2003 Ford Explorer Driveline Problems
- 9
- 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
- Differential Unit · 2 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 4 |
| 1–30k mi | 3 |
| 30–60k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Driveline
Vehicle was serviced in july, 2008 and mechanic at country ford noted noise from rear of vehicle. While driving on vacation in oct. 2008, i noticed noise in rear which was noticeable at 35-40 mph and getting progressively worse. Brought vehicle to country ford and they found the rear carrier bearings worn and had to replace the rear differential. Cost was $1132. Vehicle not under warranty (52,000 miles). Vehicle has…
ODI 10246528
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
Driveline
Severe rear end noise has been happening for over a year now. Rear differential now needs to be changed. Although there are technical service bulletins the dealership will not work with me on the cost of these repairs. I have also had a sensor replaced twice and it is now broken again. *tr
ODI 10239534
Driveline
2003 ford explorers have defective rear ring and pinion gears. Starting with a whine, the misalignment and wear could cause the drive train to seize up. Replacement parts by dealerships are also inferior, and only provide ~ 40-45k miles of relief. *tr
ODI 10276852
Driveline
I recently purchased a 2003 ford explorer with 94,000 miles on it. Within 2000 miles the rear end began howling so much that my fiance is afraid to ride in the vehicle as the thinks something is ready to break. I read some forum posts to learn that this is a common problem with the 2001-2004 explorer. Ford should fix this problem as it is clearly a mechanical failure that will leave a family stranded on the side of…
ODI 10165026
Driveline
I can't seem to get the front differential to stop leaking - neither can my mechanic. My mechanic has replaced the "crush washer" (where the driveline connects to the differential) a couple of times. I was told the differential was manufactured by dana. I don't want to replace the differential because my driver's side front half-shaft will probably have to be replaced also... The threads on the end of the spindle…
ODI 10244008
Driveline
2003 ford explorer - loud whining noise from rear drive line around 55-70 mph. *jb
ODI 10056628
Driveline
I bought a 2003 ford explorer 4wd v8 june 4, 2003. About 1 month later,and less then 2,000 miles on the vehicle, i started to notice a vibration when driving between 60 and 70 mph. The vibration became more noticeable and i took the vehicle in for service at star ford in glendale in early august. The service department believes the vibration is coming from the drive train, probably the rear axle assembly. I was…
ODI 10039059
Differential Unit · Driveline
At 600 mini winding in rear end deler said drive it and see if it gets better it did not so at around 2000 mi damerow ford replaced all bearings and seals problem worse then before seals went out, and had to be towed in to damerow ford replaced rear end with tested rearend same problem at 2400 mi same problem at aprox. 3000 mi later damrow replaced with another svt rear edn this was also, tested and again at 19,000…
ODI 10096320