2003 Ford Explorer Sport Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 6%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport, 6% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,500 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.
“2003 Ford explorer xls 4x4, front and rear hub bearings going out on a vehicle especially the front hub bearings. The left front hub bearing went bad and luckily we was not going down the highway at 55 MPH or higher, we was only going about 25-30 MPH. The left front hub bearing froze up and we did a u turn and no one was hurt. I had it towed to a service shop and they told me what the problem was,and they told me that this is a major problem with this truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10370978, filed 2010-12, 104,000 miles“Vibration in front end of 2003 Ford Explorer Sport determined to be associated with the front wheel drive. Resolution has not occurred to date. Balanced all drive lines but still vibrates. Vibration stops when front drive line is disconnected. Next approach is to continue through rest of drive train.”
NHTSA complaint #10144100, filed 2005-11, 35,000 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: 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 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 Nov 1, 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