One problem related to brake grinding noise has 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.
I was approaching a stop sign and began to brake, when the brake pedal started to make a grinding noise and then went all the way to the floor. I began to pump the brake and luckily enough I stopped before entering the intersection. If there would have been a vehicle in front of me, I would have hit them because the brakes would not work. I called the Ford dealership where I purchase the Explorer and they had me call road assistance to pick up my vehicle. Of course, they were not able to "duplicate" the problem. I was told that the abs probably locked up because the street may have been wet, which it was not. Then they said that maybe I was on a gravel or dirt road, which I was not. I was told to keep an eye on it and if it happens again to call roadside assistance and they will look into it again. If there is a next time, I hope there will not be anyone injured.