MYRModel Year Report

2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

● Typical for this model
2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:35:07.000Z

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

Complaints per year, Ford Explorer Sport Trac Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2001: 167 complaints 2001 2002: 144 complaints 2003: 78 complaints 2003 2004: 86 complaints 2005: 66 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2007: 100 complaints 2007 2008: 23 complaints 2009: 6 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2010
2003: 78 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19976
19985
19990
20003
2001167
2002144
200378
200486
200566
20065
2007100
200823
20096
201030

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.

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

SUSPENSION 6%

6% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

WE HAD PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BOUT A YEAR AGO AND WHEN WE GOT IT WE WENT TO GET TIRES AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND THEY ENDED UP REPLACING UPPER ND LOWER BALL JOINTS, CONTROL ARM AND SWAY BAR ON PASSENGER SIDE.THIS WAS 6/20/2017.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180123

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 5%

5% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 5%

5% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.

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 (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 12% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.