Before you buy
This 2003 Ford Excursion has 146 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2003 Ford Excursion Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2003 Ford Excursion has 146 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Excursion
- Model year
- 2003
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 146
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2003 Ford Excursion problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2003 Ford Excursion?
This FORD EXCURSION year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2003 Ford Excursion
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2003 Ford Excursion, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The FORD EXCURSION has 146 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. 7 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 146 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 5 federal recall campaigns
- 7 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2003 Ford Excursion complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Excursion. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 39 | 3 | 8 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 35 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 15 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 14 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Diesel | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Excursion. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My wife, two young daughters, and I were traveling out of town for the New Year. As we were traveling southbound on I-85 between Greensboro, North Carolina and Thomasville, North Carolina, I started to notice that the vehicle was starting to vibrate. Over the course of the next…
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Excursion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the suspension made an abnormal popping sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an air bubble had formed on the front passenger’s side tire which he linked t…
THE VEHICLE HAS A STEERING ISSUE. IT WILL PULL TO THE RIGHT MOSTLY BUT OCCASIONALLY TO THE LEFT. SO YOU SPEND THE ENTIRE DRIVE CORRECTING THE WHEEL TO TRY TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE ROAD. TOWING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT CAUSES THE TRAILER TO GO IN TO A SNAKING MOT…
PAVEMENT WAS WET...CIT WAS DARK ....A CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED IN THE ROADWAY..MY ANTI LOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING ME TO SKID INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME..CAUSING REAR DAMAGE TO IT...MY AIRBAG ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY..WAS GOING ABOUT 25MPH..BUT SEEMED TO INCREASE IN SPEED SKIDDING ON T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXCURSION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN INJEC…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXCURSION. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO APPROXIMATELY 75-80 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXCURSION. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BOLTS WERE FRACTURED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE…
FAULTY EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BREAK OFF AND CAUSE EXCESSIVE NOISE, EXHAUST ENTERS THE DRIVERS CABIN, VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND IS EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. I HAVE 4 FORD VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM. FIRST INCIDENT WAS AT AROUND 50,000 MILES AND 48 MONTHS AFTER PURC…
THE 6.8 AND 5.4 ENGINES HAVE BEEN FAILING DUE TO DEFECTIVE VALVE TRAIN CAM FOLLOWERS. I AM HAVING THE 3RD ENGINE INSTALLED IN MY EXCURSION. THE CAM FOLLOWERS ARE FAILING AND SPITTING THEM OUT CAUSING CATSTROPIC ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH ANTHONY BARIANA WHO WORKS…
TAMARA RECALL WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED THE CARS POWER DOES 100% SHUT OFF. NO CODES OR WARNING LIGHTS. IN DEC/2016 DRIVING ON A ON A EAST ON CHARLESTON BLVD IN NV, AFTER PULLING OUT OF CIT BANK PARKING LOT GOING ABOUT 45 MPH THE LIGHT TURNED RED AND WHEN I WENT TO BREAK THE PEDA…
THE INTER LIGHTS STAY ON ANYWHERE FROM 30 MINUTES TO AN HOUR AFTER YOU TURN TRUCK OFF, THE LOW RANGE 4X4 WILL NOT DISENGAGE UNTIL YOU BACK UP FOR ABOUT 1/2 MILE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM KEEPS TURNING THE TRUCK OFF SHOWS BATTERY LIGHT THEN GLOW PLUG LIGHT SHUTS ENGINE OFF AND HAVE T…
THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT COME ON AND OFF AND MY TRUCK LOSES POWER AND IF YOU AT A STOP LIGHT THE TRUCK WILL CUT OFF. WHEN I TAKE TO THE SHOP THEY THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD BUT IT MAY BE ABLE TO BE ON A RECALL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER SPARKED A FIRE AND THE WIRING OF THE SHIFTER BEGAN TO MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN SMOKE SHORTLY AFTER THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATT…
AT TOP OF A HILL I STOPPED COMPLETELY AND SHIFTED TO LOW GEAR, THE WIRES IN GEAR SHIFT KNOB SPARKED LOUDLY AND BEGAN BURNING. STOPPED CAR IMMEDIATELY, OPENED HOOD AND DISCONNECTED BATTERY. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT HARNESS IS A SHODDY DESIGN. WIRE INSULATION WEARS THROUGH WHILE R…
AT NIGHT, IN FOG, IN DRIVEWAY, I TURNED ON HIGH BEAMS, DEFROSTERS, WIPERS AND LOWERED DRIVER WINDOW. A MAJOR SILVER ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT IN THE FUSE BREAKER BOX OVERHEATED MELTED AND POPPED. FORD'S INCOMPETENT ELECTRICAL ENGINEER'S DESIGN CAUSES CIRCUIT BOARD SILVER CIRCUITRY IN FU…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXCURSION EQUIPPED WITH B.F. GOODRICH RUGGED TERRAIN (NA), TIRE LINE: LT26575R16 LOAD RANGER E (NA) TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000 …
THE 2003 FORD EXCURSION 6.0 LITER DIESEL, FIRST BROKE DOWN WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALER WHO WAS WORKING ON RECALL ITEMS. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM THE DEALER (DEALER NOW OUT OF BUSINESS). AFTER A WHILE THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER, BUT NOT S…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FAILED AND PROVIDED ERRONEOUS READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY AND WOULD ALSO ACCELERATE ABNORMALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE INJECTION CONTROL PRESSURE SENSOR. THE CONTACT BELIEVED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THREE SEAT BELTS WERE FRACTURED, TWO IN THE MIDDLE ROW AND ONE IN THE REAR. THE CONTACT HAD BECOME STUCK IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT BELT AND HAD TO CUT THE SEAT IN ORDER TO EXIT. THE OTHER TWO SEAT BELTS AR…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Ford Excursion.
Safety recalls
2003 Ford Excursion recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford Excursion. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2003 Ford Excursion buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2003 Ford Excursion reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 146 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. This FORD EXCURSION year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Excursion?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (39 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (35 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Ford Excursion?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Ford Excursion?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2003 Ford Excursion, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 11 fire reports out of 146 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Ford Excursion have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2003 Ford Excursion. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2003 Ford Excursion?▾
This FORD EXCURSION year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Excursion reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2003 Ford Excursion based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.