2003 Ford Explorer: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Aug 2, 2018 · Seat belts · TX

The problem the seat belts does not have enough tension to retract consequently getting on the door lock mechanism, causing the door not to lock, to stay open unsecured also damaging the seat belt, it does no have a way to increase the tension which it should have. It damaged my door seal, my lock mechanism and the belt too.

Filed Feb 26, 2015 · Seat belts · 226,610 miles · TX

The problem the seat belts does not have enough spring action to retract causing to be laying down and it is getting caught by the door lock mechanism messing the belt plus causing the door not to lock properly, either the driver or the passenger side. The door came unlock since the harness did not retract. It needs attention and being replace by the dealer or being recall to make sure it is replace. The belt is getting damage.

Filed Oct 22, 2014 · Seat belts · 223,621 miles · TX

The problem with the seat belts does not have enough retraction force like it used to be, they hang out, damaging the door locking mechanism and door seal, driver and passenger side. It has being a problem not retracing the belt like it suppose to.

Filed May 7, 2014 · Body · 110,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the power steering and transmission lines failed due to corrosion. The contact also stated that the brakes lines, fuel tank cover, door locks and the running boards were also corroded. The brake lines were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 157,372. Rk

Filed Oct 31, 2008 · Electrical · 6,000 miles · MI

I purchased a 2003 ford explorer in april of 03. When we took receipt of the vehicle the dome light was not functioning. The vehicle was repaired and we took over the vehicle. From about 6000 miles we had a problem with the vehicle stalling or not starting in cold or humid weather. We have had the car in for service to the dealership approximately 8-10 times a year for various problems. We have had the following concerns with the vehicle; the dome lights have been out, the rear driver window has gone out, the service engine light has come on numerous times, the light for the rear differential has come on several times, the power door locks have failed or locked and unlocked when driving the car at speeds above 40 MPH. We have had problems with the vehicle stalling or not starting in cold temperatures or when it is humid or damp outside. They have reprogrammed the computer twice and replaced various sensors. The dealership also put a flight recorder on the car to try and determine what the sensors were doing at the time. On one occasion, while the auto was at the dealership, the car was in park, the car rolled backwards. We are still experiencing problems with the car starting hard or stalling or not starting and are frustrated that nothing seems to be able to be done for it. I have paid to have the vehicle hooked up to the machine and it is showing a problem with the fuel sensors now. The auto repair shop stated the ignition coils are rusty and should not be this way for the car having 60,000 miles on it. After the original 3 year warranty was up on the vehicle I told the dealership I wanted an additional warranty which the dealer supplied with no questions asked. I realize with it being an "intermittent problem" it may be hard to diagnose, but ford has received their money for the product, I don't think it's too much to expect a "reliable" car. Thank you for your help with this matter.

Filed Feb 10, 2008 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · KS

At 40,000 miles 4000 out of warranty, the transmission on my 2003 ford explorer catastrophically failed. No warning at all. Driving down the highway, the o/d light started to flash and the car started to shift in and out of gear. My wife nursed the car home. The car had no first gear and would slam from second to third. Ford confirmed this, and said the only fix was a complete transmission. 6,000 miles later, the same thing. Since this was under warranty, ford said that they could replace some solenoids and that would fix it....not!! Three more trips and finally a transmission that doesn't act up all the time. It still shifts funny and sometimes fails to go into gear. My wife has come close to being rear-ended numerous times, I.e. Backing into the street. This is a safety issue that ford has been ignoring, read the forums. I have many other numerous complaints about this vehicle. Read differential clutches going bad, keyless entry failing, door locks failing, and a window that works part-time....kinda like ford engineers.

Filed Mar 29, 2004 · Body, Brakes · ID

Numerous problem: brakes, rear window opening, seat belt retraction, heater, rear defrost, body work, etc.. *ph while braking the brake pedal went to the floor and caused extended stopping distance. The rear window hinge failed which caused the window to open while the consumer went through a car wash. The seat belt retracted slowly which caused the belt to become hooked onto the door lock system. As a result the passenger could not get out of the vehicle. The left wiper was not clearing the windshield. The left rear door would not close all the way unless it was slammed hard.

Filed Apr 19, 2003 · Seat belts · NY

The seat belts do not fully retract causing the seat belt to jam the door locking mechanism, resulting in the door not closing properly and opening at any given time!