2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 78 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (13% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2021
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2019
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was leaving the store parking lot. I started the car, pressed the break, put the vehicle in drive and the passenger side airbag deployed. This is the second time this has happened since the first incident in september 2014. The vehicle was not hit or bumped in any way. I was not backing out, I was in drive to pull out of the space. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the vehicle ignited in flames while parked in the driveway. The contact did not disclose how the fire was extinguished. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2015
“My ford sport trac has failed to lock when the gear shift is put into the park position. When you start to get out the vehicle will roll and you will hear a clicking noise in the transmission. It has done this for some time and I had it fixed once but it is doing it again. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport trac. While driving on an incline, the transmission slipped and the engine rpms increased abnormally. The vehicle stalled and the overdrive warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred approximately ten times and at various speeds. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that the power steering fluid leaked onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the power steering high pressure tube fractured as a result of rust. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 73,300. Updated 5/27/14*cn”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2014
“My engine went out after only 140000 miles on it with no warning. I know several people that own a 2003 ford explorer and there engine went out after only with 100000 miles on it. It cost me over 3200.00 for it to be repaired. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer sport trac. The contact stated that while driving approximately 34 mph down a mountain, the brakes were engaged and the rear end of the vehicle started to abruptly move from side to side. As a result, the vehicle crashed into the guard rail. The driver's side curtain air bag and passenger's dash board air bags deployed. Also, the contact mentioned that as the passenger's side air bag deployed, flames emitted out of it. A police report was filed and the contact sustained neck and back injuries which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Explorer Sport Trac by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?
NHTSA has 78 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The most complained-about area is electrical system (13% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,000 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.