I purchased a new '03 EB Espy 4x4 in May And I have been back to the dealership 3 times so far, with a BIG 5th in the future(more on this later). First trip a little thing, the rear windshield washer did not work. It turns out that a wire was not connected. Second trip another little thing, moisture inside the headlight lens( the day after getting washer fixed). Last month I noticed a problem with the drivetrain. In 2wd it felt as if you were running in too low of a gear. However this went away if you switched to awd or 4wd(bigger problem). At first the dealership thought it was a problem with the wiring harness as my onboard computer would not talk to their's. They said they fixed that. Now They said I have numerous codes. When they cleared the codes they all came back the next day after the service manager drove it home for the night. Ford has suggested that the instrument cluster be replaced. So, I 'm going back this morning to do that. Now for the biggie, I bought a cargo basket for my luggage rack two weeks ago. As I was installing it I found what looked like trash that had been painted over plus little tiny bubbles toward the rear of the roof. In two weeks I am to get the roof repainted and I am not happy. In my opinion A vehicle that costs $40,000 plus should be of better quality. If anyone can help or just relate similar problems I would be grateful. Sorry for the long thread.

MadMartigan

 

I traided my 00 for an 03 a couple of months ago. It's my first new ford ever.

Front Shakes - vibration problem
Engine squeeks - belt or tensioner
Back end grinds - differencial
Roof Leaks - sunroof
Rattle at highway speeds - body clading
Break Dust - Way more than acceptable

None of these have been fixed because we have been waiting for parts for four weeks.

And to top it all off, the first time I had it in for these issues I picked it up with grease all over the tan running boards, floor mats and drivers seat.

No - I'm not real happy with Ford right now either.

 

Try to get Ford to buy your truck back and get an 04' which have all these glitches corrected. MAny people complained about this new generation (first batch of trucks). Many others also said that later production 03's were OK.
I agree with you, this is unacceptable. Expy's are great trucks and all these problems doesn't help...
Good luck!

H

 

Thanks for the response. Now, what is the best way to approach Ford to get them to but my Espy back.

Thanks

MadMartigan

 

I just started the buy back process, via the Dispute Settlement board, but from what I understand, if the vehicle can be fixed in a reasonable amount of time (If they have a fix?) and is not out of service for a lengthly amount of time, or unless the problem keeps happening, you won't go far with the board.

But it's free to try, except for postage and a little paperwork.

Just request a package from your dealer or call the Ford Customer Care number.

Note: The address on the packet may be wrong, so call to confirm the Board's address before you send it in.

These are nice vehicles, they had way too many problems, no way I would buy one as a new buyer unless it was a 04.

 

Good luck on the buy back unless your vehicle has a major mechanical malfunction, but it doesn't hurt to try. Most of Mad's problems don't seem to be "new generation" related, rather they seem to be quality control issues. Maybe Ford's "Quality is Job One" campaign is over and should be renamed "Who Gives a Crap."

 

I don't like to hear about quality problems at Ford since the reason I purchased my '00 Expy (used) was because of the EXCELLENT quality of my '95 Ranger. I purchased the '95 Ranger and a '95 GMC Jimmy, both new, within two months of each other and was able to compare relative qualities on Ford and GM's small truck chassis. The build quality of my Ranger was light-years better than the P.O.C. that GMC sold me. Incidently, the '95 Jimmy was the first year on a restyling, and it showed in many problems. Brake life and dusting is terrible, even using raybestos best pads. The trans bellhousing hits the tunnel sheetmetal every time I hit a moderate bump. GMC to me it was a design defect and refused to fix it!! Nor would they fix the brakes that take so long to stop the vehicle it's borderline unsafe. I got no satisfaction from GM, and vowed at that time I'd never buy another. I'm very happy with my Expy, and just got an 03 Ranger FX4 which I love. Ford needs to make sure that 'Quality is Job One'.

 

Best of luck. There is a huge history of issues with the 03'. Many threads on here...