2003 Ford Expedition Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 2%of 615 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the seats of the 2003 Ford Expedition, 2% of the 615 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,800 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Consumer complained about front brake rotors. The front brake rotors were checked on three separate occasions but problem recurred. The dealer told the consumer the problem was due to dust. The vehicle was taken to two outside sources who concluded that the brakes were bad and that the rotors needed to be replaced. The consumer has also replaced the steering rack, seat motor and automatic door lock.”
NHTSA complaint #10075542, filed 2004-07, 12,000 miles“The third row seats are power seats. The seats should have no movement if an obstruction occurred, but failed to do so, and the child's leg became caught in the seat. The consumers twin sons climbed over the seat into the back. One child was next to the 3rd row seat with his leg and knee next to the window and the other child pushed the power seat button when the other child's leg had became stuck. (the owners manual stated that the seats would stop within 1-10 seconds of an obstruction)”
NHTSA complaint #10029722, filed 2003-09, 60,800 miles“Have a Ford Expedition. The 2nd row, middle seat will not stay in a locked upright position. Notified Ford, as this is a serious safety infraction. Any child or adult could be seriously harmed in the event of an accident, as the seat would collapse forward. Ford claims the part which controls the latching of the seat into an upright position (known as a seat handle release) is trim and therefore uncovered by warranty. This is not an issue of fixing a door handle or a cracked piece of plastic, but to correct a safety concern that could cause damage in the event of an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10149935, filed 2006-02, 58,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Ford Expedition. The contact was driving 30 MPH when she noticed fire coming from under the seat of the passenger side. No one was injured. The vehicle was towed to her home and was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall and that they would further inspect the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10467563, filed 2012-07, 150,000 miles“I am a fire captain with the city of vallejo. My company treated a patient that was crushed between the electric folding 3rd row seat of a 2003 Ford Expedition eb. The child was 4 years old and showed positive signs of near suffocation. The seat was checked after patient treatment and it would not stop folding when we attempted to stop it using our hand to push against it's force. The owner of the vehicle (lowell sabisage of 176 coloma way, vallejo california 94589) stated that the seat had been in for repair in the past because it would fold up without the switch being pushed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10067762, filed 2004-04Related service bulletins
- 10018052Oct 7, 2005Drivers front power seat will not move forward or rearward.
- 10014314Dec 31, 2004Climate controlled seat diagnosis - service tips.
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2025 | 6 | 16% |
| 2024 | 3 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 8 | 11% |
| 2010 | 6 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 11% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 11 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 4 | 0% |
| 1998 | 8 | 1% |
| 1997 | 8 | 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 30, 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