2003 Ford Expedition
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 615
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
21% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 615 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 853 |
| 1998 | 836 |
| 1999 | 946 |
| 2000 | 890 |
| 2001 | 578 |
| 2002 | 340 |
| 2003 | 615 |
| 2004 | 296 |
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 215 |
| 2008 | 146 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 71 |
| 2012 | 118 |
| 2013 | 92 |
| 2014 | 71 |
| 2015 | 164 |
| 2016 | 216 |
| 2017 | 357 |
| 2018 | 376 |
| 2019 | 503 |
| 2020 | 410 |
| 2021 | 236 |
| 2022 | 112 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 37 |
| 2026 | 10 |
| 2027 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
21% · 129 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and shut off when he noticed flames erupting from under the hood on the driver's side. The fire department extinguished the fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-20
Electrical system
17% · 105 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and fuses and circuit breakers.
Show complaint excerpts
The brakes are burning while driving & the emergency brakes are not applied. The power windows are failing 1 by 1.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-08
Also filed under Service brakes and steering
I have a huge problem with my 03 Ford Expedition shutting of randomly it is very dangerous on highways you lose power steering and all power to motor almost caused accidents many times I believe many people have this problem and it all relates to...
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-08-20
While driving at highway speeds advance track system light illuminated, then all electrical components started to flash. Heard a rattling noise, pulled over, turned off engine to see what problem was, and vehicle would not restart.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-19
Also filed under Power train
Service brakes
15% · 91 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Air bags
10% · 59 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Head on collision, both vehicles traveling approximately 40 MPH. 2003 Expedition air bags did not deploy. Both vehicles were totaled because of the severe impact, however the Expedition air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-05
Tires
9% · 57 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
On a number of occasions the ABS system has failed to perform as described by the manufacturer. Upon stopping when the ABS takes over my vehicle bucks and sends me bucking through intersections.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-18
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003Complaint volume 615 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
2003-03-07Structure03V094000 Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc.…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and…
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I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…
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.
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2006-05-02Exterior lighting06E025000 Certain poli-auto combination headlamp assemblies, p/nos. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&c), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730…
Remedy: Poli-auto will notify owners and offer to repurchase the headlamps at its original purchase price. The recall is expected to begin during April 2006. Owners may contact poli-auto at 305-477-1356.
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2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to…
Remedy: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.
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2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles.
Remedy: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Ford Expedition — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 129 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 105 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 91 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 03V094000 · Structure
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E025000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Ford Expedition reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Ford Expedition is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Expedition?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Expedition have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.