Nine problems related to body have been reported for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport based on all problems reported for the 2003 Explorer Sport.
Body mounts deteriorated crumpled. Body down on frame causing irregular ride control.
Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Ford explore sport. The contact stated that while driving at 50 mph,an loud noise was heard while the sun roof exploded without warning. No injuries where sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was not available. Ec.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. While driving at an unknown speed, the body mount emitted an abnormal noise and was deteriorating. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Was driving the vehicle when I noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. I pulled over as quick as possible into a strip mall parking lot. Before I got out flames were coming out of the engine compartment. I ran into a store and got a fire extinguisher to try and put out the fire. I failed, as the whole front of the explorer was in flames as well as the interior. The vehicle is a total loss. The fire department put it out. I had the vehicle for 7 weeks. The used dealer will not take any responsibility. Should they? I purchased the vehicle on Mar. 3,2014 at oc auto expo in westminster, CA.
On the morning of 1/29/14 I was at the market ,came out to load my items into the vehicle , opened the rear lift gate at about the 1/3 open point the glass exploded into a million pieces . Which in turn sent shards of glass into my face ,hands , head and eyes . They were minor injuries but I'm still extracting glass from my head and hands and there is still glass embedded in my hands . I have an apt with my dr only because there is glass in my eyes. My mother was with me but she was at the side of the vehicle so she didn't get nailed . I have never seen a window explode like this, this is a serious hazard and needs to be recalled ASAP before it kills someone , the power of the flying glass was unreal some of it went through 3 -12 packs of soda with ease. Also I have no resources to get a new window as they are around 700 dollars . So this is what I get from Ford for being a loyal customer ?.
Window feel and shattered into a million pieces. After contacting my insurance to have the glass replaced I found out the reason for the incident was due to a faulty hinge. I was told by the glass company that the hinge failed due to electrolysis (two different metals reacting with each other). I feel this is the same issue that happened with Ford recall manufacturer campaign number: 04s20, however my VIN does not pull up this issue code and therefore I am not receiving assistance from Ford with this manner. After doing research online I have found many other owners of my same make and model who have experienced the same issue. I feel this needs to be officially addressed as I was driving when my glass fell, but was fortunate that there was no one behind me when it happened. Otherwise I am 100% positive it would have caused an accident.
Severe clanking/banging noise in passenger rear. Replaced shocks. Noise worsened. Researched and found numerous complaints regarding body mounts with Ford Explorer Sport vehicles. Upon investigation - reaching up under vehicle found no "body insulator left on passenger side rear and on driver rear the insulator crumbled like dirt and fine powder. The body mounts appeared to be manufactured of a foam like material - substandard at best! replacement parts must be purchased through Ford since no other aftermarket parts are available. Parts only (that being able to salvage the bolts and sleeves) and purchase the two pair of insulators only - $680. 00. The same material that failed and should not. There are vehicles on the road with body mounts for 40 to 50 years. This is a manufacturer's responsibility and the cost for these parts is thievery. It is unsafe to operate a vehicle without repairing defective body mounts due to the possibility of body roll or other loss of control. Since the mounts should not fail throughout the life of the vehicle I sincerely request an investigation be launched into the multiple complaints being filed for the years 2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport body mounts.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. The contact stated that he noticed that the rear lift gate hinges were loose and the contact was concerned that the rear glass window would fall from the vehicle. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and advised him that the vehicle was not included in a manufacturer's recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable. The current mileage was approximately 153,000.
Opened the rear window (hatch) and the right side flew up - the hinge had disengaged from the body of the vehicle. Located on NHTSA. Gov #04v442000 which covers the same problem - was told by dealer my vehicle did not fall under this recall (04s20) and I would have to pay for the repair.