2003 Ford Explorer Sport: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport: 0 recalls, 65 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (25): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), door / lock issues (4).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (10): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3).
- Visibility/Wiper (7): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Suspension (5): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3).
The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport has 65 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 10 Explorer Sport model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 74). Complaints peaked in 2013 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 82,250 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (133 complaints, 3 recalls), 2004 (18 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2003 Ford Explorer Sport problems?
Owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (25), visibility (wipers, glass) (10), visibility/wiper (7).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.