Does the 2003 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford Explorer, the most recent reported on September 13, 2004 (Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate, hinge and attachments). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Explorer?

Owners have filed 1,131 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (354 complaints), followed by power train (335).

How many 2003 Ford Explorer complaints mention a crash or fire?

60 of 1,131 complaints report a crash and 10 a fire; 57 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Ford Explorer recalls and problems

2 recalls and 1,131 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Explorer.

recalls

1,131

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

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 recalls

Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate, hinge and attachments

NHTSA campaign 04V442000 · reported September 13, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 955,732 vehicles potentially affected

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

NHTSA campaign 03V094000 · reported March 7, 2003 · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS · 3,674 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Structure354
Power train335
Engine and engine cooling69
Suspension63
Visibility57
Wheels56
Electrical system54
Air bags50
Unknown or other43
Vehicle speed control37

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 17, 2025 · Seats · 43,253 miles
The contact rented a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the seat warmer activated, after arriving at a Rest Stop and exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware that a blister had formed on the back of her left thigh. The contact attributed the blister to a burn…

Aug 1, 2022 · Structure
There is a crack down the middle section of the liftgate for quite some time. The liftgate has been unlocking and opening automatically by itself. On only rare occasions has the liftgate opened all the way while driving. On the morning of 7/28/2022 while the vehicle was parked in my driveway the liftgate was…

Nov 2, 2021 · Unknown or other
Head lights are cloudy given poor visibility. Back hatch door has a crack.

Oct 27, 2021 · Wheels · 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25-35 MPH around a curb, the driver thought that the tire was flat. The contact pulled off the road and noticed that three of the wheel studs on the driver’s side rear wheel had sheared off. The vehicle was towed to an…

Oct 17, 2021 · Engine
Hello my name is […] just writing you cause my neighbors have program my vehicle meaning they hack my 2003 explore pretty much they want to take over my driving they trying to dominate me in this matter when in reality is not going to be possible that's why I come to your people's corporate plus they have invade my…

Explorer model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	9	952	101	64
2001	6	375	64	21
2002	4	3,295	144	57
2003	2	1,131	60	10
2004	0	1,304	58	15
2005	0	497	22	6
2006	1	630	13	7

Across all years, the 2002 Explorer has the most complaints (3,295). All Ford Explorer years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Ford Explorer have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford Explorer, the most recent reported on September 13, 2004 (Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate, hinge and attachments). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Explorer?: Owners have filed 1,131 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (354 complaints), followed by power train (335).
How many 2003 Ford Explorer complaints mention a crash or fire?: 60 of 1,131 complaints report a crash and 10 a fire; 57 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 17, 2025.