2003 Ford Explorer: whining or grinding noise

Filed Jul 31, 2013 · Body, Engine · TX

2003 ford explorer. Consumer writes in regards to humming/whining noise in the rear end of vehicle and a frequent leak in the differential. *smd the consumer stated several components such as the ring an pinion, bearings, seals and gear and pinion were all replaced. However, the issue remained unresolved. Also, the rear hatch was cracked. When the consumer inquired about a replacement and its cost, the dealer advised against the replacement/repair as the new hatches had the same problem. The vehicle overheated and had to be towed to the dealer. A diagnosis revealed a damaged thermostat housing.

Filed Nov 19, 2009 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · KY

The rear end on the 2003 ford explorer starts to whine, then growl' then leak then go bad. The rearend on the ford explorers evidently go bad often. The owners would be put in danger when the breakdown occurs on the road. The explorer is a family vehicle so the rearend going out on a trip away could be disaster. I googled 2003 ford explorer rearend problems and found hundreds of complaints.

Filed Jul 15, 2009 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · KY

2003 ford explorers have defective rear ring and pinion gears. Starting with a whine, the misalignment and wear could cause the drive train to seize up. Replacement parts by dealerships are also inferior, and only provide ~ 40-45k miles of relief.

Filed Jul 8, 2008 · Suspension, Transmission · 55,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact heard a loud whining sound coming from the rear of the vehicle while accelerating and decelerating. The service manager stated that he could not find anything in his computer that was related to the failure. There are currently ten the federal safety agency service bulletins related to the failure. The current mileage was 76,000 and failure mileage was 55,000. Update 09/10/08 *cw the consumer was told the rear axle may have to be replaced. Updated 09/11/08.

Filed Mar 29, 2008 · Transmission · 60,508 miles · KS

Excessive whine/noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle, at highway speeds.

Filed Mar 27, 2008 · Suspension, Transmission · 120,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving 30 MPH, the contact heard a whining noise coming from the vehicle. The noise becomes louder as the vehicle travels faster. The whining appears to be coming from the rear suspension. The failure mileage was 120,000 and current mileage was 144,800. Updated 04/14/08. *lj the consumer stated the transmission was replaced at no charge by ford at 55,000 miles due to a defect. The 4-wheel drive makes excessive noise when in gear. Updated

Filed Apr 28, 2007 · Transmission · KY

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.

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 Nov 24, 2006 · Transmission · 6,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Aug 15, 2006 · Acceleration, Brakes · 52,179 miles · TN

4 items 1 - have owned the 2003 ford explorer for 7 months. While test driving, I noticed a hum noise coming from rear tires. Was told it was tread noise. We took it for oil change at very well respected national automotive service shop. I was informed I needed to replace the rear hub assembly that is was critically broken. Waiting to contact local ford dealer for resolution based on tsb research I have done. 2 - whining noise from air conditioner when accelerating. Don't really know what is going on. Saw this also on tsb. Contacting local ford dealership. 3 - ABS light randomly comes on. Don't know why and no pattern to when. Contacting local ford dealership. 4 - cruise control not working. I was driving down the road this weekend, using cruise control. Stopped quickly for a car in front of me. When I started going again, the cruise control wouldn't work and hasn't worked since then. I don't know if it has to do with the brakes. I noticed ford recalled some cruise control mechanisms in other vehicles but not in the 2003 explorer.

Filed Aug 9, 2006 · Transmission · 94,800 miles · VA

I recently purchased a 2003 ford explorer with 94,000 miles on it. Within 2000 miles the rear end began howling so much that my fiance is afraid to ride in the vehicle as the thinks something is ready to break. I read some forum posts to learn that this is a common problem with the 2001-2004 explorer. Ford should fix this problem as it is clearly a mechanical failure that will leave a family stranded on the side of the road.

Filed Jul 20, 2006 · Transmission · 12,000 miles · NY

Consistent rear axle whine from 45-65 miles per hour highway driving, dealer, ramp ford in port jefferson, ny replaced rear end three different occasions, and finally stated that all explorers make the same noise. They could not give me any indication whether or not this is a safety issue. I definitely get the feeling that they wish I would just go away. There are numerous tsb's on this issue and I can not understand why there is not a recall on this obvious defect.