2003 FORD EXPLORER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2003 Ford Explorer. This model year has 1,313 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2003 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Structural Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Considering a 2003 Ford Explorer?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2003 Ford Explorer. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 389 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 356 | 9 | 3 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 113 | 4 | 7 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 81 | 3 | 7 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 77 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Visibility | 69 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 61 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 59 | 32 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 54 | 6 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 49 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 47 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 40 | 4 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 33 | 4 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 24 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 23 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 1,313 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
The contact rented a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the seat warmer activated, after arriving at a Rest Stop and exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware that a blister had formed on the back of her left thigh. The cont…
There is a crack down the middle section of the liftgate for quite some time. The liftgate has been unlocking and opening automatically by itself. On only rare occasions has the liftgate opened all the way while driving. On the morning of 7/28/2022 while the vehicle was parked in…
Head lights are cloudy given poor visibility. Back hatch door has a crack.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25-35 MPH around a curb, the driver thought that the tire was flat. The contact pulled off the road and noticed that three of the wheel studs on the driver’s side rear wheel had sheared …
Hello my name is [XXX] just writing you cause my neighbors have program my vehicle meaning they hack my 2003 explore pretty much they want to take over my driving they trying to dominate me in this matter when in reality is not going to be possible that's why I come to your peop…
drivers side rear brake line developed a hole caused by the emergency brake cable rubbing against it causing all the brake fluid to leak & the brakes failed. Fortunately my husband was driving on our rural road & not out on the main highway. We have not been able to get it repair…
The driver was driving down the expressway and her back tire blew out causing her vehicle to spiral out of control and the vehicle then flipped and started rolling downhill, the vehicle airbags did not deploy in the vehicle at all. The driver and her mother are in critical condit…
WAS CLOSING BACK HATCH AND GLASS WINDOW LITERALLY EXPLODED! VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY YARD.
THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT I CANT PUT IT IN GEAR AND ME AND MY HUSBAND WERE ALMOST KILLED BUT WERE ABLE TO PUT IT IN 2ND GEAR TO ROLL IT TO THE SHOP. THE 4WHEEL DRIVE GOT STUCK IN 4 WHEEL LOW AND WOULD NOT SHIFT AT ALL. WHEN WE TURNED THE CAR ON IT WOULD REV UP TO 5 BUT ONLY GO 2 M…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED DUE TO THE CONTROL ARM BEING CORRODED. THE CONTACT CALLED ELDER FORD (777 JOHN R RD, TROY, MI 48083, (248) 825-8646) AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE W…
TAKATA RECALL .. THE SMELL OF FUEL INSIDE THE CAB AND OUTSIDE IS REALLY BAD. IT'S MAKING ME SICK AND GIVING ME HEADACHES. THE TRUCK DOESN'T RUN RIGHT AND THE MILEAGE IS AWFUL.
SHIFTER BROKEN INSIDE STEERING COLUMN. STOPPED AT A GAS STATION WHEN PUTTING INTO PARK IT BROKE. HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON BRAKE PADDLE FOR 2 HOURS UNTIL TWO TRUCK ARRIVED
"TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING WITH THE SEAT BELT NOISE. CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB FROM THE DASH BOARD AND NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT WILL NOT CONNECT WITH MILEAGE.
2003 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE THROTTLE IN MODEL VEHICLE. *AS *TR
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, MOVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION ON A CITY STREET AND INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT ALL.
ENGINE STOPS WHILE DRIVING (STALLS IN MOTION WHILE TURNING ON STREET AND HIGHWAY) RESTARTS WITHOUT PROBLEM, HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW 30 DAYS APART.
BODY MOUNTS DETERIORATED CRUMPLED.BODY DOWN ON FRAME CAUSING IRREGULAR RIDE CONTROL
2003 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO MALFUNCTION TO COMPANY'S REAR WHEEL BEARING. *AS *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WITHIN A MONTH OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDED SERVICING, INCLUDING THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND HAD NOT ISSUED…
THE PROBLEM THE SEAT BELTS DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH TENSION TO RETRACT CONSEQUENTLY GETTING ON THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM, CAUSING THE DOOR NOT TO LOCK, TO STAY OPEN UNSECURED ALSO DAMAGING THE SEAT BELT, IT DOES NO HAVE A WAY TO INCREASE THE TENSION WHICH IT SHOULD HAVE. IT DAMAGED MY …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Ford Explorer.
Recalls for 2003 Ford Explorer
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford Explorer. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2003 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2003 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2003 Ford Explorer has 1,313 NHTSA owner complaints, 69 crash-related, and 7 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Structural Problems (389 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Structural Problems (389 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (356 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (113 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2003 Ford Explorer has 69 crash-related complaints and 19 fire reports out of 1,313 total NHTSA complaints. 66 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes — 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2003 Ford Explorer. The largest issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2003 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2003 Ford Explorer has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Structural Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2003 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.