Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Ford EXPLORER problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

1,131 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

73,350 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 916 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 141 of 1,131 complaints (12.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting23821.0%
Braking behavior1089.5%
Steering behavior524.6%
Engine operation433.8%
Electrical and battery issues221.9%
Fuel system concerns60.5%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
141
Structure:Body
135
Power Train
110
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate
90
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments
55
Structure
44
Electrical System
43
Unknown Or Other
43
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Automatic Transmission141
Structure:Body135
Power Train110
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate90
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments55
Structure44
Electrical System43
Unknown Or Other43

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 141; Structure:Body: 135; Power Train: 110; Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate: 90; Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments: 55; Structure: 44; Electrical System: 43; Unknown Or Other: 43

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
142
25,000 to 49,999
140
50,000 to 74,999
188
75,000 to 99,999
170
100,000 to 149,999
192
150,000 and above
84
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,000142
25,000 to 49,999140
50,000 to 74,999188
75,000 to 99,999170
100,000 to 149,999192
150,000 and above84

Under 25,000: 142; 25,000 to 49,999: 140; 50,000 to 74,999: 188; 75,000 to 99,999: 170; 100,000 to 149,999: 192; 150,000 and above: 84

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (192). 215 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002
1
2003
63
2004
107
2005
74
2006
81
2007
99
2008
130
2009
92
2010
103
2011
97
2012
68
2013
54
2014
66
2015
41
2016
20
2017
16
2018
10
2019
4
2021
3
2022
1
2025
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20021
200363
2004107
200574
200681
200799
2008130
200992
2010103
201197
201268
201354
201466
201541
201620
201716
201810
20194
20213
20221
20251

2002: 1; 2003: 63; 2004: 107; 2005: 74; 2006: 81; 2007: 99; 2008: 130; 2009: 92; 2010: 103; 2011: 97; 2012: 68; 2013: 54; 2014: 66; 2015: 41; 2016: 20; 2017: 16; 2018: 10; 2019: 4; 2021: 3; 2022: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 238 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 108 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 52 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10003977 · 2003-01-15 (January 15, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING A LOUD CLINKING NOISE CAN BE HEARD. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *NLM SQUEELING NOISE FROM MOTOR. TRANSMISSION LURCHED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE HAD TO BE FLUSHED. REPLACE STEERING SHAFT FOR CLINKING NOISE. CLOCKSPRING REPLACED.

Owner-reported narrative. 437 miles reported. Look up ODI 10003977 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10023004 · 2003-06-13 (June 13, 2003)

TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LIGHT ON. TRANSMISSION SLIPS DURING SHIFTING. DEALER INITIALLY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO UNTIL FORD ENGINEERING GIVES THEM THE FIX. SECOND VISIT TO DEALERSHIP THEY REBUILT TRANSMISSION TWO DAYS LATER TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AGAIN. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10023004 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10009919 · 2003-03-21 (March 21, 2003)

THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET INTERFERED AND RESTRICTED THE PROPER APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES. *SCC *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10009919 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10029166 · 2003-07-25 (July 25, 2003)

ON MY NEW FORD EXPLORER WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH WHOLE FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY, THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO SHAKES VIOLENTLY, AND THE VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 50 miles reported. Look up ODI 10029166 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10018188 · 2003-05-05 (May 5, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONSUMER LOOKED OUT OF THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED THE TIRE WAS ROLLING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10018188 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10021404 · 2003-06-11 (June 11, 2003)

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10021404 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10036681 · 2003-08-27 (August 27, 2003)

REAR GLASS OPENED WHILE DRIVING. LOUD WHISTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER DASH/ENGINE. NO POWER. STALLS ON TAKE OFF. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10036681 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10009328 · 2003-02-25 (February 25, 2003)

THE IGNITION, SEATS AND OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES DID NOT WORK, DUE TO A FAULTY SENSOR MODULE, DEALER REPLACED THE MODULE TWICE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10009328 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10099053 · 2004-11-22 (November 22, 2004)

THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW AND THERE WAS RUSTING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD, THE POWER DOORS AND THE SEATS WERE NOT WORKING , THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AS WELL. *JB FIVE WINDSHIELDS HAD BEEN REPLACED DUE TO CONSTANT LEAKING INCLUDING THE MOON ROOF AND THE HEADLINER. THE POWER DOORS DID NOT WORK. WHEN IT WOULD RAIN, MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WOULD BE PRESENT. *SC

Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10099053 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10043243 · 2003-10-20 (October 20, 2003)

DAMAGE TO GAS TANK. AFTER LEAVING MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER OVERNIGHT WITH A LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO DUPLICATE A STALLING PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND FOR HAVE A DAMAGED GAS TANK. IT WASN'T FULLY IDENTIFIED UNTIL A CROSS-COUNTRY TRIP FROM DALLAS, TEXAS TO MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN. THE GAS TANK WAS REPLACED IN MILWAUKEE. *LA

Owner-reported narrative. 12,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10043243 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10083297 · 2004-08-19 (August 19, 2004)

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. *LA THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT HAD COME ON ALONG WITH THE RPM'S GOING UP. THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE VALVE BOOT AND THE SOLENOID WAS REPLACED. SOON AFTER, THE VEHICLE DIED AGAIN TWICE AFTER TWO REPAIR ATTEMPTS. *SC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 21,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10083297 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

1,131 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

81.0%Usable mileage916 / 1,131 records
99.1%Valid incident date1,121 / 1,131 records
100.0%Valid filing date1,131 / 1,131 records
99.0%Ordered incident and filing dates1,120 / 1,131 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027
Steering
80936.2%
ODI 10482910 · 300 mi

POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE BACKING UP AND DRIVING. TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND ON CAUSES POWER STEERING TO WORK. VERY HARD TO STEER, NOT SAFE TO DRIVE... DEALER IS PUTTING A HOLE NEW POWER STEERING UNIT IN... *TR

Look up ODI 10482910 at NHTSA ↗

48528.9%
ODI 10573219 · 5,677 mi

TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT ILLEGALLY CAME INTO THE LANE I WAS ENTERING (THEY WERE DRIVING ON THE SHOULDER), I HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION, WHICH CAUSED ME TO TURN MY VEHICLE INTO A CURB. AT THE TIME, I WAS TRAVELING 15 TO MAYBE 20 MPH. AFTER HITTING THE CURB, MY VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AND UPON INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN IN HALF. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY SUBSEQUENTLY SERVICED THE VEHICLE, WHICH I PICKED UP ON MARCH 15, 2014. HOWEVER, WITHIN 100 MILES OF DRI…

Look up ODI 10573219 at NHTSA ↗

33618.8%
ODI 10680739 · 25 mi

FORD MOTOR CO. AND WORTHINGTON FORD OF LONG BEACH, CA ARE SELLING VEHICLES WITH DAMAGED/DEFECTIVE STEERING AND REFUSING TO FIX THE DEFECT(S). 1/25/2015 PURCHASED FORD EXPLORER (8 MILES ON VEHICLE); DAY AFTER PURCHASE, 1/26/2015, NOTICED PROBLEM WITH STEERING, PARKED VEHICLE, WOULD NOT DRIVE OR LET WIFE DRIVE. RETURNED VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO DEALER VIA ARMSTRONG TOWING (FLATBED) FOR REPAIRS/EVALUATION. WORTHINGTON FORD OF LONG BEACH: [XXX] ALL ACCUSED ME OF CAUSING THE DAMAGE; SAID IT ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY SERVICE AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME $600.00…

Look up ODI 10680739 at NHTSA ↗

50320.5%
ODI 10838706 · 12,200 mi

WHILE MAKING A TURN ON A LOCAL STREET POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WAITED A MINUTE AND RESTARTED NO FURTHER ISSUES. I HAVE OWNED MANY EXPLORERS INCLUDING 11-13 AND NOW 16. THE 16 HAS 12K MILES ON IT.

Look up ODI 10838706 at NHTSA ↗

754.4%
ODI 10913513

2017 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ALERT GAUGE MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAYS FAILURE OF COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM, TRACKING CONTROL SYSTEM AND STEERING SYSTEM. ATTEMPTS TO REPLACE/REPAIR SENSOR AND STEERING COLUMN FAILS. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER A SENSOR WAS REPLACED. TWO DAYS LATER, THE DEALER CALLED THE CONSUMER AND INFORMED HIM THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10913513 at NHTSA ↗

182.5%
ODI 11118467 · 8,400 mi

MY EXPLORE HAS FAILED TO START ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT SENT A TOW TO GET THE CAR, AND THE DRIVER GOT IT TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THEN HE SHUT IF OFF AND IT FAILED TO START AGAIN. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE COULDN'T GET THE ISSUE TO OCCUR SO THERE WASN'T ANYTHING FOR HIM TO DO EVEN THOUGH HE HAD A FAULT CODE. MY EXPLORE ONLY HAS LEST THAN 9000 MILES AND IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT YET THEY ARE TELLING ME THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY CAN DONE AFTER KEEPING MY CAR FOR 3 WEEKS. THERE SHOULD BE THINGS THAT SH…

Look up ODI 11118467 at NHTSA ↗

93.0%
ODI 11208940 · 1,800 mi

ON MARCH 2ND 2019 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WITH 1,800 MILES WAS TOWED TO THOMASSEN FORD IN CHARLES TOWN WV LEAVING OWNER STRANDED. COMPLAINED OF STRONG FUEL/GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. FUEL/GASOLINE WAS LEAKING BADLY OUT OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE. ON MARCH 4TH NOTIFICATION WAS PROVIDED FROM SERVICE WRITER THAT NONE OF THE FUEL LINES OR CLAMPS WERE ATTACHED PROPERLY FROM THE FACTORY. VEHICLE SAT AT THOMASSEN FORD UNTIL MARCH 27TH WHEN REPAIRS WERE COMPLETE. APRIL 9TH 2019 SOME FORM OF FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE PARKED VEHICLE FOR 8…

Look up ODI 11208940 at NHTSA ↗

242.0%
ODI 11315531 · 900 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAYTHE 'STEERING FAULT SERVICE NOW LIGHT' CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE TRAVELING 75 MPH MILES ON ODOMETER 900. AFTER STOPPING THE CAR AND RESTARTING IT THE 'STEERING LOSS STOP SAFELY' MESSAGE POPPED UP ON THE DASHBOARD I HAD TO DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH NO POWER STEERING OR ANY TRANSMISSION OPTIONS LIKE SPORT, ECONOMY, REGULAR, DEEP SNOW, NO ASSIST FOR UPHILL OR DOWNHILL PARKING

Look up ODI 11315531 at NHTSA ↗

51.2%
ODI 11404027 · 20 mi

THE WHEEL WELLS OF THE VEHICLE COLLECT LARGE AMOUNTS OF SNOW AND ICE. THIS BUILD UP CONSTRICTS THE WHEELS OF THE VEHICLE CONTACTING THE TIRES RESTRICTING ROTATION AND STEERING. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION. WE HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE DEALERSHIP. NO REMEDY TO THIS SITUATION HAS BEEN OFFERED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ANY ASSISTANCE IS APPRECIATED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM FORD IS UNWILLING TO DEAL WITH. THIS CONDITION OCCURS IN COLD WEATHER AND SNOWY ICY CONDITIONS. THE BUILD UP HA…

Look up ODI 11404027 at NHTSA ↗

93.4%
ODI 11504904 · 207,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel started moving independently from side to side, without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 207,000.

Look up ODI 11504904 at NHTSA ↗

1210.9%
ODI 11517340

I rented a 2023 Ford Explorer. I had many issues with the added safety features while renting it, ultimately resulting in an accident. Firstly, the lane keeping assist did not function properly. In construction zones, back roads, and during rainy weather, the vehicle would jerk very hard to one side of the other. Even after trying to shut off the lane keeping assist feature, it it would automatically turn back on. Luckily, most of those incidents would happen in low traffic areas. Until the final time it happened, resulting in a head on collisi…

Look up ODI 11517340 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 11633176 · 3,600 mi

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH in cold weather, the vehicle started making an abnormal clunking and rattling sound near the wheels. The contact was unable to determine the source of the noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V091000 (SUSPENSION, STEERING). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front struts were worn and needed to be replaced. The dealer recomm…

Look up ODI 11633176 at NHTSA ↗

98.9%
ODI 11683816

On October 24, 2024, my 2025 Ford Explorer ST experienced a sudden steering column lock and complete loss of braking while I was driving, leading to a crash and injuries. The vehicle had approximately 800 miles and was a warranty replacement provided weeks earlier. Prior to delivery, the dealer referenced a Quality Assurance hold of about two months on this vehicle, which was not disclosed to me in any detail. The simultaneous loss of steering and brakes suggests a potential common cause safety defect that may affect other 2025 Explorer ST v…

Look up ODI 11683816 at NHTSA ↗

12.6%
ODI 11740470

Purchased new 26 Ford Explorer on [XXX] from Franklin Ford in TN. During test drive noted the BlueCruise hands free was canceling but was advised by dealer that it might need to download an update or sync my profile. Next day I confirmed the BlueCruise and adaptive cruise was not working. The hands free BlueCruise and adaptive system will cancel randomly with no warning even while in turn. This almost caused me to slam into the vehicle next to me several times but was able to catch the wheel just in time. This is an extreme danger and hazard. T…

Look up ODI 11740470 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
34415.4%
ODI 10497684 · 1,023 mi

I JUST BOUGHT A 2013 FORD EXPLORER LAST WEEK AND I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH BURNT OIL SMELL GETTING INSIDE THE CABIN EVEN WITH A/C IN RECIRCULATION MODE. IT IS SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT TO PAY OVER 40K FOR A BRAND NEW SUV AND BEEN DEALING WITH SUCH AN ISSUE. I HAVE A NEWBORN AND I AM AFRAID TO TAKE IT WITH ME IN THE EXPLORER BECAUSE I GUESS IT IS HARMFUL FOR ANYBODY. FIRST TIME I BOUGHT A FORD AND I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT MY DECISION TO SWITCH BRANDS. I TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND NEED TO GO BACK ON MONDAY TO DO A SYSTEM UPDATE BUT I DON'T THINK UPDATING…

Look up ODI 10497684 at NHTSA ↗

33620.0%
ODI 10608596 · 100 mi

WHEN DRIVING MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER AT ANY SPEED AND ON ANY TERRAIN, THE EXHAUST FUMES ENTER INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR IS EXTREME, CAUSES HEADACHES, NAUSEA, AND TENDS TO BURN MY EYES AS WELL AS MY GRANDDAUGHTER, WHO IS WITH ME MOST OF THE TIME. BECAUSE THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ENOUGH PEOPLE COMPLAIN OF THIS PROBLEM, AND BECAUSE FORD HAS NOT RECOGNIZED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, MY DEALER WAS NOT GOING TO ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. FINALLY THEY HAVE AGREED TO SPRAY THE UNDER PART OF THE EXHAUST WITH A RUBBERIZED SEALANT THAT WAS USED …

Look up ODI 10608596 at NHTSA ↗

40222.4%
ODI 10716742 · 4,000 mi

RETURNING HOME FROM CHURCH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR. IT WAS VEERING TO THE LEFT AND I COULD NOT STRAIGHTEN IT UP. THERE WAS A THUD AND DIRT AND DUST AND THE CAR STOPPED. GOT OUT AND THE FRONT LEFT SUSPENSION WAS ON THE GROUND. NO TICKET, NO NOTHING BECAUSE I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. FORD HAS MADE A DECISION THAT IS WAS NOT A CAR FAILURE. WE ASK FOR THE FINDINGS OF THERE INSPECTIONS AND WAS TOLD THY DID NOT RELEASE THOSE TO THE CUSTOMER. WE REALLY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEIR REPORT AS I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AND WANT TO KNOW WHY TH…

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43017.5%
ODI 10817212 · 4,567 mi

PURCHASED 2016 FORD EXPLORER NEW. HAS 4567 MILES ON IT. STARTING NOTICING A POPPING SOUND UNDER FOOT FLOOR BOARD DRIVER SIDE WHENEVER I FIRST START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE FORWARD TO ABOUT 7 MILES PER HOUR ABOUT TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE. NOISE DOES NOT HAPPEN ANYTIME AFTER THE FIRST POP WHILE DRIVING, ONLY WHEN YOU FIRST START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE FORWARD AT ABOUT 7 MPH. TOOK TO FORD DEALER TO HAVE THE NOISE CHECKED OUT THEY ADJUSTED THE FRONT BRIDGE LINK BOLT AS PER TSB 15-0186 AND SAID THE NOISE WAS GONE. I WENT TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE AND AS S…

Look up ODI 10817212 at NHTSA ↗

36921.8%
ODI 10906040 · 200 mi

I HAVE A 2017 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS A EXHAUST LEAK THAT I SMELL WHEN I ENTER THE HIGHWAY. I ALSO SMELL THIS ODOR WHEN I TOW MY WAVE RUNNER. THE ODOR IS SO STRONG THAT MY SON VOMITED WHILE IN THE VEHICLE. I TOOK MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT CAN NOT FIX IT. THIS IS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT I CANNOT DRIVE AND FORD DOES NOT CARE. WHAT CAN I DO? I GOOGLED THIS ISSUE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE IS HAVING THIS ISSUE AND I FOUND THAT THERE IS A LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD FOR THIS SAME ISSUE WITH 2011…

Look up ODI 10906040 at NHTSA ↗

16722.8%
ODI 11072324 · 5 mi

THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY WREAKS OF GAS FUMES (NOT CARBON MONOXIDE) ON THE INSIDE OF THE CARE. THIS PRIMARILY HAPPENS BETWEEN 1/4 TO TO A FULL GAS TANK. THE SMELL ALWAYS OCCURS AFTER A GAS FILL UP. THE GAS TANK IS NEVER OVERFILLED. IT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN TAKING A SHARP TURN AFTER A STOP SIGN/LIGHT, AND WHEN BRAKING SWIFTLY. LIVING IN A NORTHERN CLIMATE, THE GAS SMELL GETS TO BE SO BAD, THAT WINDOWS NEED TO PERIODICALLY BE OPENED IN ORDER TO VENT THE VEHICLE OF GAS SMELL. THIS DOES NOT GO OVER WELL WHEN IT IS ZERO OUTSIDE. WITH OVER 3500 MI…

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4715.8%
ODI 11233031 · 3,000 mi

THE 2019 FORD EXPLORER IS DELIVERED NEW WITH ONE INADEQUATE HORN. ALL OTHER MODEL YEARS HAVE TWO HORNS AND ARE WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM A HORN. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, THE HORN IS SO LOW I COULD NOT SCARE A SQUIRREL. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SAID THEY CANNOT UPGRADE. THE FORD DEALER SAID THEY CANNOT UPGRADE WITHOUT EFFECTING THE WARRANTY.

Look up ODI 11233031 at NHTSA ↗

20717.0%
ODI 11282678 · 75 mi

HAVE EXTREMELY STRONG EXHAUST FUMES COMING IN THE FRESH AIR INTAKE-MAKING ME AND MY PASSENGERS EXTREMELY SICK-NAUSEUS, REALLY BAD HEADACHES, EXTREMELY SLEEPY, ACID REFLUX AND EVEN HAVE PEOPLE ASK HALF HOUR AFTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE IF WE'VE BEEN STANDING NEXT TO AN EXHAUST PIPE!!!! ONE OF THESE TIMES, IM NOT GOING TO REALISE JUST HOW TIRED ITS MAKING ME-THAT I CRASH AND KILL MYSELF OR WORSE KILL SOMEONE ELSE OR FAMILY!! SERIOUS ISSUE ANS FORD CLAIMS......NOTHING WRONG!! [XXX]!! THIS IS A DEADLY FLAW THAT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH RIGHT NOW!!! WAY …

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8419.6%
ODI 11429352

Constant shuddering between 30-45mph. Local dealer fobs it off as typical, I've driven other 2020 and 2021 Explorers, none have exhibited similar symptoms. Dealer refuses to repair, Ford corporate will not investigate. Has already had one rear axle replaced under warranty, not waiting another 3 weeks for parts when this one breaks again.

Look up ODI 11429352 at NHTSA ↗

5520.6%
ODI 11470468

Purchased car 5/31/22 from Apple Ford, 8800 Stanford Blvd, Columbia MD 21045. Started hearing sounds of rodent infestation 2 days later. Sporadic scurrying sounds that seemed to be coming from metal frame area above headliner in the car. Have recorded the sounds and attempted to share this verification of infestation with dealership, to no avail. As disabled vet w/anxiety/ptsd, scurrying sounds are unnerving, rodents are known to cause wiring damage which affects vehicle safety, sudden emergence of rodents when operating vehicle is addition…

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2522.7%
ODI 11532171

I purchased a new 2023 Ford Explorer and during the finance process I found out it had a rear back up camera recall . I wasn’t able to take possession of my vehicle . It’s been sitting on the car dealership lot where I bought it . I bought it May 26th and the repair still hasn’t been resolved !! I want my vehicle !! I’m making a substantial payment on a vehicle I can’t have !!!! Please resolve this ASAP !!!!

Look up ODI 11532171 at NHTSA ↗

419.0%
ODI 11595059

This vehicle has a 360 camera system that was not included, despite is being included in the component package that is standard for this vehicle. I contacted the dealer directly, informed them that there are cameras installed on the vehicle, but only the rear camera is operational. Further investigation into the matter revealed that Ford apparently "recalled" the camera systems on the Explorer for the 2023 models, but has not distributed any information to its dealers. Now I have a forward facing camera that is not operational, but the vehic…

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1716.8%
ODI 11631832

Hands free connection from cell phone to vehicle speakers and mic won't work properly. I consider this a safety issue as it requires me to pickup phone and turn off Bluetooth and work phone manually, looking at it, rather than hands-free. Dealer says corporate has no resolution. Ford consumer line said they're aware but no idea when or if a resolution will be available.

Look up ODI 11631832 at NHTSA ↗

1026.3%
ODI 11730076

I was driving home from work on the interstate. It was not overly crowded and not many vehicles around me. I was going the speed limit. All the sudden I heard a loud pop and a very loud sound. I wasn’t sure exactly what happened. I thought maybe I blew a tire so I pulled over to the side of the road. I then figured out that my sunroof had shattered/exploded in my brand new 2026 ford explorer. I just purchased it new on 1/30/26 and it has approx 3k mileage. Luckily I had the shade on my sunroof closed otherwise glass would have been everywhe…

Look up ODI 11730076 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
1185.3%
ODI 10493132 · 224 mi

THE SHIFTER CLICKS AS SOON AS I PUT THE GEAR IN PARK. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL. I HAVE QUITE A FEW BAD EXPERIENCES WITH MY PREVIOUS CARS THAT I KNOW WHEN SOMETHING IS NOT NORMAL. TAKING THE CAR AGAIN TOMORROW SINCE IT KEEPS ON HAPPENING. IT'S ONLY BEEN 4 DAYS SO THE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS. *TR

Look up ODI 10493132 at NHTSA ↗

744.4%
ODI 10533188 · 1,100 mi

I BOUGHT MY FORD EXPLORER 2014 ON JULY 1ST 2013. ON AUGUST 1ST, 2013, MY CAR DID NOT MOVE FORWARD WHILE I STARTED THE CAR AND PUT IT TO 'D' (DRIVE) IN A PARKING LOT. INSTEAD, THE CAR WENT BACKWARDS WHILE I STEPPED ON GAS. I WAS VERY CONFUSED, AND THOUGHT IT WAS MY ILLUSION. SO I STEPPED ON BRAKE AND CHECKED THE DRIVE PANEL, THE LIGHT FOR 'D' IS ON. THEN I SWITCH TO 'P' AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS PUT TO 'D' AGAIN. HOWEVER, MY CAR STILL WENT BACKWARD AND MY REAR BUMP HIT THE FRONT BUMPER OF ANOTHER CAR WHICH PARK BEHIND MINE. THEN I GOT CONFIRM…

Look up ODI 10533188 at NHTSA ↗

844.7%
ODI 10725238 · 2,100 mi

DURING AND AFTER ACCELERATION AT ANY SPEED THERE IS A VERY STRONG SULPHUR SMELL IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS TO ENTER FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND IT MUST BE EXHAUSTED BY OPENING THE WINDOWS EVERY SINGLE TIME. THE FUMES CONTAIN CO2 AND ARE VERY DANGEROUS TO ALL WITHIN THE VEHICLE. ALL PASSENGERS COMPLAIN OF A LIGHT HEADACHE AND NAUSEA.

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2008.2%
ODI 10864072 · 7,794 mi

VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION SUDDENLY: FIRST TIME HAPPENED WHEN I STOPPED AT THE INTERSECTION WAITING THE TRAFFIC TO CLEAR AND WHEN I WANT THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE IT DID NOT SO I PULLED OVER AND TURNED ENGINE OFF AND RESTART IT FIVE MINUETS LATER AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE AND I MANAGE TO REACH MY DESTINATION, NEXT DAY I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER BECAUSE THE SERVICE POWERTRAIN FAULT ILLUMINATES. FORD DEALER SAID THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE THROTTLE BODY MALFUNCTION AND NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE PART IS ON A BACK ORDER AND IS NOT AVAILABLE FO…

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1146.7%
ODI 11011958 · 20 mi

UPON PARKING OUR BRAND NEW EXPLORER IN OUR DRIVEWAY (IT HAS A 10 DEGREE SLANT), WE TURNED OFF THE KEYLESS/PUSH BUTTON IGNITION, BUT MY HUSBAND ACCIDENTALLY HAD IT IN DRIVE. OUR SMALL CHILDREN WERE UNCLIPPING THEIR SEATBELTS AND STARTING TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN MY HUSBAND TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IGNITION OFF, IT ROLLED BACK VERY QUICKLY DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY TO OUR SMALL CHILDREN HAD THEY OPENED THEIR DOORS. I CALLED FORD.COM WHO TOLD ME TO CALL THE DEALER. I CALLED DEALER. THEY TOO…

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486.6%
ODI 11127949

MY 2016 EXPLORER HAS 74,000 MILES AND THE RPM NEEDLE IS STICKING. HAD IT EVALUATED AND FOUND TRANSMISSION NEUTRAL OUT ON A 2/3 SHIFT AND A 4/5 SHIFT. FLUID LEVEL IS CORRECT, THIS IS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CLEARANCE IN THE DIRECT CLUTCH. THE FORD DEALERSHIP RECOMMEND OVERHAUL OR REPLACEMENT. REPLACEMENT IS ON BACK ORDER AND WOULD TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS TO GET. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND GOT A CASE #CAS15675568. HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE DEALER SHIP AND THEY ARE DISCUSSING AND IT HAS NOW BEEN 48 HRS. WHAT IS DIFFICULT ABOUT MAKING A DECISI…

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3110.4%
ODI 11487140

Transmission torque converter and transmission clutches malfunctioning. Yes it's available for inspection if needed. Safety is an issue because car shudders when driving. Yes, problem has been observed by a dealer. And has been inspected with an estimated cost of $5,100+ No warning lights come on to know to assess the issue.

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47639.0%
ODI 11288974 · 1,896 mi

I PURCHASED A 2020 FORD EXPLORER AT SAMES FORD IN LAREDO, TX. THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVED 11 SEPT 2019. THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN ON 18 SEPT 2019 IN INDIANA (MILEAGE 1896) WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUTO PARK FORD IN STERGIS, MICHIGAN. THE PROBLEM WAS THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER, WHICH I NOW KNOW IS ENDEMIC TO THIS MODEL. I WAS TOLD THE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER HAD ALSO CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE TRANSMISSION & OIL COOLER WERE REPLACED AND I HAD TO DRIVE FROM NEW YORK TO MICHIGAN AT MY OWN EXPENSE…

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11727.3%
ODI 11414737 · 111 mi

I PURCHASED A FORD EXPLORER ST 2021 IN NEW YORK FROM CITY WORLD FORD ON BOSTON RD IN THE BRONX ON APRIL 22, 2021 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:37PM. I TOOK MY CAR HOME THE SAME SAME DAY. THE FOLLOWING DAY (SECOND DAY) I STARTED EXPERIENCING A PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE AND POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION/REDUCED POWER LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD AT 12:49 PM. THE CAR BEGAN TO JERK AND FELT LIKE IT WAS ON AWD MODE. THE GAS PEDAL WAS HEAVY AND DIFFICULT TO DRIVE WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY CHILDREN. I STARTED TO SMELL FIRE COMING FROM THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. O…

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5821.7%
ODI 11461576

Ford released a bulletin - 22S27- to all dealers to immediately stop demo/delivery for all new Explorers in stock as of 4/19/22. At issue is a possibility of a fractured bolt that causes the differential to separate and cause "severe vibration" rendering the vehicle disabled. No fix was mentioned other than a software update possibly by the end of June 22 (2d qtr). This is serious if dealers are told to stop delivery! I just got mine in the beginning of April. Ford needs to step up and address this to ALL owners and not just dealers. It appears…

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1210.9%
ODI 11513768

The transmission was very difficult time trying to figure out how to start shifting gears, and when it did I felt very hard shifting. The engine revved up, struggled to rev up when accelerating, held gears, chugged, slipped, it felt extremely lazy, and hard shift. The RPMs were fluctuating like crazy. You slam on the accelerator the RPMs start going up then it starts fluctuating crazy.

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14.8%
ODI 11619992

Hello, I bought 2024 ford explore in Aug 2024 with a few hundred miles on it!! Now two months down the road with 5500miles on it, it is jerking real hard when driving or passing vehicles and slowing down!! The drive mode is in normal at all times. I took it back to where I bought it in Booneville does place and they sent me to ford place in Paris ark where they are ordering a part to see if it fix it or if I need a new transmission. Is this a lemon or what

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1514.9%
ODI 11629443

We have experience a wrench light on the dash in regards to a powertrain malfunction. I have done some research, it seams that there are a lot of other ford explorer owners that are experiencing this. I have found that there is also a possible TSB for this. Just wondering if this TSB could be recall eligible.

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37.9%
ODI 11737580

At approximately 1,700 miles, my brand-new 2026 Ford Explorer ST (3.0L EcoBoost) suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving, causing an immediate and dangerous loss of motive power. Prior to the failure, the engine experienced severe misfires. Following manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) guidance regarding EcoBoost engine misfires, a step-colder spark plug heat range (NGK LTR7IX-11) was utilized to remedy pre-ignition. Ford Motor Company has denied warranty coverage for this catastrophic powertrain failure, falsely …

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0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Structure
2009.0%
ODI 10535838 · 1,800 mi

WATER COMING IN THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE THIRD ROW PASSENGER SEATBELT..IT THEN DRIPS ON THE SEAT ..HAD IT AT THE DEALER THREE TIMES ALREADY..THEY DO NOT HAVE A CLUE HOW TO FIX IT. *TR

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17910.7%
ODI 10891437

2014 FORD EXPLORER. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUST ALONG FRONT EDGE OF VEHICLE HOOD. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPLACE HOOD OR INCLUDE REQUESTS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY PROTECTION. *SMD IT WAS FINALLY DETERMINED, IT WAS NOT RUST AS THE CONSUMER BELIEVED. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY REPAIRED AND REPAINTED THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REPLACEMENT HOOD, BUT THE FORD REPRESENTATIVE STATED IT WOULD NOT HELP AS THE NEW HOOD WOULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IN OTHER WORDS, THE SAME REPAIR WOULD LIKELY OC…

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26014.5%
ODI 10809612 · 1,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-65 MPH. THE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 20 HOLES THAT NEEDED TO BE RESEALED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VENTILATION CABIN NEEDED TO BE RESEALED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MA…

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37415.2%
ODI 11425190

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

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37522.2%
ODI 11149985 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR FRACTURED AND FELL OFF INTO TRAFFIC. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE 'LIFTGATE AJAR' MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STOPPED AT A NEARBY FUEL STATION AND ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE BY APPLYING MASKING TAPE TO RE-ATTACH THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD TO THE DOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL WIRES WERE EXPOSED IN THE PROCESS. SUPREME FORD OF SLIDELL (400 EAST HOWZE BEACH ROAD, SLIDELL, LOUISIANA 70461, [phone removed]) W…

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17724.2%
ODI 11429419 · 35,872 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the passenger’s side window frame detached without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 35,872

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10434.9%
ODI 11421113

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. Vin tool showed no open recall.

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30.2%
ODI 11608742 · 66,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the interior panoramic sunshade cover detached from the interior roof headliner and fell inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the sunshade cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 66,000.

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40.9%
ODI 11604001 · 52,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact observed that the driver’s side A-pillar trim had detached. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and trim taped down. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not prepared. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failur…

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10.4%
ODI 11749368 · 50,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the sunroof sunshade detached from the inner roof and sagged downward, creating a visibility hazard. The contact stated that the rearview mirror view was obstructed due to the failure. The contact stated that the failure was caused by faulty clips securing the sunshade. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and a local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

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21.8%
ODI 11594860 · 4,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the wheel well inner liner fell onto the tire. The wheel well liner was rubbing on the tire. The tires were rubbing with ice, mud, and snow in the wheel well. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the bracket and bolts for the wheel well liner were missing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no repair coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The f…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.0%
ODI 11677512 · 15,000 mi

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal windy sound coming from the driver's side-view mirror. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers, where it was determined that the turbulence was caused by the mirror. The contact was informed that the molding was different from the passenger's side-view mirror molding. The dealer determined that driver's side-view mirror needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance wa…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
22510.1%
ODI 10472937 · 350 mi

WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON (DOES NOT MATTER IF IT'S ON FRESH AIR INTAKE OR RECIRCULATING), THERE IS A DEFINITE ODOR OF GASOLINE EXHAUST IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM CAN BE DUPLICATED AT ANY SPEED, FROM A DEAD STOP OR ACCELERATING DURING A PASSING MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND TWO TECHNICAL BULLETINS WERE ADDRESSED (ONE FOR A VIBRATION SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHICH WAS REPAIRED AND THE OTHER FOR THE EXHAUST ODOR IN THE CABIN). UPON COMPLETION OF THE FACTORY…

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19611.7%
ODI 10533188 · 1,100 mi

I BOUGHT MY FORD EXPLORER 2014 ON JULY 1ST 2013. ON AUGUST 1ST, 2013, MY CAR DID NOT MOVE FORWARD WHILE I STARTED THE CAR AND PUT IT TO 'D' (DRIVE) IN A PARKING LOT. INSTEAD, THE CAR WENT BACKWARDS WHILE I STEPPED ON GAS. I WAS VERY CONFUSED, AND THOUGHT IT WAS MY ILLUSION. SO I STEPPED ON BRAKE AND CHECKED THE DRIVE PANEL, THE LIGHT FOR 'D' IS ON. THEN I SWITCH TO 'P' AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS PUT TO 'D' AGAIN. HOWEVER, MY CAR STILL WENT BACKWARD AND MY REAR BUMP HIT THE FRONT BUMPER OF ANOTHER CAR WHICH PARK BEHIND MINE. THEN I GOT CONFIRM…

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22612.6%
ODI 10671421 · 30 mi

PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2015 FORD EXPLORER. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BEGAN SMELLING EXHAUST FUMES. CONCERNED THAT THIS WASN'T "NEW CAR BREAK-IN", I PURCHASED A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR WITH MEMORY. OVER A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF DRIVING THE DETECTOR REGISTERED 97 PPM AT PEAK. AFTER CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM. *TR

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38115.5%
ODI 10838549 · 4,000 mi

RADIATOR COOLING FAN SQUEALS LOUDLY WHEN CAR IS IDLE OR DRIVING SLOWLY. CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN IN THE SHOP TO REPLACE THE FAN ONCE. NEW FAN BEGAN SQUEALING AGAIN WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING AFTER REPAIR. CAR ONLY HAS 4000 MILES ON IT. HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS OF FAULTY COOLING FAN BEARINGS. AFRAID FAN WILL STOP WORKING AND CAUSE FIRE OR OVERHEATING.

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23714.0%
ODI 10916675 · 604 mi

AFTER A STOP, THE CAR WAS AT STATIONARY, WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE CAR BY PUSHING THE START BUTTON, GAVE ME ERROR ON THE DASHBOARD "FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE". TRIED TO TURN IT OFF, AFTER MULTIPLE TIMES OF TRYING, WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR, IT HAS 606 MI ON IT.

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9513.0%
ODI 11088714 · 10 mi

WHEN ACCELERATING, THE SMELL OF EXHAUST FILLS THE CAR. WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS ALL YOU CAN SMELL IS EXHAUST. IT'S BEEN THIS WAY FROM DAY ONE. FORD TRIED TO FIX IT UNDER RECALL BUT IT DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. YOU CAN STILL SMELL IT JUST THE SAME. NO DIFFERENCE AFTER THEIR ATTEMPT TO FIX IT.

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196.4%
ODI 11193405 · 4,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES AND FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE FORD (4000 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34997, [phone removed]) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST WAS NOT YET COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.

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1159.4%
ODI 11298598 · 2,100 mi

MY BRAND NEW 2020 FORD EXPLORER PLATINUM TOP OF LINE MODEL (VIN [XXX]) BROKE DOWN ON CHRISTMAS EVE 2019 AFTER A COMPLETE ENGINE SEIZURE WITH LESS THAN 2000 MILES AND LEFT US STRANDED WITH MY FAMILY FOR HOURS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND CONTROL AND HAD THIS HAPPENED ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY DOING 80 MILES PER HOUR THE RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC AND POTENTIALLY FATAL. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP SINCE AND I AM BEING TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE BUT FORD CANNOT PROVIDE A DATE WHEN THE ENGINE WILL BE AVAILA…

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4811.2%
ODI 11447286

A police officer complained of a strong odor of exhaust coming through the hvac vents. Officer complained of a light dizziness feeling. Suv was grounded from service. Complaint was verified. Upon opening of the hood a odor of exhaust gas was smelled on the right side of the motor. No visible leaks could be heard or seen. Suv was driven to our local Ford dealer for repair.

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3011.2%
ODI 11471465

On four occasions over the past 30 days the vehicle has simply lost power while driving. No acceleration and the vehicle coasts to a stop and will not restart. On a few occasions it restarted after some time. Just shutdown while driving down the road. The third time it happened we took to the dealer and they claimed to fix a fuel pump module. It happened again a few days later. Took it back to the dealer and they claimed it was just low on gas even though it’s happened four times and there was gas in the tank. Took it home from the de…

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109.1%
ODI 11513768

The transmission was very difficult time trying to figure out how to start shifting gears, and when it did I felt very hard shifting. The engine revved up, struggled to rev up when accelerating, held gears, chugged, slipped, it felt extremely lazy, and hard shift. The RPMs were fluctuating like crazy. You slam on the accelerator the RPMs start going up then it starts fluctuating crazy.

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14.8%
ODI 11711981

• Driver seat not setting its memory for the driver , and will move on its own and go all the way to dash while setting in it or all the way back . Has happened multiple times and also twice while driving. • Safety at risk could have made me wreck my vehicle if I hadn’t pulled over and the seat stopped what it was doing front and back. • yes , been checked by dealership (4) times in service department. •yes, every code on the dash has appeared and lasted a total 20 minutes and car went into limp mode. Couldn’t turn car on or off. First happ…

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76.9%
ODI 11645436

While driving on an interstate with my children, my automatic braking system decided their was something in front of my car when there wasn't and slammed on the brakes. There was a semi truck behind us and it almost hit us. Took it to the dealer and all they did was shut the feature off for automatic braking. The interior screens have been reprogrammed twice to fix glitches. the rear hatch has been reprogrammed. The windows continue to randomly roll up and down on their own. My engine decided to not start for an hr before randomly turning on fo…

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615.8%
ODI 11733462

While driving my new Ford explorer, with 638 miles on it, on the highway I heard a loud pop, and lost power steering. I was barely able to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder to get off the highway. If I would have been on an interstate or a busier highway it could have been very dangerous. I believe that this has put me in danger having to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the highway and sit there while waiting for a tow truck. The Vehicle was towed to the dealership where we bought it. the service manager told us that the engine had blow…

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0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
10.0%
ODI 11620249 · 102,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while shifting into the park position, the "change to parking mode" warning message was displayed. The vehicle failed to detect that the vehicle was in the park gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised to call the manufacturer. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

30.1%
ODI 11460064 · 103,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and shudder when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that to control the shudder she slowed the vehicle to the point that the motion stopped and then slowly accelerated back to highway speeds. The contact stated that the shuddering occurred any time the contact attempted to accelerate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was dia…

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30.2%
ODI 11449707 · 61,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while idle with the vehicle in drive or reverse, the vehicle would shudder. The contact stated that there was a lack of full motive power upon acceleration; occasionally, while moving from a stop, the vehicle would shudder while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic informed him that the failure might be due to the torque converter overheating, causing damage to the torque converter. Additionally, there was possible internal d…

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20.3%
ODI 11654141

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

100.8%
ODI 11452145

2020 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE VIBRATIONS AT CERTAIN SPEEDS AND AS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER BREACHED IT'S CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION BY FAILING TO PROPERLY AND TIMELY REPAIR THE VEHICLE.

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20.5%
ODI 11457587

Approximately 1.5 months ago, my ford explorer started having issues with shifting frm drive to reverse or reverse to drive, stopped to reverse and stop to drive. I had my oil changed and there were 2 updates to the transmission that were done. The problem persists. When going through a car wash in which you put the car in neutral and ride through as it washes, I placed the car in neutral and almost hit the vehicle in front of me due to it taking 3-4 seconds to shift from drive to neutral.

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10.4%
ODI 11575750 · 10,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the reverse mode did not function as needed. The contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted to reverse mode, the vehicle rolled either forward or backwards and then hesitated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Tires:Tread/Belt
10.0%
ODI 11279916

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES, SIZE: 255/50R20. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS WASHING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE SHREDDING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TIRES WOULD WORSEN OVER TIME BEFORE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

20.1%
ODI 11014656 · 16,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES, SIZE: 255/50/R20 (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF CHUNKS OF TIRE MISSING FROM THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT GIVEN A CAUSE FOR THE TIRE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.

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50.3%
ODI 11104082 · 24,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES, SIZE: 255/50R20. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES EXPERIENCED PEELING AND TREAD CHIPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (AUTONATION FORD, 1400 INTERSTATE 20, ARLINGTON TX), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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30.4%
ODI 11367079 · 24,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES, TIRE LINE: VENTUS S1 NOBLE, TIRE SIZE: 255/50/R20, DOT NUMBER: 5MNC1AH3917. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO CUPPING OF THE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER HUNTLEY FORD LOCATED AT 13900 AUTO MALL DR, HUNTLY, IL 60142 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERE…

Look up ODI 11367079 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Body
22410.0%
ODI 10473133 · 250 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER LOWER DOOR SEALS WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SLIP RESISTANT SAFETY TREAD. THE PASSENGER SLIPPED AND FELL WHEN ENTERING THE DOOR AS HER FOOT WAS PLACED ON THE DOOR SEAL. THE PASSENGER SLIGHTLY BUMPED HER HEAD AND SUSTAINED AN ABRASION TO THE LEG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE DOOR SEAL WAS A MANUFACTURERS DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250.

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925.5%
ODI 10563009 · 10 mi

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR CUP HOLDER BUT FOUR OF HIS FINGERS BECAME STUCK INSIDE OF THE PLASTIC HOLDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO PRY THE HOLDER OPEN IN ORDER TO RELEASE HIS FINGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10563009 at NHTSA ↗

1327.4%
ODI 10706528 · 900 mi

I AM GOING INTO THE 5TH MONTH OF LEASING MY 2015 FORD EXPLORER AND I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE. CURRENTLY THE ODOMETER READS 2,100 MILES AND THEY WERE NOT ENJOYABLE MILES. I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS 2015 EXPLORER HAS THE WORST DESIGN ON THE INSIDE THAT I'VE EVER SEEN. THE OUTWARD VISIBILITY FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT FOR THE FRONT AND REAR OF THIS VEHICLE IS SEVERELY COMPROMISED BY THE HUGE C PILLARS WHICH CREATE BLIND SPOTS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH THIS MODEL HAS BLIS, I'VE ALMOST BEEN IN 2 COLLISIONS BECAUSE I CANNOT SEE MY RIGHT SIDE…

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1998.1%
ODI 10861521 · 250 mi

THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE FUNCTIONED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ANY OPERATOR INPUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES WITHIN APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH OF OWNERSHIP. ALSO ONE INSTANCE OF LIFTGATE CLOSING ON HEAD. FORD CLAIMS THEY ARE AWARE OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND IS WORKING ON A FIX.??? IF THE OPERATOR WERE NOT AWARE THIS OCCURRED AND A CHILD OR PET WERE IN THE 3RD ROW, THIS COULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED REPAIR ORDER WITH FORD'S RESPONSE. ALL INSTANCES SO FAR WERE VEHICLE IN PARK WITH OPERATOR NEAR THE REAR END OR BEHIND OF THE VEHICLE.

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26015.4%
ODI 10924538 · 415 mi

VERY STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN AFTER HARD ACCELERATION. THE AC WAS ON AND IN THE RECIRCULATION POSITION. THE SMELL IS STRONG AND THE CABIN MUST BE VENTED BY ROLLING THE WINDOWS DOWN TO EVACUATE THE SMELL.

Look up ODI 10924538 at NHTSA ↗

10013.7%
ODI 11078974

CRACK ON WINDSHIELD BY BODY AT TOP, NO SCRATCH ABOVE ON PAINT, STRATCH STARTED SMALL AND IS GROWING

Look up ODI 11078974 at NHTSA ↗

4314.4%
ODI 11257685 · 15 mi

REAR HATCH ELECTRIC OPENING/CLOSING MECHANISM FAILED - HATCH CAME DOWN A STRUCK THE HEAD OF A PERSON CAUSING AN INJURY. ALSO BECAUSE THE HATCH WOULDN'T CLOSE PROPERLY EXHAUST ENTERED THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING DRIVEN.

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322.6%
ODI 11326423 · 1,400 mi

DRIVER DOOR AND WINDOW VIBRATING WHEN REAR WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH. *TR

Look up ODI 11326423 at NHTSA ↗

174.0%
ODI 11443304

On October 25, 2021; my wife and I were driving across country when we experienced a blow-out at 75 MPH in New Mexico (about 80 miles west of Amarillo. The blow-out was caused by body cladding, which came off the right rear door of our 2021 Ford Explorer - apparently attributable to 19+ MPH desert cross winds at highway speeds of 75 MPH. The trim lodged in the right rear wheel well; slicing the tire and cutting a gash from the aluminum rim. We had to get to California for a scheduled closing on our new home and were therefore unable to stay in …

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72.6%
ODI 11473328

While at a gas station I opened the hood to check the oil, and the hood folded backwards far enough to contact, and destroy the windshield. My wife was cleaning the windshield at the time, and narrowly avoided having her hand/forearm severely injured by the hood. This is not supposed to happen. Whatever mechanism that is meant to prevent an incident like this was either defective, or non existent.

Look up ODI 11473328 at NHTSA ↗

76.4%
ODI 11580499

For a week before 3/19/24, the driver door made increasing crunching noises when opened and closed. On 3/20/24 the driver door would not open and was subsequently left at Dean Sellers Ford for diagnosis and repair. The dealer relayed that there was a repair advisory on this issue which related to closed investigation / action PE23-013. On 3/21/24, the repair was completed and paid even though Ford Motor has previously agreed to announce a recall by March 2024. As on 4/2/24, no recall notification has been announced or received.

Look up ODI 11580499 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

44.0%
ODI 11673960

My 2025 Ford Explorer has a wind noise that Ford has admitted to having an issue with. My case number is CXH04811376. In the upper corner of both the drivers and passenger side front window there is a loud wind noise that begins at speeds of 40 mph and more. A Customer Experience Specialist admitted there is a problem but they will not fix it until there is a recall.

Look up ODI 11673960 at NHTSA ↗

25.3%
ODI 11763243

Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving down the road.

Look up ODI 11763243 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Power Train:Automatic Transmission45,734–98,000 mi70,596 mi129
ODI 10003977 · 437 mi

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING A LOUD CLINKING NOISE CAN BE HEARD. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *NLM SQUEELING NOISE FROM MOTOR. TRANSMISSION LURCHED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE HAD TO BE FLUSHED. REPLACE STEERING SHAFT FOR CLINKING NOISE. CLOCKSPRING REPLACED.

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ODI 10023004 · 10,000 mi

TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LIGHT ON. TRANSMISSION SLIPS DURING SHIFTING. DEALER INITIALLY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO UNTIL FORD ENGINEERING GIVES THEM THE FIX. SECOND VISIT TO DEALERSHIP THEY REBUILT TRANSMISSION TWO DAYS LATER TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AGAIN. *NLM

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ODI 10040564 · 1,300 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN AS IF THE BRAKES WERE BEING PRESSED. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK THE TRANSMISSION. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *NLM

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Structure:Body60,000–110,000 mi85,500 mi118
ODI 10172768 · 47,000 mi

FORD EXPLORER- 2003 LOCATION REAR HATCH OR DOOR. PANEL BELOW WINDOW WHERE FORD EMBLEM APPEARS. PLASTIC BODY PART SPLITS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER EXPLORERS. DEALER SAYS IT IS CAUSED BY REAR WIPER MOTOR BEING HOUSED BEHIND CRACK. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR, THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT, WITHOUT CHARGING CUSTOMER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DEDUCTIBLE. *NM

Look up ODI 10172768 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10174644 · 60,000 mi

MY 2003 XLT EXPLORER HAS A FIBERGLASS PANEL BELOW THE WINDOW ON THE TAIL GATE. WE PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM A FORD DEALER IN AUGUST AND WITH IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS A CRACK APPEARED FROM THE WINDOW TO THE TOP OF THE FORD EMBLEM. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN MANY EXPLORERS AND FORD IS AWARE OF IT BUT THEY DO NOT OFFER ANY SAVINGS OR WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR REPAIR. IF THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT, THAN WHAT IS FORD DOING TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE? *NM

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ODI 10182432 · 48,000 mi

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW THAT CRACKED IN HALF VERTICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ,AND WHEN HE GOT TO THE VEHICLE HE FOUND IT THAT WAY. HE HAD NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THAT DAY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, THE REAR WINDOW OF EXPLODED . THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 48000.*AK

Look up ODI 10182432 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train80,000–146,000 mi111,846 mi101
ODI 10017855 · 6,000 mi

THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS WHILE IN THE PARK. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10017855 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10138598 · 47,400 mi

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 DRIVE…

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ODI 10163017 · 12,000 mi

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. *NM

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Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate42,348–87,397 mi60,000 mi71
ODI 10049145 · 14,200 mi

PLASTIC UNDER THE REAR LIFTGATE (REAR HATCH) CRACKED WHEN CLOSING IN COLD WEATHER. THE TWO CRACKS WERE OVER 6 INCHES LONG. THE ENTIRE LIFTGATE WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. *NLM

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ODI 10111733 · 18,000 mi

AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL LETTER FOR THE LIFTGATE, THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO OBTAIN REPAIR, SINCE THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. LIFTGATE RECALL NHTSA 04V442000

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ODI 10145792 · 66,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLS. THE REAR LIFT GATE ON THIS VEHICLE HAS CRACKED DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP HERE AND THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO FIX THIS PIECE DUE THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF THE INITIAL WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH I HAVE THE PREMIUM ESP PLAN AND THE FACT THAT TEMPERATURES GOT TO BELOW FREEZING (27 DEGREES F). THIS IS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE DEALT WITH SINCE THE PIECE LOCATED ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND FREEZING TEMPERATURES. THIS IS A PART I…

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Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments31,800–99,844 mi70,000 mi39
ODI 10029888 · 20,000 mi

CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING FOR 40 MINUTES WHEN THE REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW EXPLODED. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

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ODI 10043034 · 12 mi

WE BOUGHT A FORD EXPLORER XLT LATE SATURDAY NIGHT OCTOBER 11TH. THAT LATE NIGHT AFTER BRINGING THE XLT EXPLORER HOME WE PRESSED THE BLUE LIFTGATE BUTTON FOR LIFTGATE. THE GLASS WENT UP BY ITSELF AND THE SHOCK ROD DISCONNECTED FROM THE BALL BEARING SLAMMING BACK DOWN. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED BUT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE SOME COULD SERIOUSLY GET HURT INCLUDING CHILDREN WHEN THE WEIGHT OF THAT GLASS COMES DOWN. I CONTACTED FORD AND HAVE ONLY RECEIVED A MERRY GO ROUND AND NO SUITABLE ANSWERS. I HAD TAKE…

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ODI 10072180 · 36,000 mi

WHILE PARKED REAR LIFTGATE GLASS EXPLODED. *AK

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Structure33,750–96,500 mi64,500 mi35
ODI 10063479 · 2,000 mi

WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE MANY TIMES AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10063479 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10071237 · 15,000 mi

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT OCCURED ON OCT. 14, 2003. I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN I WAS BROADSIDED BY A TOYOTA CAMRY GOING ABOUT 20 -30 MILES AN HOUR. MY EXPLORER TIPPED ONTO THE DRIVER SIDE. I WAS TERRIFIED IT WOULD ROLL-OVER (UPSIDE-DOWN) I HAD NO IDEA HOW EASY IT WAS TO TIP MY VEHICLE OVER. DO YOU HAVE ANY DATA CONCERNING FORD EXPLORERS? DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS AS TO WHAT I CAN DO? I'M NEVER GETTING INTO THAT VEHICLE AGAIN BUT I OWE $22,000. NOW TRADE IN VALUE IS MAYBE $16,000. THE CAR IS STILL BEING REPAIRED AND WILL BE C…

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ODI 10096622 · 4,000 mi

THE WINDSHIELD, MOON ROOF AND HEADLINER WERE LEAKING. THE CONSUMER HAD THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED AT LEAST 5 TIMES. THE OWNER HAS BEEN CORRESPONDING WITH THE MANUFACTURER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. OWNER IS ASKING FOR A NEW VEHICLE. *JB *SC

Look up ODI 10096622 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System29,028–132,625 mi62,750 mi38
ODI 10052516 · 2,000 mi

INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS OF GETTING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER VEHICLE TO START. AFTER AN HOUR OR SO VEHICLE WOULD START UP AS IF THERE WAS NEVER A PROBLEM. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED MORE THAN 4 TIMES IN THE PAST. *AK

Look up ODI 10052516 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10060215 · 20,500 mi

2003, FORD, EXPLORER XLT 4X4 - ENGINE JUST STOPPED, NO WARNING, NO SIGN OF ANY PROBLEM, AND WOULD NOT RESTART, COMPUTER PROCESSOR FAILED. NO BRAKES ,NO POWER STEERING. *AK

Look up ODI 10060215 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10078729 · 45 mi

RIGHT SIDE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WOULD JITTER AND BOTTOM OUT WHEN YOU OPEN AND CLOSE WINDOW. THIS PROBLEM WAS CONTINUOUS SINCE DAY ONE. I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT IT WAS JUST OFF ITS TRACK. SO I DIDNT WORRY ABOUT IT TO MUCH AND I WAITED (WHICH IS MY FAULT AS TO WHY I HAD TO PAY FOR IT) UNTIL SOMETHING MORE WORTH WHILE GOING IN FOR CAME UP. WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK IN TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT FROM MY DEER ACCIDENT, THEY SAID THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS DOING WHAT IT WAS DUE TO A BAD ELECTRIC MOTOR. I THINK FORD NEEDS TO BE MORE THOR…

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Unknown Or Other80,293–134,993 mi101,653 mi31
ODI 10032580 · 13,000 mi

I WAS TRAVELING IN REVERSE (LESS THAN 1MPH) WHEN I STRUCK A TREE. THE ENTIRE BACK WINDOW OF MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SHATTERED SENDING SHARDS OF GLASS INTO THE REAR THIRD ROW SEATING AREA. THE GLASS WASN'T SAFETY GLASS. THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE (GLASS AND BODY) IS OVER $2,500.00. THERE ARE TWO AREAS OF CONCERN. FIRST, IF THERE WERE PASSENGERS IN THE 3RD ROW SEAT, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED IN GLASS ESPECIALLY IN THE FACIAL AREA? NUMBER TWO. WHY SHOUL THERE BE SO MUCH DAMAGE AT LESS THAN 1 MPH? IF I WAS REAR ENDED AT LET'S SAY 40 MPH, THE CAR…

Look up ODI 10032580 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10129803 · 43,000 mi

WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT. WE WERE DRIVING ON I-79 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR LOST POWER SO THAT WE COULD NOT GO ABOVE 25 MPH ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. WE WERE TOWED OVER 100 MILES BACK HOME TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THAT "FOR SOME REASON THE AIR MASS SYSTEM WENT BAD AND CAUSED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS TO GO BAD." THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE WOULD TRY TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO PAY FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS SINCE THEY ARE SO EXPENSIVE, HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THIS OFFER WAS MADE IN ORDER TO COVER UP AN ISSUE WITH THE MANUFACTURING OF …

Look up ODI 10129803 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10194035 · 18,000 mi

TL-THE REAR END OR THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. YOU PUSH ON THE ACCERLARTOR THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND THEN IT SLAMMED INTO GEAR. IT YOU COME TO A STOP SING SOME TIMES IT WILL GO AND SOMETIMES NO IT FEELS AS IT SOME THING DROPS FROM UNDER THE TRUNCK.

Look up ODI 10194035 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-091None
ODI 11687924 · 43,253 mi

The contact rented a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the seat warmer activated, after arriving at a Rest Stop and exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware that a blister had formed on the back of her left thigh. The contact attributed the blister to a burn sustained while using the driver's side seat warmer. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic, but instead was returned to the rental company. The manufacturer was not notif…

Look up ODI 11687924 at NHTSA ↗

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 2143 reports

2022: 143 complaints · 2023: 86 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
202242107143
2023245686
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
202226700
202311000

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentPower Train:Automatic TransmissionStructure:BodyPower TrainStructure:Body:Hatchback/LiftgateStructure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And AttachmentsStructureElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other
Power Train:Automatic Transmission—00
3
ODI 10161178 · 12,000 mi

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 TI…

Look up ODI 10161178 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10181544 · 56,107 mi

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. *JB

Look up ODI 10181544 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10302112 · 82,000 mi

2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT - OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTING FLASHING AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO SECOND GEAR. ENGINE REVS TO 3200 RPMS AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE BEFORE FEATHERING THE GAS TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR. VERTICAL CRACK IN FIBERGLASS TAILGATE PANEL JUST BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS. NO IMPACT TO TAILGATE OCCURRED-CRACK JUST APPEARED. *TR

Look up ODI 10302112 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10373335 · 140,000 mi

PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR PANEL CRACKING UP, BEING REPLACED TWICE, STILL CRACKED AGAIN, ALSO THE TRANSMISSION NOT ABLE TO CHECK IT DURING A TRIP UNLESS YOU GO UNDER THE TRUCK, LAST THING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH STICKING CAUSING TO DRAIN BATTERY AND NOT ABLE TO ORDER PART BECAUSE THE MANUAL ARE WRONG. *TR

Look up ODI 10373335 at NHTSA ↗

4
ODI 10138247 · 41,550 mi

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. *NM

Look up ODI 10138247 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10242371 · 50,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2003 EXPLORER IN AUGUST 2006; MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. BY OCTOBER THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS LATER, I WAS BACK BECAUSE MY CAR WAS JERKING. NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AT THAT TIME. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THE STARTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AS WOULD THE RECENTLY INSTALLED ALTERNATOR. I RETURNED LESS THAN A MONTH LATER WITH THE SAME JERKING ISSUE, ONLY THIS TIME I NOTIFIED THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THE O/D LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON. FURTHERMORE, MY CAR HAD ACTUALLY STALLED IN …

Look up ODI 10242371 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10269669 · 50,000 mi

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR NO REASON (HAS SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED IN 2006). THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND WON'T ALLOW ME TO LOCK/SET MY ALARM ON MY VEHICLE PLUS IT LEAVES THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ON FOR A WHILE (STARTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO). I AM NOW EXPERIENCING A BANGING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CHANGE THE TEMPERATURE (HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONING)(STARTED IN LAST 4 MONTHS). I HAVE TO TURN THE FAN ON HIGH TO GET IT TO STOP. IT WILL DO IT EVEN IF THE TEMP IS OFF SOMETIMES. IT ALSO WILL NOT LOCK I…

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1
ODI 10357758 · 135,000 mi

THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SINCE I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN AUGUST OF 2003. BUT IRONICALLY THEY HAVE ALL APPEARED AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. IN SEPTEMBER 2007 THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT NO LONGER WORKED. IT COST ME $2000 AND A WEEK WITHOUT A CAR, TO GET IT FIXED. IN AUGUST 2009 THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW WOULD NO LONGER WORK. IN SEPTEMBER 2009 MY SUV STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING ON THE HEATER. SINCE WE LIVED IN A WARM CLIMATE THIS DID NOT CONCERN US MUCH, AS THE HEAT HAD WORKED EVEN WITH T…

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Structure:Body0—
1
ODI 10794609

1. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT LET YOU ACCELARATE. PRESSURE BUILDS UP WHILE YOU ARE PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT DOESN'T INCREASE YOUR SPEED UNTIL 10 SECONDS OR SO OF PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL, AND THAN IT EXPLODES AND YOU ARE THRUST BACK WITH THE ACCELERATION. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO CHANGE LANES OR ARE ENTERING THE HIGHWAY. LACK OF ACCELERATION HAS ALMOST GOT US INTO A FEW ACCIDENTS. 2. SENSORS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING, CONSTANTLY TELLING ME THAT THE DOORS ARE OPEN. I DON'T KNOW WHEN A DOOR IS ACTUALLY OPEN OR NOT. 3. THE REAR HATCH I…

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5
ODI 10232939

THE BACK LIFT GATE PANEL IS CRACKED ON MY 2003 EXPLORER. I HAVE HAD THE CRACK FOR APPROX. 2 YEARS. THE CRACK HAS PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID " THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL CASES SUCH AS THIS, BUT FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL" I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL EXPLORERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT THINK IT SHOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO COVER THIS WHEN IT IS OBVIOUSLY A FORD DEFECT. *TR

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ODI 10302002 · 70,000 mi

2003 FORD EXPLORER , 70,000 MILES REAR LIFT GATE CRACKED IN MIDDLE SPLITTING OFF IN "Y" SHAPE THERE WAS NO IMPACT DONE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. HEARD LOUD POP TOLD THAT FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING & I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET.*TR

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ODI 10425551 · 117,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER, RAN TO THE STORE LAST NIGHT TO BUY GROCERIES. LOADED THINGS INTO MY TRUCK, CLOSED THE DOOR AND THINGS WERE FINE. ARRIVED HOME TO REMOVE THE GROCERIES AND THERE WAS A 6 INCH LONG CRACK ON THE REAR HATCH OF MY TRUCK RIGHT BESIDE THE FORD LOGO AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER. I TAKE PRIDE IN MY VEHICLE AND KEEP IT CLEAN AND THE OUTSIDE BODY IS PERFECT; UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT I CALLED FORD AND THERE IS NO RECALL IN REGARDS TO THIS, BUT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE EXACT SAME ISSUE…

Look up ODI 10425551 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10263990 · 165,000 mi

WE HAVE OWNED THE SUBJECT 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT SINCE IT WAS NEW. THE REAR LIFTGATE HINGE HOLDING THE REAR GLASS FAILED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS FAILURE IS THE SUBJECT OF NHTSA RECALL #04V442000. FORD INFORMS ME THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS CONTINUING SAFETY DEFECT BECAUSE THEY REPLACED THE HINGE ONCE BEFORE IN 2006. I HAVE NO RECORD OF SUCH A REPAIR, NOT DO I AGREE THAT FORD'S POLICY OF ONLY PERFORMING ONE REPLACEMENT IS VALID. EVEN IF THEY DID REPLACE IT ONCE, THE DESIGN IS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE AND THE SAFETY ISSUE STILL REMAINS. I WOULD E…

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3
ODI 10354904 · 60,000 mi

THE FORD EXPLORER'S MOST FREQUENT PROBLEM - IS IT CRACKS IN THE PLASTIC PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THIS OCCURS ON EXPLORERS FROM MODEL YEARS 2002, 2003 & 2004. WITH MOST AFFECTED EXPLORERS NOW PAST THE STANDARD WARRANTY PERIOD, MOST OWNERS WILL END UP HAVING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF POCKET. BECAUSE THE CRACKED PANEL IS NOT A SAFETY DEFECT, THERE IS VERY LITTLE CHANCE OF A RECALL. FOR A SHORT TIME IN LATE 2006, FORD STARTED A "SPECIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM" FOR OUT-OF-WARRANTY EXPLORERS, WHERE FORD PAID FOR ALL BUT $100 OF THE ~$450 RE…

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ODI 10505486 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED NEAR THE MANUFACTURING EMBLEM. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. …

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ODI 10525135 · 121,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR LIFT GATE GLASS HINGE CORRODED AND FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH OF THE HINGES WERE CORRODED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. *TR

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0
4
ODI 10726489 · 134,986 mi

I USED MY KEY REMOTE AND POPPED OPEN THE BACK HATCH AND WHILE THE HATCH WAS UP THE HINGE SNAPPED DROPPING THE HATCH ON MY HEAD NEARLY KNOCKING ME OUT COLD.

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ODI 10763918 · 120,000 mi

THE BRACKETS CONNECTED TO THE LIFTGATE RELEASED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AND LOCKED AND BLEW THE BACK LIFTGATE PANEL OUT ALONG WITH SHATTERING THE GLASS.

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ODI 10954361 · 250,000 mi

CHAT CONVERSATION START 5:57PM GREETINGS, I SAW YOU COMMENTARY ABOUT THE FORD EXPLORER EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN, WELL I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, I AM A MECHANIC I FIGURED MAY BE THE FILTER WAS CLOGGED WELL IT WAS NO FILTER, WHAT I FOUND THE VENT DOOR FELL OFF FROM THE PLACE WHERE IT SUPPOSE TO OPEN AND CLOSE LAYING DOWN ON THE FAN, SO I REINSTALLED BACK AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED, IT IS A POOR DESIGN FROM THE FORD COMPANY. I WAS LOOSING HEAT DURING WINTER AND NOT BE COOL AT THE SUMMER LOOSING THE THRU VENT OUT PL…

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Power Train0
1
ODI 10794609

1. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT LET YOU ACCELARATE. PRESSURE BUILDS UP WHILE YOU ARE PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT DOESN'T INCREASE YOUR SPEED UNTIL 10 SECONDS OR SO OF PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL, AND THAN IT EXPLODES AND YOU ARE THRUST BACK WITH THE ACCELERATION. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO CHANGE LANES OR ARE ENTERING THE HIGHWAY. LACK OF ACCELERATION HAS ALMOST GOT US INTO A FEW ACCIDENTS. 2. SENSORS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING, CONSTANTLY TELLING ME THAT THE DOORS ARE OPEN. I DON'T KNOW WHEN A DOOR IS ACTUALLY OPEN OR NOT. 3. THE REAR HATCH I…

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—00
2
ODI 10237060 · 16,000 mi

FACTORY REAREND WAS REPLACED IN MY 03 FORD EXPLORER. SINCE THEN THE PROBLEM OF GRADUAL REAREND DETERIORATION HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. IF THE REAREND FAILS CATASTROPHICALLY THEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR. FORD MOTORS DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN, BUT IT DEFINITELY IS. FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLES WITH THE DEFECTIVE REARENDS AND FIX THEIR PROBLEM. *TR

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ODI 10448566 · 500 mi

MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH INCLUDE THE ELECTRONIC MOTHER BOARD HAVING BEEN REPLACED TWICE (UNDER WARRANTY), CRACKED LIFTGAGE (NOT UNDER WARRANTY COST $300), TRANSMISSION REBUILD APPROX 90,000 ($3000), DOME LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF, DOOR AJAR LIGHTS, ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN, O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND NOW THE FINAL PROBLEM AFTER HAVING REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION IN JULY 2011 IS A DRIVE TRAIN OR DRIVE LINE ISSUE. AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AFTER DROPPING FROM A HIGHER SPEED, A THUMPING HAPPENS. DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS ISSUE HAS BE…

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9
ODI 10400528 · 85,000 mi

FIRST I MUST SAY I LOVE THIS TRUCK. ITS MY SECOND ONE AND BOTH HAD SAME PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ALL OF A SUDDEN TRUCH LURCHED FORWARD THEN O/D OFF LITE STARTED FLASHING THEN CHECK ENGINE LITE FLASHING.TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND IT CAME UP WITH A PO775 CODE, HE SAID ITS VERY COMMON AND NOT THE FIRST ONE HES SEEN DO THIS. PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID B NEEDS REPLACING FOR ABOUT $400.00 THEN AFTER REMOVING PAN WHOLE TRANSMISSION NEEDED OVERHAUL NOW $2200.00 LATER. I THINK FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD STAND BEHIND IT. ALSO BLEN…

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ODI 10445821 · 80,000 mi

I PAYED 18,000 FOR MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE FLEX FUEL IN 2006. ITS A VERY NICE LOOKING SUV BUT I ONLY DROVE IT FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL. I BELEAVE A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS. MY CONCEARN IS THAT ITS DEFECTIVE ALL AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND I COULD STILL DRIVE IT IF I WASNT IN FEAR FOR MY LIFE. I HAVE HAD IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THEY WANTED ME TO PAY THEM TO TAKET OUT THE TRANNY AND WANTED WAY TO MUCH FOR ANY PARTS,SO I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A TRANSMISSI…

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ODI 10448566 · 500 mi

MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH INCLUDE THE ELECTRONIC MOTHER BOARD HAVING BEEN REPLACED TWICE (UNDER WARRANTY), CRACKED LIFTGAGE (NOT UNDER WARRANTY COST $300), TRANSMISSION REBUILD APPROX 90,000 ($3000), DOME LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF, DOOR AJAR LIGHTS, ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN, O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND NOW THE FINAL PROBLEM AFTER HAVING REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION IN JULY 2011 IS A DRIVE TRAIN OR DRIVE LINE ISSUE. AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AFTER DROPPING FROM A HIGHER SPEED, A THUMPING HAPPENS. DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS ISSUE HAS BE…

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4
ODI 10071069

I HAVE RECENTLY BOUGHT 2 BRAND NEW FORDS FROM CHAMPION FORD IN SHREVEPORT LOUISIANA. MY BRAND NEW FORD XLT EXPLORER 2 DOOR SPORT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR VARIOUS REPAIRS LONGER THAN I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 09/27/2003 SINCE THEN THE HOOD HAD TO BE RE-PAINTED, BOTH SIDE BODY MOLDING HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT CAME LOOSE , BOTH BOTTOM EXTERIOR BODY DOOR TRIM HAD TO BE REPLACED, INTERIOR TRIM PIECE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW BROKE AND HAD TO BE RE-PLACED, BUT THE MAIN PROBLEM IS A VIBRATION IN THE MOTOR/T…

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ODI 10445821 · 80,000 mi

I PAYED 18,000 FOR MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE FLEX FUEL IN 2006. ITS A VERY NICE LOOKING SUV BUT I ONLY DROVE IT FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL. I BELEAVE A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS. MY CONCEARN IS THAT ITS DEFECTIVE ALL AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND I COULD STILL DRIVE IT IF I WASNT IN FEAR FOR MY LIFE. I HAVE HAD IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THEY WANTED ME TO PAY THEM TO TAKET OUT THE TRANNY AND WANTED WAY TO MUCH FOR ANY PARTS,SO I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A TRANSMISSI…

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ODI 10764011 · 95,000 mi

I PURCHASED MY 03 FORD EXPLORER BACK IN 2/15. IT LOOKED LIKE I PURCHASED A VERY VERY GOOD USED VEHICLE. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FINE WITH IT UP UNTIL 2 WEEKS AGO. MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WHEN EVERYTHING IS CLOSED, THE OD LIGHT IS BLINKING NON STOP AND THE TRUNK WINDOW OPENS BY ITSELF WHEN I AM DRIVING. WHEN IM DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS TRYING TO "CATCH UP". LIKE IT KNOWS I'M TRYING TO DO A CERTAIN SPEED BUT ITS WAY BELOW AND AFTER A MIN. OR SO, THEN IT WILL GO THE CORRECT SPEED. I HAD IT HOOKED UP TO A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AND IT…

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Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate
3
ODI 10161178 · 12,000 mi

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 TI…

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ODI 10181544 · 56,107 mi

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. *JB

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ODI 10302112 · 82,000 mi

2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT - OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTING FLASHING AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO SECOND GEAR. ENGINE REVS TO 3200 RPMS AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE BEFORE FEATHERING THE GAS TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR. VERTICAL CRACK IN FIBERGLASS TAILGATE PANEL JUST BELOW REAR WINDOW GLASS. NO IMPACT TO TAILGATE OCCURRED-CRACK JUST APPEARED. *TR

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5
ODI 10232939

THE BACK LIFT GATE PANEL IS CRACKED ON MY 2003 EXPLORER. I HAVE HAD THE CRACK FOR APPROX. 2 YEARS. THE CRACK HAS PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID " THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL CASES SUCH AS THIS, BUT FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL" I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL EXPLORERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT THINK IT SHOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO COVER THIS WHEN IT IS OBVIOUSLY A FORD DEFECT. *TR

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ODI 10302002 · 70,000 mi

2003 FORD EXPLORER , 70,000 MILES REAR LIFT GATE CRACKED IN MIDDLE SPLITTING OFF IN "Y" SHAPE THERE WAS NO IMPACT DONE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. HEARD LOUD POP TOLD THAT FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING & I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET.*TR

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ODI 10425551 · 117,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER, RAN TO THE STORE LAST NIGHT TO BUY GROCERIES. LOADED THINGS INTO MY TRUCK, CLOSED THE DOOR AND THINGS WERE FINE. ARRIVED HOME TO REMOVE THE GROCERIES AND THERE WAS A 6 INCH LONG CRACK ON THE REAR HATCH OF MY TRUCK RIGHT BESIDE THE FORD LOGO AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER. I TAKE PRIDE IN MY VEHICLE AND KEEP IT CLEAN AND THE OUTSIDE BODY IS PERFECT; UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT I CALLED FORD AND THERE IS NO RECALL IN REGARDS TO THIS, BUT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE EXACT SAME ISSUE…

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0—
2
ODI 10207875 · 48,000 mi

WE PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4X4 IN JUNE 2006. ONE MORNING IN MID-FEB 2007, WE DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE LIFEGATE GLASS APPLIQUE THAT STARTED FROM THE TOP DOWN, APPROXIMATELY 8" LEFT FROM THE CENTER OF THE GATE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACT TO THE PLASTIC, BUT RATHER A STRESS CRACK. SINCE THAT TIME, THE CRACK HAS GROWN WIDER AND ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE. NOW, ANOTHER CRACK HAS STARTED ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE APPROXIMATE 6" FROM THE CENTER OF THE LIFTGATE. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP …

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ODI 10456100 · 118,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD SQUEAKING COMING FROM THE REAR WINDOW. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE REAR WINDSHIELD HINGE WAS CROOKED AND THE PANEL WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE HINGES NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000. UPDATED 6/4/12 *CN

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00
1
ODI 10608933 · 101,653 mi

WHEN CLOSING THE GLASS TAILGATE THE RIGHT HINGE THAT ATTACHES THE GLASS TO THE TAILGATE BROKE CAUSING THE GLASS TO DETACH FROM THE CAR AND FALL HITTING ME IN THE LEFT ARM UPDATED 09/16/14*LJ UPDATED 3/18/2015 *JS

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Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments0
1
ODI 10263990 · 165,000 mi

WE HAVE OWNED THE SUBJECT 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT SINCE IT WAS NEW. THE REAR LIFTGATE HINGE HOLDING THE REAR GLASS FAILED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS FAILURE IS THE SUBJECT OF NHTSA RECALL #04V442000. FORD INFORMS ME THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS CONTINUING SAFETY DEFECT BECAUSE THEY REPLACED THE HINGE ONCE BEFORE IN 2006. I HAVE NO RECORD OF SUCH A REPAIR, NOT DO I AGREE THAT FORD'S POLICY OF ONLY PERFORMING ONE REPLACEMENT IS VALID. EVEN IF THEY DID REPLACE IT ONCE, THE DESIGN IS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE AND THE SAFETY ISSUE STILL REMAINS. I WOULD E…

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0
2
ODI 10207875 · 48,000 mi

WE PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER 4X4 IN JUNE 2006. ONE MORNING IN MID-FEB 2007, WE DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE LIFEGATE GLASS APPLIQUE THAT STARTED FROM THE TOP DOWN, APPROXIMATELY 8" LEFT FROM THE CENTER OF THE GATE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACT TO THE PLASTIC, BUT RATHER A STRESS CRACK. SINCE THAT TIME, THE CRACK HAS GROWN WIDER AND ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE PLASTIC APPLIQUE. NOW, ANOTHER CRACK HAS STARTED ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE APPROXIMATE 6" FROM THE CENTER OF THE LIFTGATE. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP …

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ODI 10456100 · 118,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD SQUEAKING COMING FROM THE REAR WINDOW. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE REAR WINDSHIELD HINGE WAS CROOKED AND THE PANEL WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE HINGES NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000. UPDATED 6/4/12 *CN

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—
1
ODI 10413542 · 99,688 mi

I BOUGHT 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN 2008, USED, AND IN 2011 I OPENED MY BACK GLASS AND THE HINGE SNAPPED ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE GLASS STARTED FALLING, AND THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED THE GLASS FROM BREAKING WAS THE RIGHT SIDE HINGE HELD. I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY AND THEY SAID THAT I COULD TAKE IT TO A DEALER AND HAVE IT INSPECTED, BUT THERE WAS NO SAFTEY RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I LOOKED ONLINE AND IN 2004 THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER WAS RECALLED FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. *KB

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00
Structure
1
ODI 10373335 · 140,000 mi

PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR PANEL CRACKING UP, BEING REPLACED TWICE, STILL CRACKED AGAIN, ALSO THE TRANSMISSION NOT ABLE TO CHECK IT DURING A TRIP UNLESS YOU GO UNDER THE TRUCK, LAST THING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH STICKING CAUSING TO DRAIN BATTERY AND NOT ABLE TO ORDER PART BECAUSE THE MANUAL ARE WRONG. *TR

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3
ODI 10354904 · 60,000 mi

THE FORD EXPLORER'S MOST FREQUENT PROBLEM - IS IT CRACKS IN THE PLASTIC PANEL BELOW THE REAR WINDOW. THIS OCCURS ON EXPLORERS FROM MODEL YEARS 2002, 2003 & 2004. WITH MOST AFFECTED EXPLORERS NOW PAST THE STANDARD WARRANTY PERIOD, MOST OWNERS WILL END UP HAVING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF POCKET. BECAUSE THE CRACKED PANEL IS NOT A SAFETY DEFECT, THERE IS VERY LITTLE CHANCE OF A RECALL. FOR A SHORT TIME IN LATE 2006, FORD STARTED A "SPECIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM" FOR OUT-OF-WARRANTY EXPLORERS, WHERE FORD PAID FOR ALL BUT $100 OF THE ~$450 RE…

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ODI 10505486 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED NEAR THE MANUFACTURING EMBLEM. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. …

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ODI 10525135 · 121,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR LIFT GATE GLASS HINGE CORRODED AND FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH OF THE HINGES WERE CORRODED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. *TR

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2
ODI 10237060 · 16,000 mi

FACTORY REAREND WAS REPLACED IN MY 03 FORD EXPLORER. SINCE THEN THE PROBLEM OF GRADUAL REAREND DETERIORATION HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. IF THE REAREND FAILS CATASTROPHICALLY THEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR. FORD MOTORS DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN, BUT IT DEFINITELY IS. FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLES WITH THE DEFECTIVE REARENDS AND FIX THEIR PROBLEM. *TR

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ODI 10448566 · 500 mi

MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH INCLUDE THE ELECTRONIC MOTHER BOARD HAVING BEEN REPLACED TWICE (UNDER WARRANTY), CRACKED LIFTGAGE (NOT UNDER WARRANTY COST $300), TRANSMISSION REBUILD APPROX 90,000 ($3000), DOME LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF, DOOR AJAR LIGHTS, ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN, O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND NOW THE FINAL PROBLEM AFTER HAVING REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION IN JULY 2011 IS A DRIVE TRAIN OR DRIVE LINE ISSUE. AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AFTER DROPPING FROM A HIGHER SPEED, A THUMPING HAPPENS. DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS ISSUE HAS BE…

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0
1
ODI 10413542 · 99,688 mi

I BOUGHT 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN 2008, USED, AND IN 2011 I OPENED MY BACK GLASS AND THE HINGE SNAPPED ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE GLASS STARTED FALLING, AND THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED THE GLASS FROM BREAKING WAS THE RIGHT SIDE HINGE HELD. I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY AND THEY SAID THAT I COULD TAKE IT TO A DEALER AND HAVE IT INSPECTED, BUT THERE WAS NO SAFTEY RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I LOOKED ONLINE AND IN 2004 THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER WAS RECALLED FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. *KB

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2
ODI 10099053 · 4,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW AND THERE WAS RUSTING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD, THE POWER DOORS AND THE SEATS WERE NOT WORKING , THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AS WELL. *JB FIVE WINDSHIELDS HAD BEEN REPLACED DUE TO CONSTANT LEAKING INCLUDING THE MOON ROOF AND THE HEADLINER. THE POWER DOORS DID NOT WORK. WHEN IT WOULD RAIN, MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WOULD BE PRESENT. *SC

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ODI 10448566 · 500 mi

MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH INCLUDE THE ELECTRONIC MOTHER BOARD HAVING BEEN REPLACED TWICE (UNDER WARRANTY), CRACKED LIFTGAGE (NOT UNDER WARRANTY COST $300), TRANSMISSION REBUILD APPROX 90,000 ($3000), DOME LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF, DOOR AJAR LIGHTS, ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN, O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND NOW THE FINAL PROBLEM AFTER HAVING REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION IN JULY 2011 IS A DRIVE TRAIN OR DRIVE LINE ISSUE. AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AFTER DROPPING FROM A HIGHER SPEED, A THUMPING HAPPENS. DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS ISSUE HAS BE…

Look up ODI 10448566 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electrical System
4
ODI 10138247 · 41,550 mi

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. *NM

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ODI 10242371 · 50,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2003 EXPLORER IN AUGUST 2006; MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. BY OCTOBER THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS LATER, I WAS BACK BECAUSE MY CAR WAS JERKING. NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AT THAT TIME. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THE STARTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AS WOULD THE RECENTLY INSTALLED ALTERNATOR. I RETURNED LESS THAN A MONTH LATER WITH THE SAME JERKING ISSUE, ONLY THIS TIME I NOTIFIED THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THE O/D LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON. FURTHERMORE, MY CAR HAD ACTUALLY STALLED IN …

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ODI 10269669 · 50,000 mi

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR NO REASON (HAS SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED IN 2006). THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND WON'T ALLOW ME TO LOCK/SET MY ALARM ON MY VEHICLE PLUS IT LEAVES THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ON FOR A WHILE (STARTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO). I AM NOW EXPERIENCING A BANGING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CHANGE THE TEMPERATURE (HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONING)(STARTED IN LAST 4 MONTHS). I HAVE TO TURN THE FAN ON HIGH TO GET IT TO STOP. IT WILL DO IT EVEN IF THE TEMP IS OFF SOMETIMES. IT ALSO WILL NOT LOCK I…

Look up ODI 10269669 at NHTSA ↗

0
9
ODI 10400528 · 85,000 mi

FIRST I MUST SAY I LOVE THIS TRUCK. ITS MY SECOND ONE AND BOTH HAD SAME PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ALL OF A SUDDEN TRUCH LURCHED FORWARD THEN O/D OFF LITE STARTED FLASHING THEN CHECK ENGINE LITE FLASHING.TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND IT CAME UP WITH A PO775 CODE, HE SAID ITS VERY COMMON AND NOT THE FIRST ONE HES SEEN DO THIS. PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID B NEEDS REPLACING FOR ABOUT $400.00 THEN AFTER REMOVING PAN WHOLE TRANSMISSION NEEDED OVERHAUL NOW $2200.00 LATER. I THINK FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD STAND BEHIND IT. ALSO BLEN…

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ODI 10445821 · 80,000 mi

I PAYED 18,000 FOR MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE FLEX FUEL IN 2006. ITS A VERY NICE LOOKING SUV BUT I ONLY DROVE IT FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL. I BELEAVE A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS. MY CONCEARN IS THAT ITS DEFECTIVE ALL AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND I COULD STILL DRIVE IT IF I WASNT IN FEAR FOR MY LIFE. I HAVE HAD IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THEY WANTED ME TO PAY THEM TO TAKET OUT THE TRANNY AND WANTED WAY TO MUCH FOR ANY PARTS,SO I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A TRANSMISSI…

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ODI 10448566 · 500 mi

MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH INCLUDE THE ELECTRONIC MOTHER BOARD HAVING BEEN REPLACED TWICE (UNDER WARRANTY), CRACKED LIFTGAGE (NOT UNDER WARRANTY COST $300), TRANSMISSION REBUILD APPROX 90,000 ($3000), DOME LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF, DOOR AJAR LIGHTS, ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN, O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND NOW THE FINAL PROBLEM AFTER HAVING REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION IN JULY 2011 IS A DRIVE TRAIN OR DRIVE LINE ISSUE. AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AFTER DROPPING FROM A HIGHER SPEED, A THUMPING HAPPENS. DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS ISSUE HAS BE…

Look up ODI 10448566 at NHTSA ↗

00
2
ODI 10099053 · 4,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW AND THERE WAS RUSTING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD, THE POWER DOORS AND THE SEATS WERE NOT WORKING , THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AS WELL. *JB FIVE WINDSHIELDS HAD BEEN REPLACED DUE TO CONSTANT LEAKING INCLUDING THE MOON ROOF AND THE HEADLINER. THE POWER DOORS DID NOT WORK. WHEN IT WOULD RAIN, MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WOULD BE PRESENT. *SC

Look up ODI 10099053 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10448566 · 500 mi

MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER WHICH INCLUDE THE ELECTRONIC MOTHER BOARD HAVING BEEN REPLACED TWICE (UNDER WARRANTY), CRACKED LIFTGAGE (NOT UNDER WARRANTY COST $300), TRANSMISSION REBUILD APPROX 90,000 ($3000), DOME LIGHTS DO NOT TURN OFF, DOOR AJAR LIGHTS, ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN, O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND NOW THE FINAL PROBLEM AFTER HAVING REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION IN JULY 2011 IS A DRIVE TRAIN OR DRIVE LINE ISSUE. AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AFTER DROPPING FROM A HIGHER SPEED, A THUMPING HAPPENS. DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS ISSUE HAS BE…

Look up ODI 10448566 at NHTSA ↗

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3
ODI 10357758 · 135,000 mi

THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SINCE I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN AUGUST OF 2003. BUT IRONICALLY THEY HAVE ALL APPEARED AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. IN SEPTEMBER 2007 THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT NO LONGER WORKED. IT COST ME $2000 AND A WEEK WITHOUT A CAR, TO GET IT FIXED. IN AUGUST 2009 THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW WOULD NO LONGER WORK. IN SEPTEMBER 2009 MY SUV STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING ON THE HEATER. SINCE WE LIVED IN A WARM CLIMATE THIS DID NOT CONCERN US MUCH, AS THE HEAT HAD WORKED EVEN WITH T…

Look up ODI 10357758 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10445821 · 80,000 mi

I PAYED 18,000 FOR MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE FLEX FUEL IN 2006. ITS A VERY NICE LOOKING SUV BUT I ONLY DROVE IT FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL. I BELEAVE A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS. MY CONCEARN IS THAT ITS DEFECTIVE ALL AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND I COULD STILL DRIVE IT IF I WASNT IN FEAR FOR MY LIFE. I HAVE HAD IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THEY WANTED ME TO PAY THEM TO TAKET OUT THE TRANNY AND WANTED WAY TO MUCH FOR ANY PARTS,SO I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A TRANSMISSI…

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ODI 10764011 · 95,000 mi

I PURCHASED MY 03 FORD EXPLORER BACK IN 2/15. IT LOOKED LIKE I PURCHASED A VERY VERY GOOD USED VEHICLE. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FINE WITH IT UP UNTIL 2 WEEKS AGO. MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WHEN EVERYTHING IS CLOSED, THE OD LIGHT IS BLINKING NON STOP AND THE TRUNK WINDOW OPENS BY ITSELF WHEN I AM DRIVING. WHEN IM DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS TRYING TO "CATCH UP". LIKE IT KNOWS I'M TRYING TO DO A CERTAIN SPEED BUT ITS WAY BELOW AND AFTER A MIN. OR SO, THEN IT WILL GO THE CORRECT SPEED. I HAD IT HOOKED UP TO A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AND IT…

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Unknown Or Other
1
ODI 10357758 · 135,000 mi

THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SINCE I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN AUGUST OF 2003. BUT IRONICALLY THEY HAVE ALL APPEARED AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. IN SEPTEMBER 2007 THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT NO LONGER WORKED. IT COST ME $2000 AND A WEEK WITHOUT A CAR, TO GET IT FIXED. IN AUGUST 2009 THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW WOULD NO LONGER WORK. IN SEPTEMBER 2009 MY SUV STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING ON THE HEATER. SINCE WE LIVED IN A WARM CLIMATE THIS DID NOT CONCERN US MUCH, AS THE HEAT HAD WORKED EVEN WITH T…

Look up ODI 10357758 at NHTSA ↗

4
ODI 10726489 · 134,986 mi

I USED MY KEY REMOTE AND POPPED OPEN THE BACK HATCH AND WHILE THE HATCH WAS UP THE HINGE SNAPPED DROPPING THE HATCH ON MY HEAD NEARLY KNOCKING ME OUT COLD.

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ODI 10763918 · 120,000 mi

THE BRACKETS CONNECTED TO THE LIFTGATE RELEASED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AND LOCKED AND BLEW THE BACK LIFTGATE PANEL OUT ALONG WITH SHATTERING THE GLASS.

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ODI 10954361 · 250,000 mi

CHAT CONVERSATION START 5:57PM GREETINGS, I SAW YOU COMMENTARY ABOUT THE FORD EXPLORER EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN, WELL I HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, I AM A MECHANIC I FIGURED MAY BE THE FILTER WAS CLOGGED WELL IT WAS NO FILTER, WHAT I FOUND THE VENT DOOR FELL OFF FROM THE PLACE WHERE IT SUPPOSE TO OPEN AND CLOSE LAYING DOWN ON THE FAN, SO I REINSTALLED BACK AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED, IT IS A POOR DESIGN FROM THE FORD COMPANY. I WAS LOOSING HEAT DURING WINTER AND NOT BE COOL AT THE SUMMER LOOSING THE THRU VENT OUT PL…

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4
ODI 10071069

I HAVE RECENTLY BOUGHT 2 BRAND NEW FORDS FROM CHAMPION FORD IN SHREVEPORT LOUISIANA. MY BRAND NEW FORD XLT EXPLORER 2 DOOR SPORT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR VARIOUS REPAIRS LONGER THAN I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 09/27/2003 SINCE THEN THE HOOD HAD TO BE RE-PAINTED, BOTH SIDE BODY MOLDING HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT CAME LOOSE , BOTH BOTTOM EXTERIOR BODY DOOR TRIM HAD TO BE REPLACED, INTERIOR TRIM PIECE BELOW THE REAR WINDOW BROKE AND HAD TO BE RE-PLACED, BUT THE MAIN PROBLEM IS A VIBRATION IN THE MOTOR/T…

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ODI 10445821 · 80,000 mi

I PAYED 18,000 FOR MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE FLEX FUEL IN 2006. ITS A VERY NICE LOOKING SUV BUT I ONLY DROVE IT FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL. I BELEAVE A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS. MY CONCEARN IS THAT ITS DEFECTIVE ALL AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND I COULD STILL DRIVE IT IF I WASNT IN FEAR FOR MY LIFE. I HAVE HAD IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THEY WANTED ME TO PAY THEM TO TAKET OUT THE TRANNY AND WANTED WAY TO MUCH FOR ANY PARTS,SO I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A TRANSMISSI…

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ODI 10764011 · 95,000 mi

I PURCHASED MY 03 FORD EXPLORER BACK IN 2/15. IT LOOKED LIKE I PURCHASED A VERY VERY GOOD USED VEHICLE. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FINE WITH IT UP UNTIL 2 WEEKS AGO. MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WHEN EVERYTHING IS CLOSED, THE OD LIGHT IS BLINKING NON STOP AND THE TRUNK WINDOW OPENS BY ITSELF WHEN I AM DRIVING. WHEN IM DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS TRYING TO "CATCH UP". LIKE IT KNOWS I'M TRYING TO DO A CERTAIN SPEED BUT ITS WAY BELOW AND AFTER A MIN. OR SO, THEN IT WILL GO THE CORRECT SPEED. I HAD IT HOOKED UP TO A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AND IT…

Look up ODI 10764011 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10608933 · 101,653 mi

WHEN CLOSING THE GLASS TAILGATE THE RIGHT HINGE THAT ATTACHES THE GLASS TO THE TAILGATE BROKE CAUSING THE GLASS TO DETACH FROM THE CAR AND FALL HITTING ME IN THE LEFT ARM UPDATED 09/16/14*LJ UPDATED 3/18/2015 *JS

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00
3
ODI 10357758 · 135,000 mi

THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SINCE I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN AUGUST OF 2003. BUT IRONICALLY THEY HAVE ALL APPEARED AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. IN SEPTEMBER 2007 THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT NO LONGER WORKED. IT COST ME $2000 AND A WEEK WITHOUT A CAR, TO GET IT FIXED. IN AUGUST 2009 THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW WOULD NO LONGER WORK. IN SEPTEMBER 2009 MY SUV STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING ON THE HEATER. SINCE WE LIVED IN A WARM CLIMATE THIS DID NOT CONCERN US MUCH, AS THE HEAT HAD WORKED EVEN WITH T…

Look up ODI 10357758 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10445821 · 80,000 mi

I PAYED 18,000 FOR MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE FLEX FUEL IN 2006. ITS A VERY NICE LOOKING SUV BUT I ONLY DROVE IT FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL. I BELEAVE A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS. MY CONCEARN IS THAT ITS DEFECTIVE ALL AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND I COULD STILL DRIVE IT IF I WASNT IN FEAR FOR MY LIFE. I HAVE HAD IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THEY WANTED ME TO PAY THEM TO TAKET OUT THE TRANNY AND WANTED WAY TO MUCH FOR ANY PARTS,SO I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A TRANSMISSI…

Look up ODI 10445821 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10764011 · 95,000 mi

I PURCHASED MY 03 FORD EXPLORER BACK IN 2/15. IT LOOKED LIKE I PURCHASED A VERY VERY GOOD USED VEHICLE. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FINE WITH IT UP UNTIL 2 WEEKS AGO. MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WHEN EVERYTHING IS CLOSED, THE OD LIGHT IS BLINKING NON STOP AND THE TRUNK WINDOW OPENS BY ITSELF WHEN I AM DRIVING. WHEN IM DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS TRYING TO "CATCH UP". LIKE IT KNOWS I'M TRYING TO DO A CERTAIN SPEED BUT ITS WAY BELOW AND AFTER A MIN. OR SO, THEN IT WILL GO THE CORRECT SPEED. I HAD IT HOOKED UP TO A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AND IT…

Look up ODI 10764011 at NHTSA ↗

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Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

47 mentions · 4.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 40,000 mi (37 usable records).

ODI 10016005 · 1,497 mi

THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. *JB 2003 FORD EXPLORER LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO PULL OVER. *MR

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ODI 10021404 · 500 mi

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING.*AK

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ODI 10036681 · 16,000 mi

REAR GLASS OPENED WHILE DRIVING. LOUD WHISTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER DASH/ENGINE. NO POWER. STALLS ON TAKE OFF. *AK

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

44 mentions · 3.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 82,549 mi (43 usable records).

ODI 10030331 · 25,000 mi

ANTILOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF. WHEN LIGHT COMES ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR AND WILL STILL STOP, BUT PEDAL PULSATES VIGOROUSLY. THIS OCCURS UNDER NORMAL BRAKING. ALSO WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON, UNDER A HEAVY STOP, ALL FOUR WHEELS WILL LOCK UP. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER (GWINNETT PLACE FORD, DULUTH, GA) FOR FIVE WEEKS NOW. THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE FOUR OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD CURRENTLY DOES NOT HAVE ANY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT THIS POINT. THERE HAS BEEN A REVISED ANTILICK BRAKE CONTRO…

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ODI 10107490 · 17,000 mi

VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. OWNER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. OWNER HAS ALSO CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO HAS BEEN OF NO HELP EITHER. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

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ODI 10122432 · 31,900 mi

I WAS DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS WHEN A COLLISION OCCURED IN THE LANES NEXT TO ME AND THE VEHICLES SWERVED INTO MY LANE. I SLAMED ON THE BRAKES AND THE ABS SYSTEM STARTED WORKING, THEN FAILED. THE BACK WHEELS LOCKED UP AND I FISH-TAILED, ENDING UP IN THE DIRT CENTER MEDIAN. WHEN I LOOKED AT THE DASH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THE REAR ABS SENSOR FAILED (OPEN CIRCUT).

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

35 mentions · 3.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,000 mi (31 usable records).

ODI 10003977 · 437 mi

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING A LOUD CLINKING NOISE CAN BE HEARD. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *NLM SQUEELING NOISE FROM MOTOR. TRANSMISSION LURCHED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE HAD TO BE FLUSHED. REPLACE STEERING SHAFT FOR CLINKING NOISE. CLOCKSPRING REPLACED.

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ODI 10031209

RE: SECOND (MID-SECTION) SEAT - DRIVER'S SIDE 1. SEAT BELT BECAME LODGED BEHIND SEAT RELEASE CAUSING BACK OF SEAT TO JERK FORWARD AND STRIKE MY CHILD IN BACK OF NECK. 2. FACTS: A) WHEN MY DAUGHTER (12 YEARS; 89 LBS.) LEANED FORWARD IN HER SEAT, PRESSURE WAS PLACED ON SEAT BELT CAUSING RELEASE TO ENGAGE AND JERK FORWARD; B) MY DAUGHTER WAS STILL IN SEAT BELT WHEN I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF ROAD TO CHECK ON HER; C) I WAS REPEATEDLY UNABLE TO GET THE BACK OF HER SEAT TO "LOCK IN" PLACE; D) UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND SEAT BELT TO…

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ODI 10049729 · 9,590 mi

WHEN DIRVING VEHICLE AT SLOW SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HAS REAR ENDED YOU, AS THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME THREE OR FOUR TIMES AND IS MORE FREQUENT WITH MY WIFE AS IT IS HER VEHICLE. TODAY MY WIFE WAS BACKING UP AND IT FELT LIKE SOMEONE RAN INTO THE FRONT OF HER AS THE VEHICLE LURCHED BACKWARD. SHE SAID IT REALLY BOUNCED HER HEAD. TODAY IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED IN REVERSE. THIS IS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER, V-8 XLT 2WD. I HAVE SOME TIME OFF LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO THE DEA…

Look up ODI 10049729 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

23 mentions · 2.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 74,868 mi (18 usable records).

ODI 10009919

THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET INTERFERED AND RESTRICTED THE PROPER APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES. *SCC *NLM

Look up ODI 10009919 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10030331 · 25,000 mi

ANTILOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF. WHEN LIGHT COMES ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR AND WILL STILL STOP, BUT PEDAL PULSATES VIGOROUSLY. THIS OCCURS UNDER NORMAL BRAKING. ALSO WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON, UNDER A HEAVY STOP, ALL FOUR WHEELS WILL LOCK UP. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER (GWINNETT PLACE FORD, DULUTH, GA) FOR FIVE WEEKS NOW. THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE FOUR OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD CURRENTLY DOES NOT HAVE ANY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT THIS POINT. THERE HAS BEEN A REVISED ANTILICK BRAKE CONTRO…

Look up ODI 10030331 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10064017 · 5,000 mi

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.*AK

Look up ODI 10064017 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

13 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 61,210 mi (12 usable records).

ODI 10051606 · 15,900 mi

THE TRUCK STALLED WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED THE TRUCK LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THE DEALERSHIP RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND. *JB

Look up ODI 10051606 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10060215 · 20,500 mi

2003, FORD, EXPLORER XLT 4X4 - ENGINE JUST STOPPED, NO WARNING, NO SIGN OF ANY PROBLEM, AND WOULD NOT RESTART, COMPUTER PROCESSOR FAILED. NO BRAKES ,NO POWER STEERING. *AK

Look up ODI 10060215 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10064017 · 5,000 mi

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.*AK

Look up ODI 10064017 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

3 mentions · 0.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 25,150 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10070719 · 300 mi

I HAVE HAD MY EXPLORER SINCE MAY 27. IT HAD 11 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THE FIRST TIME IT WOULD NOT START IT HAD 300 MILES ON IT. EVENTUALLY I DID GET IT STARTED, BROUGHT IT TO FORD AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE 2ND TIME THE SAME THING HAPPENED I HAD 2300 MILES ON IT. I HAD IT TOWED TO FORD. WHEN IT GOT TO FORD IT STARTED AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT 2500 MILES AND 2700 MILES. FORD STILL HAS IT NOW. THEY HAVE HAD IT FOR A WEEK AND STILL DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED …

Look up ODI 10070719 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10242371 · 50,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2003 EXPLORER IN AUGUST 2006; MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. BY OCTOBER THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS LATER, I WAS BACK BECAUSE MY CAR WAS JERKING. NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AT THAT TIME. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THE STARTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AS WOULD THE RECENTLY INSTALLED ALTERNATOR. I RETURNED LESS THAN A MONTH LATER WITH THE SAME JERKING ISSUE, ONLY THIS TIME I NOTIFIED THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THE O/D LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON. FURTHERMORE, MY CAR HAD ACTUALLY STALLED IN …

Look up ODI 10242371 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10586962

SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENT RE A FILED COMPLAINT WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSE FOR ALL THE COST BY FORD. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT CRANK. HE REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE. THE NEXT DAY, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. THERE WAS NO WARNING FROM THE DASH INDICATORS, NO ENGINE SOUNDS, AND THE OIL WAS AT THE PROPER LEVEL. IT COST $3,669.98 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *JB

Look up ODI 10586962 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b