Problems with 2003 Ford Explorer POWER TRAIN

Transmission slipping while driving. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. while driving approximately 35 mph, the over-drive and engine service warning indicators illuminated. the warning indicators remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where a diagnostic test was performed which detected that the gear ratio and pressure control solenoid were defective within the transmission. the contact was awaiting the parts for the vehicle to be repaired. the failure mileage was 94,583. updated 03/31/11*lj updated 04/05/11

I was driving my 2003 ford explorer xlt v6 4.0l on i40w, when all of a sudden the vehicle began to decelerate while the rpms were constantly going up. this put me in the interstate with no power as the gears weren't shifting. i took it to my local ford dealership and they put it on the diagnostic machine and told me they really didn't know what was wrong with it and that they would have to break the transmission down in order to know for sure. i searched online for any common transmission problems and came across a site where people with vehicles just like mine having the same exact problem. as of now i'm still waiting on ford to let me know what's going on with my truck, but with hundreds of other people having the same problem i see no reason for them not know what the problem is as well as have a recall on the vehicle to fix the problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. the contact was traveling 45 mph when the over drive warning light illuminated and the transmission failed. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the torque converter, servo pack and clutch would need replacing. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 100,000.

Like every other day, i started the suv a few minutes before i had to leave to let it warm up because ny is cold, and then left to run some errands. i realized right away that the truck sounded a little funny when accelerating, so the radio went off so i could listen. i found that when shifting from first to second, in this automatic vehicle, the overdrive was kicking on prematurely. then the o/d light started flashing. i came home and started researching it and found hundreds of complaints, so here i am, in the same boat as everyone else, about to look up numbers to transmission specialists because the dealer is definitely not going to make any money off of my with this one. *tr

I recently encountered problems with my vehicle's acceleration. the vehicle then began to buck, make loud noises, the check engine light came on and then the o/d light began to flash. i took my vehicle to the dealer to have a diagnostics test performed which determined that my transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle that i am referencing is a 2003 ford explorer with 73,859 miles (at the time of the diagnosis). i did research which revealed that this has been a common issue with 2003 ford explorers with approximately the same number of miles. i did get the transmission replaced in my vehicle, however the complaint is that these vehicles are requiring transmission replacements at such low miles. with all of the complaints involving this issue, it seems to warrant an investigation into the matter........please investigate. *tr

Engine revs to nearly 5000 rpm before slamming into 2nd gear. had several mechanics tell me that these transmissions are junk.

I own a 2003 ford explorer and have never had any problem with my vehicle. i do not drive it hard and make sure that it gets the proper upkeep. as i was driving down the road one day my check engine light came on. the next day on my way to work i noticed that the transmission was having trouble shifting and the time i got home that evening the transmission was shifting very hard if it would even shift at all. my o/d off light also started flashing. i thought that it was just a fluke with my transmission until i checked online to find that there is alot of other people having the same problem and that ford is doing nothing to fix the problem. my car is currently in the shop and they have said that it will cost atleast 3200 or more to fix the transmission. i have contacted my ford dealership and they were well aware of the problems with this transmission but stated there was nothing they could do and ford hasn't accepted responsibility for the problem. they also stated that there was an obvious defect with the transmission. i would like to know if there is or was a defect investigation seeing that there are so many people with the same problem and if anyone can tell me if there is a class action lawsuit for this matter. *ln

Some sort of transmission failure dealing with the shifting solenoid. this leads to sporadic shifting between the lower gears. this lead to very hard driving in slow and icy conditions. the car would be at such high rpms at slow speeds such as 20-30 mph that the car would loose traction, so far i have had no accidents with this problem but the potential is very apparent. *tr

Service engine light appeared, then the od (overdrive) light began flashing. then the explorer had difficulty accelerating. the engine was running higher rpms than usual, especially when accelerating from 0 to 30mph. i took the explorer to the ford dealer where the explorer was purchased and exclusively serviced since when i bought it new in july 2003. they would not acknowledge that this is a persistent problem with 2003 explorers. they told me that i have no 2nd or 5th gears, int. servo failed and case bore damaged. they want over $3,600 to repair (and that, they say is a discount!). i then took it to a transmission shop, who was well aware of this problem and there were 2 other explorers currently there being repaired for the same thing. an investigation needs to be done for a recall. this is a safety issue and a consumer rip-off! *tr

My 2003 ford explorer xlt only has 70000k and the transmission is completely in need of rebuild. it doesn't drive in reverse and doesn't go faster than 25mph without sounding as if the engine is going to fall off. it kicks back while attempting to change gears and the rpm is working hard with the truck going nowhere fast. i cant afford to repair the problem as im still making monthly payments on it. this should not be happening with an eight year old vehicle. this little bit of information on how there is no dipstick to check the transmission fluid should have been revealed at time of purchase i think. *tr

Od (overdrive) light blinking in dash. then "service engine soon" light on 12-31-10. higher rpm's in engine then usual, to shift gears in automatic transmission. trans having thumping sounding when placed into park, drive or reverse. broken servo sidearm inside transmission.. vehicle only has 62,000 miles on it. taken to local transmission shop. estimate of $1,475 to fix. *tr

Explorer od light came on and truck would not shift gears properly. check engine light appeared and the truck just made it to the mechanic. the truck needed a new transmission at the expense of $3000. it is obvious that the ford explorer is known for this type of failure. sent an email to ford and they will not assist on the expenses or admit there is a problem with these vehicles.

O/d off light blinks on dashboard and vehicle shifts hard. was advised that transmission rebuild was necessary. *tr

2003 ford explorer 5r55-w transmission failure wherein the internal linkages, servo valve and bearings failed at startup, rendering the vehicle unmovable under it's own power and stranding the driver. *tr

Transmission problems started around 100k miles; high rpm shifting between 1st and 2nd gear with subsequent flashing o/d light. many times transmission will "clunk" into gear either from going into reverse, stopping completely, then shifting into drive and/or when putting in reverse or drive. appears this is a common problem for my model year explorer (03) and same code many others receive (p0775) which really does not describe the problem or lead a not so mechanical inclined person to try and troubleshoot/buy parts to fix. i'm career military man w/family and my truck is paid off next month--owned 5 years and really sucks to have to possibly dump $3k into a truck that ford has known contained issues with the 5r55w transmission. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph when the rpms increased up to 405 and the over drive light illuminated as well. the contact drove onto the emergency lane and was able to restart the vehicle it recurred. the dealer was informed about the failure and they stated that the bands in the transmission are shot and will have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 62000 and the current mileage was 62010.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. while driving 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost power, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle suddenly stalled. the vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist who stated that the gear solenoid needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. the current and failure mileages were approximately 110,000.

I sent a letter of complaint to ford regarding my situation with my transmission failing on me and the local ford dealer charging me $4,300 since my car is no longer under warranty. i truly hope that ford gets their act together and addresses this issues as i'm seeing more and more complaints pop-up everywhere regarding this. poor excuse!!! dear valued customer, thank you for contacting the ford motor company customer relationship center inquiring for any recalls on your 2003 ford explorer. i sincerely understand the frustration that this transmission concern on your vehicle has brought you. please be informed that ford motor company is working with the national highway traffic and safety administration (nhtsa) to proactively identify areas of concern through investigation of consumer and dealership feedback. if a concern is noted, a recall is conducted to remedy a safety or emissions concern in the interest of customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility. thus, i have reviewed if any available coverages or programs may provide assistance towards your vehicle repair. after extensively reviewing your situation, i regret to inform you that there are no recalls, warranties or other coverages available that may cover the repair on your vehicle. while this is so, i would like to thank you for taking the time to bring your concern into our attention as this is definitely something we can build on. if a program is announced on a specific component and/or for the transmission concern on your vehicle, ford will notify you by mail. i appreciate the fact that you are a loyal ford customer and hope that we might have the opportunity in the future to assist you with a more favorable resolution to keep your confidence in our products and services. if you have any other inquiries and/or concerns that need to be addressed, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist a valued customer like yourself. sincerely, customer relationship center *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer xlt (n/a). while driving the over drive light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the mechanic located the failure at the transmission solenoid. the contact called the manufacturer and was informed that there were no related recalls. the contact planned to have the vehicle repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 153,000 the current mileage was approximately 153,300.

2003 ford explorer with 74,000 miles on it - o/d light began flashing. around the same time i noticed that when going from a stop to a start it would take a long time to shift into gear. took it into the mechanic - suggested a new transmission for $4100!!! for a car that has less than 100,000 miles this is ridiculous. *tr

With no warning, while driving my 2003 explorer yesterday, the o/d off light comes on then the check transmission light also comes on. after that i notice the shifting of gears feels really weird. it shifts slower and harder when it shifts. i cannot drive the car because it is unsafe for me and my 2 young children. the repair shop says i need a new transmission which will cost me $2000 that i don't have, to put into a vehicle i am still paying on. if i continue to drive it with the transmission the way it is now, it could lock up and make me stop in the middle of the road, and possible get myself and others seriously injured or killed. this seems to be a problem with this make, model and year vehicle that i have, but i didn't not know that until i began doing research when it messed up yesterday. *tr

I own a 2003 ford explorer-4.6 liter v8 4 wheel drive, the vehicle has 158,000 miles and have experienced the sparkplug blowout while driving home from work. i was traveling on a busy state road when the engine miss fired and then heard a loud pop and the engine went to missing bad. i immediately pulled to the side and checked to see what was happening. i limped the vehicle into a parking lot and proceeded to reinstall the plug and coil pack. the forcing push of the plug broke the coil pack and tore the plug boot. i just replaced the coil pack and plug boot assembly and reinstalled the plug bck in. i feel that this issue is common on the 4.6 liters, a friend and shadetree mechanic did a motor swap in an expedition with this same motor for the same reason cause the plug in cylinder #4(passenger rear) tore the threads coming out and let loose metal into the piston journal and caused severe damage. *tr

Transmision failure, replaced at dealership. new transmision failed within a week, replaced at dealership also replaced all hub bearings, excessive noise. rear end also has excessive noise. rear back up sensor frequently turns off and does not work. *tr

I have a 2003 ford explorer with approx. 70,000 miles on it. on july 15, 2010, i noticed that the overdrive light was flashing on and off and then the check engine light turned on. this problem happened on and off for about a week. on july 26, 2010, i took the vehicle in for repair and was told that i needed a new transmission and a new solenoid pack. the cost of these items was $2,500! i proceeded to do some internet research and found that this seems to be a common problem with the 2002 and 2003 ford explorers. the transmissions of these vehicles have major problems as no one should have to replace a transmission with only 70,000 miles on it. i feel ford needs to issue a recall of this item as it has caused many people a lot of money to repair. *tr

While i am driving the truck slows down then speeds back up. vehicle is only 7 years old and has 71,000 miles, a few days ago the o/d light started flashing and then a day later the check engine soon light came on as well. i took the truck to a transmission shop they hooked the truck up to the machine and 5 malfunctions came up in the transmission he said that the 1st and 5th gear is slipping. he would have to rebuilt the transmission, which would cost at least $2000. he also stated that my truck was too young and didn't have enough miles in it to already have transmission problems. i see by the other complaints on carcomplaint.com that i am not the only one have this problem. who do we have to contact in order to have ford notice that they truck should get recalled b/c of the transmission problems? *tr

I have a 2003 ford explorer. i have had several incidents of it not easily changing from park to reverse, and reverse to park. last night, i was unloading some items from the explorer. the car was in park, and the emergency brake was engaged. i was standing in the right side passenger doorway. i reached over to turn off the ignition. upon turning it off, the explorer immediately began to roll into reverse. my mother was sitting in the backseat at this time as well as my two babies, who were strapped in their car seats. my driveway is an incline, so the explorer rolled backwards. i tried to run with it as i was trapped in the doorway. the explorer gained speed going down the driveway, causing me to be knocked down, unsure of whether or not i was about to be run over, or whether my mom and children were going to be injured. i was thrown down, landed on my buttocks which has caused severe bruising, hit my head on the concrete, and was left with painful, open cuts on my left arm. my mother was tossed about causing pain to her back. my kids were thankfully restrained in their car seats. they rolled backward into a neighbor's yard, then proceeded to roll forward back across the street into my yard. when the car finally stopped, the emergency brake was still engaged, and the gear shift was stuck between park and reverse. it would not come out of this position. it took quite a lot of work to get the car to go into reverse or drive so that the explorer could be properly moved. i am very upset at the incident which could have left myself, my kids, or my mom critically or fatally injured. i am very afraid to drive this vehicle now, and i am very afraid to park it. if i had another vehicle to drive right now, i certainly would be driving it instead of the ford explorer. *tr

Transmission failure at 77,000 miles, june 2010. replaced with ford part at ford dealer. replacement transmission lasted 3 yrs/8 mos, and lasted 45,000 miles (8 months beyond warranty). ford will not acknowledge the problem, or provide any relief whatsoever in resolving the problem. transmission failure at any point, at any time, could be very very dangerous. *tr

Overdrive light flashes on my 2003 ford explorer. *tr

I have a 2003 ford explorer that i bought brand new, it now has 135,553 miles on it. have never had problems and it actually drives very well, but the o/d off light started flashing. took it to the ford dealer 3 days later, was told the torque converter needed to be replaced at a cost of $1,225.00. the dealer has told me that the torque converter has been replaced twice, the o/d off light still flashing and after further diagnostics they have now determined the computer needs to be replaced at a cost of an additional $1,325.00. according to the internet this is a persistent problem that ford has yet to do anything about. it should be a recall issue. *tr

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 warranty 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 climate 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 occurred when the car shifted from 1st to 2nd gear and from 4th to 5th gear. he could not give me any more information 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 related to the transmission problem. in august 2010 the door ajar 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. *tr

No second gear. *tr

Ford 2003 explorer overdrive light flashing and service engine soon light on. brought in for service to be told ford has this problem but they've done nothing about it. could break down on street and strand motorist. now i have to replace transmission. i feel my families safety was jeopardized by fords neglect. *tr

The o/d light is flashing on the dashboard,service engine light comes on and when i accelerate the transmission shifts rough,ford says it is not a common problem,but i have visited several sites today with complaints from other consumers,all makes,all models of ford trucks and suvs. i have 2003 ford explorer .the vehicle just went over 80,000 mile. *tr

Over drive light is blinking; transmission is revving high.. only has 79,000 on it! *tr

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

2003 o/d light blinking, service engine light soon light turned on. transmission problems detected. lots of fords transmissions seem to have flaws need to force a recall.*cw

2003 ford explorer xlt - overdrive light starting flashing and now the transmission slips when shifting from 1st to second gear. engine revs to 3200 rpms and makes a loud noise before feathering the gas to get the transmission to shift into 2nd gear. vertical crack in fiberglass tailgate panel just below rear window glass. no impact to tailgate occurred-crack just appeared. *tr

I was driving my 2003 ford explorer, and all of a sudden when merging onto the highway, my overdrive light started flashing, and the transmission won't shift out of 1st gear. absolutely unacceptable! an 03?! please! *tr

Overdrive light is blinking and transmission is shifting hard and sometimes not at all. the car has 90,000 miles on it. nothing has ever been toed. it is a daily commute car i have owned since brand new. there is no way i should already need a new transmission. also the wheel bearings have gone on both sides of the front of my car. this has happened to countless other people with this year (2003) explorer. i have researched both and this is a common occurrence with this car. and both are extremely hazardous for safety reasons. i believe this is a huge defect from ford and needs to be investigated. *tr

O/d light began flashing and transmission started to slip from 2nd t 3rd gear. had the trans solenoid pack replaced which helped for awhile but problem came back after a month or so. took it to repair shop again and this time they said it's the 4th and 5th gear servos. *tr

I own a 2003 ford explorer xlt and the o/d light constantly blinks. the transmission is sluggish shifting from 1st to 2nd and my car failed an emissions inspection due to this problem. i have read how many other people have had this very same problem even after a transmission has been repaired or replaced. hoping this problem could be recalled because this is too wide spread for it to be a consumer issue. *tr

Driving my 2003 ford explorer on highway when gear slipped..o/d light started flashing! it needs a new transmission they say but i haven't done the repair yet. *tr

I have noticed over the past 2 weeks the gear shift lever getting harder to move from park to reverse and vise-versa. now, the steering column mounted gear selector (prnd321) at times won't come out of park. i have to play with the gear select lever/brake pedal in order to get the interface to release. i haven't as yet taken the vehicle to my mechanic for repairs. *tr

2003 ford explorer xls awd - driving on highway, vehicle begins vibrating excessively. o/d off light flashes, service engine soon light comes on. transmission bad. $3000 to replace. *tr

Overdrive light came on as well as the check engine light the vehicle had been running fine, then the gears would not shift, we were on interstate 70 eastbound between wheeling wv and washington pa traveling at 65 mph in heavy traffic. the vehicle began to slow without warning we were nearly hit by a tractor trailer that had been following us! we searched the internet to see if this had happened to anyone else and lo and behold hundreds of complaints were listed on numerous sites, the vehicle is now at the transmission shop and before its all done it will cost at least $2300 to repair as the transmission went all at once with no warning at all! there is no way for the diy mechanic to check the transmission fluid as the transmission is completely sealed (no dipstick) so i guess i am grateful that the truck driver was able to swerve enough to not hit us or ford would be directly responsible for our deaths! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. when attempting to shift gears, the column shift lever had fractured. he had to push the vehicle to the side of the road-way. the vehicle was then towed to a dealership, and he was advised that he would have to purchase a new steering column. the manufacturer was notified, and he was advised that they would not provide assistance. the vehicle was taken to a local service station and repaired. after the repair the failure re-occurred, the current mileage was approximately 130,000. the failure mileage was 127,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle began to decelerate independently with the illumination of several warning lights. the failure would recur intermittently and the either the vehicle would restart immediately or the vehicle would be towed. the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and they advised her that the transmission would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 67,000. the vin was unavailable.

Add to the pile. we have a ford explorer limited, 2003 built 2004 model. i have had the rear differential repaired at my cost but the car still kicks when put into reverse. we live in australia. i have been told to have two additives put into the transmission fluid and replace the solenoid. the additives are not even available from ford in australia. they sell it but no parts. amazing. i even had to source the parts for the rear diff myself from the u.s. ford australia could not give a price, date etc. they took the money but did not warn anyone about the fact that you are driving a time bomb. we bought this car used from a ford dealer. i only wish there was a way to prove they knew and did not disclose. it would be an interesting class action against the dealers if ford will not take responsibility. i just want to get rid of it but can't in clear conscience dump it on some other poor bugger. this car has suffered from every problem from flashing abs to diff to transmission. the last time the transmission slipped the car rolled. luckily no one was in front of the car considering it was put into reverse. *tr

I started noticing that my explorer was not shifting correctly and the overdrive light was staying on, along with the check engine light. i had the computer tested and it resulted in code p0775. i called ford (in bethlehem pa) and they could not get me in until the w/o 7/20. since i was leaving for vacation and needed it, i took it to bethlehem transmissions. after they fixed it rebuilt the transmission and $3309.70 later, the owner stated to me that this is a known problem with the 2003 explorers. so i called ford, who told me to take my receipt to the local dealership, that was a waste of my time b/c the service manager was rude, and didn't care about the problem. my truck only had 82,000 miles on. i upgraded to this vehicle to not have problems. well, i received no satisfaction with ford, so i am now coming to you. there are no recalls, but this needs to be taken care of, i should not have had to spend that amount of money to fix a known problem with this model. the tsi for this issue is 5r55w. can someone help me? this is alot of money and i think ford should be standing by their product and fix this problem. i have the complete receipt for the repair, but i do not have the old transmission. *tr