2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 10%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 10% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,600 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.
“My Ford sport trac has failed to lock when the gear shift is put into the park position. When you start to get out the vehicle will roll and you will hear a clicking noise in the transmission. It has done this for some time and I had it fixed once but it is doing it again.”
NHTSA complaint #10640076, filed 2014-09, 100,000 miles“Truck was running fine. Then on several occasions it would slip out of gear while I was coming off of or onto exit ramps. Seemed like as the engine decelerated it would slip into neutral. Sometimes it would eventually find the gear and sometimes I had to come to a complete stop, which was really scary since I was in traffic when this happened. A short time late (a matter of weeks). I noticed it would not go into gear when the truck was cold (after sitting overnight. This has rapidly progressed into almost complete failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10929716, filed 2016-12, 135,000 miles“With no advance warning, the o/d off light began flashing and the transmission began to slip. Mechanic said the transmission is shot. I have not done any of the work yet, as I can not afford $3000 in repairs. I have since found out that this problem occurs on a large number of Ford explorers.”
NHTSA complaint #10221532, filed 2008-03, 72,500 miles“Transmission went out at 89,000 miles. This is the second Ford I've had that the transmission went out at 89,000. I have also had several brake issues that Ford refused to address after extended warranty expired.”
NHTSA complaint #10383891, filed 2011-02, 89,100 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
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013112Jan 1, 20044x4 not engaging or intermittent 4x4 engagement - vehicles built prior to 4/1/2004.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 7 | 23% |
| 2009 | 2 | 33% |
| 2008 | 8 | 35% |
| 2007 | 23 | 23% |
| 2006 | 5 | 100% |
| 2005 | 3 | 5% |
| 2004 | 13 | 15% |
| 2003 | 8 | 10% |
| 2002 | 32 | 22% |
| 2001 | 36 | 22% |
| 1997 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
11 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsSuspension
7 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