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
On 3 separate occasions the engine was started then with foot on the brake shifted into reverse. The auto won't shift into reverse. Absolutely nothing happens. Upon increasing the rpm by 50-100 the car slams into reverse and lunges 2-3 feet. *jb
ODI 10056362
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Automatic Transmission
Brake pedal goes down to the floor intermittently.this is a major safetty issue.the dealership has not fixed the problem yet.took in the shop for more than 3 times.also the oil leak from the rear main seal,harshe shift in transmission ,power steering pump failure,oil pan gasket leak ,master cylinder leak ,coil (spark plug) failure.*ak
ODI 10064017
Automatic Transmission
When dirving vehicle at slow speed and applying the brakes it feels like someone has rear ended you, as the vehicle lunges forward. It has happened to me three or four times and is more frequent with my wife as it is her vehicle. Today my wife was backing up and it felt like someone ran into the front of her as the vehicle lurched backward. She said it really bounced her head. Today is the first time it has happened…
ODI 10049729
Automatic Transmission
My 2003 ford explorer 2wd xlt started making whinning noises when placed into gear. The car has been to the dealer nine times with over $1200 worth of work. Really don't have any faith in the technicians or service manager. Going through arbitration now to have the lemon repurchased by ford.*ak
ODI 10056688
Automatic Transmission
While on any type of incline our ford explorer xlt rolls back while in drive. After telephoning ford motor company, i was told by ann to take the issue up with the dealership where the car was purchased. She said there were no recalls related to the issue of the rollback while vehicle is in drive on an incline. When we took the vehicle back to the dealer where we purchased it, they said they would work with us and…
ODI 10064339
Automatic Transmission
While driving the transmission would shift into neutral on its own without warning. This caused the vehicle to slow down as if the brakes were being pressed. The consumer managed to move the vehicle to side of the road and restart it. The vehicle was driven to the dealership to have a mechanic check the transmission. The technician found nothing wrong and the problem has not been resolved. *nlm
ODI 10040564
Automatic Transmission · Axle Assembly
New 2003 ford explorer 2wd 4.0 6cyl prob began at 500-700 miles. Excessive vibration and whining noise at speeds from 40-70 mph. Vehicle appears to struggle when accelerating, and cruising speeds. Dealer unresponsive after learning that ford engineers acknowledge problem and have no current fix. Dealer unwilling to explore a replacement vehicle, or refund. Ford feild services engineer admitted to me that…
ODI 10047624
Automatic Transmission
The transmission on my 2003 ford explorer failed. I'm told this is a consistent problem but ford won't stand by their product. *jb
ODI 10198427
Automatic Transmission · Engine · Fuel System, Gasoline
I put the date of incident as the date i purchased the vehicle. I put this date as such because ever since i purchased this vehicle, we have had nothing but run arounds by the service providers and constant repairs every 3-7 months since i purchased the vehicle. The first major repair occurred when i had owned the vehicle for 18 months, at 35,998. It had an $1800 transmission job. Subsequent repairs have been…
ODI 10251833
Automatic Transmission
Transmission indicator light on. Transmission slips during shifting. Dealer initially said there was nothing they could do until ford engineering gives them the fix. Second visit to dealership they rebuilt transmission two days later transmission is slipping again. *nlm
ODI 10023004
Automatic Transmission
2003 explorer xlt, 2wd: loud noise coming from driveline from 30 through 70 mph. Dealer changed differential gear set--no fix. Then changed the driveshaft--no fix. I now have 26,000 miles on it and the noise is so loud it is distracting. Ford says they have no fix (transmission? Axles? Another bad ring and pinion set?). Dealer says one of their staff has a 2003 with the same problem....still no fix.*ak
ODI 10056932
Automatic Transmission
I have a 2003 ford explorer. I recently was pulling out of my garage when i realized i needed to check and see if i had my glove and shoes in the back for my softball game. I put my car in park and popped the trunk, when i got out of my car the car kicked back into reverse and started to roll. Luckily the door caught on the garage door and bent it, but no one was hurt. Clearly, the transmission kicked back into…
ODI 10268449
Automatic Transmission
2003 ford explorer----5 second lag, delayed engagement, harsh jerking movement from reverse to drive to reverse, and a bang can also be heard. Shuddering is also prevalent. Power train module was reflashed to correct problem. Lag condition still is present sometimes. First incident was on april 21, 2003, latest incident was in may 2004.*ak
ODI 10100224
Automatic Transmission
2003 FORD EXPLORER "O/D OFF" LIGHT BLINKING. *TR
ODI 10300238
Air Bags · Automatic Transmission · Steering
While driving and without warning a loud clinking noise can be heard. The dealer is aware of the problem. *nlm squeeling noise from motor. Transmission lurched and would not engage. Transmission and transfer case had to be flushed. Replace steering shaft for clinking noise. Clockspring replaced.
ODI 10003977
Automatic Transmission · Recliner · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problems with brakes, transmission and seat recliner handle.*mr dealer was notified. *cb
ODI 10042606