2003 Ford Explorer Sport Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 8%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport, 8% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 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.
“While my son was driving west on route 64 in the left hand lane near rocky mount, nc at a speed of 70 MPH, the brake light came on followed by a loud noise and then the vehicle pulled hard to the right causing my son to run a motorcyclist off the road to avoid being hit. I had the vehicle towed to a shop and the determined that the right front bearing assembly had failed. This could have been a fatal accident due to the sudden loss of control.”
NHTSA complaint #10206174, filed 2007-10, 119,000 miles“Severe clanking/banging noise in passenger rear. Replaced shocks. Noise worsened. Researched and found numerous complaints regarding body mounts with Ford Explorer Sport vehicles. Upon investigation - reaching up under vehicle found no body insulator left on passenger side rear and on driver rear the insulator crumbled like dirt and fine powder. The body mounts appeared to be manufactured of a foam like material - substandard at best! Replacement parts must be purchased through Ford since no other aftermarket parts are available. …”
NHTSA complaint #10532641, filed 2013-07, 106,000 miles“Consumer complained of vibration problem. . Steering wheel vibrated when making turns or when vehicle was in motion or stationary. Took vehicle back to dealership, who rotated the tires. The problem still occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #10057778, filed 2004-02, 5,000 miles“While driving 50 MPH rear leaf springs failed. As a result, rear end collapsed, and vehicle could not be be driven. Dealer stated the part will not be available until january 2005.”
NHTSA complaint #10094706, filed 2004-11, 22,000 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.
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
25 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 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 complaintsWheels
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 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