Owners have filed 85 complaints
about the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport with NHTSA between 2003 and 2020.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 37
Against the median year of the Ford Explorer Sport. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 73
14.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 35
21% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Ford Explorer Sport
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1340.6%
Hinge AND Attachments
825.0%
Glass, Side/Rear
39.4%
Hatchback/Liftgate
26.3%
Engine
26.3%
Automatic Transmission
26.3%
Leaf Spring Assembly
13.1%
Rear Window
13.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
33.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
67.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
45.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
911.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
67.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1215.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3140.3%
150,000+ miles
67.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2003peak 5Dec 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE09020Opened 21 Apr 2009Closed 19 Aug 2009STEERING:COLUMN
VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS
IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER SENT BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI), FORD STATED CONSUMER REPORTS OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED EFFORTS WHEN SHIFTING INTO AND OUT OF PARK COULD BE A RESULT OF A GROOVE BEING WORN INTO THE SWING ARM RAMP OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SWING ARM IS A COMPONENT BOLTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN THAT ASSISTS IN SHIFTING THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION GEARS.AN ENGINEERING EVALUATION CONDUCTED BY FORD OF RETURNED STEERING COLUMNS FOUND THE GROOVE COULD BE CREATED OVER TIME IF CONSUMER SHIFT MORE QUICKLY FROM THE DRIVE OR REVERSE TO PARK THAN THE BRAKE SH...
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...
Recalls on the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 160,000 milesKlondike, TXCrash1 injured
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 55MPH AND THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, IT AUTOMIATCALLY PULLED TO THE LEFT AND CAUSING MY VECHICLE TO ROLL SEVERAL TIMES. (3-5 TIMES) VEHICLE IS NOW TOTALLED. I RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE SCENE AND I'M UNDER OBSERVATION FOR THE NEXT 48 HOURS. I'M HIGHLY CONCERNED DUE TO THE LEVEL OF OTHER VEHICLES THAT ARE MY SAME MAKE AND MODEL THAT HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE ASAP. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10648704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesMission Viejo, CAFire
WHEELS
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. BEFORE I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I RAN INTO A STORE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I FAILED, AS THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER WAS IN FLAMES AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 7 WEEKS. THE USED DEALER WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. SHOULD THEY? I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MAR. 3,2014 AT OC AUTO EXPO IN WESTMINSTER, CA.
NHTSA complaint #10584719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesMission Viejo, CAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. BEFORE I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I RAN INTO A STORE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I FAILED, AS THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER WAS IN FLAMES AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 7 WEEKS. THE USED DEALER WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. SHOULD THEY? I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MAR. 3,2014 AT OC AUTO EXPO IN WESTMINSTER, CA.
NHTSA complaint #10584719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesMission Viejo, CAFire
ENGINE
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. BEFORE I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I RAN INTO A STORE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I FAILED, AS THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER WAS IN FLAMES AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 7 WEEKS. THE USED DEALER WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. SHOULD THEY? I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MAR. 3,2014 AT OC AUTO EXPO IN WESTMINSTER, CA.
NHTSA complaint #10584719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesInverness, FL1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON THE MORNING OF 1/29/14 I WAS AT THE MARKET ,CAME OUT TO LOAD MY ITEMS INTO THE VEHICLE , OPENED THE REAR LIFT GATE AT ABOUT THE 1/3 OPEN POINT THE GLASS EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES . WHICH IN TURN SENT SHARDS OF GLASS INTO MY FACE ,HANDS , HEAD AND EYES . THEY WERE MINOR INJURIES BUT I'M STILL EXTRACTING GLASS FROM MY HEAD AND HANDS AND THERE IS STILL GLASS EMBEDDED IN MY HANDS . I HAVE AN APT WITH MY DR ONLY BECAUSE THERE IS GLASS IN MY EYES. MY MOTHER WAS WITH ME BUT SHE WAS AT THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE SO SHE DIDN'T GET NAILED .I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WINDOW EXPLODE LIKE THIS, THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP BEFORE IT KILLS SOMEONE , THE POWER OF THE FLYING GLASS WAS UNREAL SOME OF IT WENT THROUGH 3 -12 PACKS OF SODA WITH EASE. ALSO I HAVE NO RESOURCES TO GET A NEW WINDOW AS THEY ARE AROUND 700 DOLLARS . SO THIS IS WHAT I GET FROM FORD FOR BEING A LOYAL CUSTOMER ?
NHTSA complaint #10562975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesInverness, FL1 injured
VISIBILITY/WIPER
ON THE MORNING OF 1/29/14 I WAS AT THE MARKET ,CAME OUT TO LOAD MY ITEMS INTO THE VEHICLE , OPENED THE REAR LIFT GATE AT ABOUT THE 1/3 OPEN POINT THE GLASS EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES . WHICH IN TURN SENT SHARDS OF GLASS INTO MY FACE ,HANDS , HEAD AND EYES . THEY WERE MINOR INJURIES BUT I'M STILL EXTRACTING GLASS FROM MY HEAD AND HANDS AND THERE IS STILL GLASS EMBEDDED IN MY HANDS . I HAVE AN APT WITH MY DR ONLY BECAUSE THERE IS GLASS IN MY EYES. MY MOTHER WAS WITH ME BUT SHE WAS AT THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE SO SHE DIDN'T GET NAILED .I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WINDOW EXPLODE LIKE THIS, THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP BEFORE IT KILLS SOMEONE , THE POWER OF THE FLYING GLASS WAS UNREAL SOME OF IT WENT THROUGH 3 -12 PACKS OF SODA WITH EASE. ALSO I HAVE NO RESOURCES TO GET A NEW WINDOW AS THEY ARE AROUND 700 DOLLARS . SO THIS IS WHAT I GET FROM FORD FOR BEING A LOYAL CUSTOMER ?
NHTSA complaint #10562975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 137,800 milesRoundup, MT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WAS CLOSING BACK HATCH AND GLASS WINDOW LITERALLY EXPLODED! VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY YARD.
NHTSA complaint #11385770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesDelevan, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT I CANT PUT IT IN GEAR AND ME AND MY HUSBAND WERE ALMOST KILLED BUT WERE ABLE TO PUT IT IN 2ND GEAR TO ROLL IT TO THE SHOP. THE 4WHEEL DRIVE GOT STUCK IN 4 WHEEL LOW AND WOULD NOT SHIFT AT ALL. WHEN WE TURNED THE CAR ON IT WOULD REV UP TO 5 BUT ONLY GO 2 MILES AN HOUR.
NHTSA complaint #11289611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willingboro, NJ
AIR BAGS
"TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING WITH THE SEAT BELT NOISE. CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB FROM THE DASH BOARD AND NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT WILL NOT CONNECT WITH MILEAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11230012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willingboro, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
"TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING WITH THE SEAT BELT NOISE. CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB FROM THE DASH BOARD AND NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT WILL NOT CONNECT WITH MILEAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11230012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willingboro, NJ
VISIBILITY/WIPER
"TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING WITH THE SEAT BELT NOISE. CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB FROM THE DASH BOARD AND NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT WILL NOT CONNECT WITH MILEAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11230012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesBrandon MS, MS
STRUCTURE:BODY
BODY MOUNTS DETERIORATED CRUMPLED.BODY DOWN ON FRAME CAUSING IRREGULAR RIDE CONTROL
NHTSA complaint #11143472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesDES Moines, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR HAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND WILL STALL AND BOTH HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS, OR WHEN IDLING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND POWER ASSIST FAILS, IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER OR TO BRAKE POSING A SERIOUS RISK TO SAFETY. THIS FIRST STARTING HAPPENING ABOUT ONCE A WEEK LAST NOVEMBER, AND NOW IT'S PRETTY OFTEN. STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR, EXCEPT TO TEST DRIVE AS WE'RE TRYING TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. WE THINK IT'S EITHER THE FUEL OR VACUUM SYSTEM AND ARE CONTINUING TO NARROW DOWN THE PROBLEM. I AM NOT SURE IF BRAKING WILL WORK AT ALL WHEN IT FAILS, AS FORTUNATELY IT HASN'T STALLED GOING DOWNHILL. I PUT ALL MY STRENGTH INTO BOTH BRAKING AND STEERING (I'M A PRETTY STRONG WOMAN) TO GET IT TO SAFETY. IT MAY SIMPLY BE STOPPING DUE TO INERTIA.
NHTSA complaint #11063921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesManvel, TX
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10946504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesManvel, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10946504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,500 milesBuffalo, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I WENT TO OPEN THE DOOR AND IT JUST EXPLODED.
NHTSA complaint #10934774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,149 milesEdison, CA
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A NOISE EMERGED FROM THE REAR HATCH WINDOW. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE PIECE THAT HELD THE WINDOW IN PLACE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE IN MARCH OF 2015. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,149.
NHTSA complaint #10886191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,149 milesEdison, CA
VISIBILITY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A NOISE EMERGED FROM THE REAR HATCH WINDOW. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE PIECE THAT HELD THE WINDOW IN PLACE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE IN MARCH OF 2015. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,149.
NHTSA complaint #10886191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,200 milesGualala, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I HAD JUST PUT A BAG OF GROCERIES IN THE BACK, WAS CLOSING THE REAR GLASS HATCH WHEN IT EXPLODED ABOUT 1/3 OF THE WAY DOWN. VERY LOUD NOISE, AND TINY GLASS PIECES SHATTERED ACROSS 3 PARKING SPOTS, INTO AND ALL AROUND OUR VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE GROCERIES WHICH I DISCARDED. THIS CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10870103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSpencer, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND BEEN SO FOR 3 HOURS. TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 60 DEGREES. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE CRACKS OR OTHER DEFECTS. WAS WITNESSED BY SEVERAL PEOPLE. DID NOT JUST CRACK OR BREAK. IT SHATTERED INTO THOUSANDS OR PIECES. WAS NOT BEING OPENED OR CLOSED. VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STATIC
NHTSA complaint #10764283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDallas, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BODY MOUNT EMITTED AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND WAS DETERIORATING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10733701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,769 milesMacclenny, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BOUGHT MY FORD EXP.SPORT TRAC IN 2005 WITH A FEW MILES ON IT. I SOON FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD A FEW PROBLEMS WITH IT'S INTERIOR LIGHTING. THEN IT WAS THE DOOR LOOKS, THEN IT WAS THE RADIO GOING ON AND OFF BY ITSELF. THEN THE WINDOWS WENT UP AND DOWN ON THERE OWN. NOW THE AC COMES ON AND OFF WHILE IN THE OFF POSITION. AS OF TODAY KNOW ONE KNOWS WHAT AS GOTTEN INTO MY TRUCK AND WHEN I ADJUST MY STEERING WHEEL DONE THE TURNING LIGHTS DONT WORK AND I HAVE EVEN RECEIVED A TICKET FOR IT.
NHTSA complaint #10730856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesWillmington, NC
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN TIRES, SIZE: P235/70/R16. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE AND VEHICLE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 2/24/15*CN UPDATED 03/02/15
NHTSA complaint #10668655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesKlondike, TXCrash1 injured
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 55MPH AND THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, IT AUTOMIATCALLY PULLED TO THE LEFT AND CAUSING MY VECHICLE TO ROLL SEVERAL TIMES. (3-5 TIMES) VEHICLE IS NOW TOTALLED. I RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE SCENE AND I'M UNDER OBSERVATION FOR THE NEXT 48 HOURS. I'M HIGHLY CONCERNED DUE TO THE LEVEL OF OTHER VEHICLES THAT ARE MY SAME MAKE AND MODEL THAT HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE ASAP. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10648704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pompano, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK HINGES FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
NHTSA complaint #10622010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBirmingham, AL
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE GLASS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE) DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING A TWO DOOR AND NOT A FOUR DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10618178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBirmingham, AL
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE GLASS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V442000 (STRUCTURE) DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING A TWO DOOR AND NOT A FOUR DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10618178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesMission Viejo, CAFire
WHEELS
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. BEFORE I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I RAN INTO A STORE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I FAILED, AS THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER WAS IN FLAMES AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 7 WEEKS. THE USED DEALER WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. SHOULD THEY? I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MAR. 3,2014 AT OC AUTO EXPO IN WESTMINSTER, CA.
NHTSA complaint #10584719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesMission Viejo, CAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. BEFORE I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I RAN INTO A STORE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I FAILED, AS THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER WAS IN FLAMES AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 7 WEEKS. THE USED DEALER WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. SHOULD THEY? I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MAR. 3,2014 AT OC AUTO EXPO IN WESTMINSTER, CA.
NHTSA complaint #10584719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesMission Viejo, CAFire
ENGINE
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. BEFORE I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I RAN INTO A STORE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I FAILED, AS THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE EXPLORER WAS IN FLAMES AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 7 WEEKS. THE USED DEALER WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. SHOULD THEY? I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MAR. 3,2014 AT OC AUTO EXPO IN WESTMINSTER, CA.
NHTSA complaint #10584719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBennington, NH
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH BACK WINDOW PIN BECAME FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE SPRING AND THE WINDOW TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME. THE DEALER PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE HATCH BACK PIN HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #10563007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.