2003 Ford Explorer Electrical Problems
56 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (56)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT AND FOUR BYSTANDERS PUSHED THE VEHICLE INTO A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,412.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH CAUSED THE DOME LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.
ADJUSTED HVAC TEMPERATURE FROM COLD TO HOT. APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS LATER, A LOUD AND REPETITIVE POPPING SOUND CAME FROM THE DEFROSTER VENTS. I WAS STARTLED AND IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE CAR (ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY) TO INVESTIGATE. THE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR IS FAILING. THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE A LOSS OF CLIMATE CONTROL IN THE CABIN. IT CAN GET STUCK ON HOT OR COLD OR ANYWHERE IN BETWEEN. IF IT GETS STUCK IN THE COLD SETTING, THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WILL NOT WORK WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY. IF IT GETS STUCK ON THE HOT SETTING, HEAT-SENSITIVE PASSENGERS MAY BE INJURED BY HEATSTROKE IN THE SUMMER MONTHS SINCE AIR WILL ALWAYS FLOW THROUGH THE VENTS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
I BOUGHT MY FORD EXP.SPORT TRAC IN 2005 WITH A FEW MILES ON IT. I SOON FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD A FEW PROBLEMS WITH IT'S INTERIOR LIGHTING. THEN IT WAS THE DOOR LOOKS, THEN IT WAS THE RADIO GOING ON AND OFF BY ITSELF. THEN THE WINDOWS WENT UP AND DOWN ON THERE OWN. NOW THE AC COMES ON AND OFF WHILE IN THE OFF POSITION. AS OF TODAY KNOW ONE KNOWS WHAT AS GOTTEN INTO MY TRUCK AND WHEN I ADJUST MY STEERING WHEEL DONE THE TURNING LIGHTS DONT WORK AND I HAVE EVEN RECEIVED A TICKET FOR IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IGNITED IN FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE HOW THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO UNLOCK OR LOCK THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A CHIME SOUNDED AFTER THE FAILURES OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE PUSHING WATER INTO THE FUSE BOX WHEN IT RAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
I WAS DRIVING ON A CURVE AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF , I WAS ABLE TO STOP ,AND TURN THE CAR ON AGAIN, THAT WAS THE THIRD TIME THAT HAPPENED , THE OTHER TWO TIMES THE CAR WAS AT LOW SPEED , AROUND 30 MPH . *TR
DRIVING HOME FROM VACATION WITHOUT PROBLEMS, O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON BUT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. STOPPED, TURN KEY OFF, STARTED NO LIGHT. AFTER ABOUT 150 MILES AFTER STOPPING ON TRAFFIC LIGHT O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN. 10 MILES LATER ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON . *TR
RUSTING WIRES UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE STEP PLATE. *TR
RUSTING WIRES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE STEP PLATE. *TR
WHEN I STARTED MY TRUCK, THE INTERIOR DOME LAMP WOULD NOT GO OFF AND DOOR AJAR INDICATOR WAS CHIMING AS IF THERE WAS A DOOR OPEN. I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE AND WALKED AROUND THE CAR OPENING AND CLOSING ALL THE DOORS AS WELL AS THE LIFTGATE AND REAR HATCH GLASS. I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND IT WAS STILL GOING OFF. AFTER I STARTED DRIVING AND GOT ABOVE 10MPH THE LIGHT AND INDICATOR WENT OFF. I DID A SEARCH ON THE WEB AND FOUND OUT THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORD EXPLORER OWNERS REGARDLESS OF THE YEAR IT WAS MANUFACTURED. ALL OF THE WIRES THAT RUN FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND INTO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE BECOME BRITTLE OVER TIME WHICH EVENTUALLY LEADS TO CRACKS AND BREAKS IN THE WIRES THUS RESULTING IN A ELECTRICAL SHORT. FORD SHOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE GIVEN THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR EXPLORERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 2001 AND 2009. FOR THOSE WHO ARE ELECTRICAL SAVVY, YOU CAN RUN NEW WIRES YOURSELF. FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE NOT, WE HAVE TO RELY THAT SOME MECHANIC ISN'T GONNA RAPE OUR POCKETS AND CHARGE SOME RIDICULOUS PRICE TO FIX IT. THANKS FORD MOTOR COMPANY!! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM FUNCTIONS DISABLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. ONCE RESTARTED, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FIVE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED. IN ADDITION, AN UNKNOWN PART WAS REPLACED AT A LATER DATE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO PERSIST AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAS SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *REAR BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND CAUSED MY BATTERY TO DRAIN. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY STATED THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS, THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT THE CAR HAS IS DEFECTIVE. THE MECHANIC ACTUALLY STATED THAT THEY STOPPED MAKING THAT KIND OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, SO THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW KIND OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. BECAUSE THE MECHANIC'S STATEMENT, THIS INFORMED ME THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT CAME WITH THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE. *DOOR AJAR LIGHT SOMETIMES COMES ON FOR NO REASON WHEN ALL DOORS ARE FULLY CLOSED, AND THEN TURNS OFF ON IT'S OWN AFTER A COUPLE DAYS. I CALLED FORD AND THEY STATED THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS AND I NEEDED TO GREASE THE DOOR LATCHED AND CLEAN THE RUBBER LINING ON THE DOORS. I DID ALL THIS AND IT STILL HAPPENS SOMETIMES. I'VE SEEN COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS ONLINE TOO. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE NOW WHEN THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON PEOPLE MAY IGNORE THINKING IT'S THE REGULAR GLITCH, WHEN IT COULD POSSIBLY BE AN OPEN DOOR ONE DAY. *POWER DOOR AND POWER WINDOW MOTOR CONSTANTLY GOES OUT EACH YEAR. I HAVE HAD THIS REPAIRED THREE TIMES NOW. THIS IS ALSO DANGEROUS BECAUSE IN AN EMERGENCY PASSENGERS CAN'T EXIT A WINDOW IF NEEDED. *TR
SITTING AT A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WENT INTO ACCELERATION GAS PEDDLE WENT TO FLOOR. FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. CHECKED NO CARPET STUCK UNDER THE GAS PEDDLE. FOOT WAS NOT TOUCHING GAS PEDDLE. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS PRESSING THE GAS PEDDLE. CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF. SHUT VEHICLE OFF THEN BACK ON ISSUE WENT AWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED OTHER TIMES TO MYSELF AND MY WIFE. SOMETIMES WHILE PUSHING THE GAS THE GAS PEDDLE LEAVES YOUR FOOT AND CONTINUES TO THE FLOOR ON ITS OWN, PRESSING THE BRAKE AND TURNING VEHICLE OFF SEEMS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS SO IN FREQUENTLY THAT IT IS HARD TO REPRODUCE FOR SERVICE SHOP. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY DECELERATED TO 40 MPH. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT SPARKS WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WERE FLAMES UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
DOOR ADJAR SENSOR FAILS IN 2003 FORD EXPLORER ITS ALL OVER INTERNET. *TR
I HAVE EXPERIENCED ALL OF THE WARNINGS THE NHTSA LISTED FOR FORD DRIVERS REGARDING POSSIBLE IMMINENT FIRES INCLUDING GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK MODE. MY PROBLEM IS THE RECALL ONLY INCLUDES 1995-2002 EXPLORERS AND I HAVE A 2003 EXPLORER. THE MANUFACTURE DATE IS 02/03. IS IT POSSIBLE THE PLANT STILL HAD THE TEXAS INSTRUMENT CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH IN STOCK FROM 2002 AND INSTALLED IT IN MY VEHICLE? APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE IS THE MOST RECENT DATE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GET OUT OF THE PARK MODE ON THAT PARTICULAR DATE (8/27/2009). THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WARNING HAS BEEN AN ON AND OFF PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST THE LAST 2 YEARS. BRAKE LIGHT WARNING ON DASHBOARD ONLY A COUPLE OF TIMES. THE MALFUNCTIONING CRUISE CONTROL LAST HAPPENED ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO AND MAY HAVE HAPPENED AGAIN BUT DON'T REMEMBER WHEN FOR SURE. THE ONLY ITEM I HAD CHECKED OUT WAS THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. NOVEMBER 21, 2008 THEY REPLACED THE DIFFERENTIAL SPEED SENSOR, I HAVE YET TO FIND OUT IF THAT IS RELATED TO THE RECALLED SWITCH. IT FIXED THE ANTILOCK BRAKE DASHBOARD LIGHT FROM COMING ON MOSTLY. IT HAS COME ON AFTER THAT, BUT ONLY A COUPLE OF TIMES AND ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME. *TR
THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES AS THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS COME ON. I HAD THIS OCCUR ONCE IN THE PAST AND THE DEALER REPLACED A SWITCH / RELAY BUT NOW IT IS OCCURRING AGAIN... MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY ... IN FACT, IT IS ILLUMINATED MORE THEN NOT NOW. *TR
DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON AND TURNS ON INTERIOR LIGHT WHICH MAKES DRIVING DIFFICULTY. INTERIOR LIGHT COME ON WITH NO WARNING. VEHICLE HAS NO DAMAGE AND PERIODS OF EXTENDED WET WEATHER CAUSES SENSOR TO MALFUNCTION. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE WARNING INDICATOR FOR THE DOORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND WOULD NOT DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO DEFECTS. THE FAILURE PERSISTED OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. THE CONTACT ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN PARKED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AGAIN; HOWEVER, IT BEGAN TO STALL SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
WHEN I PULL DOWN MY STEERING WHEEL, THE LEFT BLINKER DOES NOT WORK NEITHER DOES THE BRAKE LIGHTS. IF THE WHEEL IS UP EVERY THING WORKS. *TR
I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD EXPLORER IN APRIL OF 03. WHEN WE TOOK RECEIPT OF THE VEHICLE THE DOME LIGHT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND WE TOOK OVER THE VEHICLE. FROM ABOUT 6000 MILES WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING OR NOT STARTING IN COLD OR HUMID WEATHER. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE TO THE DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY 8-10 TIMES A YEAR FOR VARIOUS PROBLEMS. WE HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING CONCERNS WITH THE VEHICLE; THE DOME LIGHTS HAVE BEEN OUT, THE REAR DRIVER WINDOW HAS GONE OUT, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON NUMEROUS TIMES, THE LIGHT FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS COME ON SEVERAL TIMES, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED OR LOCKED AND UNLOCKED WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH. WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING OR NOT STARTING IN COLD TEMPERATURES OR WHEN IT IS HUMID OR DAMP OUTSIDE. THEY HAVE REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER TWICE AND REPLACED VARIOUS SENSORS. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO PUT A FLIGHT RECORDER ON THE CAR TO TRY AND DETERMINE WHAT THE SENSORS WERE DOING AT THE TIME. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE THE AUTO WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR WAS IN PARK, THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS. WE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR STARTING HARD OR STALLING OR NOT STARTING AND ARE FRUSTRATED THAT NOTHING SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO BE DONE FOR IT. I HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE VEHICLE HOOKED UP TO THE MACHINE AND IT IS SHOWING A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SENSORS NOW. THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP STATED THE IGNITION COILS ARE RUSTY AND SHOULD NOT BE THIS WAY FOR THE CAR HAVING 60,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER THE ORIGINAL 3 YEAR WARRANTY WAS UP ON THE VEHICLE I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP I WANTED AN ADDITIONAL WARRANTY WHICH THE DEALER SUPPLIED WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED. I REALIZE WITH IT BEING AN "INTERMITTENT PROBLEM" IT MAY BE HARD TO DIAGNOSE, BUT FORD HAS RECEIVED THEIR MONEY FOR THE PRODUCT, I DON'T THINK IT'S TOO MUCH TO EXPECT A "RELIABLE" CAR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS MATTER. *TR
I PURCHASED MY 2003 FORD FOCUS IN 2005 AND EVER SINCE THE IGNITION SWITCH GETS STUCK BUT IT HAS GOT STUCK OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS . *CN
STRING OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES A THE SAME TIME - RESULTED IN LOSS OF VEHICLE FOR 3-4 DAYS AND WE HAD TO RENT A CAR TO FILL IN WHILE IT WAS GETTING REPAIRED - FULL BATTERY FAILURE, FAILURE OF THE 4WD COMPONENT, BROKEN OR DETACHED WIRE IN DRIVER'S DOOR, RESULTING IN INABILITY TO LOCK/ALARM THAT DOOR WITH REMOTE. *TR
VEHICLE ENGINE STOP WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. DRIVING AS NORMAL, APPROX 30 MPH WHEN VEHICLE JUST STOPS. EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER OR BRAKE. PERFECT WEATHER, NO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES--NORMAL TEMPERATURE, ETC. INCIDENT OCCURRED TWICE, APPROX ONE YEAR APART. TOOK INTO REPAIR SHOP TO DIAGNOSE, NO CODE LEFT ON COMPUTER. *TR
ON MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR FUSES REPEATED BLOW AND ALSO THE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH EVERY TIME YOU HIT A BUMP ALL THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS COME ON AND SOME TIMES THEY JUST FLICKER OFF AND ON FOR NO REASON. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRING IN MY VAN AND I HAVE HEARD THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS TO BE LOOKED INTO. *TR
THE MESSAGE CENTER LIGHTS ARE NOT VISIBLE IN THE DAYTIME UNLESS DRIVER IS IN A SHADED SPOT CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO GET ANY OF THE READOUTS! *TR
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THAT CUTS OFF AFTER TAKE OFF, BUT WHILE YIELDING TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR BRAKING TO MAKE A TURN. THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS AND THE CAR MUST BE BROUGHT TO A FULL STOP TO PLACE IN PARK AND RESTART. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO OUR LOCAL DEALER, DICK MASHETER, WHO HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, BUT HAPPENED TWICE YESTERDAY.
THE MESSAGE CENTER ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER CAN'T BE SEEN IN DAYLIGHT CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO READ THE COMPASS , MILEAGE, MILES /GAL, ANY READOUT OF THE AUTO. ALMOST CAUSED MY WIFE AND I TO RUN OFF THE ROAD WHILE TRYING TO READ THE COMPASS. NIGHT READING IS FINE, BUT DAYLIGHT IS TERRIBLE.. THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE FIXED BY FORD BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED TRYING TO READ THE MESSAGE CENTER IN DAYLIGHT. *TR
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXCURSION DIESEL TURBO 6.0 ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES SINCE THE ABOVE DATE FOR A/C PROBLEMS & SHUTTING OFF ON ME. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERIES ON 4 OCCASIONS IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS. THEY HAVE FOUND ONE SHORT IN FEBRUARY & AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERIES AGAIN IN APRIL 2007 THE VEHICLE DIED ON ME. WHILE I AM DRIVING THE LIGHTS TURN OFF & I LOSE POWER. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND & CORRECT THE PROBLEM & I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I HAVE TO PICK UP MY 4 CHILDREN AND FEEL I AM PUTTING THEM AT RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT.*AK
WE WERE INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON THE BELOW DATE. A PERSON WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND HIT OUR 2003 FORD EXPLORER ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA AT APPROX 40 MPH. THERE WAS OVER $ 6,000 IN DAMAGE ON OUR VEHICLE. WHEN OUR VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO US FROM THE BODY SHOP 6 WEEKS LATER, OUR HEATER, WHEN TURNED ON WAS MAKING A LOUD BANGING SOUND. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS KNOCKED LOOSE FROM THE IMPACT. IT IS NOW APRIL 2007, AND WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET OUR INSURANCE COMPANY TO FIX THIS. WE TOOK OUR 2003 FORD TO CAPITAL FORD IN CARSON CITY, NEVADA WHERE WE BOUGHT 3 NEW FORD VEHICLES. CAPITAL FORD TOLD THE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. ALLSTATE , OUR INSURANCE COMPANY TOLD US THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY "AT OUR OWN EXPENSE" TO TAKE THE DASH APART ON THIS VEHICLE TO SEE IF THIS WAS ACCIDENT RELATED, AT 10 HOURS LABOR AT $ 90 PER HOUR! I HAVE CHECKED ALL RECALLS WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND CALLED FORD DIRECTLY, AND HAVE FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH THIS HEATER. PLEASE HELP US! *TR
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IS EXPERIENCING SIMILAR SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY OTHER FIRE VICTIMS: CRUISE CONTROL TOTALLY INOPERATIVE, PERSISTENT ABS ALERTS, "LOW OIL PRESSURE" ALERTS (SOMETIMES JUST DAYS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE), AND STEERING ISSUES. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IS PROVIDING SERVICE AT MY EXPENSE BUT PRETENDED THAT THEY HAD NO IDEA AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND READING TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER FIRE VICTIMS, I AM TERRIFIED. IN MY SUBDIVISION, HOUSES STAND ONLY A FEW FEET APART...THE HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION PROHIBITS ANY PARKING ON THE STREET. THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER MODELS SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY.
ANTS HAVE EATEN INTO THE COMPUTER ON MY 1994 FORD EXPLORER LAST YEAR . THIS YEAR EVEN THOUGH I PUT OUT POISON ON THE GROUND AND SPRAYED THE MOTOR AND INSIDE OF BOTH VEHICLES THEY GOT INTO THE DASH OF MY 03 AND STARTED EATING THE (LOOMS) WHAT EVER THAT IS AND THE WIRING TO MY AIR BAGS. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND WHAT DID THEY DO TO STOP IT? WHAT ARE THEY MAKING THE WIRING OUT OF. *NM
I HAD 2003 FORD EXPLORER THAT CAUGHT FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY, MY CAR WAS BACKED IN ABOUT 10 FEET FROM HOUSE WITH TAILGATE OPEN. THE INVESTIGATOR FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS TELLING ME IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN BACK INSIDE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE AND I ALSO HAVE DAMAGES TO MY HOUSE AND PROPERTY. *JB
ENGINE CUT OFF, WHEN HIGH BEAMS WERE SWITCHED ON. *NM
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC SPECIAL EDITION WITH AVALANCHE ON THE BACK WAS HAVING A STALLING PROBLEM. THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE LIGHT BLINKED ON THE DASHBOARD, AND THEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF THE POWER. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE REPAIR SHOP SEVEN TO EIGHT TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP LONGER THAN IT HAS BEEN WITH THE CONSUMER. THE DEALERSHIP PUT THE EDR ON THE TRUCK, AND FOUND NO INFORMATION. THE TRUCK STALLED WHEN THE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALERSHIP WAS STUNNED BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS. THE CONSUMER WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. HE TRIED TO TRADE THE TRUCK IN FOR A NEW VEHICLE, BUT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT GIVE THE CONSUMER ENOUGH MONEY FOR THE TRUCK. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THEY DID NOT WANT THE TRUCK AND WOULD BE AFRAID TO SELL THE TRUCK TO SOMEONE ELSE. THERE HAVE BEEN ENGINEERS FROM FORD TO EXAMINE THE TRUCK AND STILL NO ONE COULD FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. SPEED WAS 30 MPH AND UNDER. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD PERSONALLY, AND THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
MY FORD EXPLORER HAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTER SINCE NEW. *NM
I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPEDITION 2003 SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO THE GUARANTEE ITS ALMOST EXPIRED, NOW THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
I HEARD CNN'S REPORT ON FORD'S THAT COULD HAVE A PROBLEM WITH FIRE DUE TO A HOT WIRED CRUISE CONTROL ON MANY FORDS.THEY CAN GO ON FIRE EVEN WHEN NOT RUNNING, PERHAPS IN THE GARAGE. I HAVE A 2003 EXPLORER, I HAVE CALLED THE FORD DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBLITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT, WHAT CAN WE DO IF WE OWN THESE CARS TO BE SAFE?
THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY FORD FOCUS ZX3 (2003) HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. ONCE ON 6/17/04 AT 17,301 MILES BY LATHAM FORD IN LATHAM, NY AND ON 12/17/04 AT 33,213 MILES BY NEMER FORD IN QUEENSBURY, NY. BOTH TIMES I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. BOTH TIMES THE REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO NEW COUNTRY FORD YESTERDAY (6/1/05) BECAUSE THE KEY TURNS, BUT THE CAR DOES NOT START ONLY THE ELECTRIC COMES ON. THE SERVICE MANAGER THERE, BOB, SAID THE MECHANIC IS STILL LOOKING AT THE CAR AND APPARENTLY THE IGNITION SWITCH IS BROKEN AGAIN, BUT HE THINKS SOMETHING ELSE IN THE STEERING COLUMN MAY BE THE PROBLEM. IF IT IS NOT THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT IS BROKEN I WILL LIKELY HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH THE MALFUNCTIONING PIECE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSING THE IGNITION SWITCH TO FAIL THE FIRST TWO TIMES (MEANING THAT THOSE MECHANICS MISSED THE BIG PROBLEM).
DT: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK ALONG WITH DARK SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. VEHICLE HESITATED AND CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LANE, A TURN LANE LEADING INTO AN OFFICE PARK. CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO CALL HIGHWAY ASSISTANCE THAT FORD DEALER USES IN AREA, THEY EVENTUALLY SENT A TOW SERVICE THAT COULD NOT TOW BECAUSE 2 PEOPLE WERE ALREADY IN THE CAB. CONSUMER CALLED DEALER BACK AND DEALER GAVE NAME AND NUMBER OF ANOTHER TOW SERVICE THAT BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER. CONSUMER WAS TOLD COMPUTER WAS THE PROBLEM OF THE HESITATION. *TT
VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS AND THE OWNER DROVE ACROSS THE STREET TO THE SHELL GAS STATION, OWNER PARKED THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE GAS STATION, AND GOT SOME CASH FROM THE ATM MACHINE. OWNER WALKED BACK TO THE VEHICLE AND IT IGNITED. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE TRUCK WAS BURNED. THE FIRE MARSHALL SAID THAT THEY THOUGHT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *AK
THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW AND THERE WAS RUSTING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD, THE POWER DOORS AND THE SEATS WERE NOT WORKING , THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AS WELL. *JB FIVE WINDSHIELDS HAD BEEN REPLACED DUE TO CONSTANT LEAKING INCLUDING THE MOON ROOF AND THE HEADLINER. THE POWER DOORS DID NOT WORK. WHEN IT WOULD RAIN, MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WOULD BE PRESENT. *SC
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, ALL OF THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING LOCKED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
RIGHT SIDE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WOULD JITTER AND BOTTOM OUT WHEN YOU OPEN AND CLOSE WINDOW. THIS PROBLEM WAS CONTINUOUS SINCE DAY ONE. I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT IT WAS JUST OFF ITS TRACK. SO I DIDNT WORRY ABOUT IT TO MUCH AND I WAITED (WHICH IS MY FAULT AS TO WHY I HAD TO PAY FOR IT) UNTIL SOMETHING MORE WORTH WHILE GOING IN FOR CAME UP. WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK IN TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT FROM MY DEER ACCIDENT, THEY SAID THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS DOING WHAT IT WAS DUE TO A BAD ELECTRIC MOTOR. I THINK FORD NEEDS TO BE MORE THOROUGH WHEN TESTING THE VEHICAL FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE. THE WINDOW WAS ONLY USED THREE TIME TO DATE. I DIDNT MIND PAYING FOR THE REPAIR AS I AM SURE FORD WOULD OF HONORED THE WARRENTY IF I WOULD OF DELT WITH IT THEN. BUT ITS JUST THE FACT OF THE MATTER THAT THEY PUT A FAULTY ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE SUV THAT SHOULD OF BEEN CAUGHT WHEN IT CAME OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE.*AK
THE SUV TAKES TWO TIMES TO START THE VEHICLE UP. THE KEY AND IGINITION ARE NOT MATCHING UP WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER BUT THEY WON'T FIX IT SAYING THEY HAVE TO SEE IT FIRST.*AK
2003, FORD, EXPLORER XLT 4X4 - ENGINE JUST STOPPED, NO WARNING, NO SIGN OF ANY PROBLEM, AND WOULD NOT RESTART, COMPUTER PROCESSOR FAILED. NO BRAKES ,NO POWER STEERING. *AK
INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS OF GETTING THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER VEHICLE TO START. AFTER AN HOUR OR SO VEHICLE WOULD START UP AS IF THERE WAS NEVER A PROBLEM. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED MORE THAN 4 TIMES IN THE PAST. *AK
WHEN RETURNING TO VEHICLE CONSUMER HAVE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS OF GETTING THE VEHICLE STARTED. AFTER AND HOUR OR SO VEHICLE WOULD START UP AS IF THERE WAS NEVER A PROBLEM. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED SIX TIMES IN THE PAST. *AK
WHILE DRIVING ON A BACK COUNTRY ROAD AT 15 TO 20 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES. THICK BLACK SMOKE WAS BILLOWING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE. CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME, AND UNDER INVESTIGATION. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS A RENTAL, AND TWO CONSUMERS WERE IN VEHICLE AT TIME OF INCIDENT.*AK
WHILE DRIVING ON A BACK COUNTRY ROAD AT 15 TO 20 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES. THICK BLACK SMOKE WAS BILLOWING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE. CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME, AND UNDER INVESTIGATION.*AK
ON JULY 28 WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR NEW EXPLORER SPORT TRAC IT JUST STOP RUNNING. SHE STARTED IT UP AND IT RAN FOR ABOUT 1MIN THEN CUT OFF AGAIN STRANDING HER IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY IN A TURN LANE WE REPORTED IT TO FORD IT TOOK OVER 2 HRS FOR THEM TO GET A TOW TRUCK TO TOW THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER IT ALSO HAPPENED ON THE 27TH. ALSO THE OWNERS MANUAL PAGES ARE NOT RIGHT WHEN YOU LOOK AT ABOUT HOW TO CHANGE A TIRE IT GIVE YOU A PAGE NUMBER AND IT SHOWS SOMETHING ELSE LIKE HOW TO CHANGE OIL.*AK
JUNE 2, 2003 6:40 PM PICKED UP THE BRAND NEW EXPLORER SPORT TRAC FROM TREADWELL FORD AND DROVE HOME TO WEST MOBILE. JUNE 3, 2003 7:20 AM DROVE THE NEARLY 30 MILE COMMUTE TO WORK IN NORTH MOBILE COUNTY. UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT SMELLED HOT, WITH A NEARLY BURNT ELECTRICAL SMELL. JUNE 3, 2003 ~8:40 PM LEFT WORK AFTER LONG DAY. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES, WHEN RADIO CONSOLE WENT BLACK. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, ENTIRE DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTING, HEADLIGHTS, AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED TO ACT ERRATICALLY. PULLED INTO BP GAS STATION, AND VEHICLE COMBUSTION SYSTEM BEGAN TO SPUTTER. BRAKED TO STOP VEHICLE MOTION TEMPORARILY, AND VEHICLE SEEMED TO ACT DRIVABLE AGAIN. ATTEMPTED TO LEAVE BP STATION, BUT VEHICLE STOPPED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. NEEDED ASSISTANCE TO PUSH VEHICLE OUT OF ENTRANCE TO HIGHWAY 43. CREOLA POLICE OFFICER AND ANOTHER MAN WHO BOTH ASSISTED WITH PUSHING THE VEHICLE WHILE I STEERED IT STATED BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ACTING ERRATICALLY. JUNE 4, 2003 ~8:50 AM TALKED WITH DON DAVIS IN TREADWELL FORD SERVICE AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAD HAPPENED LAST NIGHT. JUNE 4, 2003 ~5:30 PM DON DAVIS LEFT A MESSAGE AT MY HOME THAT THEY WERE WORKING ON THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. JUNE 5, 2003 ~11:30 AM DON DAVIS LEFT A MESSAGE AT MY HOME THAT BY DRIVING THE VEHICLE AROUND, HE WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE WHAT HAPPENED TO ME THE EVENING OF JUNE 3. JUNE 5, 2003 ~5:30 PM DON DAVIS LEFT A MESSAGE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP AS THE ALTERNATOR HAD BEEN REPLACED. *NLM
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING.*AK
THE IGNITION, SEATS AND OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES DID NOT WORK, DUE TO A FAULTY SENSOR MODULE, DEALER REPLACED THE MODULE TWICE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED.*JB