2003 Ford Explorer: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Nov 4, 2014 · Transmission · 224,212 miles · TX

The problem when you driving on the highway around 65 MPH you feel the truck hesitating, since this truck did not come with dip stick to check the transmission fluid, it is hard to check unless you take it to a tech or stop on the middle of the road to check it underneath the truck running trans for the fluid to drip, it is really stupid you can be run over by a car or cause an accident, it seems like the manufactures are getting stupid, in a emergency and you are in the highway crossing the state line how can you check the fluid on transmission, it need immediate attention to add the dip stick pretty pronto, it need the ford company to take responsibility to add the dip stick, I submitted several reports to them they don't care at all.

Filed Jan 12, 2012 · Transmission · 74,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission began to slip gears in a jerking motion. There was also a hesitation and the engine revved continuously. In addition, the over drive and transmission warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The indicators remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was diagnosed by two different independent mechanics and they informed the sensor solenoid would need to be replaced and possibly the transmission. The vehicle was in the process of being taken to an authorized dealer for a third opinion. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed May 16, 2011 · Lights, Transmission · 48,065 miles · IA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the door ajar light illuminated frequently and the dome light stayed illuminated even when the doors were closed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a manufacturers recall and the dealer stated that the repair had previously been performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated intermittently. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The current mileage was approximately 72,000. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

Filed Jun 11, 2009 · Transmission · 87,993 miles · NJ

Today I got in my ford explorer and noticed that my overdrive light was flashing. So, pulled over to see what the owners manual says and soon right after the engine light comes on..I then look through the manual and it indicates that if these lights were to come on please take it to service asap. I did the following and took the SUV to pep boys. I described my problem to the service manager and he said please don't tell me it's a ford explorer....I hesitated and looked at him with a puzzled look on my face and said yes. Why ? I said. Well ford explorers are known for this problem and that I should check to see if there are any recalls. I then went to fords website and followed the directions on how to check for any recalls on your vehicle and entered my VIN# and got back no recalls on this vehicle. With all these complaints and consumers crying about this problem how can we allow a car giant like ford to get away with this manufacturing problem? At least they should have the decency to inform you that there cars have been known for having transmission problems dating back to 1995. The list of people with the same problem that I have was rude awakening and very disturbing to see. We need a resolution to this problem regardless of what it takes. Please contact me directly if you need to.

Filed Mar 30, 2007 · Transmission · 58,742 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping and was difficult to shift into park. When attempting to shift the vehicle in gear it hesitated and jerked before engaging. The transmission has been repaired twice previously at 18,000 miles and 27,000 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle needed the same repair at 58,000. The failure mileage was 58,742.

Filed Jun 30, 2006 · Body, Fuel system · 12,000 miles · TX

Hello. I have several complaints regarding my 2003 ford explorer including several safety issues. The first complaint is regarding the driver's seat which shifts routinely on acceleration and de-acceleration. This concerns me if I get into an accident and the seat malfunctions. The second complaint is regarding the gear shifter not going into park easily. I have to jiggle it to into park. I am concerned that this might not properly engage park and my vehicle might roll. Thirdly, my rear lift gate trim has had to be repaired at least 3 times. I am concerned that although the dealership says there is no safety issue, there possibly could be due to the rear lift gate hinges being recalled and representative informing me that the reason that I continue to have a crack appearing is due to design flaw. This concerns me b/c I frequently utilize the lift gate to retrieve groceries and other items and do not want the window to fail and fall on my head. The remainder concerns are regarding the function of my vehicle. I have had to have 3 of the window motors replaced under warranty. The transmission has had to be fixed twice (shifting module malfunction). Finally, the fuel gauge had to be repaired due to improper fuel readings. I guess all these items could be very problematic as well b/c I could run out of gas and be stranded with my child, my vehicle might not shift properly leaving me stranded. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. Ps. I would also like to add that as I was completing this process I remembered that my vehicle had a high pitched whine that had to be repaired. I do not remember exactly what had to be repaired but it was covered under warranty.

Filed Feb 7, 2006 · Acceleration, Engine · 55,000 miles · MI · crash · 1 injury

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle experienced a problem with hesitation when the speed was kept constant. The dealership replaced the mass air flow sensor. The hesitation problem continued, the vehicle was returned to the dealership which was unable to duplicate the problem. While backing into the driveway the vehicle suddenly accelerated. Although the brakes were applied the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle hit the contact's home resulting in a neck sprain injury. The acceleration continued until the shifter was moved into drive. The dealership was unable to determine the cause of the acceleration. Also, contact complained that ABS light was on and pedal felt stiff. Vehicle ran rough. In addition, removed and installed automatic transmission main control valve body.