2003 Ford Explorer Structure Problems
- 44
- 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 44 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 2 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- Body · 3 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 13 |
| 1–30k mi | 9 |
| 30–60k mi | 7 |
| 100–150k mi | 5 |
| 150–400k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Structure
THE BACK PANEL ON THE HATCH IS CRACKED. *TR
ODI 10633255
Structure · Visibility/Wiper
I want to bring to your attention a defect in the tailgate panel on the 2003 ford explorer. It is cracked and as a result water gets into the inside of the panel and leaks into the vehicle. As a result of the bitter cold days here in the northeast over the last month or so, ice forms on the inside of the windows causing major issues with visibility which is dangerous. It also shorted out the rear wiper motor as…
ODI 10559451
Body · Structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated the rear lift gate glass hinge corroded and fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was previously included and repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 04v442000 (structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that both of the hinges were corroded and would have to be replaced.…
ODI 10525135
Body · Structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that he noticed that the lift gate was fractured near the manufacturing emblem. The failure caused the interior lights and the anti-theft alarm to activate. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa…
ODI 10505486
Structure
Rcall work was done ( ford # 04s045 ) since that time the plastic trim piece attached to the tailgate window cracked which has allowed water to rust out the mounting bracket that holds the latch and wiper assembly. The result is that the widow no longer closes securely and the window latch in-operable. Has this been addressed in and other recalls? I have observed that 9 of 10 explorers/mountaineers also have cracked…
ODI 10465815
Structure · Visibility
My son went to leave in explorer. Noticed hatch had popped open (has been doing this) and when he closed the two inch opening the glass exploded on him and all over driveway. Glass piece in eye which is ok and scrapes on arms and foot. This could have been so much worse and want answers to why this happened. *tr
1 injury
ODI 10463091
Structure · Visibility · Wheels
All 4 of the wheel bearings had to be replaces in a matter of 5 months the rear window has a crack in the fiberglass covering right down the middle said not covered not a health risk but the molding is still cracked from the bottom of window to the bottom of the molding piece brake lights stay on until u get back in and tap the brakes then the light shuts off. *tr
ODI 10471352
Structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated while the rear lift gate was open the hinge failed causing the gate to fall on the contacts head. The dealer was stated the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign recall number: 04v442000: structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the approximate failure and current mileage was 68,000.
1 injury
ODI 10422363
Hinge And Attachments · Structure
I bought 2003 ford explorer in 2008, used, and in 2011 i opened my back glass and the hinge snapped on the left side and the glass started falling, and the only thing that saved the glass from breaking was the right side hinge held. I called the ford company and they said that i could take it to a dealer and have it inspected, but there was no saftey recall on my vehicle. I looked online and in 2004 the 2003 ford…
ODI 10413542
Engine And Engine Cooling · Structure
My 2003 ford explorer limited blew a spark plug right out of the engine. Very scary & very loud while going to the grocery store. I thought for sure the engine blew. *tr
ODI 10399762
Structure
Paint on hood bubbling with corrosion under hood. *tr
ODI 10396561
Structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The contact stated that a crack had developed on the liftgate of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 56,000.
ODI 10384501
Structure
The back hatch cracked on my 2003 ford explorer. I hear this is a common problem with this suv. *tr
ODI 10361864
Automatic Transmission · Structure
Problems with the rear panel cracking up, being replaced twice, still cracked again, also the transmission not able to check it during a trip unless you go under the truck, last thing the brake light switch sticking causing to drain battery and not able to order part because the manual are wrong. *tr
ODI 10373335
Structure
I own a 2003 ford explorer. The back hatch below the window is cracked. I've seen many with the same defect in parking lots. One woman i spoke with said hers flew off into the windshield of a minivan & caused an accident. I e-mailed ford motor co. They will not issue a recall. This is a safety hazard and with so many vehicles so easily found in parking lots with the same defect is concerning me. I can't afford to…
Crash reported
ODI 10312772
Structure
The plastic applique below the rear window of 2003 ford explorer cracked in cold weather. The vehicle was not in motion. It cracked when the rear defroster circuit was activated. Internet research indicates this is a widespread problem, possibly affecting 10-20% of vehicles manufactured. It is clearly a design problem. Ford, in it's infinite wisdom, glued the largish plastic trim piece directly to the rear glass. In…
ODI 10299125
Structure
The panel below the glass on the rear hatch of my wife's 2003 ford explorer cracked forno apparent reason. The dealer tells me it will cost $800 dollars to repair plus a body shop expense (paint). I've noticed on many forums on the internet that this is a very common problem and ford should address it! *tr
ODI 10264304
Structure
I own a 2003 ford explorer. Approximately 3 months ago, my wife and i noticed that the plastic trim between the rear window and the ford logo was cracked. I have since noticed it on a majority of 2002 - 2004 explorers. I have also found numerous online posts and other websites describing the same issue with other explorer owners and a refusal by ford to remediate the problem. *tr
ODI 10260272
Body · Structure
The ford explorer's most frequent problem - is it cracks in the plastic panel below the rear window. This occurs on explorers from model years 2002, 2003 & 2004. With most affected explorers now past the standard warranty period, most owners will end up having to pay for the repair out of pocket. Because the cracked panel is not a safety defect, there is very little chance of a recall. For a short time in late 2006,…
ODI 10354904
Structure
Rear hatch below window has cracked from top of panel to bottom this may have been due to cold weather but i'm reading about all kinds of these cracks happening in all provinces and states. When is ford going to accept the fact this is a defect and make a recall? *tr
ODI 10262371
Structure
The paint has blistered and is actively peeling off of a substantial area of the hood of my 2003 ford explorer. According to lemonlaw.com, ford motor company had issued a service bulletin indicating a major paint defect in many 2000-2005 ford, lincoln, and mercury cars, trucks, and suv's that use aluminum body parts. The bulletin further states that, "some vehicles may exhibit bubbling or blistering under the paint…
ODI 10259317
Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While the vehicle was parked, the contact pressed the button on her key fob to open the glass on the rear hatch. As a result, one of the two hinges fractured as the window was opening. She attempted to close the glass, but apparently it was misaligned. Due to excessive pressure, the glass shattered and debris fell onto the contact and the ground. She called the dealer in…
ODI 10243309
Structure
Factory paint blistering on hood. Vehicle is 5 years old and has 44,000 miles. There are a large number of complaints about this problem on a long list of internet sites. Ford is not acknowledging this issue. Apparently this is affecting 2000-2005 vehicles. *tr
ODI 10245514
Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. The rear liftgate glass hinge has fractured. The contact opened the rear liftgate glass and, when he attempted to close it, the liftgate would not shut correctly. The hinge split into two pieces. The contact feels that if he attempts to open the rear liftgate, the glass will shatter. He discovered a recall for this failure, but the dealer stated that his vin was not included…
ODI 10236239
Structure
A crack in the rear hatch near the ford emblem on 2003-2005 ford explorers. Ford has a tsb (technical service bulletin) on this issue so they know it exists and yet they are refusing to do anything about it. The following website is just one of a few out there regarding this matter... Http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/explorer/2003/body_paint/cracked_panel_below_the_rear_window.shtml. *tr
ODI 10261715