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Model year record

2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls & problems

The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 1 safety recall and 78 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (11 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints78filed by owners
Crashes · fires5 · 6reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths5 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem
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.
Risk
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Explorer Sport Trac 2WD

17mpg combined
City / highway15 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Explorer Sport Trac 2WD

16mpg combined
City / highway15 / 19 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Explorer Sport Trac 4WD

16mpg combined
City / highway15 / 18 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Explorer Sport Trac 4WD

15mpg combined
City / highway14 / 18 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical systemIgnition › Anti-theft › Control module; Wiring1102025,000 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members1010030,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys90108,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap; Storage80006,500 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Differential unit801096,600 mi
SuspensionFront › Control arm › Lower ball joint; Front701026,500 mi
Vehicle speed controlLinkages; Cruise control511083,000 mi
Steering40002,100 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip400048,600 mi
TiresSidewall4000—
Air bagsSide/window4103—
Fuel/propulsion system3000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations