2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 9% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,500 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.
“We had purchased this vehicle bout a year ago and when we got it we went to get tires and front end alignment and they ended up replacing upper nd lower ball joints, control arm and sway bar on passenger side.this was 6/20/2017. It wasn't making any noise until 1/3/2018. I was going down city street and something popped and then it started roaring. If you put in 4wd it roars loader and jerks. 1/23/18 replaced drivers side wheel hub and bearings. It still roars while accelerating speed but not as bad in 2wd but put in 4wd its real loud and jerks you . …”
NHTSA complaint #11064418, filed 2018-01, 176,000 miles“It started with humming vibrating noise in the front end left tire ending with front wheel bearing failure and small fire to the wheel bearing rubber boot and hard pulling to the left too dangerous to drive this is a major mechanical failure after inspecting I fount that only the one nut was holding tire on.”
NHTSA complaint #10366429, filed 2010-11, 85,959 miles“Problems with tires on 2003 Ford explorer. There was a vibration in the front end, the tire were noticed worn on the inside, there was also a problem with the rear end which was tilted due to a bent frame, the rear end leaked as well. The dealer claimed that they couldn't find anything wrong. (three sets of tires in 20k miles and about two weeks later, they had to replaced one of the back tires again) the noise and vibration remained.”
NHTSA complaint #10089117, filed 2004-08, 8,000 miles“1) improper alignment specifications 2) destruction of all 4 goodyear tires 3) Ford denied to replace tires although there is a technical service bulletin (05-11-11) pertaining to this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10207857, filed 2007-11, 16,000 miles“The vehicle was purchased new with a bent frame and a bent rear axle. The vehicle was difficult to steer. 6 sets of tires were used and replaced during this defect. The consumer took the vehicle to dealer where it was diagnosed as a bent frame. However, the dealer will do nothing about the problem. There was a vibration in the front of the vehicle, the dealers didn't find a problem. A couple of weeks later, the consumer noticed that the tires were worn on the inside. The consumer was informed that the rear end was tilted and there was no adjustment for this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10082155, filed 2004-07, 8,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014096Dec 13, 2004Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions.
- 10013365Nov 1, 2004Squeaking noise from rear sway bar link.
Suspension: 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 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSteering
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