2003 Ford Explorer Sport
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.
- Complaints
- 65
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
43% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 65 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1997 | 37 |
| 1998 | 121 |
| 1999 | 93 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 188 |
| 2002 | 133 |
| 2003 | 65 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Structure
43% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.
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, 2014-02-04
Also filed under Visibility/wiper
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford explorer xlt sport. While closing the liftgate the rear window shattered. There was no prior damage to the window. The failure resulted in a few cuts on the contact's hands.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-04-30
Body mounts deteriorated crumpled.body down on frame causing irregular ride control
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-28
Visibility
15% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing glass, side/rear and sun/moon roof assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Rear view mirror gives a false image, when there are no cars behind vehicle driver can ot see in rearview window. But if cars are behind driver can see. Consumer was involved in an accident as a result, driver was involved in an accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-02
Visibility/wiper
11% · 7 reportsSuspension
8% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing leaf spring assembly and wheel bearing.
Vehicle speed control
6% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control and cables.
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 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 28 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 7 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 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, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.