Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| 19091 | 10019800 | Low oil pressure indication/warning, a/c compressor inoperative and/or no crank condition on 4.6l equipped vehicles. *tt | 04/28/2006 | ||
| 18381 | 01/01/2005 | 10013319 | Open fuse f2.20 (5 amp) and/or f2.1 (30 amp) which may result in loss of function of several systems including power seats, adjustable pedals and power door locks. *tt | 04/14/2005 | |
| 04174 | 09/06/2004 | 10013116 | Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. various models including 2004 f-series. *tt | 04/08/2005 | |
| 04111 | 06/14/2004 | 0431 | 10008252 | Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy. | 07/23/2004 |
| 0471 | 12/31/2004 | 04262 | 10008201 | Warning indicators-parking aid-reverse sensing system (rss) and forward sensing system (fss)-false activation of warning tone-service tips. *mj update. *tt | 07/23/2004 |
| 17375 | 11/01/2003 | 10008188 | Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and hard start/long crank. *tt | 07/22/2004 | |
| 17558 | 02/01/2004 | 10008123 | Intermittent air bag warning lamp on, memory seat, and/or adjustable pedal concerns. *mj | 07/22/2004 | |
| 17246 | 10/01/2003 | 10004900 | Instrument cluster locking up and accessories such as the radio, power windows, power locks and moonroof inoperative. *tt | 01/14/2004 | |
| 03181 | 09/15/2003 | 10004027 | Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt | 11/14/2003 | |
| 16967 | 07/01/2003 | 10003843 | Cluster locking up & various accessories such as the radio, power windows, power locks and moonroof being inoperative. *tt | 11/04/2003 | |
| 17002 | 07/01/2003 | 10003858 | An intermittent or continuous open of fuse 1.15. *tt | 11/04/2003 | |
| 03136 | 07/07/2003 | 10003731 | No crank condition. service tips. *tt | 10/29/2003 | |
| 17011 | 08/01/2003 | 10003150 | Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) p0171, p0172, p0174, or p0175. *tt | 10/09/2003 | |
| 16665 | 02/01/2003 | 10002514 | Blinking/half illuminated supplemental restraint system (srs) and/or anti-lock brake (abs) warning indicators after cold soak during ambient temperatures colder than 30 degrees fahrenheit. *tt | 09/04/2003 | |
| 16703 | 03/01/2003 | 10001946 | Battery light on or an alternator that is not charging. *tt *jb | 07/28/2003 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||||
| 17280 | 10/01/2003 | 10004924 | Generator whistle/hoot noise in cold ambient temperatures. *tt | 01/20/2004 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||||
| 16617 | 02/01/2003 | 10002498 | Open f2.20 5 amp fuse which may result in loss of function of several systems including power seats, adjustable pedals and power door locks. *tt | 09/03/2003 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 18171 | 09/01/2004 | 10011342 | No crank/no start condition when vehicle temperature is below freezing (32f/0c). *tt | 01/18/2005 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 04/18/2007 | 48065 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. the contact stated that the door ajar light illuminated frequently and the dome light stayed illuminated even when the doors were closed. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a manufacturers recall and the dealer stated that the repair had previously been performed. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated intermittently. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the current mileage was approximately 72,000. the failure mileage was approximately 49,000. | |||
| 04/18/2007 | 48065 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. the contact stated that the door ajar light illuminated frequently and the dome light stayed illuminated even when the doors were closed. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a recall (recall not listed on nhtsa website) and the dealer stated that the repair had previously been performed. the vehicle had not been repaired. the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated intermittently. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. the manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. the current mileage was approximately 72,000. the failure mileage was approximately 49,000-bk | |||
| 05/03/2011 | 85000 | ||
| First i must say i love this truck. its my second one and both had same problems. while driving home from work all of a sudden truch lurched forward then o/d off lite started flashing then check engine lite flashing.took it to my mechanic and it came up with a po775 code, he said its very common and not the first one hes seen do this. pressure control solenoid b needs replacing for about $400.00 then after removing pan whole transmission needed overhaul now $2200.00 later. i think ford knows of this problem and should stand behind it. also blend door stopped working and all 4 calipers seized up. dont know if ill ever buy another ford.also power windows quit working, broken wire in door. nothing but trouble with this vehicle.i think a class action suit should be started against ford for repairs on these transmissions.i cant afford to dump hundreds of dollars into this truck after paying thousands of dollars for it. | |||
| 04/12/2010 | 130000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. while driving approximately 40 mph the heater stopped working. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and he advised her that the temperature blend door needs replacing. the vehicle had not been repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 150,000. vwb | |||
| 07/15/2009 | 38000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. while the vehicle was parked the contact noticed a crack in the body panel attached to the glass of the lift gate. he stated that the crack was small at first but has become worst and another crack has started. the vehicle has not been taken to an authorized dealer or mechanic for the failure. the contact stated the heater has stopped blowing hot air. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer believes the blend door actuator needs replacing. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 46,000. vwb | |||
| 03/25/2010 | 135000 | ||
| There have been multiple problems with my 2003 ford explorer since i bought it brand new in august of 2003. but ironically they have all appeared after the warrently had expired. in september 2007 the air conditioning unit no longer worked. it cost me $2000 and a week without a car, to get it fixed. in august 2009 the passenger door window would no longer work. in september 2009 my suv started making a clicking sound when turning on the heater. since we lived in a warm climate this did not concern us much, as the heat had worked even with the clicking sound. but we moved to a colder climage and the heater went out in march 2010. in april 2010 the service engine light came on. after speaking with the mechanic, he said it was a transmission problem that occured when the car shifted from 1st to 2nd gear and from 4th to 5th gear. he could not give me any more infomration and was not willing to fix my transmission problem (he suggested i go elsewhere because he was not an expert in transmissions). in may 2010 the o/d light started flashing off. after speaking to mechanic again, he said it was retlated to the transmission problem. in august 2010 the door adjar light started coming on randomly, even when the door is not open. and in september 2010, i noticed my abs light will come on randomly. it does not appear to be triggered by any specific reason, and does not always come on. | |||
| 09/20/2010 | 93000 | ||
| 93,000 miles and abs light and loud grinding noise (in addition to applique crack in rear). need to replace both rear hub bearings, brake pad rotors, and parking break shoes. search the web on these problems, and over 3 hundred complaints seen on just one site for 2003 explorers alone. | |||
| 08/27/2009 | 40000 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| 12/31/2008 | 1 | ||
| 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 | |||
| 09/20/2006 | 50000 | 1 | |
| The passenger side airbag warning light comes on intermittently for no reason (has since i bought it used in 2006). the door ajar warning light comes on and won't allow me to lock/set my alarm on my vehicle plus it leaves the interior lights on for a while (started about 6 months ago). i am now experiencing a banging sound under the hood when i change the temperature (heat or air conditioning)(started in last 4 months). i have to turn the fan on high to get it to stop. it will do it even if the temp is off sometimes. it also will not lock into gear when put into park on an incline (my driveway)...without rocking backwards into gear(started in the last 6 months). *tr | |||
| 12/24/2008 | 1 | ||
| 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 | |||
| 05/18/2008 | 100000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 04/07/2003 | 6000 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| 10/20/2006 | 50000 | 1 | |
| I purchased a 2003 explorer in august 2006; mileage was approximately 45,000. by october the car would not start and the alternator was replaced. a few weeks later, i was back because my car was jerking. nothing showed up on the diagnostic tool at that time. however, i was told the starter would have to be replaced as would the recently installed alternator. i returned less than a month later with the same jerking issue, only this time i notified the repair shop that the o/d light had been coming on. furthermore, my car had actually stalled in the middle of traffic. again, nothing was found. by early december, i was back. my car had stalled on a few more occasions and would not pick up. that is, even though the rpm's would reach anywhere from 2500 - 4000, my car could not accelerate above 25 - 30 mph. several days later i was told that the transmission needed work. i got my car back a few days before christmas and decided last minute to head to the mountains. as soon as i reach a slight elevation, the car ceased to accelerate and what's more, a thick heavy cloud of black smoke came out of the rear and persisted for at least two miles. i headed back down the mountain for home. i took the car back and they kept it for at least a week and a half to repair the torque converter and other transmission related issue. in early fall 2007, i took the car to my local ford dealer for some strange noise coming from the engine. it ended up costing $2500.00 to repair. i returned in november for more work, this time for the same torque converter and solenoid issue as a year ago. during this two year period, my vehicle was under extended warranty. the total repair cost for the first year of ownership is anywhere from $5000 - $9000, of which i paid at least $2500 out of pocket. my warranty has since expired and i am worried that these same issues will recur, as i have read they have. this is not an isolated incident and should be investigated and a recall issued. *tr | |||
| 10/22/2007 | 60000 | 4 | 10/01/2003 |
| 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 | |||
| 05/21/2007 | 65500 | 150 | 09/15/2003 |
| 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 | |||
| 05/04/2004 | 40000 | 1 | |
| Aroiund 37,000 miles i started having electrical problems. half of them go off when they should and half of them stay on which runs my battery down and i have to be jumped. then around 40,000 mile i started hearing a lound whining noise from my rear end. the dealer said nothing was wrong. it is so loud you have to almost yell to talk to someone. then at 47,000 miles my service engine light soon started coming on. it has something to do with the coolant area. i am afraid to take my vehicle out of town and i owe too much on it to trade it. *nm | |||
| 10/25/2005 | 27000 | 25 | 05/30/2003 |
| 2003 ford explorer xlt stalls without warning. dealership repaired/replaced transmission main control valve twice; reprogrammed/recalibrated the pcm twice; repaired/replaced transmission solenoid valve; replaced fuse relays; tested fuel pressure and did numerous other diagnostic test. stalling problem still exists. vehicle has been to dealership 6 plus times since march 05 for the same problem. *jb | |||
| 04/03/2005 | 35112 | 6 | 09/16/2003 |
| Engine cut off, when high beams were switched on. *nm | |||
| 09/29/2005 | 41550 | 6 | 09/16/2003 |
| Engine cut off while running, when i turned on high beams. engine rpms and engine accelerated, when i turned on high beams loss control of acceleration, when fog lights were turned on. message center flashed check transmission, o/d off (overdrive off) flashed, when fog light were turned on. *nm | |||
| 04/04/2005 | 39000 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| 10/28/2004 | 4000 | 11 | 01/02/2003 |
| 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 | |||
| 07/28/2004 | 13000 | 4 | |
| 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 | |||
| 08/19/2003 | 21000 | 4 | 09/19/2002 |
| The vehicle stalled while driving at 40 mph. the consumer had the vehicle towed. *la the vehicle would not restart. the fuel pump was replaced. the anti theft light had come on along with the rpm's going up. the problem could not be found. the valve boot and the solenoid was replaced. soon after, the vehicle died again twice after two repair attempts. *sc *jb | |||
| 12/31/2002 | 45 | 1 | 12/30/2002 |
| 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 | |||
| 03/01/2004 | 20500 | 1 | 12/31/2002 |
| 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 | |||
| 01/29/2004 | 4 | ||
| While driving 35 mph vehicle stalled. consumer took vehicle to dealer four times. the first time mechanic replaced an air bypass valve. the second time mechanic reset computer module. the third and fourth times mechanic was not able to duplicate the problem. *ak *nm while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. the driver took the vehicle to the dealer for analysis. the mechanic can not duplicate the problem. | |||
| 11/27/2003 | 2000 | 5 | 10/01/2003 |
| 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 | |||
| 02/25/2003 | 2 | ||
| 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 | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 10/27/2006 | 89583 | 3 | 04/12/2006 |
| I bought a 2003 ford explorer the end of april 2006 at time of purchase abs light was on- dealer fixed problem within first 1 1/2 weeks of purchase after ordering a part. now 6 months after purchase the check engine and o/d light come on unexpectantly. within 1 week of lights coming on car stops on me unexpectantly. when taken to a repair shop for i am told i need a new alternator and a rebuilt transmission as the suv slips out of 2nd and 5th gears. i didn't purchase an extended warranty due to thinking it was still under original warranty and just purchased. i felt the dealership should have overhauled the vehicle and made sure everything was working up to par. i now have a repair bill of almost $2000 and don't feel responsible for it. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 07/03/2007 | 51950 | 2 | 07/20/2003 |
| 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. | |||
| 05/20/2003 | 5600 | 6 | |
| 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 | |||
| 06/10/2003 | 500 | 1 | 01/01/2003 |
| On numerous occasions my 2003 ford explorer xlt has stalled while driving.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - SOFTWARE | |||
| 01/01/2006 | 25 | ||
| Stalling with no warning. ford found nothing. they know of the problem. said i should get an after market computer. ok *tr | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 02/03/2006 | 24000 | 1 | 08/21/2003 |
| 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 | |||
| 08/03/2003 | 34000 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| 08/03/2003 | 34000 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||
| 07/09/2006 | 51000 | 1 | 10/31/2002 |
| 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 | |||