2003 Ford Explorer V8 Limited Reliability
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- Опубліковано 30 кві 2020
- This is originally my short TFL submission video, however, it does show how reliable these Explorers actually are and how well they do hold up. Very solid truck for a under $5000 budget. Longer 225k mile ownership review coming!
After 250k miles, my 2003 V8 is still running like a champ. I also had to replace the transmission at 215K. Besides the transmission, no major issues
I own one of these. An 02 Eddie Bauer, and I love it. This thing is nice. The transmission has a bad solenoid for 3rd gear. But I’m gonna fix it. It got passed down to me as a first car. My family owned it pretty much since brand new. But what makes it very special to me, is that I was born a second child, and my family needed a new car, so the doctor straight up gave my mom this car. It’s been in the family ever since. The sentimental attachment between me and that car, one thing that I always think about, is that the only reason my car isn’t in a junkyard, is because I was born. The car is my twin basically.
I have an 05 xlt with the 4.6 2v and I absolutely love it. I’ve owned it 4 8 years and it now has 194k miles on it. Engine is all original and so is the suspension. All 4 hubs have been replaced and the transmission has been rebuilt. The car is phenomenal and drives beautifully
Bought a one owner full tilt '05 Eddie Bauer a little over a year ago. Great vehicle. Both the 4.0 and the trans were rebuilt about six months before I bought it. Looks like it's three years old, even the driver's seat is in excellent condition, not one tear. The previous owner really took care of it I plan on keeping it quite a while.
Keep taking care of it! My favorite ones of all time.
Nice ride! I used to own a V6, great rig, and it's still in my family.
Ford Explorer's are by far one of the best and beautiful SUV's I've ever seen and owned. I still got my one and I don't think I'd ever get rid of it tbh.
I agree 100% they are extremely under rated trucks, I’m the same way, I’ve had 4 and still have 2, the 2 I have are both not road worthy at the moment due to blown brake lines just because of me living in the rust belt but one day i will get them back on the road, just can’t get rid of them they’ve both been such good trucks. My 2nd gen has 260k rust belt miles and this 03 has 225k and easily will hit 300k once I get the rusty lines and rotted seals sorted out. Keep yours on the road brother! They’re becoming less and less common by the day
@@notasolution nice. I live in Australia and the Explorer's were super popular over here before a new SUV called the Ford Territory (I suggest looking it up if you don't know or seen what it is) came out in Australia. Ford Explorer's are now kinda rare here now but they are beautiful and will always be the greatest car I've ever driven! 😊
The Ford Territory is my 2nd favourite SUV by the way 😅
My first car was a 03 explorer with the 4.6 back in 2012 I still have it I love it 😂 never getting rid of it
Is it 3rd row seating
i have a 03 Mercury Mountianeer Luxury edition with the 4.6 with almost 217K on it still going strong. Those 4.6s 2v are4 a good 450,000 to 600,000 mile engine
@@davidalexander828 hey. Did you ever have to change the transmission on any of them?
@@mon2u No I haven't had too.
running my 2004 Ford explorer limited. love it- also replace the transmission around 200k miles.
297k on my e250 with the 4.2
Absolutely love my van. Built and drive like tanks!
I am the original owner of a 2002 Explorer Limited. I have a 185000 miles on it and it runs like the day it was built. just some tips for you, I saw your seats and you can get the bolsters replaced for about a buck and a half each. I've done that on mine otherwise it's a lot like yours ,in perfect shape. However mine has not been driven in Winter conditions and garage stored for over 12 years. It's in great shape as far as the body is concerned and engine transmission run perfectly. Like you I highly recommend this vehicle if you can find one.
I have the exact same truck!! I got hit in the rear passenger panel bumper brace got snapped but I'm glad I was driving her!! There's a reset switch on the passenger side that made it possible for me to drive her home!! She saved my life!! I love my truck!
I used to actually have a second one in white that also saved my mothers life. She was stopped at a traffic light coming home from work and got rear ended by a drunk driver in a huge old Cadillac that hit her at 60 mph while she was at a dead stop. She walked away from it with just a minor concussion. She says she glad the Cadillac hit her because the car in front of her was a little Toyota Yaris that she knows would have not held up if she wasn’t between the two. The truck was totaled, the Cadillac hit it so bad that the roof actually bowed in like the shape of a U but, we found out that day how darn safe these things are, and still have the limited because of it. It’s funny you mention the fuel switch because my mom wanted to reset the switch too and drive home like nothing happened when she got in her wreck but the Cadillac wound up actually going under the truck when it hit it and shoved the exhaust and everything into the rear wheels which made it undrivable unfortunately. These trucks are so under rated and just literal tanks! Will always have a soft spot for these. My limited, the one in the video has been parked due to blowing 2 brake lines out but I’ll get around to fixing it one day lol, just can’t part ways with it
This is my favorite model design of the Explorer
The same exact same thing here! My parents bought an 03 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 brand new and I was about 12, recently they were ready to basically throw her away because of issues, so I took it and fixed her up, swapped the whole front suspension and steering components and had the motor swapped. Currently still fixing things but she drives and runs. Please change differential fluids! My parents never did mine and she’s howling at 178k miles, will need to be rebuilt. Also check your engine and transmission mounts
What’s funny is I’ve gone through two other cars, and this is still my back up for when they break. My other car is still waiting for a new ECU and so im back to using the trusty back up. Watching some oldd videos to ddo some preventative maintinence.
I just baught a 2003! Came from north Carolina zero rust. I live in Maine. I'm very excited to getting her on the road. It currently has transmission issues.... no go.
I'm thinking solenoids in tyranny.
Any thoughts? Anyway I fell in love with this beautiful vehicle at first site. Any tips from you would be great.
I love that we all have the crack in the bacl
It’s a badge of honor for us!! Gotta embrace it lol
My buddy had one in UK RHD from Japan. We replaced the cracked panel!
Just got one and it most definitely have that crack in the back 😂
@@notasolutionThe "Exploders" are known to have wheel bearing problems.
Looks like you know quite a bit about this vehicle!
I've got a question for you. I've got a 2003 Eddie Bauer Edition as a first vehicle, and for some reason the back right wheel moves back and forth. We can't figure out why. Would you happen to have any insight?
If all the lugs are tight, the tire isnt out of shape and the wheel isnt bent, it's most likely a bad wheel bearing. These trucks are common for wheel bearings going out, which can make the wheel loose. The rear bearings are pressed in, I've had one of the rears done on my truck
I'm a fan of the 2nd Generation as I have one... can't beat the old 302 engine.
we swapped one into a 65 mustang built for racing it’s crazy @autocross.stang on ig
I have the 2002 4.6 XLT V8 running good at 260,000 miles
I have a question I have a 2003 explorer as well bought with 140000 miles recently the oil pump gave out fixed it but I'm having issues with the dvd it looks like it turns on but no image can it be that it needs the stock radio the last owner put a aftermarket stereo
I do think it needs the factory Sony head unit to work, I do believe that the dvd system needs to tie in to the proper factory head unit to function, I know that they are definitely tied together
Have the same car, but not the limited mine has exactly 223k as well!! Two wheel bearings done on mine, transmission seems like its getting ready to quit soon. But love it
Been in my family since new.
Change the fluid you’ll give it a few more months or years of life
Great truck, keep it around as long as you can, they dont build them now anywhere near as solid as they used to
LoL same
Hi! I have the same truck with v8 engine and I have a question for you. My transmission was rebuilt together with the torque converter, however I can hear the rattle noise while idling or accelerating. I also replaced my flex plate for a new one, checked all heat shields and catalytic converters. Found nothing. I read a lot of things about rattling torque converter at gen 3 Explorers, however nobody wrote how to fix that issue. Did you heard about that issue, know how to fix it or know someone who know how to fix that torque converter rattle noise? I really want to fix that truck and drive it for a next couple of years. I'd rather to drive a Ford than my new VW Passat. Thanks in advanced for your replay. Best regards from Poland.
It's hard to say without hearing the noise but I'd say it's alot more likely that the rattle is coming from the timing chain and not the torque converter, especially if your truck has high mileage and the trans has been gone through by a half deacent shop. The timing chain would rattle under acceleration as well, kind of would sound like a maraca shaking. Replacing them isnt too hard or expensive to do, compared to other vehicles like german cars or the 4.0 v6 from ford. The guides break after high mileage and age and will cause a rattle under tension (acceleration). I'd bet on that
I have a 03 v6 with 250 000 miles and all had to replace was the thermostat and thermostat housing.
I have a Explorer 2010 Limited with the V8 4.6l 3v. I still think is the best ride in the world. I heard Ford improved the transmission and front suspension. Previously I had a Explorer 2002 V8 4.6l 2v from 2008-2009 even I had to sell it, from then I remained willing to buy a good Explorer when possible, and finally I could do it.
How’s the gas consumption? What’s your mpg? Thanks!
@@donlyl3 17 on highway...
@@luisgcasiquet thanks for the info. We’re looking at an 05 4.6v8 limited with 98k miles and trying to figure out the mpgs
@@donlyl3 I get between 19 and 22 mpg on the highway in mine, 16 to 18 city. The 02 to 05 explorers have different v8s than the 06 to 10s. The 02 to 05 has a 2 valve 4.6 while 06 and up has a 3 valve, which makes more power and I guess consumes more gas. If you’re looking at 05 and older you should expect to get between 19 to 22 on the highway
@@donlyl3 I’d like to also note that mine is also the 4.6 v8 4 wheel drive with every single option you could get, dvd system, premium Sony sound system, tow package, moon roof, 3rd row seat, heated seats, 3 zone climate controls, parking sensors, basically literally as heavy as you can get is what I’m saying lol. And mine has 225k miles on it, so I mean one with much less mileage should easily get the same numbers
What year did the 3V version become available?
I bought one 3k looking nice. 121,000 miles the transmission was already replaced in this one 7k miles ago. Motor seems snappy. Already replaced the front wheel hub assemblies on both and both front brakes. Now it needed front sway bar kit both cv axels tie rod ends the whole front end and that messed tires up which is how I received this thing so put them on. Hoping when I pick it up from the shop 1800.00 later which will put me at about 5k into the truck. Wondering what you guys think? Should I keep or get out from under it? Thanks...
That sounds like one heck of a deal, even with the money you're spending on it, with such low miles and a fresh transmission, a truck like that for under 5k is a really great value and it should last you another 100k miles fairly easily. Cant find these trucks that low mile anymore, I'd keep it and drive it until the wheels fall off! If the transmission and wheel hubs have already been done and you're redoing the front end, the only other thing you really might have to worry about it a spark plug shooting out of the head (which is a fairly cheap fix if it does happen, under $500) and maybe an alternator at some point. Other than that, she should be a great rig for you for the next long while. Where I live, you cant find anything that clean and low mile for only 5k, thatd be a 7500 + truck here. Great find and great buy! Sounds like all the common issues were already addressed
@Exporado M thanks for responding and for such great information. Yes I paid 3k put like 2k in new tires both CV axels up front, swaybar kit all new front end brakes wheel hubs up front. But I hear it yet I'm sure the rear needs hubs now, and when you stomp on it it has a hesitation is that the fuel pump? Isn't that on top or in the tank? Or filter my one buddy was saying but I don't think it's a filter. But this motor I'm pretty impressed so far. And the truck looks nice...
Is the transmission the 4r70w? Either amsoil or valvoline maxlife full synthetic are great choices! Hard to believe you did proper drain intervals on your tranny if it only lasted 210k miles.
5r55w, it's a sealed unit, not even a dipstick for it. I never changed the fluid, I'm actually impressed with the 210k I got out of it lol. They're known to not even go that long without any maintenance. The torque converter disintegrated and ate itself up. When the pan was dropped the fluid was silver
@@notasolution interesting, mine has the 5r55s. I wonder what year they switched from the w to the s in these. Or if it was because mine has the max tow package.
@@mattweeks2272 I believe the 5r55s wasnt used until 06 but I could be misinformed. They're practically the same either way, just a slight gearing difference
@@notasolution I looked it up. 2nd gen explorers with the 4.6 were offered with the 5r55w 02-04, and offered with the 5r55s 04-05. The 5r55s was the standard offered transmission with the 4.0 from 2002-2010 on 3rd and 4th gens
I have a 2020 explorer st and I like your explorer more
Hi, can you tell me the fuel consumption how many miles per gallon estimated?
thank you Brother
In my 03 with the 4.6 2 valve v8, I get between 16 and 22. 16 to 17 generally in stop and go and between 19 to 22 on a road trip on the highway. Not as bad as you may think I’ll put it like that. I have a 2013 Toyota 4Runner in the family with a v6 that is identical in mpg to the explorer. The explorer is also much better on gas than my 2015 Silverado, to put things in perspective. Hope this helps! Sorry for the late response
Very nice ride. Luke tye executive color. 😊
The ford 4.6 2 valve engine is one of the best engines ford has ever built.
I have an 01 Limited with the five leaders of disappointment but she is loyal only paid 900 bucks for it I drive 107 miles everyday for work and it's been very reliable and everything works as it should I like it also its got over 200k on it
Haha I love the brute honesty. The 5 liters are pretty darn gutless for their size, but there’s no arguing how tough and reliable they are. They were definitely more of a work horse durable engine than a powerhouse but hey, it’s a great engine to depend on if you want something you know you won’t have to worry about firing over every time. Keep her on the road man, they’re great great trucks no matter what v8 is under the hood. I have a second gen too but mine has the 4.0 sohc v6, got 260k on it. They don’t make good honest trucks like these anymore, I respect it man, hopefully yours has been treating you well
@@notasolution but it's still reliable
It's still reliable drive it every day it's got 230,000 on it now haven't really had to put any money into it just some small maintenance stuff
Is that a crack in the rear tailgate, to the left of the Ford badge?
Yea unfortunately, it's been like that since 2009 though just like how you see it. Thankfully it's just cosmetic. It's a common issue on these trucks. That piece is a plastic panel mounted on the actual metal gate, over time, they all crack from the heat cycles and such but thankfully, it's not actually a functionality problem. Just looks a little cheap. The actual metal gate part is perfectly fine though if that makes sense
They do not make them like that anymore.
Still love my 2003 explorer
Hi, how’s the gas consumption? Thanks!
In my 03 with the 4.6 2 valve v8, I get between 16 and 22. 16 to 17 generally in stop and go and between 19 to 22 on a road trip on the highway. Not as bad as you may think I’ll put it like that. I have a 2013 Toyota 4Runner in the family with a v6 that is identical in mpg to the explorer. The explorer is also much better on gas than my 2015 Silverado, to put things in perspective. Hope this helps! Sorry for the late response
I see ur in New Jersey I’m also in New Jersey with a V8 Ford Explorer but it’s an 04 and it’s an Eddie Bauer maybe we could
Meet
I would love one who cares if its from 2003. The only thing that worries me would be the high mileage and how would the engine be after 20 years.
I’m thinking about getting one it’s a 2003 198k miles $3600 ?? Just for a daily car someone let me know something please
Did you get it?
2002 limited in Australia. Wouldn't have anything else.
They get rusty as hell but my 04 still kicking
Mines been parked for a little over a year now due to popped brake lines, believe me I feel you on that. I wish I didn’t live in the rust belt it just eats these vehicles up out here. I’ll get her fixed one day though, surprisingly the rust on mine isn’t bad at all other than the brake lines though, frame and body are still really good, very minimal
Rear differential and wheel bearings at 60k miles .
They known for the differential and tranny problems
I’m still on the original rear diff, trans lasted to 210 on the original fluid which honestly I can’t complain about, but yea I hear people do have worse luck than me. I never was rough on mine though, I think as long as you don’t pretend that they’re mustangs they have the capability of lasting a while. A lot of people I think get carried away with having the snappy v8 under the hood
I also have the tow package which I believe adds additional coolers, maybe that also increased the longevity I’m not too sure
I want one for my first truck
Definitely a great first vehicle! a little hungry on gas, but definitely worth it for how safe and solid they are. Just dont pretend like it's a racecar, and drive it like the old truck it is and itll go forever
Had an 03 Eddie Bauer V8, my transmission just went out about three weeks ago 😢
PBT Network hey don’t sell that thing! I’m currently fixing the same problem, so I’ll help you.
They’re quite nice. I own one myself as my first car, and I love it so much. It’s not the fastest thing ever, but it’s quick for a truck.
DJ Wolve unfortunately I already did 😕 just bought a Nissan Altima tho, hopefully I don’t run into the same problem with the cvt
Most vehicals have flaws when you by them used, but no one ever ask to purchase a used vehicals with build in electrical flaws designed to do specific functions!!! There was something built in hooked through the radio system. The batter could not even be removed with craft man tool. And it was a new battery. So radio frequencies would disable the radio. Someone was ease dropping and tracking. I did not purchase a work vehicle for this abuse.
Bro I am interested in hearing more.
I Have A 2004 Limited, Bet Yours Don't Have Rear Bucket Seats With Console!!!
I hate how many things they remove to this truck on non us markets, it's just abusive !!!