2003 Ford Explorer steering problems

Filed Jul 9, 2019 · Steering · 120,136 miles · IN

Shifter broken inside steering column. Stopped at a gas station when putting into park it broke. Had to keep my foot on brake paddle for 2 hours until two truck arrived

Filed Sep 5, 2017 · Steering, Transmission · 120,500 miles · NY

Shift lever broke off inside steering column of my wife's explorer when changing from park to drive to exit from a boat launch ramp with no boat on the trailer. Vehicle was towed on a flatbed wrecker to my garage. Broken element ( see photos) was not replaceable by itself. Steering column had to be replaced. This was not normal wear and tear, but rather a faulty /weak component that represents a danger. I have noted reports of identical incidents online. Thus far, neither the dealer nor ford national "customer service" is prepared to reimburse.

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 Apr 2, 2015 · Steering, Transmission · 124,500 miles · NY

Was leaving gas station, shifted from park to drive, shift lever broke off into my hand. Obviously a defect, as I have over 2 million miles under my belt, driven numerous cars & trucks, and have never had this happen before in over 40 years of driving, both personally and professionally. I see there are hundreds of similar complaints for this, why is there no recall??

Filed Aug 15, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 112,000 miles · MD

My vehicle suddenly without warning will stall and I lose all power. No power steering. I am able to put the vehicle in neutral and can turn the vehicle back on. The mechanic can not find any codes etc on why this is happening. Apparently this is a common thing.

Filed Jun 20, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 195,000 miles · IL · 1 injury

My 2003 ford explorer has some serious electrical issues. My right front passenger window will not roll down. It gets very hot in my truck out in the heat. It stopped working all of a sudden and the A/C in the car does not blow. (I didn't break any of these things) my door ajar light is always on the dash... My driver's door sensor went out for some reason and now my vehicle thinks that the door is always open, which drains my battery and my lights will not turn off at times. I have to manually turn them on/off. I dislike doing that because I'll forget sometimes. My rear lift-gate cracked one day too. I believe its from the cheap plastic. It's dangerous and my glass can fall out any day now. I also pinched two blood clots in my hand from opening this cracked rear hatch and had to see a doctor for it. Please help me get these things fixed. Thanks in advance.

Filed Apr 16, 2014 · Steering · 126,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic who replaced the intermediate shaft. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2013 · Steering · 160,000 miles · MO

Went to put the car in park and the gear shift detached from the steering wheel. Key was stuck in the ignition, unable to put the car in park. Towed it to our house where my uncle was able to fix it. Had to replace the whole steering column. The problem was caused by a weak piece of metal in the alloy connecting the gear shift to the steering column.

Filed Mar 18, 2012 · Steering · 147,000 miles · NC

While in parked position, ignition started, gear shift broke while putting in reverse - failure of metal alloy connecting gear shift handle to steering column. Key was stuck in ignition and was not removable. Had to replace entire steering column. Towing expenses incurred as well as repair expenses. Problem caused by weakness/failure in metal alloy connecting gear shift handle to transmission steering column.

Filed Mar 14, 2012 · Steering, Transmission · 75,900 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that while restarting the vehicle, the gear shifter detached from the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where it was diagnosed with a failure to the steering column that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 75,900. ..updated 04/11/12 *bf the consumer stated when he put the vehicle in reverse, the entire gear shift came out in his hand. Leaving the vehicle in reverse. He was able to turn the ignition switch off. A cast iron bracket was completely broken off in the steering column. Updated 05/31/12