general problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer

2003 Ford Explorer, while driving through town I started to slow down for a group of kids waiting to use a cross walk when the Explorer shut down & lost all power to control brakes and steering almost hitting the kids. . I have taken to a shop & was told they could not duplicate the issues I have been having for 5 years. The reason I am now reporting this is because the close call I just had with the cross walk. This problem starts after about 5 or 10 minutes of run time then clears up not returning until next run or some time later. . .

I was driving in minus 20 degree celsius to take highway 15 north from just after panama bus station. In the entrance, my car start to slow down to the 5 kmph. In the back of my cars were all on their hazard light and being mad at me. So I drive back to my home taking the next exit. I wish somebody could take the videos and sent to the Ford company to let them know my situation.

I have had three incidents with my 2003 Ford Explorer. The first incident involved the suspension ( sway bars snapped, tires had to be repaired). Second incident was the transfer case and a wiggling drive shaft along with rear wheel bearings ( parts deemed defective by mechanics) , and emergency brakes that snapped off in my mechanics hands because they were rusty. Now it is transmission work for a possible faulty sensor. Ford needs to recalls before someone is killed due to catasrophic equipment failure! ive called them every time and they are aware of the issues but refuse to do anything other then document them and say have a nice day!.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, she applied the brakes but the pedal traveled to the floor board and vehicle did not respond. The contact then began to rapidly pump the brakes until the vehicle decelerated. The contact suffered an injured knee due to the pressure she applied to the brake pedal. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who stated that the pistons had shattered. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 190,000.

I was driving my 2003 Ford Explorer and I was going about 40 miles per hr. I was approaching a red light, and as I was braking my vehicle accelerated without me having my foot on the gas paddle. I have had major transmission work (re-built trans, $3000) on my vehicle, in which I had to take it back to the transmission repair shop three times, yet I continue to have unexplained problems. The vehicle seems to be unsafe for me to drive at this time.

The vehicle is a 2003 Ford Explorer. Has 142,000 miles. Had tire rotation at 137,000 miles in Jan 2010. On 3/6, we drove 120 mi from home to baltimore, parked in parking lot for 6 hours. Drove 50 mi to tyson's corner va, parked in hotel parking lot. On 3/7, we drove 15mi to daughter's home in arlington. Left car there for 7 hours. Drove back home along routes 66, 495 and then 95. Went about 60 mi when I noticed the steering wheel was shaking a bit. Kept driving for maybe 5 mi before I heard a noise from the front end near the wheels. Decided to pull off the highway and get to a service station to check tire pressure. Checked tire pressure and began to back out when the right front wheel fell off. There was only 1 lug stud remaining that was broken off about 1/2 " above the brake drum. The other 4 lug studs were missing, and seemed to be sheered off about 1/2" below the drum. Thankfully, the wheel did not fall off on route 95, else we and, most likely others, would have been seriously injured or killed. I had the car towed to my body shop, also the dealership that I bought the car from and had the tire rotation done. Looking at some forums, it seems like this is not the first/only time that a Ford Explorer has lost a tire by broken lug studs disappearing. I will get the vehicle repaired and then will sell the vehicle. I will also have the other lug posts inspected, but who knows if anyone will see anything. I believe that this issue warrants further investigation, if none have already been done. Thank you.

While stopped with foot on brake, the brake pedal went to floor when applied. Consumer was told that the vehicle was functioning properly.

Potential safety problems with the 2003 Ford Explorer.