Two problems related to axle shaft have been reported for the 2003 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2003 Explorer.
- while driving the 2003 Ford Explorer at 60 mph the contact heard a noise and the back of the SUV began to vibrate. Once the vehicle was checked the contact noticed that the tire was at an angle. The contact thought the dealer forgot to put the lugs:nuts back on the wheel. The drivers side rear axle shaft failed ,almost causinga crash after the dealer had worked on it. Only one nut was holding the shaft in place. The contact believed that this was also a manufacturing defect. The weather was overcast and 20 degrees. It snowed, but the road was dry. The vehicle had to be towed the next day to the dealership to be repaired. The current and failure mileage were 60000.
Whining noise coming from rear became louder 41,000 mile on odo dealer advised rear wheel bearings seals and strut inserts, we had the repairs made $1000. 00 one year later we noticed more noise and chatter when turning,dealer advised rear differential needs rebuild, and new clutch packs. We are having the repairs made at this time. These are expensive problems Ford should be held responsible.