2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

● Typical for this model

2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:56:24.538Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2003: 78 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1997	6
1998	5
1999	0
2000	3
2001	167
2002	144
2003	78
2004	86
2005	66
2006	5
2007	100
2008	23
2009	6
2010	31

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and control module.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY DECELERATED TO 40 MPH. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120403

STRUCTURE 13%

13% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.

CRASH DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

MY AUNT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE VEHICLE ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE FRONT PILLAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE COLLAPSED ALLOWING THE ROOF TO COLLAPSE ALMOST DOWN TO THE LEVEL OF THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050212

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 12%

12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

FIRE

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING WITH THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ENGAGED AT 68 MPH WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND SOME SMOKE WAS PRESENT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140318

Also filed under ENGINE

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 10%

10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing filler pipe and cap and storage.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20050922 — DP (closed 20060104)

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

R 20060403 — exterior lighting

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

I 20090421 — PE (closed 20090819)

VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for structure issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ◆ 2002 ● 2007

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.