2003 Ford Explorer Power Train Problems
- 110
- 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 110 stored complaint records:
- 4 indicate a crash
- 2 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- failure mileage · 13 records
- transmission failure · 11 records
- check engine · 11 records
- overdrive light · 10 records
- light illuminated · 9 records
- shift gear · 8 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 39 |
| 60–100k mi | 30 |
| 150–400k mi | 19 |
| 30–60k mi | 8 |
| 1–30k mi | 5 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the transmission slipped and caused the overdrive light to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The failure was located and the contact was advised that the transmission needed to be replaced. The rear hatch frame was also fractured and caused the rear hatch to split in half. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The vin was…
ODI 10504977
Power Train
Check transmission indicator on in information center and overdrive light on. Grinding noise from under vehicle. *tr
ODI 10504140
Power Train
Without any prior indication of an issue, the overdrive light started flashing. After stopping at the next traffic light, it appeared the transmission was having a problem getting into 2nd gear. Needless to say, the tranny problem continued and now needs to be replaced. This issue seems be consistent with that of many, many early 2000s explorer owners. I feel an investigation into this issue is warranted. *tr
ODI 10504858
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
ODI 10502613
Power Train
My 2003 ford explorer while going down the road, i started to notice that it was a hard shift from 1st to second gear, the rpm would go to almost 4000rpm, then almost slam into gear. My o/d light started flashing, and my check engine light came on, when i got home i researched it on the internet and found there are numerous problems with the ford transmissions, after contacting ford they basically told me i was out…
ODI 10502350
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the transmission shifted gears independently with the illumination of the over drive indicator. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem and informed the contact that there was not a recall related to the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
ODI 10499452
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact was driving approximately 15 mph when the transmission began to slip gears. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the transmission would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the problem and informed the contact that there was not a recall related to the defect.…
ODI 10497923
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the transmission failed and the vehicle stopped accelerating. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle to reset the problem but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a transmission center for inspection and they advised that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
ODI 10494439
Engine · Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving on an incline at an unknown speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the overdrive warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed…
ODI 10820980
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
Power Train
Vehicle transmission will not shift into upper gears. O/d light blinks on and off. There are many complaints on this issue to ford. Ford will not repair or compensate owners for this known dangerous and faulty transmission issue on many 2000-2003 explorer's. This should be a recall. *tr
ODI 10484642
Power Train
Transmission shifts hard and clunks, is not safe to drive. The estimate repair is around $ 3,400. Will never buy a ford again.
ODI 10984485
Power Train
While i was merging from one road to the next the explorer transmission felt like it popped out of gear. When i continued the transmission would not change gears without me "feathering" the gas. Took it to a repair shop and had to pay $2000+ to repair/rebuild the transmission. *tr
ODI 10482839
Engine · Power Train
I was backing up to the garage to unload the stuff in the back and the car made a loud whinning noise and took off fast..i couldn't stop the truck.. *tr
Crash reported
ODI 10480705
Power Train
It's the transmission. The vehicle is having problems going into gear and jerking. The transmission is sealed so i can not change the fluid myself either. There are many others having the same problem as i am having. How do i go about getting a recall on the transmission? *tr
ODI 10471301
Power Train
The vehicle was driving down the highway when suddenly the o.d off light started flashing. When it approached local streets i noticed the transmission was slipping going into 2ng gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who immediately diagnosed it as a defective transmission. A little research on the 03 explorer transmission indicated it was a 5r55s model which has an astronomical failure rate. Its also a sealed…
ODI 10512670
Power Train
I have a 2003 ford explorer xlt with 105,000 miles on it. Yesterday (4/24/12) it would not go into reverse and had difficulty shifting into 2 and 3 gear + the overdrive light just started blinking on and off. I took it back to the ford dealer where i purchased it and i am told it will cost me $4,000.000 to repair! I have contacted ford motor customer service (fmcs) and they tell me that there are no recalls on this…
ODI 10456418
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explore. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph the transmission failed. The over drive warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact then depressed the brake pedal and everything seized before stalling. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle functioned properly. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where they stated that the solenoid was defective…
ODI 10467612
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the over drive light illuminated and the vehicle shifted erratically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 96,706.
ODI 10505534
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 mph the overdrive warning lamp was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 100,000.
ODI 10451992
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate over 15 mph and the overdrive light illuminated while the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and a diagnostic test was performed. The failure was located at the third gear, which would not shift, and caused the transmission to fail. The transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was…
ODI 10451399
Power Train
O/d light flashing and wont go into overdrive. The transmission is a sealed unit. *tr
ODI 10450360
Power Train
Traveling the i-95 corridor in north carolina at approx. 3am the transmission over drive light began flashing and the check engine light came on shortly after. Vehicle began to have shifting problems. Had to ease into 1st gear and play with accelerator pedal to shift out of 1st gear. Not a good feeling when 500 miles from home and in the middle of nowhere. Researched and found that this is becoming a common problem…
ODI 10450495
Power Train
I was driving down tx hwy 190, and my o/d light started flashing on my 2003 ford explorer, it was found that the shift solenoid pack was going out, it was an electrical issue with the solenoids, the pack was replaced and now it is doing it again, ran the diagnostics on it and it is the exact same problem, the shift solenoid pack electrical problem on a solenoid pack that is barely a year old and the mileage is now…
ODI 10503586
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle has had two rebuilt transmissions. The contact stated that the transmission started slipping again and the torque converter had to be replaced. The failure and the current mileage was 77,000.
ODI 10450591