Ten problems related to vehicle speed 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.
2003 Ford Explorer. Consumer writes in regard to defective throttle in model vehicle.
This event has happened twice now my 2003 Ford Explorer has excelerated without warning ! and while trying to stop the vehicle. The second time ending in an accident. I have only had this vehicle just under 2 months ! the floor mats are not the problem here. Once I was in reverse and a power surge came over the vehicle the brakes would not work didn't result in an accident but was somewhat afraid of it. I was coming home last nite turned into my drive and the vehicle excelerated without warning brakes did not work at all ended up smashing into my Ford escape that could have bin my little girl or someone's child! will not drive this vehicle again. Have had Fords most all of my life never seen this before! there's a lot of exceleration problems listed on this site I think it's time for a recall before someone is killed thanks for your concern!.
While driving the o/d light began flashing on my dashboard, the vehicle slowed down to about 15 miles as if the transmission was pulling/slipping, the car made a hard jerk and began to pick-up speed. This cycle repeated until I reached my destination. The light came on again the next day and the same events occurred.
Bought SUV in December of 2012 and everything seemed to work fine. Within the next few months there were several times that the cruise would not engage without pushing it on & off several times. After June of 2013 it rarely engaged at all at any speed. Now, September 2014 it will not engage at all. Afraid it might cause short &/or a fire under the hood. Noticed recall identified this problem on 2002 models. This vehicle was actually built in 2002, so am wondering if this might be one that got missed in the recall? own a 1994 f-250 that has both 1993 and 1994 parts on it.
I was approaching a red traffic light at a very low rate of speed . I had my foot on the brake and was preparing to come to a complete stop when the engine suddenly sped up. I increased the pressure on the brake pedal but could not stop the car. I was afraid that I would hit a car in front of me waiting at the traffic light. I then shifted the car into neutral and then was able to stop the car. My tachometer was reading above 5000 rpm. I tapped the accelerator pedal and the rpm returned to normal. This all happened within a few seconds. I was able to drive the car home without further problems. I have an appointment to have the car checked by a Ford dealer tomorrow.
I have a 2003 Ford Explorer manufactured in 01/03. It is not included in the current 'voluntary' recall of Ford vehicles due to a defective speed control deactivation switch. However, the vehicle exhibits the symptoms of the vehicles with a defective speed control switch (see faq below from Ford. Com): q. Are there any early warning signs or symptoms I would notice that would indicate a problem? a. If the system malfunctions, a customer may notice vehicle symptoms such as; the speed control may become inoperable, the vehicle may not shift out of park, the rear brake lamps may not work, brake fluid may leak at the switch, the battery may drain or go dead, the abs warning light may flash or a fuse in the system may open. My vehicle has an inoperable speed control. It started as an intermittent problem, but is now inoperable. The vehicle frequently does not shift out of park, and the abs lamp frequently illuminates. I have contacted Ford, and the dealer to request the vehicle be included in the recall and have the problem corrected at no cost. Both have refused.
On 9/4/08, driving in town, I was at a red light, proceeded to accelerate, then prepared to brake, I noticed that when I took my foot off the accelerator, the vehicle's speed kept accelerating. I had to ride my brakes to keep my car from going any faster. When I let off the brake, the accelerator took off again on its own at a fast rate! I pulled over to turn off my car, waited for at least 30 minutes and proceeded again. After driving 5 miles it started up again, I rode on my brakes the rest of the way home and then had my husband follow me to the dealership to have it looked at, where it is right now.
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.
Vehicle rolled backward with keys removed and Ford said no defect found.
2003 Ford Explorer started acceleration from 40 km up to 90 km in just seconds, brakes wouldn't stop or slow it down, used emergency brake, and it eventually stopped. Took it to Ford, and their reason for the acceleration was floor mat in the way. What a joke, that's was the first thing I checked for and they weren't in the way. Thanks for your time.