2003 Ford Expedition Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 615 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Ford Expedition, 1% of the 615 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Loss of headlights when using auto control, since this is an 03' I believe headlight control unit is bad as this same unit was recalled on my 03' crown victoria”
NHTSA complaint #11364900, filed 2020-10, 199,000 miles“2003 Ford Expedition headlights are too dim to drive safely. Husband has returned vehicle to Ford dealer and had them checked, not long after we bought it new. Service dept says headlights are fine. Both my husband and I feel that it is a safety hazard to drive with the dims on, because we can't see far enough in front of us. The brghts are fine, just the dims seem to be faulty. The headlights were like that when the car was brand new, so it isn't something that started deteriorating with age. Husband thought maybe they were out of adjustment, and had them checked, but was told they were fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10134106, filed 2005-08, 100 miles“I was traveling at 70 MPH on the interstate. The car popped, sputtered and died. Has steadily gotten more and more frequent. Engine dies at idle, dies at slow speeds as well as faster speeds. Very dangerous! Have replaced the PCM, wiring harness, and fuel pump. Is not repaired. Power mirrors readjust themselves when the keyless entry is used. Several warning lights stay on, door ajar, check fuel cap, advatrac will not turn on. Rear window will not work. Back up sensor will not work. Interior lights as well as exterior lighting will not power off when car is turned off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629488, filed 2014-08, 140,000 miles“Brakes need to be replaced constantly. Pads wear very fast. Rotors wear easily and need replacement with pads each time. When brought to have rotors turn, was told they are manufactured with very little tolerance and could not be turned even though there was minimal visible wear. Was told they did not mic with enough range to tolerate the cut when turning. Rotors should not need replacement with each brake change. Excessive brake dust. Brake dust has eaten away at finish on rims. After last brake repair, front end now has a clicking sound. Brake pedal has always felt spongy. …”
NHTSA complaint #10256448, filed 2009-01, 200,000 miles“While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Suddenly, the vehicle stalled. The driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. While unlocking the driver's door with the automatic switch both side rear view mirrors would automatically move up and down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic replaced both side rear view mirror motors. Please provide further details. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107404, filed 2005-02, 33,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 1% |
| 2019 | 9 | 2% |
| 2018 | 25 | 7% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 8 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 8 | 1% |
| 2000 | 15 | 2% |
| 1999 | 7 | 1% |
| 1998 | 20 | 2% |
| 1997 | 12 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Expedition
127 complaintsElectrical system
104 complaintsBrakes
87 complaintsAir bags
59 complaintsTires
57 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
50 complaintsEngine
44 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
38 complaintsBody and structure
32 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsSteering
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Expedition
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology