2003 Ford Explorer Problems and Repair Histories
2003 Ford Explorer problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
See what people are saying about 2003 Ford Explorer problems
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Ford Explorer
2003 Ford Explorers for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2003 Ford Explorer problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2003 Ford Explorer problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2003 Ford Explorer problems and repair histories that follow it.
Ford Explorer Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2003 | Ford Explorer | 12 Explorers, 7.6 months of data per Explorer, average 108300 miles Small sample size. Join or 12 Explorers, 7.6 months of data per Explorer, average 108300 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
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Non-members can see only ten 2003 Ford Explorer problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2003 Ford Explorer
Engine not specified
| Ford Explorer in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 148000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 148000 | 100 | leaking water pump |
2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic AWD
| Ford Explorer in Missouri, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2010 | 93000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 94000 | 302 | air sensor |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range
| Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 67000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 110000 | 70 | Changed alternator |
| Apr | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2004 | 0 | April 2004 A/C no-op. Warranty repair. | |
| Aug | 2005 | 0 | The following was covered under the Extended Warranty (and was told only because of Ext Warr!): New transmission & cooler. Timing chain rattle. Hood rust (since re-appeared). ECM reprogrammed. | |
| Nov | 2006 | 0 | Ext'd Warranty: A/C operation intermittent. New control head installed. | |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 0 | Air conditioning compressor was in need of replacement- dealership replaced at no charge because I had just purchased it used. | |
| Oct | 2009 | 0 | Driver's side rear window motor stopped working. Dealership replaced at no charge because it was missed in inspection before I purchased the vehicle. | |
| Jan | 2010 | 424 | Paint on roof directly above driver began to peel. Top coat of white paint only, primer underneath was still intact. Ford refused to even consider a repair based on poor paint quality. | |
| Jul | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Idaho, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 210 | DPFE - EGR Pressure Sensor IAC - Idle Air Control Sensor both replaced at same time | |
| Dec | 2012 | 50000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 38 | Blew out blocked moonroof drains, replaced parking sensors, lubricated driver's "door ajar" switch | |
| Sep | 2008 | 55000 | 0 | Blew out blocked moonroof drains |
| Oct | 2008 | 56000 | 340 | Left front wheel bearing hub assembly failing, replaced both front wheel bearing hub assemblies |
| Jun | 2009 | 67000 | 60 | Multi-function (turn signal) switch failed, replaced with OEM part. |
| Jan | 2010 | 77000 | 80 | Idle air control valve replaced to correct rough idle |
| Sep | 2010 | 88000 | 170 | #3 fuel injector failed and was replaced. Spark plugs also replaced. |
| Apr | 2011 | 94000 | 750 | Failed drive axle seal |
| May | 2011 | 95000 | 350 | Replace upper and lower front ball joints, upper control arms due to failed ball joints and rusted control arms |
| Jun | 2012 | 104000 | 150 | AC refrigerant loss - system sealed and recharged Driver's side blend door actuator failed |
| Dec | 2012 | 109000 | 190 | Failed tensioner pulley bearings |
| Feb | 2013 | 112500 | 630 | #3 spark plug shot out of head after threads in head failed. Destroyed #3 coil pack when it happened. Apparently a common problem in 4.6L Triton engine. Driver's seat heat switch failed, replaced switch |
| May | 2013 | 114000 | 180 | Both front wheel bearing hubs failed, replaced both hubs |
| Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 92000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 92000 | 500 | Failed wheel bearing w/ damage to hub bearing race. |
| May | 2010 | 93000 | 0 | Heated seats stopped working; turning on rr defrost turned on all interior lights & gave "door ajar" warning. Dealer claimed bad harness to liftgate. $600+ (seriously!) repair was refused. Vehicle returned--issues had disappeared! |
| Oct | 2010 | 99000 | 600 | Corroded ground: rear defrost, automatic light timeout and heated seats no-op. Heated seats still not functional. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2005 | 2000 | Don't remember all the dates but the transmission was rebuilt 2x out of warranty and then replaced completely and paid for by Ford Canada & the dealership. Also antilock & reverse sensors repaired 3x in warranty. Heater blower, cruise control and computer | |
| Dec | 2007 | 143840 | 465 | Heater Blower Fan |
| Apr | 2008 | 154380 | 90 | Wiring harness for windows loose. |
| Jun | 2008 | 154380 | 200 | New ignition on the steering column since the old one came out with the key |
| Ford Explorer in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 80 | Driver's seat heater went out. | |
| Aug | 2008 | 75000 | 40 | Shudders occasionally at about 40mph, since towing with overdrive still on. Think I messed up the transmission a little bit. Mechanic couldn't find anything wrong, advised always locking out overdrive when towing. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 43000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2007 | 44000 | 160 | Broken heat shield on front transfer case. Broken duct vent in dash. |
| May | 2008 | 52000 | 0 | Broken duct vent in dash. Rear window motor replaced. |
| Apr | 2009 | 62000 | 750 | Left and right front wheel bearings replaced under extended warranty. Transmission problem fixed with computer flash at owner's expense. Pinion seal and rear axle seals replaced under extended warranty. |
| Feb | 2010 | 74000 | 1000 | Replaced front & rear shocks/springs, replaced upper & lower ball joints. |
| Dec | 2010 | 83000 | 1500 | Paint on hood was bubbling due to iron contamination in aluminum hood (see TSB 06-25-15 ALUMINUM BODY PANELS - CORROSION). Aluminum hood replaced with steel hood & repainted. Vehicle was beyond paint warranty time frame. |
| Aug | 2011 | 93000 | 200 | Replaced all 8 ignition coils and spark plugs. |
| Jun | 2012 | 104000 | 400 | Replaced all seals and fluid in rear differential. |
| Dec | 2012 | 112000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD
| Ford Explorer in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 151000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 151000 | 125 | Rear A/C blend door not working and constant clicking noise. Plastic part connecting radiator hose to engine failed. |
| Ford Explorer in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 106000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 107000 | 0 | blender door not allowing air conditioner to work properly. due to cost, will fix myself with help of friend. |
| Nov | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range
| Ford Explorer in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2004 | 0 | Transmission failed, repaired under warranty | |
| Jun | 2006 | 100 | Transmission shift solenoid pack failed. Repaired under certified warranty. | |
| Ford Explorer in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2006 | 660 | Front pinion seal leak; Power window (rear) drive/switch replacement. Covered by ESP. | |
| Aug | 2007 | 2000 | Rear differential bearings; front sway bar bushings; both front lower ball joints; solenoid pack for the transmission. Covered under ESP plan, $2k was quoted cost w/o plan. | |
| Nov | 2007 | 72000 | 100 | Shifter was difficult to place in park after driving; TSB addressed the problem, part repaired. |
| Aug | 2009 | 100000 | 50 | Rear spring on the passenger side was broken. |
| Feb | 2011 | 127000 | 600 | Driver's front wheel bearing, sway bar links. |
| Nov | 2012 | 154700 | 250 | P0301 CODE REGULARLY SENT, NO RESOLUTION |
| Dec | 2012 | 156000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 170000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 181000 | 90 | Rear calipers... $90 and did them myself. They were frozen but still working. |
| Aug | 2011 | 189000 | 300 | Hit a bump in road and front right spring collapsed. Parked for a week while drove Lincoln (waiting for parts) and had replaced at shop. Fairly inexpensive and quick fix |
| Jul | 2012 | 192000 | 360 | Ford dealer told me eventually would need to repair about 20k ago but not to worry. Last oil change they said it was bad- and it was! They said 450 for repair- told me I could save almost 100 if went to small mechanic shop! thanks! |
| Mar | 2013 | 199000 | 125 | Door ajar light wont shut off. Drivers door wire severed- common problem and a quick fix once the problem was found. Exhaust replaced |
| Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 75000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 86000 | 300 | Replaced rear springs because right side broken. |
| Apr | 2011 | 89700 | 200 | Cracked rear hatch trim below the lift up glass. Plastic body color trim piece cracking vertically. Mine cracked in 2 places over the period of 2 years, upon second crack, I replaced. bought part online, had painted professionally, I applied. |
| Jul | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 70000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2009 | 72000 | 5 | Upper Control Arm, two new rear coil springs |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 110 | Re-flash computer to resolve surging on deceleration/coast. | |
| Jan | 2008 | 65000 | 585 | Front wheel bearing failed. Had fuel filter and trans filter replaced at same time. Unable to duplicate poor mpg issue. |
| Sep | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 75000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 400 | ABS - speed sensor bad. | |
| Mar | 2010 | 94000 | 125 | Blend motor assy replaced. 'click of death' |
| Jun | 2010 | 96500 | 3600 | Transmission rebuilt with newer 07 -08 parts |
| Mar | 2011 | 102000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 85560 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2007 | 86800 | 90 | Suspension started sqeaking at bumps. Opened and lubricated. |
| Apr | 2009 | 99200 | 701 | Bearing made noise |
| Jun | 2010 | 118420 | 450 | Check Engine Light came on. Driver side Oxygen sensor needed to be replace. |
| Jul | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Ford Explorer 4-door
8-cylinder automatic 4WD
| Ford Explorer in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | 38000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2007 | 39000 | 0 | took 03 explorer to ford dealer for a number of repairs covered under extended warranty with 50.00 deductable.window motor front end boot replaced factory radio door ajar sensor |
| Dec | 2007 | 40000 | 50 | replaced front rocker arms |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Ford Explorer 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Ford Explorer in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 48000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2007 | 49000 | 100 | power steering pump leak |
2003 Ford Explorer
4-cylinder automatic AWD
| Ford Explorer in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 88000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 89000 | 40 | We hear a rattling noise but dealer could not hear it. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert 2003 Ford Explorer Repair Advice
Non-members can see only ten 2003 Ford Explorer problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2003 Ford Explorer
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