2003 Ford Explorer Sport recalls and problems
No recalls and 65 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport.
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 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.
WAS CLOSING BACK HATCH AND GLASS WINDOW LITERALLY EXPLODED! VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY YARD.
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.
"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.
BODY MOUNTS DETERIORATED CRUMPLED.BODY DOWN ON FRAME CAUSING IRREGULAR RIDE CONTROL
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…
Explorer Sport model years compared
Across all years, the 2001 Explorer Sport has the most complaints (187). All Ford Explorer Sport years →
Questions
- Does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport?
- Owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (25 complaints), followed by visibility (10).
- How many 2003 Ford Explorer Sport complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 4 of 65 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 31, 2020.