2003 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- 27
- 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 27 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- taken independent · 5 records
- independent mechanic · 5 records
- wheel bearing · 5 records
- wheel bearings · 5 records
- side wheel · 4 records
- needed replaced · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 7 |
| 100–150k mi | 7 |
| 30–60k mi | 5 |
| 150–400k mi | 2 |
| 1–30k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the front driver's side wheel detached due to the control arm being corroded. The contact called elder ford (777 john r rd, troy, mi 48083, [redacted]) and was advised to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the metal of the upper control arm was not a good metal; therefore, the control…
ODI 11282492
Power Train · Suspension · Wheels
We have recurring wheel bearing and hub assembly issue. The timing i put on the form may be off a bit but not much. Its all like a recurring ford explorer nightmare at this point! We have replaced bearings, hib assembly, tie rod, then rear end went up ( and shouldn't have)/now again, another bearing and wheel sensor. The truck cuts out when at a slower speed. I lost steering a few months ago while driving and when i…
ODI 10786962
Power Train · Service Brakes · Suspension
I have had three incidents with my 2003 ford explorer. The first incident involved the suspension ( sway bars snapped, tires had to be repaired). Second incident was the transfer case and a wiggling drive shaft along with rear wheel bearings ( parts deemed defective by mechanics) , and emergency brakes that snapped off in my mechanics hands because they were rusty. Now it is transmission work for a possible faulty…
ODI 10616754
Electrical System · Power Train · Suspension
Truck jerks when trying to pick up speed picks up speed very slow sometimes doesn't want to go in drive. *tr
ODI 10595393
Body · Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that while turning at various speeds, the body of the vehicle began to bounce abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was stated that the body mount needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
ODI 10535350
Suspension
Both rear coil springs rusted through and broke. *tr
ODI 10496537
Power Train · Suspension
Ok we were driving pulled out and it did not shift to second gear and cars were coming up and honking horn it takes car a long time to switch to 2nd gear at light and this is very dangerous can get hit. The o/d light flashes causing service engine light to come on. Transmission was serviced and i was told it was a ford issue with these transmission ford was not successful at helping their needs to be a recall on…
ODI 10504570
Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the front and rear wheel bearings deteriorated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the rear driver's side and the rear passenger's side wheel bearings on two occasions. The remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the front and the rear of the vehicle. The…
ODI 10661203
Suspension
Brought vehicle in for routine maintenance ( brakes ) when it was discovered that both rear coil springs were broken. While having springs replaced it was discovered that the rear wheel bearings also needed to be replaced along with the rear shocks. This vehicle has been driven only less than 55,000 miles under normal driving conditions on paved city and highway roads. After inspecting the broken springs we realized…
ODI 10458785
Suspension · Wheels
Rear of vehicle emitted a thumping and popping sound. First thought that rear tire had blown or that rear end had malfunctioned. After regaining control of vehicle and pulling off to shoulder on three wheels and a rotor, determined that the driver's side rear wheel and tire had disappeared. All lugs and nuts were gone. Wheel had departed from vehicle and gone in an unknown direction. Rotor and caliper where still…
ODI 10456452
Automatic Transmission · Door · Suspension
I went to leave for work one morning & i noticed the rear panel was cracked. It wasn't like that the night before, so it literally happened overnight. My mechanic said it was cosmetic & common problem with these trucks. I was told the window would be fine, but there is a chance of the panel piece falling off. I haven't had it fixed yet due to the expense, but i am afraid a piece may fall off while driving which…
ODI 10437913
Suspension
Broken coil springs front and rear causing the vehicle to try and swing around to the right on slippery surfaces. Extremely dangerous. *tt
ODI 10417725
Suspension
DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *TR
ODI 10393046
Rear · Suspension
My 2003 ford explorer has only 70,000 miles on it and three out of the four wheel bearings have had to be replaced, at a total cost of over $1,100. The mechanic told me that this could cause a dangerous situation such as abnormal tire wear or the wheel coming off during driving. This potentially unsafe situation warrants a recall by ford. *tr
ODI 10361199
Steering · Suspension
While driving on hwy 38 in sc, the steering wheel started shaking real bad and then the entire suv started shaking and we veered off the right side of the road into a field. The front left tire came off and we came to a complete stop. Upon further investigation i saw that 2 of the 5 lug posts were sheared off and the other 3 were bent. In addition the molding around the front right tire came off and the driver's…
Crash reported
ODI 10352173
Suspension
Although this defect did not cause an accident or injury, the potential was there for serious damage to this or following vehicles. Specifically, the defect was the rear strut/spring assemblies i.e. Broken and shifted coil spring. As this part sits close to the fuel tank, the piece of spring that broke off could have easily punctured the fuel tank resulting in possible fire. It could also have wedged against a brake…
ODI 10502567
Suspension
I have continuous problems with my tires coming off of my 2003 ford explorer while driving following any work requiring removal of my tires (this has happened to me multiple times now). The first incident happened in 2006. The explanation that i have received is that the aluminum rims require extra torquing when placing the tire back on the vehicle. I'm not sure what the root cause really is but now i know that…
Crash reported
ODI 10354105
Suspension
While driving loud grinding noise followed by a pulling to the side. A dangerous and possible catastrophic event. This is apparently a common problem with ford explorers. Had car towed and new wheel bearing placed. A very expensive and should be unneeded repair. *tr
ODI 10251114
Suspension · Wheels
I bought my 2003 ford explorer in sept 2007. After driving it to and from work i noticed a loud humming sound up front @ 94,000miles. When i finally had it looked at 2 months later, i had to replace the drivers side front side wheel bearing. Now a few months later the passenger side front bearing is humming even worse so i had that one replaced. 10,000 miles later the drivers side has started doing the same thing…
ODI 10255789
Suspension
Wheel bearing needs to be replaced after 50k miles which seems to be very common on 2000+ model year ford explorers. *tr
ODI 10226682
Suspension
Bearings in ford explorer almost seized.... This could cause a major problem if they had not been replaced. 3 out of four at one time? *tr
ODI 10224295
Differential Unit · Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving 25 mph, the rear end of the vehicle suddenly slumped and the rear driver side tire detached from the vehicle. The wheel, brake, rotor, lower control arm, and axle were damaged. Repairs were made. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 01/09/08.*lj the dealer replaced brake pads and rear end vibrating. Updated 12/12/07 *tr
ODI 10204782
Coil Springs · Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. As a mechanic was repairing the emissions module on the vehicle, he noticed that the coil springs failed. The failure was repaired. The current and failure mileages were 52,000. Eq-10[redacted], received 12/12/07 (2 doc). Updated 12/12/07 *tr
ODI 10203418
Engine · Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph the check engine warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brackets that hold the timing chain fractured. As a result, the brackets and valve cover needed to be replaced. Also, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds she could hear a grinding noise. The…
ODI 10471869
Axle Assembly · Suspension
Have had mechanical problems with my 2003 ford explorer which should not have occurred with the least amount of miles on it. Have had rear brake sensor replaced 2 times under warranty, front axle seal replaced under warranty and rear axle bearing replaced with 44000 miles and now the rear axle seal is leaking on the right side. The mechanic who does my repairs stated the axle seals are on backorder due to the amount…
ODI 10151515