Ford Explorer / 2003
2003 Ford Explorer problems
Owners have filed 1,369 complaints about the 2003 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 26.7% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of power train at 26.1%.
Complaints1,369
Crashes70
Fires10
Injuries69
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Structure 26.7% · 366
Power train 26.1% · 357
Engine and engine cooling 5.0% · 69
Suspension 5.0% · 69
Wheels 4.3% · 59
Visibility 4.2% · 57
Electrical system 3.9% · 54
Air bags 3.7% · 50
Severity
Of those complaints, 70 describe a crash, 10 describe a fire, 69 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 33 model years of the Ford Explorer in this data, 2003 sits 15th by complaint volume. 2002 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 35 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 74,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the rear lift gate was open the hinge failed causing the gate to fall on the contacts head. The dealer was stated the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign recall number: 04v442000: structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the approximate failure and current mileage was 68,000. Structure · reported at 68,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear lift gate fractured directly underneath the window seal. She noticed when the door was ajar the warning light would illuminate as if she had opened the doors. The dealer advised her that they were aware of the failure, but there was no recall. The vehicle was not inspected nor was it repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. Structure · reported at 125,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a crack on the frame of the vehicle starting from the bottom of the rear glass going down toward the manufacturer's emblem. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 86,000 and the current mileage was 96,000. Structure · reported at 86,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…