One problem related to transmission not engage 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.
2003 Ford Explorer- 5 speed automatic transmission randomly disengages. Reproduced by first accelerating from 1st or 2nd gear and back off gas just before the transmission shifts. Transmission disengages and engine revs up. Must either rev engine up over 4k or backoff gas altogether to recover. Ford is non-responsive to inquires. Problem websites are full of similar experiences.