2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,446miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 4% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,446 miles. 1 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.
“Took vehicle in fluid changes, complete check, and to investigate a leak under vehicle. After complete check said they found bad serpentine belt, air filter and but nothing valve cover gaskets as cause of leak. Cost to repair gaskets over $1000. While doing repair they called again and said they found that the rear timing cartridge was broken and pieces of it missing. Told me that bolt was wore half way through as timing chaining was rubbing it. Said if it breaks before repair engine will blow and need to be replaced. Told me it would costs over $2,500 to replace this cartridge. …”
NHTSA complaint #10702861, filed 2015-03, 84,292 miles“My engine went out after only 140000 miles on it with no warning. I know several people that own a 2003 Ford explorer and there engine went out after only with 100000 miles on it. It cost me over 3200.00 for it to be repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10569056, filed 2014-03Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
11 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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