2003 Ford Explorer: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Mar 15, 2011 · Transmission · 200,000 miles · TN

Well this will be the 2nd transmission for my 2003 ford explorer, the first was at 88700 miles about 4 years ago. It took the dealership almost 2 weeks to figure out what was wrong. Then 2 weeks after that heard a loud ping while driving home, at 9:00 at night, took in to dealer and the drive shaft had water in it. Now I am the original owner, truck has never been off road, never towed anything, highway miles. So, I fix all that( about $3,000.00 in one month) now this past weekend coming home on the interstate truck gives a large shudder 3 times, I almost get run over by a tour bus because truck is getting ready to die. Limp home can't drive over 60 miles an hour, went back roads home, did not like going up small hills. When 1 mile from home o/d off light came on and transmission started acting bad. Pulled into driveway, barely. Now I'm pissed because here I go again pouring out money to fix and almost got hit on interstate.

Filed Dec 1, 2006 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Feb 22, 2006 · Transmission · 37,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated during cornering and emergency maneuvers the rear differential locks up. There is also a shudder in the steering at this time. This has become progressively worse over the last 4,000 miles. The manufacturer stated the rear differential clutch pack required redesign. There is a new clutch pack available at the consumer's cost.

Filed Jul 5, 2005 · Transmission · 37,100 miles · CA

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.

Filed Jun 15, 2005 · Transmission · 35,000 miles · MA

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),

Filed Nov 19, 2004 · Transmission · 9,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Aug 16, 2004 · Transmission · 10,000 miles · SC

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.