general problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer

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.

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.

My son went to leave in Explorer. Noticed hatch had popped open (has been doing this) and when he closed the two inch opening the glass exploded on him and all over driveway. Glass piece in eye which is ok and scrapes on arms and foot. This could have been so much worse and want answers to why this happened.

All 4 of the wheel bearings had to be replaces in a matter of 5 months the rear window has a crack in the fiberglass covering right down the middle said not covered not a health risk but the molding is still cracked from the bottom of window to the bottom of the molding piece brake lights stay on until u get back in and tap the brakes then the light shuts off.

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.

My 2003 Ford exploer limited blew a spark plug right out of the engine. Very scary & very loud while going to the grocery store. I thought for sure the engine blew.

The back hatch cracked on my 2003 Ford Explorer. I hear this is a common problem with this SUV.

I own a 2003 Ford Explorer. The back hatch below the window is cracked. I've seen many with the same defect in parking lots. One woman I spoke with said hers flew off into the windshield of a minivan & caused an accident. I e-mailed Ford motor CO. They will not issue a recall. This is a safety hazard and with so many vehicles so easily found in parking lots with the same defect is concerning me. I can't afford to have this fixed right now what do you suggest?.

The plastic applique below the rear window of 2003 Ford Explorer cracked in cold weather. The vehicle was not in motion. It cracked when the rear defroster circuit was activated. Internet research indicates this is a widespread problem, possibly affecting 10-20% of vehicles manufactured. It is clearly a design problem. Ford, in it's infinite wisdom, glued the largish plastic trim piece directly to the rear glass. In cold weather, when the driver activates the rear defroster, the glass expands and the plastic trim piece, still exposed to the cold does not. This unequal thermal expansion results in the plastic applique piece cracking. This is a problem that should have been easily foreseen by design engineers. In talking with local Ford body repair shops, the staff admitted that the issue is widespread. The repair costs about $500.

The panel below the glass on the rear hatch of my wife's 2003 Ford Explorer cracked forno apparent reason. The dealer tells me it will cost $800 dollars to repair plus a body shop expense (paint). I've noticed on many forums on the internet that this is a very common problem and Ford should address it!.

I own a 2003 Ford Explorer. Approximately 3 months ago, my wife and I noticed that the plastic trim between the rear window and the Ford logo was cracked. I have since noticed it on a majority of 2002 - 2004 Explorers. I have also found numerous online posts and other websites describing the same issue with other Explorer owners and a refusal by Ford to remediate the problem.

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 repair cost. However since January 2007, people calling Ford's customer service line began to report back that apparently Ford has ended the brief assistance program.

Rear hatch below window has cracked from top of panel to bottom this may have been due to cold weather but I'm reading about all kinds of these cracks happening in all provinces and states. When is Ford going to accept the fact this is a defect and make a recall?.

A crack in the rear hatch near the Ford emblem on 2003-2005 Ford Explorers. Ford has a TSB (technical service bulletin) on this issue so they know it exists and yet they are refusing to do anything about it. The following website is just one of a few out there regarding this matter. . . Read more...

Horizontal crack in lift gate running from top of piece (bottom of window) to bottom of piece.

The panel just below my back windshield has a crack in it which has occurred for no reason at all. After speaking with some at the local dealership I was very disappointed to hear that about 99% of these have to be replaced and that it would cost me almost $400 to do so. I called Ford and they once again told me that it was a problem but they could not do anything to help me I would have to pay for it. At that time I ask to speak to a supervisor and when speaking with her I was informed that there were no complaints on this issue. (which I find hard to believe since 3 dealers have now told me that this is a re-occurring problem. ) my biggest concern is if I do not fix this right away that I will lose this piece and it will end up hurting someone.

Rear door crack in the middle on Ford Explorer, below the window, probably because the material the frame is made of is just plastic. I keep seeing people in my town with the same problem. I wonder if there is a formal complaint about this defect. I contacted Ford corporate, but I was told that no one has complained. This is not just a cosmetic problem, but a safety problem. Sometimes when I am driving the door window gets open. Please let me know if there is something you can do to help me and other customers who own a Ford Explorer and who have the same problem.

I own a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT, and yesterday I noticed that the back panel below the back glass, has a 1/4 crack all the way down it! it is located a inch or two right of the Ford emblem. This is ridiculous, I called the dealership and they told me to bring it in for an estimate, since I have 59,000 miles on the vehicle, it isn't covered under the warranty. Well, on the Ford website under my warranty information it states that corrosion and defective parts are covered for 5 years regardless of miles driven. Well what does this fall under? I have put so much money in this vehicle because of other mechanical problems, that I am not going to put more money in it for this. Ford needs to cover it, or start some type of investigation for a recall.

Crack in panel on rear hatch I see same crack in same sport on all same vehicles.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the paint on the hood of the vehicle was buckling and chipping in large areas. The failure began at spread to both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 82,000. Updated 11/16/10.

The rear panel below my window on my 2003 Ford Explorer cracked all the way through. I went snow sking and after doing research on the internet, I found that this scenario is common. The panel gets moisture behind it and freezes, then cracks. I have a Ford manufacturer warranty, and I am still under warranty. I contacted the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, I called the Ford customer service line, and contacted the local media, who suggested your website. No one is willing to fix the problem, and one day it will fall off while I am in traffic. Currently I have not fixed the problem. I advised the Ford customer service people that I would never fix the problem. I would keep it there as a constant reminder of their commitment to customer service. Check out the internet (autobeef. Com) lots of people are having the same issue.

Molded running board broken under normal use, one dealer accused me of having a child jump on the running board - reason unknown. Another dealer took photos and sent to detroit, warranty repair refused?.

My 2003 Ford Explorer has peeling paint on its hood . This is a wide spread complaint.

While at a stop, the frame separated which caused the rear hatch back window to shatter. Please provide more information. Ford motor company notified. Back portion of the door separated when the windshield exploded.

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.

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.

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 covered by the other driver's insurance.

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 been 3 days still with no final determination.