2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
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.
- Complaints
- 78
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
14% of complaints
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% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and control module.
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, 2012-04-03
Structure
13% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing body and frame and members.
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, 2005-02-12
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
Power train
10% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
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, 2014-03-18
Also filed under Engine
Fuel system, gasoline
10% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing filler pipe and cap and storage.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
-
R
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.
-
I
2009-04-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-08-19 Vehicle rollaway allegations
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.