2003 Ford Explorer

Complaint history

When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.

Problems owners report

Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.

AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.

Recalls

• NHTSA recall #04V442000September 13, 2004955,732 vehicles affected

  structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments

  On certain sport utility vehicles, the liftgate glass strut may become disengaged or the hinge may fracture allowing the glass to fall and possibly break.

  If the hinge should fracture, there is a potential for the glass to fall and ultimately break and personal injuries could occur.

  Remedy

  Dealers will have the liftgate glass strut brackets and glass hinges replaced. For the vehicles built from august 1, 2000 through march 3, 2002, the dealers will replace the hinges and liftgate strut bracket. On vehicles built from march 3, 2002 through june 23, 2003, the dealers will only replace the hinges. The recall began on september 30, 2004. A postcard was sent to owners on december 27, 2004, advising them that parts are now available. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

• NHTSA recall #03V094000March 7, 20033,674 vehicles affected

  structure

  Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.

  This overheating condition Can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.

  Remedy

  Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

Other model years

• 1991 609
• 1992 633
• 1993 939
• 1994 1,207
• 1995 843
• 1996 1,450
• 1997 1,731
• 1998 1,959
• 1999 1,348
• 2000 952
• 2001 375
• 2002 3,295
• 2003
• 2004 1,304
• 2005 497
• 2006 630
• 2007 208
• 2008 148
• 2009 33
• 2010 115
• 2011 1,197
• 2012 830
• 2013 2,237
• 2014 1,684
• 2015 1,813
• 2016 2,465
• 2017 1,704
• 2018 734
• 2019 300
• 2020 1,249
• 2021 451
• 2022 271
• 2023 113
• 2025 107
• 2026 42