2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 5% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,100 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.
“Steering wheel shakes while making sharp, slow right or left turns. Dealer not sure what the problem is, says all sport tracks do that, however when I bought it, it didn't. I drove another new one from the dealer while mine was in service...and the steering was fine. Also, the A/C compressor is out and being replaced and I've only made one payment.”
NHTSA complaint #10030873, filed 2003-08, 100 miles“This Ford explorer sport track was bought new. I previously had a Ford explorer. The reason I traded was because of the roll over rate. The dealership where I purchased this vehicle gave me a run down on the newly designed explorer tellin me that the new design had corrected the roll over problem in whick Ford motor company has had several law suits. I have two grandchilden we are raising and I most curtainly don't feel safe in this vehicle after reading the articles on this site and the article in the fort worth star telegram. …”
NHTSA complaint #10086570, filed 2004-08“The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that the power steering fluid leaked onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the power steering high pressure tube fractured as a result of rust. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 73,300. Updated 5/27/14”
NHTSA complaint #10583164, filed 2014-04, 73,300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10018061Oct 7, 2005Steering shudder during low speed maneuvers - 4.0l engine.
Steering: 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 complaintsTires
4 complaintsEngine
3 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 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