2003 Ford Explorer Automatic Transmission Problems
- 141
- 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 141 stored complaint records:
- 3 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 1 indicate fire
What owners report
- Torque Converter · 2 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 47 |
| 30–60k mi | 30 |
| 100–150k mi | 24 |
| 1–30k mi | 23 |
| 150–400k mi | 5 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The vehicle experienced difficulty changing gears while driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the transmission was rebuilt. Approximately 3 years later the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
ODI 10378139
Automatic Transmission
I own a 2003 ford explorer. I have owned it since buying it from vogler ford in carbondale, illinois. A few months ago the overdrive light began to flash all the time and it shifts hard going from 2nd to 3rd gear. I searched this problem on the internet to see if i could replace a part on it. I have read numerous complaints about these transmissions. Have they recalled any faulty transmissions from ford vehicles. *tr
ODI 10240632
Automatic Transmission
I own a 2003 ford explorer, i have owned it for almost 5 years and took care of it. I also paid alot of money for it and after about three years out of nowhere my o/d light started blinking and my car started shifting wrong. I had the solenoid on tranny replaced soon as i put it in 4wheel drive my o/d light started blinking again and shifting wrong. This is making the car accelerate to much at times and almost not…
Crash reported · Fire reported · 1 injury
ODI 10392327
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving 25 mph, the transmission caused the rpm's to increase from 1,000 to 4,000, followed by a loud thumping noise. The overdrive light would also remain illuminated after the malfunction. The vehicle has been diagnosed by the dealer, but still continues to fail. The failure mileage was 44,000.
ODI 10226483
Automatic Transmission
When shifted into reverse the vehicle will intermittently slam into the gear after some time has lapsed, or other times it won't move into any gear and freezes in a neutral state, even when the shift lever is moved into drive or any other gear, for that matter. These events have occurred at least several times in the 1 month period we have owned it. Purchased it from a dealer on 2/24/08 with 53,000k miles on it. It…
ODI 10222631
Automatic Transmission
Transmission was fine and then it started having trouble switching from 1st to 2nd gear. Next thing the od light started flashing so i decided to take it to the dealer. By the time i got there the service engine soon light came on. They did a computer check ($90 cost) on it and recommended to install a remanufactured unit for $3829. After some more research, i decided to take it to aamco. They went beyond the…
ODI 10219561
Automatic Transmission · Engine And Engine Cooling
Brand new 2003 ford explorer. Replaced engine at 115 k miles and now the trans is going; specifically, the o/d light keeps flashing and it shifts badly. I've seen numerous complaints about the same thing online, while ford ignores this faulty trans. *tr
ODI 10215425
Automatic Transmission
Just had transmission serviced last week. Now o/d light is flashing and check transmission light is coming on. See by internet this is a well known problems with the fords. *tr
ODI 10254639
Automatic Transmission · Torque Converter
2003 ford explorer transmission failure at 62,000 miles. *tr
ODI 10212535
Automatic Transmission
2003 explorer eddie bauer 4.6l v-8 awd, transmission failed during morning commute. I hear noise, the car lost speed, and "o/d off" was flashing. I could barely merge the car to the far right lane and manage to get the car to the office. *tr
ODI 10208873
Automatic Transmission
Well maintained vehicle - and transmission only lasted 59,500miles (less than 5 years). Covert ford dealer in austin, tx only money hungry. Wouldn't help at all. *tr
ODI 10211249
Automatic Transmission
I'm never buying another ford. Last week the o/d light came on in my ford explorer. I drove it right home and got the manual out to see what the problem was. "transmission problem" was what the manual indicated, as well as several websites i reviewed. I didn't worry at first, since i figured this would be covered under warranty. My explorer is just under 5 years old and just under 60k miles. Surely there would at…
ODI 10207115
Automatic Transmission · Rear · Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving 30 mph, the contact heard a whining noise coming from the vehicle. The noise becomes louder as the vehicle travels faster. The whining appears to be coming from the rear suspension. The failure mileage was 120,000 and current mileage was 144,800. Updated 04/14/08. *lj the consumer stated the transmission was replaced at no charge by ford at 55,000 miles due to…
ODI 10222501
Automatic Transmission
Transmission started slipping and taking a long time going into gear and jerking into gear since around 67000 miles. It now has over 91000 miles and keeps getting worse. The transmission shop told me that this is common with this model explorer. *tr
ODI 10320155
Automatic Transmission
STEERING COLUMN.. HARD TO SHIFT INTO PARK. *TR
ODI 10324864
Automatic Transmission · Interior Lighting
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the door ajar light illuminated frequently and the dome light stayed illuminated even when the doors were closed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a manufacturers recall and the dealer stated that the repair had previously been performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated intermittently. The…
ODI 10401153
Automatic Transmission
I own a 2003 ford explorer. I just read the article in the paper regarding transmission hazards. I can honestly say i do believe these suv's do have a problem with transmission slipping in and out of gear on there own. I have several incidents where mine has done it. One time i had put my car in reverse and it jumped forward and i actually ran over the curb in front of me but the gear shift was in reverse. There is…
ODI 10267377
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping and was difficult to shift into park. When attempting to shift the vehicle in gear it hesitated and jerked before engaging. The transmission has been repaired twice previously at 18,000 miles and 27,000 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle needed the same repair at 58,000. The failure mileage was 58,742.*ak
ODI 10186540
Automatic Transmission
2003 FORD EXPLORER FAULTY TRANSMISSION. *JB
ODI 10184515
Automatic Transmission · Hatchback/Liftgate
2003 ford explorer xlt vertical crack in fiberglass tailgate panel just below rear window glass no impact to tailgate occurred-crack just appeared while driving. Transmission had to be rebuilt at 50000 miles. *jb
ODI 10181544
Automatic Transmission
My 2003 ford explorer had transmission problems. The vehicle has only 54,000 miles. The transmission had to be complete replaced. Additionally, i was surprised to find out how wide spread the issue is. In reading other complaints, the common theme is an issue with the transmission @ roughly 50,00 miles or lower. More specifically, my od light kept flashing ,not able to shift to reverse, and not being able to shift…
ODI 10181683
Automatic Transmission
While cruising uphill on an interstate highway at approximately 70 mph the transmission downshifted to maintain speed. After cresting the hill, the transmission would not shift back into overdrive and the overdrive light began to flash. I pulled off the highway and the truck would not shift 1-2 until approximately 4500 rpm and then would do so very harshly. When accelerating the transmission slips and does not…
ODI 10177021
Automatic Transmission
I have a 2003 ford explorer with 60,000 miles on it. My over drive light starts flashing and the transmission is slipping. I have just seen online hundreds of people with the exact same problem and ford is not recalling or doing anything to help with repairs. I think there is a defect in the design. I also got into a car accident in may of 2006 with my 2002 explorer and it was totaled. I flipped in the vehicle twice…
ODI 10174089
Automatic Transmission · Engine And Engine Cooling
Dt*: the contact stated while shifting to any gear at various speeds, a noise was heard. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who determined the oil needed to be changed every month.
ODI 10172934
Automatic Transmission · Mechanical
Have a 2003 ford explorer 2wd that was purchased new from local ford dealership. Started having transmission concerns in early 2005, vehicles just over a year old. After taking it in to the dealership 4 times in a year, was told they couldn't verify the problem. Finally, in march 2005 was told they had to tear transmission down and replace the clutch pack, on testing transmission, line pressure was low. After work…
ODI 10173736