2003 Ford Explorer Sport Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 2%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport, 2% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,000 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.
“Was driving the vehicle when I noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. I pulled over as quick as possible into a strip mall parking lot. Before I got out flames were coming out of the engine compartment. I ran into a store and got a fire extinguisher to try and put out the fire. I failed, as the whole front of the explorer was in flames as well as the interior. The vehicle is a total loss. The fire department put it out. I had the vehicle for 7 weeks. The used dealer will not take any responsibility. Should they? I purchased the vehicle on mar. 3,2014 at oc auto expo in westminster, ca.”
NHTSA complaint #10584719, filed 2014-04, 103,000 milesEngine: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
25 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
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