back of the engine. It can be fixed for $3,000 plus tax estimate, but the ford dealership recommends against this and says it needs a new engine /refurbished engine $5,000 plus tax. Ford refuse to accept this is a defect, despite multiple complaints I have seen on the internet. The car was a ford explorer 2003 with only 60,720 on the clock. I bought it new and maintained it well. I still have payments on it so am selling it for $2000 to cover the payments. It was a $34,000 car.

Filed Oct 20, 2008 · Engine · 35,102 miles · CA

Re: ford motor company ford motor company is illegally charging customers for computer engine updates. In july of 2008 my service engine light came on in my 2003 ford explorer 2003. . I was told by the service department at buerge ford that my engine codes had to be updated per ford motor company. They updated the engine codes in 15 minutes and charged me $128.00 dollars for updating fords new engine computer codes. The problem I have with ford motor company is that if the engine codes on my ford explorer xlt 2003 needed to be updated to fords new engine codes a recall should be implemented, or the charge shouldn't be pass on to the consumer. A recall was never done, and ford motor company has been illegally passing on this charge to the consumer for years, without a recall notice. Nothing was at fault at my end. I have a copy of my bill for your records on this illegal charge. Please investigate ford motor company for not implementing a recall notice for this problem with their SUV's, car's and trucks. Sincerely. Jeffrey roth

Filed Apr 12, 2008 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · IL

Bearings in ford explorer almost seized.... This could cause a major problem if they had not been replaced. 3 out of four at one time?

Filed Jan 19, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · 130,000 miles · PA

Brand new 2003 ford explorer. Replaced engine at 115 k miles and now the trans is going; specifically, the o/d light keeps flashing and it shifts badly. I've seen numerous complaints about the same thing online, while ford ignores this faulty trans.

Filed Jun 28, 2004 · Engine · MI

Vehicle failure problems with 2003 ford explorer.*mr while driving the vehicle stalled in an intersection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that there was sludge in the engine. The dealer insisted that the consumer's neglect was the caused of the failure and if he refused to purchase a new engine from them they would void manufacturers and extended warranty. The consumer indicated that he took care of his vehicle performing all the regularly scheduled maintenance. The consumer believes this problem is related to a defect in the timing chain tensioner.