2003 Ford Explorer transmission problems
161 complaints about transmission have been filed for the 2003 Ford Explorer, which is 12% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 161 12% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 69,000 miles 147 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 5 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When transmission problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 20 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 12 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 30 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 26 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 25 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 14 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 13 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 5 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 147 transmission complaints that report mileage, the median is about 69,000 miles, and 42% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 5 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries.
What owners wrote
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.
My 2003 ford explorer 2wd xlt started making whinning noises when placed into gear. The car has been to the dealer nine times with over $1200 worth of work. Really don't have any faith in the technicians or service manager. Going through arbitration now to have the lemon repurchased by ford.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Ford Explorer
- Body & structure 366 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 197 complaints
- Engine 86 complaints
- Suspension 69 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 62 complaints
- Wheels 59 complaints
- Electrical system 54 complaints
- Air bags 50 complaints