VehicleVerdict

2003 Ford Explorer Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport sits mid-pack among Explorer Sport years: 85 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 93, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations.

Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 28 reports (33% of the total).

85

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Explorer Sport years?

Explorer Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted243 complaints1993: 5 complaints1997: 44 complaints1998: 145 complaints1999: 127 complaints2000: 102 complaints2001: 243 complaints2002: 160 complaints2003: 85 complaints2004: 23 complaints2005: 5 complaints
Explorer Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Ford Explorer Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure2833%
Visibility & Wipers1720%
Suspension56%
Engine56%
Other45%
Speed Control45%
Tires & Wheels45%
Transmission45%
Electrical System34%
Brakes34%
Airbags34%
Fuel System22%
Lighting11%
Latches & Locks11%
Steering11%

Does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 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.

“WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. BEFORE I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I RAN INTO A STORE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I FAILED, AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 16, 2014 · fire

“REAR VIEW MIRROR GIVES A FALSE IMAGE, WHEN THERE ARE NO CARS BEHIND VEHICLE DRIVER CAN OT SEE IN REARVIEW WINDOW. BUT IF CARS ARE BEHIND DRIVER CAN SEE. CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT, DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · crash

“WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING WEST ON ROUTE 64 IN THE LEFT HAND LANE NEAR ROCKY MOUNT, NC AT A SPEED OF 70 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY A LOUD NOISE AND THEN THE VEHICLE PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING MY SON TO RUN A MOTORCYCLIST OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID BEING HIT. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 9, 2007

“WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE INTO A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. BEFORE I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I RAN INTO A STORE AND GOT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. I FAILED, AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 16, 2014 · fire

“VIBRATION IN FRONT END OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT DETERMINED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. RESOLUTION HAS NOT OCCURRED TO DATE. BALANCED ALL DRIVE LINES BUT STILL VIBRATES. VIBRATION STOPS WHEN FRONT DRIVE LINE IS DISCONNECTED. NEXT APPROACH IS TO CONTINUE THROUGH REST OF DRIVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 12, 2005

2003 Ford Explorer Sport — common questions

Is the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?

It is close to typical for the Explorer Sport: 85 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2003 Explorer Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (28 complaints), visibility & wipers (17 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford Explorer Sport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Explorer Sport years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among Explorer Sport years belongs to 2005.

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.