2003 Ford Explorer locks problems

Filed Jun 10, 2011 · Body, Locks · CA

The tailgate cracks down the center.

Filed May 6, 2011 · Locks, Transmission · 117,500 miles · PA · crash

My 2003 ford explorer was parked in my driveway and it somehow rolled down approx 150 feet and smashed into a tree. There was no one in the vehicle it was parked and the keys were in the house. I immediately called my insurance (state farm) and they had me call a collision garage to come out and they came within the hour. They have stated that the vehicle is a total loss. The next morning I called ford and they disregarded anything I said and said my insurance should take care of it. I am still paying on a loan for this car and I do have full coverage but I am now without a vehicle and I am scared to think of what might of happened if my daughters would of been playing in the backyard.

Filed Sep 27, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 135,000 miles · AE

There have been multiple problems with my 2003 ford explorer since I bought it brand new in august of 2003. But ironically they have all appeared after the warranty had expired. In september 2007 the air conditioning unit no longer worked. It cost me $2000 and a week without a car, to get it fixed. In august 2009 the passenger door window would no longer work. In september 2009 my SUV started making a clicking sound when turning on the heater. Since we lived in a warm climate this did not concern us much, as the heat had worked even with the clicking sound. But we moved to a colder climate and the heater went out in march 2010. In april 2010 the service engine light came on. After speaking with the mechanic, he said it was a transmission problem that occurred when the car shifted from 1st to 2nd gear and from 4th to 5th gear. He could not give me any more information and was not willing to fix my transmission problem (he suggested I go elsewhere because he was not an expert in transmissions). In may 2010 the o/d light started flashing off. After speaking to mechanic again, he said it was related to the transmission problem. In august 2010 the door ajar light started coming on randomly, even when the door is not open. And in september 2010, I noticed my ABS light will come on randomly. It does not appear to be triggered by any specific reason, and does not always come on.

Filed Mar 10, 2010 · Body, Locks · 77,000 miles · MA · 1 injury

I own a 2003 ford explorer and was closing the window of the back hatch when the rear lift gate hinge failed and broke and the window became dislodged and hit me in the head. My son was standing next to me and thankfully the window didn't fall out completely and land on him! I have contacted ford and they said that although there was a recall for this very same problem, your agency did not identify my vehicle as being affected and they will not repair it at their cost. Again, they said it was because your agency did not identify my vehicle as being affected by this defect. At the present time, the window is hanging by the struts and the left hinge. Further, I have gone online and seen that many other people have had this very same problem and it was not covered by ford's recall. This is a major safety issue as that window could have fallen out and landed on my son! Thankfully, I was not seriously injured. I can't believe that this has not been recalled more extensively. I think it is reasonable to expect that a window or a door is not going to fall off a hinge and potentially cause a serious injury. Safety is a reasonable expectation!

Filed Jan 8, 2009 · Body, Locks · 98,773 miles · FL

I have a 2003 eddie bauer ford explorer. Last night, when my son was attempting to close the rear lift gate glass door, the hinge on the passenger side broke off. The glass liftgate is presently being held up by the other hinge and it won't be long before that one breaks also. I spoke with an andrea at ford 1‑800‑392‑3673 and she basically told me that I was out of luck, that I would have to pay for the repairs because my vehicle was not included in the recall. I don't understand why, I told her the description of my vehicle. I have a friend who owns a ford explorer and he had the same problem, and since his was included in the recall, he didn't encounter any problems in having it repaired. You wonder why so many people buy japanese cars and trucks. Here is one of many reasons. Ford motor company is obviously attempting to save money at the expense of our safety.

Filed Dec 27, 2008 · Locks · 125,000 miles · FL

I took my 2003 ford explorer to ford dealership and was refuse recall repairs. Was told it would be at my own expense because he could not find recall notice in ford system. Below is the details of recap. At this time the liftgate hinge is broken and window is about to fall off. Please help. Vehicle make / model: model year(s): ford / explorer 2002-2003 ford / mountaineer 2002-2003 manufacturer: ford motor company mfr's report date: sep 09, 2004 the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v442000 pe04045 the federal safety agency action number: pe04045.

Filed Jun 24, 2008 · Body, Locks · 98,000 miles · NH · 1 injury

July of 2007 the rear window on our 2003 ford explorer xlt had broken at one of the hinges and the window sagged. After researching on the internet we found out there was a recall, (04v44200). We then contacted ford and they agreed to fix the problem at no charge. Now 10 months later while the auto was parked in our driveway the window shattered with no one around. There was a neighbor working in the yard who witnessed this happen. Glass was both inside the vehicle and outside the vehicle. After a week of phone calls with no luck, I was finally in touch with a one of the parts guys at ford who said this is an ongoing problem that he was aware of. He even stated that they only replaced the hinges and not the glass which is known to shatter. After several phone calls, we were notified that the recall was only on the hinges (even though they know the glass is defective as well) and they would not help us out. Well im not paying $1,600 out of my pocket for another product that ford knows has a problem and doesn't back up there warranties.

Filed Feb 20, 2008 · Locks · MO

Hatchback on 2003 ford explorer cracked, and needed replacement, the total cost was $290.00.

Filed Feb 1, 2008 · Locks · 60,000 miles · CT

The hinges on my 2003 ford explorer broke while opening the lift gate. I want to the dealer to have fixed. They charged me $323.55 to replace the hinges & struts. Later I found ot that there was a recall for this exact issue. I contacted ford and they told me that even though my vehicle was built during the dates listed in the recall it was not built at a specific plant. Of the 955,000 vehicles covered under this recall my car (which actually had the problem) was not covered. Below is a copy of the recall from your office. I am certain that I am not the only owner facing this issue. Ford motors needs to accept responsibility for defective products. I would like to go on record with this complaint stating that the recall below be amended to include all 2003 ford explorers regardless of plant that built it. The hinges are bad. Ford / explorer 2002-2003 ford / mountaineer 2002-2003 manufacturer : ford motor company mfr's report date : sep 09, 2004 the federal safety agency campaign id number : 04v442000 pe04045 the federal safety agency action number: pe04045 component: structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments potential number of units affected : 955732 summary: on certain sport utility vehicles, the liftgate glass strut may become disengaged or the hinge may fracture allowing the glass to fall and possibly break. Consequence: if the hinge should fracture, there is a potential for the glass to fall and ultimately break and personal injuries could occur.

Filed Nov 19, 2007 · Locks · 98,000 miles · FL

My 2003 explorer suddenly developed a crack on the back panel beneath the rear window. I am concerned that if it progresses the glass will have no support and break. I spoke with ford after learning that this is a common problem with these SUV's and was told if I had no warranty they would not cover the cost.