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
This vehicle is a 2003 ford explorer limited with a severe roar coming from the rear end. There is a technical bulletin out at repair shops but no recall. It could result in the gears locking down and losing control while driving. It is a defect of the ford motor co and should be under recall. The cost of repair is around $1400.00. The noise is so loud that it could block the ability to hear oncoming traffic and…
ODI 10241221
Power Train
Transmissions in 2003 ford explorers . First transmission replaced at 62,500 miles and second needs replacing at 87,000 miles. Was told by mechanic that is the ford transmission problem for that year of explorer may complaints online about the same issue. *tr
ODI 10278681
Power Train
I own a ford explorer 2003 v6 truck i have had ford vehicles for the last 15 years. My issue is with ford service and the trucks transmission. I was in the service bay on august 17 for routine recall stuff and added some basic services to my visit. Oil change, flush and transmission fluid change/check was in order. $500 later i am out the door. 25 days after the initial visit i am back at ford with concerns about my…
ODI 10138598
Mechanical · Power Train · Structure
Factory rearend was replaced in my 03 ford explorer. Since then the problem of gradual rearend deterioration has not been fixed. If the rearend fails catastrophically then a serious accident could occur. Ford motors does not consider this to be a safety concern, but it definitely is. Ford should recall all vehicles with the defective rearends and fix their problem. *tr
ODI 10237060
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Power Train
I have a 2003 ford explorer xlt 4x4, i have had nothing but problems with it, a few months ago i took it to the dealership because the abs light was on and the 4x4 was not working properly, they supposedly fixed it and told us they replaced a speed sensor, they also found 2 rear axle seal leaks and supposedly fixed those, then in october of '05 i took it in to the dealership because it was jerking between 30 and 40…
ODI 10142403
Power Train
Consistent rear axle whine from 45-65 miles per hour highway driving, dealer, ramp ford in port jefferson, ny replaced rear end three different occasions, and finally stated that all explorers make the same noise. They could not give me any indication whether or not this is a safety issue. I definitely get the feeling that they wish i would just go away. There are numerous tsb's on this issue and i can not…
ODI 10163017
Power Train
Transmission failure took to dealer ,they rebuilt it.took it back 04/28/05 they rebuilt it again with 27998 miles on it. Took it back 08/23/05 with 31714 miles they rebuild it again. Took it back 02/11/08 before extended warranty ended on 02/19/08 they said couldn't find problem .i think because of the lemon law. Now 12 /17/2013 it needs another transmission. *tr
ODI 10556454
Engine And Engine Cooling · Exterior Lighting · Power Train · Unknown Or Other
I have recently bought 2 brand new fords from champion ford in shreveport louisiana. My brand new ford xlt explorer 2 door sport has been in the shop for various repairs longer than i have had the vehicle. The vehicle was purchased on 09/27/2003 since then the hood had to be re-painted, both side body molding has been replaced, the front turn signal light came loose , both bottom exterior body door trim had to be…
ODI 10071069
Electrical System · Power Train · Power Window Devices And Controls · Structure · Vehicle Speed Control
Multiple issues with my 2003 ford explorer which include the electronic mother board having been replaced twice (under warranty), cracked liftgage (not under warranty cost $300), transmission rebuild approx 90,000 ($3000), dome lights do not turn off, door ajar lights, electric rear windows do not open, o/d light flashes and now the final problem after having replaced my transmission in july 2011 is a drive train or…
ODI 10448566
Power Train
The vehicle rolled backwards while in the park. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. *jb
Crash reported
ODI 10017855