VehicleVerdict

2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 93 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Explorer Sport Trac year — the 2003 model ranks #5 of 14 Explorer Sport Trac years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (12), fuel system (11), and electrical system (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

93

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

5

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Explorer Sport Trac years?

Explorer Sport Trac NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted229 complaints1997: 6 complaints1998: 8 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 229 complaints2002: 190 complaints2003: 93 complaints2004: 108 complaints2005: 85 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 122 complaints2008: 34 complaints2009: 7 complaints2010: 38 complaints
Explorer Sport Trac NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1213%
Electrical System1112%
Fuel System1112%
Body & Structure1011%
Transmission89%
Brakes89%
Suspension78%
Tires & Wheels66%
Speed Control55%
Airbags44%
Steering44%
Other22%
Seat Belts11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Lighting11%
Latches & Locks11%
Seats11%

Does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS GOING BACK HOME TO MIAMI AND MY CAR 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE EXIT OF THE MIDTOWN TUNNEL IN NEW YORK CITY. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT MOTOR AT THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE POLICE USED 3 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS BUT ALL THE EFFORT THEY DID WAS NOT ENOUGH. MY CAR WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 26, 2007 · fire

“GASOLINE IS EXPELLED FROM THE FILLER PIPE EVERYTIME I TRY TO REFUEL THE TANK. THE PROBLEM WORSENS WITH EACH ATTEMPT TO REFUEL BECAUSE THE GAS PUMPS CONTINUOUSLY SHUT OFF FOR SAFETY REASONS. DEALER HAS REPLACED A SAFETY VALVE TO THE TANK WHICH TEMPORARILY HELPED BUT THE PROBLEM IS NOW WORSE THAN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 15, 2003

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IGNITED IN FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE HOW THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 11, 2015 · fire

“MY AUNT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE VEHICLE ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE FRONT PILLAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE COLLAPSED ALLOWING THE ROOF TO COLLAPSE ALMOST DOWN TO THE LEVEL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS ALSO A LACK OF AVAILABILITY OF SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS ON THE VEHICLE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 6, 2005 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 34 MPH DOWN A MOUNTAIN, THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ABRUPTLY MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL. THE DRIVER'S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 8, 2013 · crash

2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — common questions

Is the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 93 complaints put the 2003 model at #5 of 14 Explorer Sport Trac years. It is one of the Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Explorer Sport Trac problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (12 complaints), fuel system (11 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).

Does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Explorer Sport Trac years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2005. The cleanest record among Explorer Sport Trac years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.