Loud whine coming from rear differential.
2003 Ford Explorer transmission complaints
Page 11 of 12: complaints 281 to 310 of 335, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I purchased a new 2003 ford explorer xlt 2wd in september 1, 2003. With 20,000 miles on the vehicle I noticed a whine from the rear end that was audible from 45 MPH to 65 MPH. The noise would stop when I let off on the gas and would resume when the gas was reapplied indicating a bearing failure. I took the vehicle to leith ford of wendell, nc, where I purchased the vehicle. They replaced the rear axle assembly under warranty on july 9, 2004 with 21,899 miles on the vehicle. The replacement rear axle made the same whine from 45 MPH to 65 MPH indicating rear bearing failure. The complete rear axle assembly was replaced by leith ford under warranty. The rear axle assembly was ordered from ford on october 20, 2004 with 32980 miles on the vehicle. The assembly was received and installed with 36,000 miles on the vehicle. With 63,280 miles on the vehicle I returned the vehicle on october 17, 2005 to leith ford to check out the same whine in the rear end from 45 MPH to 65 MPH. They confirmed that the rear bearings were failing and ordered a rear differential kit to rebuild the rear axle assembly.
Dt: the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. Noise coming from the front of the car. The dealership could never find the origin of the noise. The fourth time when the contact took the car to the dealership, they found that the origin of the noise was the torque converter. The dealer changed the torque converter on 9-22-05. The contact sold the car a few days after 9-22-05. The contact was disappointed with the service they received from the dealer. When they were trying to make the trade, the dealership offered them $13,000.00, and when they went back the dealership offering them $10,000.00. The contact wanted to file a complaint because she felt there may be a defect in the torque converter, and she wanted to complain about it to the dealership'.
I own a ford explorer 2003 v6 truck I have had ford vehicles for the last 15 years. My issue is with ford service and the trucks transmission. I was in the service bay on august 17 for routine recall stuff and added some basic services to my visit. Oil change, flush and transmission fluid change/check was in order. $500 later I am out the door. 25 days after the initial visit I am back at ford with concerns about my transmission. It seems to be whining and revving high while changing into 2nd and or 5th gear. The fluid all over my driveway certainly didn't give me a comfortable feeling. Ford service confirmed a problem but could not diagnose it unless they tore it apart. I was instructed to make an appointment at the end of the month because the trans mechanic would be on vacation through end of month. I made an appointment for my truck to "once again" visit the ford service for an overnight visit. On september 29th. Dropped it off and never got a call for three days. On october 3 end of business day, I called. They seemed to have forgotten my vehicle and would work on it the next day. Tuesday I get a call in the mid morning stating that I need a new transmission or a rebuilt one . Pricing ranges from $2600 to $3400. They couldn't tell my why or any more specifics on how an engine with 47k needs a new transmission. Especially since it was recently in the shop for routine transmission maintenance less than 30 days prior to the incident. To whom it may concern...I have had many fords for the past 20 years and I have never seen a transmission go up under 50k miles. Whether the service guys didn't tighten up something right or ford has an inferior product; I feel that I should not be held responsible for this issue. Please advise.
Engine cut off while running, when I turned on high beams. Engine rpms and engine accelerated, when I turned on high beams loss control of acceleration, when fog lights were turned on. Message center flashed "check transmission", o/d off (overdrive off) flashed, when fog light were turned on.
2nd rear differential needing replacement (replaced rear end and both axle bearings). This replacement at 73,971 miles. Previous rear differential replacement about 12k miles earlier. Neither replacement covered under warranty, however 2 failures and the second at only 12,000 miles.
I have had numerous mechanical failures with my 2003 ford explorere. The front wheel brearings and front axle bearing have failed. The rear axle has been rebuild twice and replaced once. Another rebuild is needed. Total mileage is 49,000 miles.
After a shudder was felt in the steering at 14,580 mi., it was discovered that the problem was in the rear-end. Ford recommended a rear-end additive. (which was performed). At 37,000 mi. The shudder returned and a new clutch pack was installed in the rear-end. After receiving car from dealer, a whine started to occur between 50 to 70 MPH. Took back to dealer and was told this was normal. I called ford motor and they recommend that a "ring and pinion repair kit" be installed to prevent failure. Dealer does not think this should be installed and that vehicle is o.k. To drive even though the tech can hear the noise.
In october 2003 I purchased the nbx - v8 version of the ford explorer with an upgraded tow package for my wife. She never uses the tow package and I, very occasionally pull a 300lb utility trailer. I get the oil changed religiously and recently had the 30,000 mile 4wd lubrication package from goodyear for approx. $500. At 34,000mi my wife began to notice a non-descript noise in the rear end, a rumble at slow speeds while turning. She carries things in the back and thought they were rolling around. I drove the car at 36,600 mi and also noticed the noise but we had a low rear tire and I thought it was the tire pressure. The tire actually picked up a nail and went flat and I brought the tire to goodyear for repair. After the repair the rear end noise persisted only at low speeds and we finally got the car in to goodyear for evaluation at 38,000 miles. They replaced the rear differential fluid again and the noise persisted. They then went on line and pulled a technical service bulletin tsb 04-17-5 which was for limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers in 2002-2004 ford explorers, 2003-2004 expeditions and 2004 f-150s. This was exactly what I was experiencing. Since this vehicle is not used off road, is not used to tow anything heavy, is pampered but does get a fair amount of highway miles 38,000mi in 19 months, I felt that having a transmission problem at this stage was unusual. Well, after talking to my manager at work, half the ford explorer fleet in boston was having this problem, with one vehicle in the shop 3 months and one never seeing the light of day yet. The tsb noted problems with the entire transmission. What about next time?? My vehicle. Vehicle # [xxx] ford explorer silver v8 nbx version? They also know they have a real problem with their transmissions and the consumer will end up eating it. Is ford quality job 1?? *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia),
Transmission clunking from reverse to forward or from forward to reverse. Whirling sound, 55-65 MPH, rear differential.
1 loud noise coming from rear-end(whining)2.fluid forced from front of differential.3. Rear-end replaced 4 times to no avail.
Clutch in transfer case defective. Causes vehicle to shift into 4 wheel drive unexpectedly.
Bought vehicle nov 2002. No problems till jan 2005 at approx 35000 mi. Whining noise coming from rear end at 45 - 65 MPH. Hoped problem would go away but has not. Vehicle past warranty in feb 2005 when brought in for tailgate recall at 37,000. Dealer would not look at problem. Currently driving vehicle with whining noise.
I bought a 2003 explorer new from the dealer and ever since I had this vehicle it has clunked into gear from park to drive, from reverse to drive, and sometimes when I am parked and put it in reverse to pull out of the spot it lunges back for no reason. I am afraid to even parallel park not knowing if it will go and lunge back and hit the car behind me. I have had it to the dealer approx. 9 times for the trans and they cant seem to fix it. They keep pulling at strings and changing parts and trying to fix the problem but it has not been fixed yet. This was 1 year ago and I am still having the same problem, the vehicle has been having more problems as the year went on and I continue to take it back to the dealer but they still cant seem to fix it. It started 10/2003 and this is 1/2005 and still not fixed...
I am the owner of a 2003 ford explorer. I had problems with my transmission engaging properly and the transmission making a loud noise when shifting from park to reverse whether the vehicle was hot or cold. The transmission did this intermitently for a week or so until I took it into a dealership for repair. They said nothing was wrong. I drove it for another week with the same problems. The vehicle would lurch in mid-acceleration at any speed and would lunge when coming to a stop leaving me never knowing when I might stop on the freeway or run into the back of somebody. The next time I took it in they said it was the clutch pack that failed and the repair cost me $1,131.00. The repair consisted of removing the transmission, opening it up and replacing the parts and then re-installing the transmission. I have read a service bulletin recently from ford motor company saying that these problems have been reported in 2004 ford explorers and mercury mountaineers. They are saying that they will be fixed for free. I have a 2003 ford explorer and I am not aware of the two model years being mechanically dissimilar. I want it known that the 2003 explorers are suffering the same problems, which is why I am registering the complaint.
We have a 2003 ford explorer-when you shift from reverse to drive-like backing out of a driveway and then putting into drive vehicle doesnt move for a while-if you try to give it gas engine revs up and then slams into drive--in the meantime you are wondering if the car coming around the corner is going to rear end you and cause injury to your family and damage to your vehicle--been in the shop several times-put several parts in trans still the same.
2003 ford explorer----5 second lag, delayed engagement, harsh jerking movement from reverse to drive to reverse, and a bang can also be heard. Shuddering is also prevalent. Power train module was reflashed to correct problem. Lag condition still is present sometimes. First incident was on april 21, 2003, latest incident was in may 2004.
2003 explorer's transmission made a loud "pop" or "whump" sound while driving about 20-24 MPH. It was infrequent but alarming. *bf the noise seems to be occurring when the vehicle shifts gears. *nm *tc
At 600 mini winding in rear end deler said drive it and see if it gets better it did not so at around 2000 mi damerow ford replaced all bearings and seals problem worse then before seals went out, and had to be towed in to damerow ford replaced rear end with tested rearend same problem at 2400 mi same problem at aprox. 3000 mi later damrow replaced with another svt rear edn this was also, tested and again at 19,000 mi and ait was replaced at mackenzie ford at 25,000 mi it was replaced again and now it has abad vibration noise 40 to 70 mi and above at 28,000 it goes back tommorrow we will see what if nothing they can do.
While driving consumer heard a loud noise coming from the rear axle/driveshaft. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Purchased a 2003 ford explorer 4x4 january 2004, around 10k miles noticed a shudder/slipping in transmission under hard excelleration. I brought vehicle to pulliam ford in cola. Sc to have transmission and whining rear end repaired. When I called the service writer, he informed me that the technician said that they could not duplicate the transmission vibration, and that the whine was no louder than other explorers, even though they did acknowlege that the explorer did have a rear end problem. I am not satisfied and would like to get my 32k worth out of this vehicle, not a excuse for a poor product and poor service.
Various complaints involving the 2003 ford explorer xlt.*mr consumer believed that noise on vehicle was coming from rear. Repairs and/or replacements were made on: front and rear suspensions, transfer case, and seals in the rear axle due to leak. Now, consumer is waiting for a new axle assembly to be replaced on the vehicle. Also, a cooling system noise on vehicle but dealer coudn't find the source of the problem.
Took my SUV into mr. Tire to replace all 4 tires. Left mr. Tire & my o/d light started to flash @ 35 MPH. Took SUV back to mr. Tire to have them look at it. I wasnt sure if they might have cause it or not. They did a diagnostic on it & found a code p0741 tcc. They told me it could be just a selenoid or the converter. Either way, its not locking up to do a 1:1 conversion for overdrive to save on gas & prevent overheating of the transmision. They told me to go immediately to a ford dealership. I went to purvis ford service department & they did their own diagnosis. Purvis ford found that the converter is bad & coming apart. They also said it was overheating & this type of transmission for my vehical for that year was a bad transmission. Also they've had customers w/ this exact problem w/ as little as 100 miles & some w/ as much as 100,000 miles. For a 120k mile "maintenance free" transmission (w/ exception of changing out the transmission fluid) this sure seems to be an expensive transmission. What is more interesting is that ford wont replace the transmission w/ the original type of transmission. Instead they wanted to put a different one in that has an external cooler & filter. Totalling $3300 not including tax. It was also told to me by purvis ford's service department that ford has had numerous problems with their transmissions on these vehicals. 2 other people alone was in their shop for rebuilds on their 2003 ford explorer transmissions. Why doesnt ford voluntarily recall on this & replace them w/ this "new" type of transmission at no cost to the customer. Right now I am not happy w/ ford & I will not keep my SUV nor will I buy another one. This is the third problem I've had with this SUV that has costed me big $$$$. I would not recommend anyone buying a ford SUV. At this time I have not had the transmission repaired due to high cost. The SUV is currently in my driveway not being driven to avoid furhter damage to the transmission.
Consumer was unable to shift the vehicle out of park. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
2003 ford explorer- 5 speed automatic transmission randomly disengages. Reproduced by first accelerating from 1st or 2nd gear and back off gas just before the transmission shifts. Transmission disengages and engine revs up. Must either rev engine up over 4k or backoff gas altogether to recover. Ford is non-responsive to inquires. Problem websites are full of similar experiences.
Soon after purchase the explorer (2wd) developed an axle whine from 55-70 MPH on acceleration. It's quiet on coast. The local dealer found a tsb (#16898). They replaced the driveshaft as specified. The only change was the range of the whine, now 58-63mph. Back to dealer on 1/8/04. They said a fix was in the works, call back in 3 months. Called today (4.21), no fix and no date. Ps: sure sounds like a bad ring/pinion to me...
While on any type of incline our ford explorer xlt rolls back while in drive. After telephoning ford motor company, I was told by ann to take the issue up with the dealership where the car was purchased. She said there were no recalls related to the issue of the rollback while vehicle is in drive on an incline. When we took the vehicle back to the dealer where we purchased it, they said they would work with us and ford motor company. In early december after speaking with the dealership manager and service department manager, I was told that the 8 cylinder vehicle that I purchased has a different transmission than the 6 cylinder. While the 6 cylinder explorere does not roll back on an incline while in drive, the 8 cylinder model does. I was told that it is simply the way the transmission is designed and that changing the transmission will not eliminate the roll back issue. When I picked up my vehicle on dec. 7, 2003, tony (service dept. Manager) told me that claudia would be calling me within the next week to make some type of arrangements with me along the lines of an extended warranty due to the fact that perhaps the transmission would experience problems down the road. My main concern with the roll back issue is that my daughter is going to be driving this summer, and we cannot allow her to drive this vehicle. For an inexperienced, new driver to operate this vehicle could have the potential of turning into an accident due to the vehicle roll back while on an incline in drive. This is the first new vehicle my wife & I have ever purchased and we are extremely disappointed, not only about the rollback issue but by ford's lack of interest in the rollback issue. Repeated emails to ford motor have gone unanswered, and as of the date of this complain neither claudia or anyone from ford motor co. Has contacted me.
Purchase vehicle on july 30, 2003. Rear axle whine during speeds between 45 - 60 during acceleration/ decelleration diagnosed on 13 october 2003. Advised that engineers were working on a fix and no service was to be performed. Very displeased at the attitude of ford customer service representatives and the lack of service received with ford vehicle. Filed complaint with settlement dispute board and with better business bureau. Next step is to contact attorney to file lemon law. Also, consumers need to get out information to the public that ford is selling these vehicles knowing there is a problem and is not willing to fix them.
Brake pedal goes down to the floor intermittently.this is a major safetty issue.the dealership has not fixed the problem yet.took in the shop for more than 3 times.also the oil leak from the rear main seal,harshe shift in transmission ,power steering pump failure,oil pan gasket leak ,master cylinder leak ,coil (spark plug) failure.
Transmission began locking up when vehicle was placed in reverse to back-up.
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