I bought a 2003 ford explorer in june of 07 with no problems in sept of 07 I started to experience a load noise coming from the rear of the vehicle sounding like a tire was flat or something was rubbing. I took it into the shop and they told me that the rear diff was out on this and it was going to cost several thousand dollars to fix. I contacted ford they acknowledge the problem but refused to fix it and said that it was not under warranty so they weren't going to do anything about it. I now sit hear with something that I owe money on and can not afford to fix. I have a wife and a son and this is our only mode of transportation. I am very upset that ford does not stand behind their products like they should. There are numerous complaints on the internet about the same problem but with no solution.
2003 Ford Explorer transmission complaints
Page 9 of 12: complaints 221 to 250 of 335, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Torque converter failure. Converter "rattles", needs replacement. Prior complaint to dealer about "lurching" and "clunking" were found to be "non-duplicative" during warranty period.
The transmission on my 2003 ford explorer failed. I'm told this is a consistent problem but ford won't stand by their product.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that she heard a clicking sound during deceleration. A mechanic diagnosed the cause of failure as a worn out range hub in the transfer case. The contact stated that she could never get out of 4 wheel drive, which burns more gas and activates components that are unnecessary during normal driving. The current mileage is 73,000 and failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 02-01-08
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving 10 MPH, the vehicle shifted into four wheel drive without warning. The contact pressed the reset button on the dashboard, which deactivated the four wheel drive feature. She also stated that the door open light remained illuminated. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 63,000.
Rear axle was making a loud noise, was told that it was due to the seal was broken and needed to be replaced. This was replaced and the noise still continues. Other consumers have had this same problem and nothing has ever happened with this issue. It cost a lot of money to have the axle worked on and it is still not fixed!
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. After installing two new tires on the front of the vehicle the contact heard a thumping sound while driving. The dealer stated that the sound was caused by the difference in tread between the new tires and older rear tires, causing the front differential and transfer case to fail. The current and failure mileages were 96,000.
Rear pinion gear on 2003 ford explorer causes high pitched whining sound, and is well known to ford dealerships in the area. The stated cost to repair (replace pinion ring, pinion gear, seals) is in excess of $1,100.
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.
Purchased a 2003 explorer xlt in november 2003. Within a few months noticed a leak that originated from differential area. Took to dealer was told a seal had to be replaced and everything should be ok. Took a family trip recently, the first one in the explorer on march 17, 2007 and rear axle seal failed on a 1,200 mile round trip. Called ford customer service and explained what happened, I even explained there were several tsb concerning my issue, I was informed that it was not a recall therefore it wasn't covered. I was told by ford to go and have it diagnosed by local dealer, same one that fixed the problem originally. I had problem's diagnosed, called ford and was told that dealer would provide "customer care after warranty". Called dealer waiting for reply for next step. My explorer only has 33,600 miles while 1,200 miles were placed in the last few days, and warranty expired 4 months back.
2003 ford explorer faulty transmission.
Noise at rear end of vehicle. Diagnosis rear axle and rear end. Replace rear axle and rear end kit (rebuild). The noise was noticeable for sometime and became worse. I have reviewed numerous similar complaints and this appears to be an issue that the manufacturer should address. There were service bulletins that referenced improper fluid use by manufacturer.
I was driving my 2003 ford explore and I started to here and noise from the rear end when I took off from a dead stop. I didn't worry about it right any,then it kept getting worse, so I took it in to the ford dealership where I bought it and they said the clutch was bad in the differential and it would be between 500 to 700 to fix. This explorer only has 49,000 miles on it. My wife drives this car and I know it has never been beat on. I still do not have my truck back yet it has been in the shop for about 4 days now. I am about up to 1200 dollars in repairs. I have read several complaints about this same thing on the internet. I juast can't understand why they don't have a recall.
I purchased a 2003 ford explorer xlt. I quickly noticed a noise from the rear of the vehicle when speeds of 55-60 MPH were achieved. After bringing the vehicle to the auto repair shop I was told that the rear differential needed to be replaced and that it was not only dangerous to drive but extremely expensive. After some research I have discovered that this is a common issue with the ford explorer. Should this type of repair that could result in human injury, be addressed by ford. I am hopeful that your answer will be yes!
Tl* - the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer xlt. The contact stated that the vehicle was making noises, wining, and grinding. The contact stated that the differential system failed and needed to be replaced. Also, the following components needed to be replaced: clutches, ring, pinion, carrier bearing, pinion bearing, and pinion seal. The contact had to update the axle seals. At the time of the original failure the vehicle had an odometer reading of 37,000 miles and the warranty had just lapsed. The contact did not believe that the weather was a factor, and the sounds were always when she was in the process of accelerating. The contact stated that it started very slowly and became an every day occurrence.
I have a 2003 ford explorer with 51,000 miles. On 2/13/2007 o/d light started flashing and service transmission message appeared in message center. Took to an independent service shop and was told it was probably the torque converter. Had it transferred to a transmission shop where they removed the transmission pan and found metal shavings. They said it is the torque converter and I will need a partial or full rebuild, they will not be sure until they remove the transmission. They also mentioned they have seen this in multiple vehicles and have had to replace a large number of explorer transmissions for similar problems.
My 2003 ford explorer was serviced at dick edwards ford in junction city , ks to replace a left hand rear axle shaft seal on the 12th of febuary 2007. Vehicle was picked up at the dealership by my wife. On the 13th of febuary she was driving home from work (about 3-5 miles) she called me on her cell phone and said she could hear noises, smelled something burning and the rear of the car was moving around and the brake pedal was low. I told her to proceed home with caution. When she arrived home I looked at the vehicle, and noted the lh rear wheel assembly was at a 30 deg angle. I called dick edward ford and they informed me to have it towed to the dealership. Today they implied it was a bearing failure. I looked at the vehicle, spoke to the mechanic and I noted it was a rear axle shaft retention nut malfunction. The nut had backed out on the axle to the point that the assembly was about depart from the vehicle. The mechanic wanted to blame the axle bearing, which was destroyed. This nut if improperly torqued, or the assembly is not installed properly prior to torquing the nut, the nut can become loose and back off, especially since it is rh thread, there is not a cotter pin or anything holding this thing together, only a torqued nut. They then told me that they would not pay for it as it was a coincidence this happened. I refuse to pay. I have pictures of the vehicle setting in my driveway. I should have taken pictures at the dealership when it was taken apart. If my loved one had been on the interstate doing 70 MPH this would have probably have allowed the wheel assembly to depart from the vehicle resulting in a catastrophic accident. And possible death to her as well as others. How many other vehicles out there with the same poor engineering design ?
Tl*- while driving the 2003 ford explorer at 60 MPH the contact heard a noise and the back of the SUV began to vibrate. Once the vehicle was checked the contact noticed that the tire was at an angle. The contact thought the dealer forgot to put the lugs:nuts back on the wheel. The drivers side rear axle shaft failed ,almost causinga crash after the dealer had worked on it. Only one nut was holding the shaft in place. The contact believed that this was also a manufacturing defect. The weather was overcast and 20 degrees. It snowed, but the road was dry. The vehicle had to be towed the next day to the dealership to be repaired. The current and failure mileage were 60000.
My 2003 ford explorer had transmission problems. The vehicle has only 54,000 miles. The transmission had to be complete replaced. Additionally, I was surprised to find out how wide spread the issue is. In reading other complaints, the common theme is an issue with the transmission @ roughly 50,00 miles or lower. More specifically, my od light kept flashing ,not able to shift to reverse, and not being able to shift to higher gears.
2003 ford explorer xlt vertical crack in fiberglass tailgate panel just below rear window glass no impact to tailgate occurred-crack just appeared while driving. Transmission had to be rebuilt at 50000 miles.
Rear axle noise. Started at about 34,000 miles but I did not bring to ford until just after the 3 year warranty. Ford would do nothing and said repair was about $2,000. At 42,000 now and noise is getting worse.
While cruising uphill on an interstate highway at approximately 70 MPH the transmission downshifted to maintain speed. After cresting the hill, the transmission would not shift back into overdrive and the overdrive light began to flash. I pulled off the highway and the truck would not shift 1-2 until approximately 4500 RPM and then would do so very harshly. When accelerating the transmission slips and does not provide full acceleration. According to my local transmission shop the repair will cost approximately $3000 and require an all new transmission.
Excessive noise form rear drivetrain.
While driving the 2003 ford explorer it started to shake causing lose of steering and brakes. The left rear wheel the came off because the lugs had unscrewed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who determined that the front differential had blown apart from the inside out. It appeared that the damage was caused by uneven tires and the 4x4 engaging and disengaging on its own. *ts
Dt*: the contact stated the transmission failed while driving 30 MPH. There was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and when the contact stopped to inspect the problem, leaking transmission was noticed. The service dealer was notified and the vehicle was towed to a transmission shop where a computer diagnostics identified the problem as a failure to the onboard computer. The manufacturer was not alerted.
My 2003 ford explorer 4x4 has developed a severe binding, shudder sensation in the rear axel during low speed turning maneuvers. It also has a whining sound at highway speeds, typically 55 - 70 MPH). This vehicle has only 34,000 miles on it and the dealer wants to rebuild the rear axle/differential - at my expense since the 3 year warranty time limit is up. If let go, the ford dealer indicates the rear axle could 'blow up' (their words), resulting in a complete loss of drive to the rear wheel. I have discovered at least six (6) technical service bulletins issued by ford on this problem! This is obviously a bad design and latent defect which can effect the safe operation of the vehicle.
2003 ford explorer eddie bauer. 50 to 60 MPH rear axle whine started at 6000 miles, at 12,000 miles dealer inspected and said the rear axle assy was unsafe to drive and replaced the assy. Whine returned and dealer replaced the assy again at 24,000 miles. Whine has returned and I am considering going to independent shop to repair since beyond 36,000 mile warranty. Can't understand why ford can't fix this widespread problem.
I have a 2003 ford explorer with 60,000 miles on it. My over drive light starts flashing and the transmission is slipping. I have just seen online hundreds of people with the exact same problem and ford is not recalling or doing anything to help with repairs. I think there is a defect in the design. I also got into a car accident in may of 2006 with my 2002 explorer and it was totaled. I flipped in the vehicle twice and not one airbag deployed.
Have a 2003 ford explorer 2wd that was purchased new from local ford dealership. Started having transmission concerns in early 2005, vehicles just over a year old. After taking it in to the dealership 4 times in a year, was told they couldn't verify the problem. Finally, in march 2005 was told they had to tear transmission down and replace the clutch pack, on testing transmission, line pressure was low. After work performed, took back again, was having same concern, again told couldn't verify problem. Had transmission serviced, after telling them I was experiencing same problem, they serviced transmission and said all was fine. In october of 2006, was heading out of town on a two lane road, when I went to pass a big rig on highway 113, just outside of woodland, as I got around big rig, and accelerated, the car wouldn't go into 3rd gear, the rpms kept racing and falling, racing and falling. I had plenty of room to pass this truck, or so I thought, until the car did what it did. I was nearly hit head on by an oncoming car because I couldn't get around the truck, due to the transmission not shifting into a higher gear. We got to woodland and immediately went to ford dealership where we were told the transmission was not serviceable, and that we would need a new transmission installed. Upon returning home, and doing some research, have discovered there are hundreds of people out there that have had exact same failure of their transmissions. Contacted ford motor co., and have had no result. Local dealership says sorry, car is out of warranty now, it will cost around 3600.00. Asked what has to happen before ford recognizes they have a problem with this transmission, and was told they didn't know. Very dangerous in my opinion, to be out on a highway and have the car lose the 3rd gear, preventing you from going over about 25 miles per hour.
Dt*: the contact stated while shifting to any gear at various speeds, a noise was heard. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who determined the oil needed to be changed every month.
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