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• March 28: Ford EcoBoost Engine Problems Cause Class Action Lawsuitnews | 18 days ago
• March 26: Ford Edge Rattling Noise Lawsuit Blames Flexplatesnews | 20 days ago
• March 19: Ford Recalls 2020 Explorers and Lincoln Aviatorsrecalls | 27 days ago
• March 12: Ford Tire Recall Affects F-150, F-250, F-350, Escaperecalls | 34 days ago
• March 12: Ford Recalls 2.9 Million Vehicles To Replace Takata Airbagsrecalls | 34 days ago

Transmission Problems

CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2003 Ford Explorer one of our worst vehicles on record. 'Avoid like the plague' is putting it lightly.

The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.

Another common problem for the 2002-2003 Explorer is wheel bearing failure at around 90k miles, with a typical repair bill of $500 to $1000 depending on how many wheel bearings failed.

Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.

2003 Ford Explorer Transmission Problems

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2003 Ford Explorer Transmission Check

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3. 2003 »

• switch makes
• switch models
• switch years

• March 28: Ford EcoBoost Engine Problems Cause Class Action Lawsuitnews | 18 days ago
• March 26: Ford Edge Rattling Noise Lawsuit Blames Flexplatesnews | 20 days ago
• March 19: Ford Recalls 2020 Explorers and Lincoln Aviatorsrecalls | 27 days ago
• March 12: Ford Tire Recall Affects F-150, F-250, F-350, Escaperecalls | 34 days ago
• March 12: Ford Recalls 2.9 Million Vehicles To Replace Takata Airbagsrecalls | 34 days ago

2003 Ford Explorer (Page 1 of 4)

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2003 Ford Explorer one of our worst vehicles on record. 'Avoid like the plague' is putting it lightly.

The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.

Another common problem for the 2002-2003 Explorer is wheel bearing failure at around 90k miles, with a typical repair bill of $500 to $1000 depending on how many wheel bearings failed.

Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.

Typical Repair Cost:

$2,640

Average Mileage:

100,900 miles

Total Complaints:

80 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

1. replace/rebuild transmission (59 reports)
2. not sure (12 reports)
3. rebuild / replace transmission (5 reports)
4. belt/clutch repair (2 reports)
5. rebuild transmission (2 reports)

transmission problem

Helpful websites

• Burn It - 1st.use a burning agent,2nd. lite burning agent from safe distance,3rd let ford explorer burn.4th. blame fire on ford.OPTIONAL:contact ford dealer first,any shit,refer to step 1 thru 4.

2003 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L

• Automatic transmission
• 100,000 miles

The transmission went out and it cost me twenty-five hundred bucks to fix it and then about 80,000 miles later, it's doing the same thing again. Piece of junk but there ain't nothing wrong with the radio.

- Bill W., Rothsay, MN, US

Explorer XLT V8

• Automatic transmission
• 97,000 miles

Bought this used...so far have replaced entire transmission, under 100,000 miles. Read lots of problems with this occur. Wish I'd done more research before I bought. Never again.

Also exploding rear window. Bummer Ford. Wish I had my old Bronco back, it ran forever.

- Lori M., Denver, CO, US

Explorer V6

• Automatic transmission
• 100,400 miles

I think this complaint #9 for this vehicle, I've lost track. I will never buy another Ford product again. It's borderline treason for an American company to sell vehicles this bad to Americans. My next car will be a Chevy, Ford has 6 vehicles on the Worst list here, Chevy has none.

- John S., Abington, PA, US

Explorer

• Automatic transmission
• 150,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

NO recall on a default part from a company with no accountability. What a pain in my ass. As a long time owner, this SH*T sucks.

Thanks Ford.

- darryll, Kernersville, NC, US

Explorer V6

• Automatic transmission
• 140,514 miles

This is obviously a defect in the transmission from the manufacturer. Paid to have the original transmission rebuilt.

- hurrikane, Middlebury, IN, US

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Explorer V6

• Automatic transmission
• 173,149 miles

Rebuild on factory transmission only lasted 16 months/32,000 miles! This is OBVIOUSLY a manufacturer defective transmission and I DO NOT have another $2,000 to pay to rebuild this transmission again!

- hurrikane, Middlebury, IN, US

Explorer V8

• Automatic transmission
• 119,000 miles

On my way to work, on a cold Michigan February morning, my Explorer did not want to shift gears. Dash light kept saying check transmission. The o/d light was staying on, the truck would only do low speeds, then catch up and able to do speed limit. Just a few miles from work it got worse, would not want to drive at all. I was able to pull over at a gas station, found out I had no reverse, and vehicle would only drive forward if I shut engine off, restart put in gear drive for a hundred feet or so, and repeat process. Transmission shop was nearby were I was at so I drove this way for about 2 miles. Mechanic told me sounded like transmission was gone and it would be 2400-2600 dollars. He said there are only 2 types of Explorers, ones that have transmissions, and ones the that need them.(Tauruses as well). He also said he does one a week as well. No reverse, No 3rd gear, broken band, damage to housing, $2600 later it does run great.

- Kevin F., Belleville, MI, US

Explorer XLT 4.0L

• Automatic transmission
• 163,010 miles

I had several Explorers in my life, after visiting Ford and getting laughed at I decided to look up all the vins of my Explorers and submit a complaint on each one because they all had problems and I'm hoping this will get us noticed so we can get our money back or a free service (RECALL)

- justinjales, Madison, SD, US

Explorer Eddie Bauer V8

• Automatic transmission
• 166,000 miles

Was told that this was a rebuilt transmission and needed new gear, and wiring harness.

- Mark R., Seneca Falls, NY, US

Explorer XLT 3.0L

• Automatic transmission
• 120,000 miles

problem with the transmission ,it takes too long to sh*t to second gear ,od light flashing ,check engine came on.

- Francisco O., Concord, MA, US

Explorer Limited 3..2L V8

• Automatic transmission
• 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had these truck problems ever since I had it, paint job on the front end /changed tire wheels /seat came loose/tail gate cracked and last but not least transmission went out as soon as I finished paying for it. Had so many Explorers owner say the same thing that why I don't understand why there was no recall for transmissions

- suga1125hm, Chgo, IL, US

Explorer XLT V8

• Automatic transmission
• 152,000 miles

It seems the transmission is not serviceable which means I have to replaced it. 150,000 miles seems too soon for a major repair like this but more importantly the inability to service is not acceptable.

- Steve C., Ridgefield, CT, US

Explorer 4.0L

• Automatic transmission
• 200,000 miles

Ford should really do a recall on this problem. as i have done research,there seems to be so much transmission troubles with the ford explorer. this is a very expensive job to be done and i just don't have the money to repair it.

- Shannon P., Kapolei, HI, US

Explorer EX 4.0L V6

• Automatic transmission
• 117,000 miles

had to have the transmission completely rebuilt at only 117K

- Eric G., Noblesville, IN, US

Explorer XLT 4.0L

• Automatic transmission
• 123,000 miles

Transmission failed like they all eventually will on this model.

2003 Ford Explorer Transmission Issues

- nugsta25, newburgh, IN, US

Explorer V6

• Automatic transmission
• 85,000 miles

I am having the same transmission problems as the others, needing a transmission with less than a hundred thousand miles on it. I called Ford Customer Care and they said that there was no recall nor could they assist me in any way to get it repaired. I am really in a BAD SITUATION.

I live 25+ miles from my job and there is no public transportation and I do not have another car nor do I have $2500 lying around.

- Sandra W., Zebulon, NC, US

Explorer LX 4.0L

• Automatic transmission
• 78,000 miles

not only the trans on my 03 explorer, the hatch glass hinges were replaced and the hatch door plastic cracked at the ford logo......these same problems happened to my 04 explorer!!!

- merijons1949, Stanhope, NJ, US

Explorer XLT 4.0L

• Automatic transmission
• 107,000 miles

Transmission failure at 107,000 miles is NOT normal.

2003 Ford Explorer Transmission Replacement Cost

Ford dealer charged $123 to diagnose transmission failure.

Diagnosis fee is EXCESSIVE.

Paid independent local auto repair shop to install Jasper transmission.

- N Q., New Castle, DE, US

Explorer XLS 4.0L

• Automatic transmission
• 77,500 miles

Traveling I95 thru S. Carolina 3am, Overdrive light began flashing, truck experiencing shift problems, then check engine light came on. Scared/worried about continued operation of vehicle. Desolate stretch of highway, no help, 500 miles from home, had to continue on. Had to adjust gas pedal after having to stop in order to get vehicle to shift. Driving for 40 years, never had transmission problem. Take care of my vehicles. Called Ford received standard reply. 'Out of Warranty'. Did some research, hundreds of complaints on internet pertaining to this transmission. AAMCO states its common for these vehicles. Stated it is either the side piston and spring or total rebuild. They haven't opened it up yet. Rebuilt $2500.00. Ford hiding under desk. hoping everyone will go away. Won't accept responsibility for their design flaw. Never buy another FORD. Spread the word, the only thing they will understand is getting hit in the pocket. Consumer Reports dropped Fords reliability ranking to #20 from #10. Source Bloomberg News article by Keith Naughton.

- Joseph D., Georgetown, DE, US

Explorer Limited 5.0L

• Automatic transmission
• 120,000 miles

This vehicle is a real piece of work. From the last day of its warranty until its death. Which was today. It has been nothing but a headache. You name the problem, this vehicle has had it. I will never buy a ford again.

2003 Ford Explorer Transmission Codes A/b/c/d

- Paul K., Melrose, MA, US

2003 Ford Explorer Transmission Rebuild Kit

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