2003 Ford Explorer Sport
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Explorer Sport › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. Newest first.
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 side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
Owner complaints
65 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Was closing back hatch and glass window literally exploded! vehicle was parked in my yard.
- Unknown or other
The transmission IS shot I cant put it in gear and me and my husband were almost killed but were able to put it in 2ND gear to roll it to the shop. The 4wheel drive got stuck in 4 wheel low and would not shift at all. When we turned the car on it would rev up to 5 but only go 2 miles an hour.
- Air bags · Exterior lighting · Visibility/wiper
"Takata recall" airbag light keeps blinking with the seat belt noise. Changed the light bulb from the dash board and now the airbag light stays on but will not connect with mileage.
- Structure › Body
Body mounts deteriorated crumpled.body down on frame causing irregular ride control
- Fuel/propulsion system
Car has an intermittent problem and will stall and both high and low speeds, or when idling. when this happens and power assist fails, it's almost impossible to steer or to brake posing a serious risk to safety. this first starting happening about once a week last november, and now it's…
Car has an intermittent problem and will stall and both high and low speeds, or when idling. when this happens and power assist fails, it's almost impossible to steer or to brake posing a serious risk to safety. this first starting happening about once a week last november, and now it's pretty often. stopped driving the car, except to test drive as we're trying to find the source of the problem. we think it's either the fuel or vacuum system and are continuing to narrow down the problem. I am not sure if braking will work at all when it fails, as fortunately it hasn't stalled going downhill. I put all my strength into both braking and steering (i'm a pretty strong woman) to get it to safety. it may simply be stopping due to inertia.
- Structure › Body · Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport. While driving 50 mph, a loud noise was heard when the sun roof exploded without warning. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The vin was not available.
- Unknown or other
Rear liftgate window on my 2003 ford explorer sport exploded into a million pieces. the vehicle was parked in my driveway and I went to open the door and it just exploded.
- Structure · Visibility
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport. While driving approximately 25 mph, a noise emerged from the rear hatch window. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and noticed that the piece that held the window in place was fractured. The vehicle was repaired for the same failure in march of 2015. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 159,149.
- Visibility/wiper
I had just put a bag of groceries in the back, was closing the rear glass hatch when it exploded about 1/3 of the way down. Very loud noise, and tiny glass pieces shattered across 3 parking spots, into and all around our vehicle, including the groceries which I discarded. This car IS not included in the recall.
- Structure › Body
Rear liftgate window completely shattered. Vehicle was parked and been so for 3 hours. Temperature was about 60 degrees. There was no visible cracks or other defects. Was witnessed by several people. Did not just crack or break. It shattered into thousands or pieces. Was not being opened or closed. Vehicle was completely static
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport. While driving at an unknown speed, the body mount emitted an abnormal noise and was deteriorating. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- Electrical system
I bought my ford exp.sport trac in 2005 with a few miles on it. I soon found out that it had a few problems with it's interior lighting. Then it was the door looks, then it was the radio going on and off by itself. Then the windows went up and down on there own. Now the ac comes on and off while in…
I bought my ford exp.sport trac in 2005 with a few miles on it. I soon found out that it had a few problems with it's interior lighting. Then it was the door looks, then it was the radio going on and off by itself. Then the windows went up and down on there own. Now the ac comes on and off while in the off position. As of today know one knows what as gotten into my truck and when I adjust my steering wheel done the turning lights dont work and I have even received a ticket for it.
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport equipped with michelin cross terrain tires, size: p235/70/r16. While driving approximately 45 mph, the rear passenger side tire blew out. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where all four tires were replaced. The manufacturer was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport equipped with michelin cross terrain tires, size: p235/70/r16. While driving approximately 45 mph, the rear passenger side tire blew out. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where all four tires were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage of the tire and vehicle was 35,000. updated 2/24/15*cn updated 03/02/15*jb
- Steering
I was driving at approx 55mph and the steering column locked up and I was unable to control the vehicle, it automiatcally pulled to the left and causing my vechicle to roll several times. (3-5 times) vehicle IS now totalled. I received medical attention at the scene and I'm under observation for…
I was driving at approx 55mph and the steering column locked up and I was unable to control the vehicle, it automiatcally pulled to the left and causing my vechicle to roll several times. (3-5 times) vehicle IS now totalled. I received medical attention at the scene and I'm under observation for the next 48 hours. I'm highly concerned due to the level of other vehicles that are my same make and model that have had this same issue. Please advise asap. Thank you in advance for your help. *tr
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport. the contact stated that the hatchback hinges fractured and detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 04v442000 (structure); however, the vin was not included in the recall. the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate · Visibility › Glass, side/rear
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport. The contact stated that the lift gate glass detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v442000 (structure) due to the vehicle being a two door and not a four door. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Engine · Structure › Body · Wheels
Was driving the vehicle when I noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. I pulled over as quick as possible into a strip mall parking lot. Before I got out flames were coming out of the engine compartment. I ran into a store and got a fire extinguisher to try and put out the fire. I failed, as…
Was driving the vehicle when I noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. I pulled over as quick as possible into a strip mall parking lot. Before I got out flames were coming out of the engine compartment. I ran into a store and got a fire extinguisher to try and put out the fire. I failed, as the whole front of the explorer was in flames as well as the interior. The vehicle IS a total loss. The fire department put it out. I had the vehicle for 7 weeks. The used dealer will not take any responsibility. Should they? I purchased the vehicle on mar. 3,2014 at oc auto expo in westminster, ca. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport. The contact stated that the rear hatch back window pin became fractured and caused the spring and the window to separate from the frame. The dealer previously replaced the hatch back pin however the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport. The contact stated that the rear hatch back window pin became fractured and caused the spring and the window to separate from the frame. The dealer previously replaced the hatch back pin however the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 145,000.
- Structure › Body · Visibility/wiper
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 . Which in turn sent shards of glass into my face ,hands , head and eyes . They were minor injuries but I'm…
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 . Which in turn sent shards of glass into my face ,hands , head and eyes . They were minor injuries but I'm still extracting glass from my head and hands and there IS still glass embedded in my hands . I have an apt with my dr only because there IS glass in my eyes. My mother was with me but she was at the side of the vehicle so she didn't get nailed .i have never seen a window explode like this, this IS a serious hazard and needs to be recalled asap before it kills someone , the power of the flying glass was unreal some of it went through 3 -12 packs of soda with ease. also I have no resources to get a new window as they are around 700 dollars . So this IS what I get from ford for being a loyal customer ? *tr
- Air bags
I was driving in semi wet conditions, going downhill and engaged the overdrive off button. The vehicle started to shimmy and shake, then fish tailed, resulting in me hitting an embankment and flipping the vehicle. Neither airbag deployed! I was able to crawl out of the wreck but the truck was…
I was driving in semi wet conditions, going downhill and engaged the overdrive off button. The vehicle started to shimmy and shake, then fish tailed, resulting in me hitting an embankment and flipping the vehicle. Neither airbag deployed! I was able to crawl out of the wreck but the truck was totaled. This IS the second time the vehicle did the exact same thing (except the crash), in the same weather conditions. The first time, I was able to get the vehicle under control. *tr
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport. The contact noticed that the rear lift gate hinges were loose. The contact removed the rear glass window so it would not fall off of the vehicle. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified and…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport. The contact noticed that the rear lift gate hinges were loose. The contact removed the rear glass window so it would not fall off of the vehicle. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified and advised him that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
- Structure › Body · Visibility/wiper
Window feel and shattered into a million pieces. After contacting my insurance to have the glass replaced I found out the reason for the incident was due to a faulty hinge. I was told by the glass company that the hinge failed due to electrolysis (two different metals reacting with each other). I…
Window feel and shattered into a million pieces. After contacting my insurance to have the glass replaced I found out the reason for the incident was due to a faulty hinge. I was told by the glass company that the hinge failed due to electrolysis (two different metals reacting with each other). I feel this IS the same issue that happened with ford recall manufacturer campaign number: 04s20, however my vin does not pull up this issue code and therefore I am not receiving assistance from ford with this manner. After doing research online I have found many other owners of my same make and model who have experienced the same issue. I feel this needs to be officially addressed as I was driving when my glass fell, but was fortunate that there was no one behind me when it happened. Otherwise I am 100% positive it would have caused an accident. *tr
- Structure · Structure › Body · Visibility/wiper
Left rear liftgate hinge failed/broke; liftgate glass almost fell off completely (but was still partially attached via right hinge). This happened when vehicle was parked. No obvious signs of "wear and tear"; liftgate hinge had been used normally for several years. Many other nhtsa reports list…
Left rear liftgate hinge failed/broke; liftgate glass almost fell off completely (but was still partially attached via right hinge). This happened when vehicle was parked. No obvious signs of "wear and tear"; liftgate hinge had been used normally for several years. Many other nhtsa reports list this defect (04v442000). Ford issued a recall several years ago (04s20), but it only covers a very specific and limited range of vin numbers; mine was excluded. Many other 2003 ford explorer sport owners report the same problem, yet nothing has been done to remedy this problem or compensate the affected owners for their losses. I had to pay "out of pocket" at a local private shop to get my hinge repaired. *tr
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Unknown or other
Severe clanking/banging noise in passenger rear. Replaced shocks. Noise worsened. Researched and found numerous complaints regarding body mounts with ford explorer sport vehicles. Upon investigation - reaching up under vehicle found no "body insulator left on passenger side rear and on driver rear…
Severe clanking/banging noise in passenger rear. Replaced shocks. Noise worsened. Researched and found numerous complaints regarding body mounts with ford explorer sport vehicles. Upon investigation - reaching up under vehicle found no "body insulator left on passenger side rear and on driver rear the insulator crumbled like dirt and fine powder. The body mounts appeared to be manufactured of a foam like material - substandard at best! Replacement parts must be purchased through ford since no other aftermarket parts are available. Parts only (that being able to salvage the bolts and sleeves) and purchase the two pair of insulators only - $680.00. The same material that failed and should not. There are vehicles on the road with body mounts for 40 to 50 years. This IS a manufacturer's responsibility and the cost for these parts IS thievery. It IS unsafe to operate a vehicle without repairing defective body mounts due to the possibility of body roll or other loss of control. Since the mounts should not fail throughout the life of the vehicle I sincerely request an investigation be launched into the multiple complaints being filed for the years 2001-2003 ford explorer sport body mounts. *tr
- Structure › Body
Rear lift gate panel cracked while vehicle was parked. concerns with unstable rear glass, ability of hatch to remain closed and operation of rear wiper. glass instability a concern while driving and when using liftgate. prior injuries have been reported. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Vehicle rollaway allegations
In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. The swing arm IS a component…
In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), ford stated consumer reports of higher than expected efforts when shifting into and out of park could be a result of a groove being worn into the swing arm ramp of the steering column. The swing arm IS a component bolted to the steering column that assists in shifting through the transmission gears.an engineering evaluation conducted by ford of returned steering columns found the groove could be created over time if consumer shift more quickly from the drive or reverse to park than the brake shift interlock (bsi) solenoid pin retracts after the brake pedal IS applied. In november of 2004, ford released a redesigned bsi solenoid with a shorter pin retracting time as a serviceable component. Ford has noted the shorter retraction time significantly lessens the likelihood of bsi solenoid pin to swing arm contact even with rapid consumer shifts.ford also issued a technical service bulletin, tsb 04-22-12, to instruct service technicians on the proper diagnosis and vehicle repair. Reviewing complaints to odi and data submitted by ford, odi has identified 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement after consumers believe they have shifted the vehicle into park, resulting in 85 alleged crashes and 32 alleged injuries.in addition to the reports of alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, odi has also identified 883 reports of consumers alleging difficulty or the inability to shift the vehicle into park.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea09-013) to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10018061Steering shudder during low speed maneuvers - 4.0L engine.
- 10017891Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4X4 or AWD.
- 10017860Malfunction indicator lamp coming on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0171, p0172, p0174 and/or p0175 (fuel system too rich or lean).
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014096Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013084Fast idle strategy to prevent spark plug fouling.
- 10012954Safety belt web stop button service.
- 10011166Power lumbar bladder expanding through back of seat.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10010719Oil leak from oil filter adapter - 4.0L SOHC engine built before 4/1/2004.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10009317Moisture in headlamp.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008359Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c1233 & c1234 - replace anti-lock brake system euc.
- 10008305Noise-gear whine noise in 1ST and 2ND gear only-vehicles equipped with 5r55e transmission and 4.0L engine only.
- 10008191Rough idle, hesitation on cold engine tip-in and/or hesitation during a 5-3 downshift.
- 10008190Intermittent engine driveability issues. Vehcles with automatic transmission built between 03/04/2002 and 12/01/2002.
- 10008189Lacks power/runs rough/black smoke condition.
- 10008139Seat material ripping and/or separating at the seams.
- 10008115Generator noise in cold ambient temperatures.
- 10007416Paint peeling and/or bubbling on the center finish panel of the instrument panel.
- 10007369Steering shudder felt when turning, driving at slow speeds or at stop.
- 10004924Generator whistle/hoot noise in cold ambient temperatures.
- 10004908Clicking/popping noise from upper steering column area when turning. 2004 e series and explorer sport trac also included.
- 10004907Water leak near the roof opening panel. 2004 explorer sport trac included.
- 10004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
- 10004087Anti-lock brake system (ABS) light flashing with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b2477 after replacement of the ABS module.
- 10004070Vibration when driving 35-75 mph. 2004 explorer sport trac included.
- 10004069Wear-through condition on the abrasion sleeve of the upper radiator hose near the air conditioning accumulator or transmission fluid dipstick.
- 10004060Multiple vehicles with 3.0L or 4.0L engines lacks power/runs rough/black smoke. 2004 sport trac included.
- 10004059Squealing noise from the front brakes when applied. 2004 sport trac included.
- 10004041Steering wheel shudder during low speed turning maneuvers. 2004 explorer sport trac included.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10003180Lack of air conditioner cooling. 2004 explorer sport trac included.
- 10003165Lacks power / black smoke / runs rough, usually with no malfunction indicator lamp on or diagnostic trouble codes.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
Every Ford Explorer Sport model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.