2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls and problems
No recalls and 78 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
drivers side rear brake line developed a hole caused by the emergency brake cable rubbing against it causing all the brake fluid to leak & the brakes failed. Fortunately my husband was driving on our rural road & not out on the main highway. We have not been able to get it repaired yet.
The driver was driving down the expressway and her back tire blew out causing her vehicle to spiral out of control and the vehicle then flipped and started rolling downhill, the vehicle airbags did not deploy in the vehicle at all. The driver and her mother are in critical condition. Yes, the safety of others safety…
TAKATA RECALL .. THE SMELL OF FUEL INSIDE THE CAB AND OUTSIDE IS REALLY BAD. IT'S MAKING ME SICK AND GIVING ME HEADACHES. THE TRUCK DOESN'T RUN RIGHT AND THE MILEAGE IS AWFUL.
WE HAD PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BOUT A YEAR AGO AND WHEN WE GOT IT WE WENT TO GET TIRES AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND THEY ENDED UP REPLACING UPPER ND LOWER BALL JOINTS, CONTROL ARM AND SWAY BAR ON PASSENGER SIDE.THIS WAS 6/20/2017. IT WASN'T MAKING ANY NOISE UNTIL 1/3/2018. I WAS GOING DOWN CITY STREET AND SOMETHING…
THE CAB TO FRAME MOUNTING BOLT BUSHINGS, AND STEERING STABILIZER BUSHINGS ARE HAVE AND ARE CRUMBLING. ALL NEED TO BE REPLACED. I FEEL FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE TO FIX IT. I JUST INHERITED THIS TRUCK AND JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU.
Explorer Sport Trac model years compared
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2001 | 4 | 167 | 15 | 9 |
| 2002 | 2 | 144 | 7 | 3 |
| 2003 | 0 | 78 | 5 | 6 |
| 2004 | 0 | 86 | 14 | 1 |
| 2005 | 0 | 66 | 5 | 1 |
| 2006 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Across all years, the 2001 Explorer Sport Trac has the most complaints (167). All Ford Explorer Sport Trac years →
Questions
- Does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
- Owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (11 complaints), followed by structure (10).
- How many 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 5 of 78 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 14, 2021.