2003 Ford Explorer Hatchback/Liftgate Problems
- 90
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 90 stored complaint records:
- 0 indicate a crash
- 3 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- Hinge And Attachments · 2 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 29 |
| 60–100k mi | 23 |
| 100–150k mi | 10 |
| 1–30k mi | 7 |
| 150–400k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a crack in the panel attached to the glass of the rear liftgage. The crack was small at first but became larger over time. The vehicle had not been taken to be inspected for the problem. Also, the heated stopped blowing heat and was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the blend door actuator…
ODI 10359562
Hatchback/Liftgate · Latches/Locks/Linkages
I have a 2003 eddie bauer ford explorer. Last night, when my son was attempting to close the rear lift gate glass door, the hinge on the passenger side broke off. The glass liftgate is presently being held up by the other hinge and it won't be long before that one breaks also. I spoke with an andrea at ford [redacted] and she basically told me that i was out of luck, that i would have to pay for the repairs because…
ODI 10254222
Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact noticed that the rear liftgate was cracked on her vehicle. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that it was not defective; therefore, she would have to pay for the repair. The contact disagrees and believes the manufacturer should pay for the repair. The manufacturer stated that there was no defect and will not assist with the repair. The failure…
ODI 10256636
Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact noticed that the liftgate glass applique was damaged and cracked. The dealer stated that because there was no recall for the failed component, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 60,000. Updated 10/16/08. *lj updated 10/17/08. *jb
ODI 10239834
Hatchback/Liftgate
There is a vertical crack that just appeared in the rear hatch of my 2003 ford explorer. We take very good care of our vehicles and this truck is rarely driven. It is also parked in our garage except when being driven. I have read that this problem is very common in this truck. Our "door ajar" light and warning regularly indicates that the door is not closed properly. It has even flung open while we are driving. We…
ODI 10236776
Differential Unit · Driveline · Engine And Engine Cooling · Hatchback/Liftgate
2003 ford explorer. Consumer writes in regards to humming/whining noise in the rear end of vehicle and a frequent leak in the differential. *smd the consumer stated several components such as the ring an pinion, bearings, seals and gear and pinion were all replaced. However, the issue remained unresolved. Also, the rear hatch was cracked. When the consumer inquired about a replacement and its cost, the dealer…
ODI 10532496
Hatchback/Liftgate
The rear hatch on my 2003 ford explore xlt cracked in 3 separate places. The vehicle is primarily housed in a garage. I called ford to report the problem. They told me they would not fully cover the defect. They would "help" since it was out of warranty. I feel the cracks are a flaw in manufacturing or product design. They should be covered entirely by the manufacturer. *tr
ODI 10223045
Hatchback/Liftgate
The rear hatch has developed a crack through the middle of the panel just below the visible glass of the hatch. This crack encompasses the rear ford logo. This crack occurred without any damage to the vehicle. *tr
ODI 10224727
Hatchback/Liftgate
Rear tailgate molding below window cracked. Appears to be a prevalent flaw based on internet research. Called ford and they advised it was a known problem however were not planning to recall. I believe this is related to the prior recall of rear liftgate glass as this part was new post recall. *tr
ODI 10219744
Hatchback/Liftgate
2003 ford explorer cracked rear hatch without impact. Weather conditions were colder than normal. There are two vertical 1/4" cracks that appeared suddenly below the rear hatch lift gate window. We had not used the back lift door or the lift gate window in several days. *tr
ODI 10217538
Hatchback/Liftgate
Cracked hatch on 2003 ford explorer. Worried that panel will fall off. Ford does not want to take care of this problem that is obviously a defect. Have read that many other people around country have same problem no matter what climate is. Feel that it is a safety hazard with the possibility of panel falling off while driving and creating an adverse incident which could cause injury. *tr
ODI 10216781
Hatchback/Liftgate
Crack in liftgate of 2003 ford explorer; note: 2nd time it has cracked, after replacement once...now about 25,000 miles later, same problem with new liftgate. Crack just "appears". *tr
ODI 10216172
Hatchback/Liftgate
When i got to my car this morning, the middle of the back rear panel of my '03 ford explorer eddie bauer series had cracked from between the window to the latch - right under the ford emblem. There was no accident - nothing that could have caused this damage. Luckily there are only 51k miles on the truck, and the dealer is willing to fix with a $75 deductible. *tr
ODI 10216012
Hatchback/Liftgate
Http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/explorer/2003/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml the link above is basically what i experience - a crack in my back body panel - no wreck - nothing to cause it - just sitting there! Ford will not replace - they claim it is out of warranty - as if a body panel should crack by itself! *tr
ODI 10215911
Hatchback/Liftgate
Body panel below rear glass on lift gate is cracked from top to bottom. I noticed this on many explorers of the same approx. Age while shopping for this vehicle. *tr
ODI 10221213
Hatchback/Liftgate
Rear glass applique under rear hatch has cracked twice, first time under warranty, second time it is not covered. *tr
ODI 10216704
Hatchback/Liftgate
2003 ford explorer- the trim piece below the rear window cracked vertically for no reason. The vehicle was not hit, bumped, or slammed. The crack simply appeared. The dealership stated that the car was not under warranty and that the extended warranty does not cover the damage. It is my understanding that this is not an isolated incident.*cn
ODI 10213525
Hatchback/Liftgate
Went out to load some things in the back of my explorer and noticed a crack in the rear liftgate under the glass. It goes from the glass to just above the license plate. *tr
ODI 10212327
Hatchback/Liftgate
BACK HATCH SPLIT ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER. *TR
ODI 10215352
Hatchback/Liftgate
The rear window on the liftgate of my 2003 ford explorer imploded as i was waiting at a traffic light. The window did not just crack...it shattered into pieces. My car was not hit by another car or by an object. An initial problem arose before this event. A crack formed on the molding just below the window where the ford symbol is located. This is an issue i have read about from other people with explorers. I have…
ODI 10205077
Hatchback/Liftgate
2003 ford explorer "eddie bauer" ~49,000 miles. Vehicle was parked and shows no evidence of impact. Weather conditions were near standard. Plastic panel below rear window split in two and has ~1/16" gap. Split is vertical and very near center of panel. It passes under center of "ford" oval symbol. Not sure if there is danger of rear window or broken panel pieces falling off vehicle. No repair has been undertaken,…
ODI 10204563
Hatchback/Liftgate
Panel below rear window cracked while vehicle was parked. I'm concerned of a safety hazard after reading on internet that the panel can fall off after this crack. It has not been fixed yet because ford claims it is not covered under its extended premium warranty. *tr
ODI 10204211
Hatchback/Liftgate
I own a 2003 ford explorer xlt 4wd. Approximately 12 months ago, the rear trim panel beneath the rear window crack down the middle. I contacted my nearest dealer who informed me that while ford had recognized that it was a problem, they did not plan to issue a technical service bulletin or recall. The dealer service reps even agreed that there is a significant problem with explorers and mountaineers. I have seen…
ODI 10217740
Hatchback/Liftgate
Panel below glass on lift gate develop a crack. *tr
ODI 10218699
Hatchback/Liftgate
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear liftgate fiberglass was cracked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
ODI 10672725