2003 Ford Explorer

Introduction

The 2003 Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and rugged off-road capabilities. It offers a range of engine and transmission options, including:

• 4.0L SOHC V6 (205 horsepower, 240 lb-ft torque) with 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission
• 4.6L SOHC V8 (239 horsepower, 284 lb-ft torque) with 4-speed automatic transmission

The Explorer has received praise for its towing capacity, interior comfort, and off-road performance. However, it has also been criticized for its fuel economy and dated interior design.

Engine

4.0L SOHC V6

• Valve train noise: Tapping or ticking sound from the engine, especially during cold starts.
  • Solution: Adjust valve clearances or replace lifters.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head gasket failure: Leaking coolant or oil from the engine block.
  • Solution: Replace head gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain failure: Engine stalls or runs rough.
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and gears.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L SOHC V8

• Spark plug blow-out: Spark plugs can become loose and blow out of the cylinder head.
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs and install new inserts in the cylinder head.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket failure: Leaking coolant from the intake manifold.
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-speed Manual

• Grinding gears: Difficulty shifting gears.
  • Solution: Replace worn or damaged synchronizers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-speed Automatic

• Transmission slippage: Transmission struggles to engage or shift smoothly.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-speed Automatic

• Shift solenoid failure: Transmission fails to shift properly or goes into limp mode.
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear leaf spring failure: Springs can break or sag, causing the rear end to drop.
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front suspension noise: Rattling or clunking sounds from the front suspension.
  • Solution: Replace worn or damaged ball joints, struts, or mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain: Battery drains quickly even when the car is off.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic drain and replace any failed modules or components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight wiring harness failure: Headlights fail to turn on or flickering.
  • Solution: Replace headlight wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Plastic bumper fading: Plastic bumpers can fade or discolor over time.
  • Solution: Apply touch-up paint or replace bumpers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door handle failure: Door handles can break or become loose.
  • Solution: Replace door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking: Dashboard can crack or warp.
  • Solution: Replace dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seatbelt problems: Seatbelts may not retract or release properly.
  • Solution: Replace seatbelts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Ford Explorer has a variety of issues, ranging from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures. Engine issues, such as valve train noise and head gasket failure, can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, including slipping and solenoid failures, can also be expensive to fix. Suspension components may wear out prematurely, leading to noises and handling problems. Electrical issues can drain the battery or cause lighting problems. Exterior components, such as bumpers and door handles, can fail or become discolored. Interior issues include dashboard cracking and seatbelt problems.

Overall, the 2003 Ford Explorer is a reliable vehicle with some potential issues that owners should be aware of. It is important to perform regular maintenance and address any problems promptly to prevent costly repairs down the road.