2003 Ford Explorer
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Body, Seats & Latches
Body, Seats & Latches leads by volume: 403 of 1,196 complaints (34%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more deaths (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 3,428 in 2002 to 1,196 in 2003.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,450–4,150 | 3,650–4,450 | 3,650–4,150 | 3,900–4,150 | 3,900–4,450 | |
| Combined MPG | 15–18 | 14–17 | 15–17 | 15–16 | 14–16 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–16 / 17–20 | 13–16 / 17–20 | 13–15 / 17–20 | 13–14 / 18–20 | 13–14 / 17–19 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 494–592 | 523–635 | 523–592 | 555–592 | 555–635 | |
| Complaints filed | 563 | 3,428 | 1,196 | 1,322 | 502 | |
| Recalls issued | 14 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 82 | 154 | 64 | 61 | 22 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 32 | 64 | 11 | 15 | 6 | |
| Injuries reported | 85 | 201 | 61 | 87 | 14 | |
| Deaths reported | 10 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 7 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Explorer have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Ford Explorer?
Body, Seats & Latches: 403 of 1,196 NHTSA complaints (34%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Explorer get?
EPA rates it 15–17 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Ford Explorer?
EPA estimates $3,650–$4,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (12)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg (high) | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 523 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 14 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 15 mpg (high) | 18 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 13 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 14 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 15 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 523 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.6L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg | 17 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
Show 2 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 14 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 96 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 339 | 9 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 58 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Brakes | 50 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 28 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 137 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 71 | 31 | 0 | 31 | 2 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 41 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 403 | 5 | 1 | 14 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 85 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Other | 62 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 09E025000 · May 11, 2009
Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · Campaign 07E104000 · Dec 11, 2007
Defect: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 06E049000 · Jun 5, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS · Campaign 04V442000 · Sep 15, 2004
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
STRUCTURE · Campaign 03V094000 · Mar 18, 2003
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.