Ford Explorer 2003
The 2003 Ford Explorer came with 3 engines: 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.6 L 8-cylinder. It gets 15 to 17 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 7 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.
Specs
| Cylinders | 6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic · 5 speeds |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 5,020 × 1,855 × 1,780 mm (197.6 × 73.0 × 70.1 in) |
| Wheelbase | 3,045 mm (119.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,916 kg (4,224 lb) |
| Body style | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
Dimensions and weight: median of the 4 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.
For sale in United States
Other Ford Explorer for sale in United States
Safety
Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.
Fuel economy (MPG)
🇺🇸 Local dataBy version
| Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | AWD | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | 16 MPG |
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | 16 MPG |
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | AWD | 14 MPG | 18 MPG | 15 MPG |
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 15 MPG | 19 MPG | 16 MPG |
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | 16 MPG |
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Manual · 5 speeds | AWD | 15 MPG | 18 MPG | 16 MPG |
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Manual · 5 speeds | AWD | 14 MPG | 17 MPG | 15 MPG |
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Manual · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 15 MPG | 20 MPG | 17 MPG |
| 4.6 L 8-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | AWD | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | 15 MPG |
| 4.6 L 8-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | 15 MPG |
EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.
Recalls
Consequence · Remedy
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
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.
It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.
Details
On certain 2002 model year vehicles, the ball stud bracket located on the rear liftgate window could rotate out of position on the glass. If this occurs, the window lift strut may detach and become trapped between the glass and the liftgate, possibly causing the window to drop unexpectedly or break. In all of the affected vehicles model year 2002 and 2003, the hinge which attaches the liftgate window to the liftgate body may separate from the liftgate body. If this occurs, the window could drop unexpectedly or break. If the liftgate window drops or breaks, either the person operating the window or a nearby person could be injured. Correction: Dealers will replace the liftgate glass hinge and ball stud bracket (if applicable).
Common problems
40 reports🇺🇸 Local dataReported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.
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 su…
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 discovere…
Head lights are cloudy given poor visibility. Back hatch door has a crack.
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 indepe…
Hello my name is [XXX] 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…
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 w…
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED DUE TO THE CONTROL ARM BEING CORRODED. THE CONTACT CALLED ELDER FORD (777 JOHN R RD, TROY, MI 48083, (248) 825-8646) AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHAN…
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.
SHIFTER BROKEN INSIDE STEERING COLUMN. STOPPED AT A GAS STATION WHEN PUTTING INTO PARK IT BROKE. HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON BRAKE PADDLE FOR 2 HOURS UNTIL TWO TRUCK ARRIVED
Questions
- What engine does the 2003 Ford Explorer have?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer came with 3 engines: 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.6 L 8-cylinder.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2003 Ford Explorer?
- It gets 15 to 17 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
- Does the 2003 Ford Explorer have recalls?
- 7 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Exterior Lighting (2009-05-11).
- What are the common problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer?
- 40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Unknown Or Other.
Other years
Other models by Ford
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