MYRModel Year Report

2003 Ford Explorer Sport

▲ Better than typical
2003 Ford Explorer Sport
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:44:28.944Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1997: 37 complaints 1998: 121 complaints 1998 1999: 93 complaints 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2003 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints 2005
2003: 65 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19935
199737
1998121
199993
200071
2001188
2002133
200365
200418
20055

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STRUCTURE 20%

20% of complaints: structure — 13 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ON THE MORNING OF 1/29/14 I WAS AT THE MARKET ,CAME OUT TO LOAD MY ITEMS INTO THE VEHICLE , OPENED THE REAR LIFT GATE AT ABOUT THE 1/3 OPEN POINT THE GLASS EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES .

NHTSA ODI report, 20140204

BODY MOUNTS DETERIORATED CRUMPLED.BODY DOWN ON FRAME CAUSING IRREGULAR RIDE CONTROL

NHTSA ODI report, 20181028

STRUCTURE 12%

12% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 11%

11% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 7 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ON THE MORNING OF 1/29/14 I WAS AT THE MARKET ,CAME OUT TO LOAD MY ITEMS INTO THE VEHICLE , OPENED THE REAR LIFT GATE AT ABOUT THE 1/3 OPEN POINT THE GLASS EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES .

NHTSA ODI report, 20140204

VISIBILITY 6%

6% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 6%

6% of complaints: structure — 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 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1997 ▲ 2000 ● 1999

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ◆ 2002 ◆ 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?

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

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

The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 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.