2003 Ford Explorer engine problems
The 2003 Ford Explorer has 91 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 7% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.
91
Engine complaints
7%
Share of year
4
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Engine complaints by year
What owners report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED TO HIGH AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN…”
Common questions
How many engine complaints does the 2003 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA has 91 complaints about the 2003 Ford Explorer engine — 7% of all complaints filed for that model year.
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.