2003 Ford Explorer Differential Unit Problems
- 28
- 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.
What owners report
- rear differential · 11 records
- whining noise · 7 records
- noise coming · 7 records
- coming rear · 7 records
- noise rear · 5 records
- rear axle · 5 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 1–30k mi | 9 |
| 30–60k mi | 9 |
| 60–100k mi | 5 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Body · Differential Unit
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that she noticed a fracture on the lift gate window. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised her that she would have to have the panel replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. Updated 04/26/12*lj the consumer also stated the rear differential was replaced.
ODI 10451808
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
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
Differential Unit
I bought a 2003 ford explorer in june of 07 with no problems in sept of 07 i started to experience a load noise coming from the rear of the vehicle sounding like a tire was flat or something was rubbing. I took it into the shop and they told me that the rear diff was out on this and it was going to cost several thousand dollars to fix. I contacted ford they acknowledge the problem but refused to fix it and said that…
ODI 10203967
Differential Unit
Excessive whine/noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle, at highway speeds. *tr
ODI 10222659
Differential Unit
I purchased a 2003 ford explorer xlt. I quickly noticed a noise from the rear of the vehicle when speeds of 55-60 mph were achieved. After bringing the vehicle to the auto repair shop i was told that the rear differential needed to be replaced and that it was not only dangerous to drive but extremely expensive. After some research i have discovered that this is a common issue with the ford explorer. Should this type…
ODI 10183551
Differential Unit
I was driving my 2003 ford explore and i started to here and noise from the rear end when i took off from a dead stop. I didn't worry about it right any,then it kept getting worse, so i took it in to the ford dealership where i bought it and they said the clutch was bad in the differential and it would be between 500 to 700 to fix. This explorer only has 49,000 miles on it. My wife drives this car and i know it has…
ODI 10183587
Clutch Assembly · Differential Unit · Seal
Tl* - the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer xlt. The contact stated that the vehicle was making noises, wining, and grinding. The contact stated that the differential system failed and needed to be replaced. Also, the following components needed to be replaced: clutches, ring, pinion, carrier bearing, pinion bearing, and pinion seal. The contact had to update the axle seals. At the time of the original failure the…
ODI 10183162
Differential Unit · Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) · Tread/Belt
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. After installing two new tires on the front of the vehicle the contact heard a thumping sound while driving. The dealer stated that the sound was caused by the difference in tread between the new tires and older rear tires, causing the front differential and transfer case to fail. The current and failure mileages were 96,000.*ak
ODI 10189262
Differential Unit
My 2003 ford explorer 4x4 has developed a severe binding, shudder sensation in the rear axel during low speed turning maneuvers. It also has a whining sound at highway speeds, typically 55 - 70 mph). This vehicle has only 34,000 miles on it and the dealer wants to rebuild the rear axle/differential - at my expense since the 3 year warranty time limit is up. If let go, the ford dealer indicates the rear axle could…
ODI 10174927
Axle Assembly · Differential Unit
Rear axle noise, replaced at a price of 1200 dollars. *jb
ODI 10154666
Differential Unit
Dt*: the contact stated during cornering and emergency maneuvers the rear differential locks up. There is also a shudder in the steering at this time. This has become progressively worse over the last 4,000 miles. The manufacturer stated the rear differential clutch pack required redesign. There is a new clutch pack available at the consumer's cost.
ODI 10150950
Differential Unit
Purchased new 2003 ford explorer. At around 9000 miles had rear end replaced due to infamous loud whining noise. Problem improved...but was not completely fixed. After complaining that there was still some noise, sale ford in kingston, nc said it was "uneven tire wear." replaced 2 tires. When taken back and told there was still a problem, we were told that they had "done all they could do except offer us a good deal…
ODI 10149426
Differential Unit
After a shudder was felt in the steering at 14,580 mi., it was discovered that the problem was in the rear-end. Ford recommended a rear-end additive. (which was performed). At 37,000 mi. The shudder returned and a new clutch pack was installed in the rear-end. After receiving car from dealer, a whine started to occur between 50 to 70 mph. Took back to dealer and was told this was normal. I called ford motor and they…
ODI 10127564
Automatic Transmission · Clutch Assembly · Differential Unit
Dear nhtsa: in october 2003 i purchased the nbx - v8 version of the ford explorer with an upgraded tow package for my wife. She never uses the tow package and i, very occasionally pull a 300lb utility trailer. I get the oil changed religiously and recently had the 30,000 mile 4wd lubrication package from goodyear for approx. $500. At 34,000mi my wife began to notice a non-descript noise in the rear end, a rumble at…
ODI 10125424
Differential Unit
LOUD WHINE COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *NM
ODI 10140539
Differential Unit
Bought vehicle nov 2002. No problems till jan 2005 at approx 35000 mi. Whining noise coming from rear end at 45 - 65 mph. Hoped problem would go away but has not. Vehicle past warranty in feb 2005 when brought in for tailgate recall at 37,000. Dealer would not look at problem. Currently driving vehicle with whining noise.
ODI 10112318
Differential Unit
2nd rear differential needing replacement (replaced rear end and both axle bearings). This replacement at 73,971 miles. Previous rear differential replacement about 12k miles earlier. Neither replacement covered under warranty, however 2 failures and the second at only 12,000 miles. *jb
ODI 10132619
Axle Shaft · Differential Unit · Hub
Whining noise coming from rear became louder 41,000 mile on odo dealer advised rear wheel bearings seals and strut inserts, we had the repairs made $1000.00 one year later we noticed more noise and chatter when turning,dealer advised rear differential needs rebuild, and new clutch packs. We are having the repairs made at this time. These are expensive problems ford should be held responsible. *jb
ODI 10147225
Differential Unit
1 loud noise coming from rear-end(whining)2.fluid forced from front of differential.3. Rear-end replaced 4 times to no avail.*ak
ODI 10118356
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
Transmission clunking from reverse to forward or from forward to reverse. Whirling sound, 55-65 mph, rear differential.
ODI 10119688
Differential Unit
EXCESSIVE NOISE FORM REAR DRIVETRAIN. *JB
ODI 10176396
Differential Unit
Roaring sound coming from the back end of the truck. *jb
ODI 10150255
Axle Assembly · Differential Unit · Driveshaft
Excessive whining noise coming from the rear differential/drive axles/driveshaft area of the vehicle at speeds between 50 and 60 m.p.h. *la
ODI 10043149
Differential Unit
While driving between 35 mph and up consumer heard loud noise coming from under the vehicle. Dealer stated the need to replace the differential. *ak
ODI 10042435