2003 Ford Explorer problems and complaints
Owners have filed 1313 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas: Structure (389), Power Train (356), Engine And Engine Cooling (87).
Key takeaways
- 1313 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 69 involve a crash, 19 a fire, 66 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 389 | 30% |
| Power Train | 356 | 27% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 87 | 7% |
| Electrical System | 81 | 6% |
| Suspension | 77 | 6% |
| Visibility | 69 | 5% |
| Wheels | 61 | 5% |
| Air Bags | 59 | 4% |
| Service Brakes | 54 | 4% |
| Unknown Or Other | 49 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 47 | 4% |
| Hydraulic | 40 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Ford Explorer 4-DR. | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 3/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Seats - filed 2025-09-17
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 contact attributed the blister to a burn sus...
Structure,unknown Or Other - filed 2022-08-01
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 my driveway the liftgate was discovered...
Unknown Or Other - filed 2021-11-02
Head lights are cloudy given poor visibility. Back hatch door has a crack.
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More for the 2003 Ford Explorer
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.