2003 Ford Explorer Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2003 Ford Explorer recalls

Most common 2003 Ford Explorer problems

Problem areas named in the 1,131 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Structure	366
Power Train	357
Engine And Engine Cooling	69
Suspension	69
Wheels	59
Visibility	57
Electrical System	54
Air Bags	50
Unknown Or Other	43
Vehicle Speed Control	37

What owners report

2025-09-17, Seats
The contact rented a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the seat warmer activated, after arriving at a Rest Stop and exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware that a blister had formed on the back of her left thigh. The contact attributed the blister to a burn sustained while using the driver's side seat warmer. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic, but instead was returned to the rental company. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,253. The VIN was not available.

2022-08-01, Structure
There is a crack down the middle section of the liftgate for quite some time. The liftgate has been unlocking and opening automatically by itself. On only rare occasions has the liftgate opened all the way while driving. On the morning of 7/28/2022 while the vehicle was parked in my driveway the liftgate was discovered to have again unlocked by itself and opened slightly and now with one of the two hinges holding the glass sheared leaving the liftgate glass hanging by only one hinge. With the glass now hanging without having both hinge supports functioning and the inability to close and lock the liftgate, 1) the glass could fall out while driving and 2) with the liftgate unable to now close

2021-11-02, Unknown Or Other
Head lights are cloudy given poor visibility. Back hatch door has a crack.

2021-10-27, Wheels
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25-35 MPH around a curb, the driver thought that the tire was flat. The contact pulled off the road and noticed that three of the wheel studs on the driver’s side rear wheel had sheared off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and it was confirmed that the studs had sheared off and that there was also a fractured wheel stud on the passenger’s side rear wheel. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

2021-10-17, Engine
Hello my name is [XXX] just writing you cause my neighbors have program my vehicle meaning they hack my 2003 explore pretty much they want to take over my driving they trying to dominate me in this matter when in reality is not going to be possible that's why I come to your people's corporate plus they have invade my family privacy they have a gang organization watching me every where I go had few confrontation they just want me to confront them so they could put me in jail this is not going to happen i apologize for the inconvenience I told police regards this matter they didn't do nothing about it . INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

2003 Ford Explorer questions

Does the 2003 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2003 Ford Explorer: Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments; Structure. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 1,131 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (366), Power Train (357), Engine And Engine Cooling (69).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Ford Explorer has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.