2003 Ford Explorer Ford Explorer 2003

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2003 Ford Explorer repairs by problem area

Engine (23%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (17%)

Brakes and Traction Control (1%)

Suspension and Steering (28%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (4%)

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Chart based on 137 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Ford Explorer.

2003 Ford Explorer body repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (17%)

$500 - $999 (17%)

$100 - $499 (33%)

< $100 (33%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 6 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

101300 mi

US $424
Paint on roof directly above driver began to peel. Top coat of white paint only, primer underneath was still intact. Ford refused to even consider a repair based on poor paint quality. 
54111 mi Replace glovebox light assembly. Blew out blocked moonroof drains 
52000 mi Broken duct vent in dash.  
83000 mi

US $1500
Paint on hood was bubbling due to iron contamination in aluminum hood (see TSB 06-25-15 ALUMINUM BODY PANELS - CORROSION). Aluminum hood replaced with steel hood & repainted. Vehicle was beyond paint warranty time frame. 

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2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

89300 mi

US $200
Cracked rear hatch trim below the lift up glass. Plastic body color trim piece cracking vertically. Mine cracked in 2 places over the period of 2 years, upon second crack, I replaced. bought part online, had painted professionally, I applied. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Ford models.

2003 Ford Explorer Body Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Ford Explorer problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.