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 electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (11%)

$100 - $499 (32%)

< $100 (57%)

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

Chart based on 28 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

54111 mi

US $38
Blew out blocked moonroof drains, replaced parking sensors, lubricated driver's "door ajar" switch 
54000 mi

US $545
Replace rear parking sensors.  
67000 mi

US $60
Multi-function (turn signal) switch failed, replaced with OEM part. 
104000 mi

US $150
AC refrigerant loss - system sealed and recharged Driver's side blend door actuator failed 
112300 mi

US $80
Driver's seat heat switch failed, replaced switch 
143840 mi

C $465
Heater Blower Fan 
154380 mi

C $90
Wiring harness for windows loose. 
5000 mi April 2004 A/C no-op. Warranty repair. 
68000 mi Ext'd Warranty: A/C operation intermittent. New control head installed. 
110000 mi

US $70
Changed alternator 
65000 mi

US $80
Driver's seat heater went out. 
44000 mi

US $160
Broken duct vent in dash. 
52000 mi Rear window motor replaced. 
93000 mi Heated seats stopped working; turning on rr defrost turned on all interior lights & gave "door ajar" warning. Dealer claimed bad harness to liftgate. $600+ (seriously!) repair was refused. Vehicle returned--issues had disappeared! 
99000 mi

US $600
Corroded ground: rear defrost, automatic light timeout and heated seats no-op. Heated seats still not functional. 
96000 mi Air conditioning compressor was in need of replacement- dealership replaced at no charge because I had just purchased it used. 
97200 mi Driver's side rear window motor stopped working. Dealership replaced at no charge because it was missed in inspection before I purchased the vehicle. 

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2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

184000 mi

US $100
Drivers side window power actuator broke. Replaced with aftermarket part. 
192000 mi

US $250
Alternator was bad. Replaced with new one. 
107000 mi blender door not allowing air conditioner to work properly. due to cost, will fix myself with help of friend. 
111000 mi

US $536
issue had been previously reported as blender door. was actually fresh air intake assmbly. i believe was damaged by previous dealer work/maintenance. new dealer repaired without issue. 
151000 mi

US $55
Rear A/C blend door not working and constant clicking noise. 

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2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

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

94000 mi

US $125
Blend motor assy replaced. 'click of death' 
199000 mi

US $125
Door ajar light wont shut off. Drivers door wire severed- common problem and a quick fix once the problem was found. 
205800 mi

US $160
Rear wiper motor burned out. Bought part on ebay for $80, and dealer charged $80 to replace 
85560 mi right pass window inoperable 

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2003 Ford Explorer 4-door

8-cylinder automatic 4WD

39000 mi took 03 explorer to ford dealer for a number of repairs covered under extended warranty with 50.00 deductable.window motor replaced factory radio door ajar sensor 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Ford models.

2003 Ford Explorer Electrical 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.