2003 Model Year

Ford Explorer

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
1,273
Recalls
2
Crashes
68
Severe
139

Active Recalls

Manufacturer safety recalls

04V442000 Sep 2004

Other

No consequence data available

03V094000 Mar 2003

Other

No consequence data available

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

Seats
Sep 2025

The contact rented a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the seat warmer activated, after arriving...

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 2022

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...

WHEELS
Oct 2021

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 tir...

Engine
Oct 2021

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 ove...

Brakes
Sep 2021

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...

Air Bags Crash
Jun 2021

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 st...

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 2021

Head lights are cloudy given poor visibility. Back hatch door has a crack.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 2020

WAS CLOSING BACK HATCH AND GLASS WINDOW LITERALLY EXPLODED! VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY YARD.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 2019

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. TH...

Air Bags Crash
Dec 2019

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, MOVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION ON A CITY STREET AND INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT ALL.

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 2003 Ford Explorer has 1273 complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Structure. 68 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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