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 PER YEAR
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 | 577 |
| 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 | 214 |
| 2017 | 356 |
| 2018 | 371 |
| 2019 | 482 |
| 2020 | 394 |
| 2021 | 229 |
| 2022 | 111 |
| 2023 | 64 |
| 2024 | 71 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 8 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 129 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIREShow 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, 20120420
17% of complaints: electrical system — 105 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and fuses and circuit breakers.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20231208
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, 20190820
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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, 20020819
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
15% of complaints: service brakes — 91 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: air bags — 59 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20120405
9% of complaints: tires — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20030618
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SAFETY TIMELINE
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. THESE
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 DO
Campaign 03V094000 — check if this car was fixed
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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, AND
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.
Campaign 06E025000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONFORM
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.
Campaign 06E023000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 06E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Ford Expedition — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (129 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (105 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (91 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E064000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V094000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E023000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.