11 problems related to cruise control 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.
Cruise control often times "takes off" and does not hold the speed as set. I have looked down at the speedometer several times to find myself going well beyond 85mph - after setting the cruise control at 60. I have to disengage the cruise control for my vehicle to stop continuously speeding up. Then, there are times where the cruise control does not engage at all. The green light will come on, but the speed will not hold. In these instances, my speed actually decreases.
We own a 2003 Ford Explorer eddie bauer - 4wd at times the cruise control will either work, not work at all, work after being warmed up, work after shutting the motor off and restarting, work with the speed accelerating continuously at dangerous levels, or indicate it is working but is not. After viewing several sites where many other owners are having the same problem, we went to our dealer. Our dealer replaced a defective deactivation pressure switch that caused the cruise control to react erratically. They used ids hook up to locate problem at a cost to us of $325. 89. After talking to someone at the dealership, it became apparent this is not an uncommon problem, and it is a defective part that is causing a very dangerous situation to occur. The driver that does not detect the increasing speed or panics when it occurs could have a serious or deadly accident. Ford should be required to replace these parts at no cost to the owners at no cost, especially since our vehicle has just 39,000 miles on it.
My 2003 Ford Explorer exhibits most of the symptoms described in consumer advisory dated 13 October 2009. It has an intermittently functioning cruise control, a permanently on abs indicator light, and it occasionally gets stuck in park. I was wondering why 2003 wasn't included in the safety recall.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 70 mph with the cruise control activated, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the cruise control failed to deactivate after several attempts. In addition, the cruise control activation mechanism failed to respond and the vehicle would not slow down. Immediately, the vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and the ignition key was turned off with the gear shifter placed in the park position. The vehicle completely stopped. The contact was unaware if the warning indicators were illuminated on the instrument panel. The engine revved and the rpm's raced when the ignition was restarted. The contact turned off the ignition and, after several attempts, the engine idled normally. Whenever the cruise control system was not in use, the vehicle operated properly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 93,000. Updated 3/12/10 updated 06/01/10.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. While driving 50 mph and attempting to engage the cruise control, the speed rapidly increased above 55 mph. The cruise control light illuminated, which indicated that the cruise control was engaged. The contact depressed the brake pedal and attempted to disengage the cruise control, but was unsuccessful. The cruise control intermittently failed to operate normally. The vehicle was not equipped with antilock brakes. The fuel system and date of purchase were unavailable. The failure mileage was 77,335 and current mileage was 77,392.
Cruise control failures: fails to engage, un-commanded acceleration, un-commanded deceleration, speed surging, indicates engaged and is not engaged.
Cruise control turns off during vehicle operation. Multiple occurrences on multiple dates. 2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4 door, 4wd 4. 0l-6 cylinder.
The cruise control on my vehicle is defective. I can turn it on by hitting the off button and vise versa. The car will speed up when I touch the coast button and slow down when I hit the set button. I have notified the dealer and they said there is not a recall for this problem on the Explorers, but that there is a recall on the Ford f150 for a similar problem.
At times, with the cruise control off, if any button is pressed, the vehicle rapidly accelerates.
When braking cruise control would not disengage. Dealership repaired the problem, but consumer was still having the same problems.
Cruise control acts erratic. Sometimes works fine, sometimes won't work at all, sometimes shuts off by itself and on approximately four occasions has accelerated wildly on its own when engaged.