Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I own a 2003 Ford Explorer, I have owned it for almost 5 years and took care of it. I also paid alot of money for it and after about three years out of nowhere my o/d light started blinking and my car started shifting wrong. I had the solenoid on tranny replaced soon as I put it in 4wheel drive my o/d light started blinking again and shifting wrong. This is making the car accelerate to much at times and almost not wanting to shift others.so while waiting thinking I need a new transmission my engine light comes on followed by a light ticking noise, that got louder and louder over about a month.so the car was taken to the dealership an put on a computer they said I should junk it, yes its 5 years old but I bought my car from their and I paid alot for it.so no one knows exactly what's wrong with it I myself believe but Ford.I been told I need a new transmission and my timing chain is bad …
For years Ford has had a poorly designed hydraulic manual clutch system . Often impossible to shift at red light or while driving and had many near rear end collisions due to not being able to continue shifting and maintaining speed. For over a decade the poorly designed system gets air bound rendering the clutch useless . This is caused because the hydraulic line has low and high spots and air becomes trapped in the high spots and results in loss of clutch operation . The entire system must be removed and elongated to allow air to be released from system . No bleeder valve at master cylinder for one thing . There is a bleeder valve at the slave cylinder but because the line has many twist and turns with high spots bleeding does not eliminate air trapped in high spots . This is a well know problem and a dangerous one . Ford could care less . …
I purchased my 03 Ford Explorer back in 2/15. It looked like I purchased a very very good used vehicle. Everything has been fine with it up until 2 weeks ago. My door ajar light keeps coming on when everything is closed, the od light is blinking non stop and the trunk window opens by itself when I am driving. When im driving it feels like the car is trying to "catch up". Like it knows I'm trying to do a certain speed but its way below and after a min. Or so, then it will go the correct speed. I had it hooked up to a diagnostic tool and its giving me the code of p7032 (something like that). Something about 2nd gear of trans? Ive been told that this is a known issue with this make, model and year.. Ive also ready 100s of reviews and complaints on these issues. What I don't seem to understand is why isn't Ford doing anything about this???? …
We have recurring wheel bearing and hub assembly issue. The timing I put on the form May be off a bit but not much. Its all like a recurring Ford Explorer nightmare at this point! We have replaced bearings, hib assembly, tie rod, then rear end went up ( and shouldn't have)/now again, another bearing and wheel sensor. The truck cuts out when at a slower speed. I lost steering a few months ago while driving and when I try to put it in gear, sometimes it won't move.I have called Ford, nhtsb and no one is willing to make Ford recall these issues and Ford won't do the right thing knowing it's an ongoing problem with a lot of fords! Please someone help! I have multiple sclerosis and a heart issue. I need a safe reliable car and can't afford to get another one. Someone, please do the right thing here! …
I bought my Ford Explorer xlt back in June of 2015. Since then I replaced my oxygen sensor do to a fault in the system and melting back in aug. 20015. The SUV wouldn't start because of it and had to be towed. Since I purchased and had replaced the oxygen sensor by a Ford dealer, I noticed the SUV having power failure even from a complete stop and now the over drive off light flashes; this started in the beginning of nov. 2015 I noticed that there is over 2755 complaints of transmission problems and failures exactly the same as mine, but not one recall. This is a issue with the SUV themselves and not owner error. I have children and don't want to end up stranded in the street or side of the highway due to transmission failure. …
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle experienced a problem with hesitation when the speed was kept constant. The dealership replaced the mass air flow sensor. The hesitation problem continued, the vehicle was returned to the dealership which was unable to duplicate the problem. While backing into the driveway the vehicle suddenly accelerated. Although the brakes were applied the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle hit the contact's home resulting in a neck sprain injury. The acceleration continued until the shifter was moved into drive. The dealership was unable to determine the cause of the acceleration. Also, contact complained that ABS light was on and pedal felt stiff. Vehicle ran rough. In addition, removed and installed automatic transmission main control valve body.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. While driving on an incline at an unknown speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the overdrive warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the solenoid pack and the oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact also mentioned that the check transmission and check engine warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
My 2003 Ford Explorer was parked in my driveway and it somehow rolled down approx 150 feet and smashed into a tree. There was no one in the vehicle it was parked and the keys were in the house. I immediately called my insurance (state farm) and they had me call a collision garage to come out and they came within the hour. They have stated that the vehicle is a total loss. The next morning I called Ford and they disregarded anything I said and said my insurance should take care of it. I am still paying on a loan for this car and I do have full coverage but I am now without a vehicle and I am scared to think of what might of happened if my daughters would of been playing in the backyard.
While driving home from work this evening the o/d off light began steadily blinking and the transmission took way too long to shift (RPM almost red line) and wouldn't shift into 5th gear. I was driving on a city street and first noticed the truck not shifting and within 3 minutes of driving the o/d off light began flashing. If you turn the truck off then back on the o/d off light turns off but the truck still won't shift correctly and the light starts to blink again. My truck only has 133,000 miles. I googled this problem and discovered that the vast majority of 2003 Ford Explorer owners have this same problem.
While driving home from work this evening the o/d off light began steadily blinking and the transmission took way too long to shift (RPM almost red line) and wouldn't shift into 5th gear. I was driving on a city street and first noticed the truck not shifting and within 3 minutes of driving the o/d off light began flashing. If you turn the truck off then back on the o/d off light turns off but the truck still won't shift correctly and the light starts to blink again. My truck only has 133,000 miles. I googled this problem and discovered that the vast majority of 2003 Ford Explorer owners have this same problem.
NHTSA investigations
Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular…
Transmission complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 335 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Ford Explorer, 30% of the model year's 1,131 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (141 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford Explorer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2003 Ford Explorer, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford Explorer transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.