2003 Ford Explorer Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 54about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,475miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 54 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 1,131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,475 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on a curve and the engine shut off , I was able to stop ,and turn the car on again, that was the third time that happened , the other two times the car was at low speed , around 30 MPH .”
NHTSA complaint #10615191, filed 2014-07, 120,000 miles“I had 2003 Ford Explorer that caught fire in my driveway, my car was backed in about 10 feet from house with tailgate open. The investigator from my insurance company is telling me it was an electrical fire in back inside drivers side of the vehicle. The fire destroyed the vehicle and I also have damages to my house and property.”
NHTSA complaint #10150322, filed 2006-02, 24,000 miles“When I started my truck, the interior dome lamp would not go off and door ajar indicator was chiming as if there was a door open. I got out of my vehicle and walked around the car opening and closing all the doors as well as the liftgate and rear hatch glass. I got back in the car and it was still going off. After I started driving and got above 10mph the light and indicator went off. I did a search on the web and found out that its a common problem for Ford Explorer owners regardless of the year it was manufactured. …”
NHTSA complaint #10533977, filed 2013-08, 125,500 miles“I have a 2003 Ford Explorer that cuts off after take off, but while yielding to oncoming traffic or braking to make a turn. The steering column locks and the car must be brought to a full stop to place in park and restart. This is extremely dangerous. We have complained to our local dealer, dick masheter, who has been unable to duplicate. This problem has been happening since the vehicle was new, but happened twice yesterday.”
NHTSA complaint #10195298, filed 2007-07, 51,950 miles“The message center on 2003 Ford Explorer can't be seen in daylight causing a very dangerous situation while driving and trying to read the compass , mileage, miles /gal, any readout of the auto. Almost caused my wife and I to run off the road while trying to read the compass. Night reading is fine, but daylight is terrible.. This situation should be fixed by Ford before someone gets killed trying to read the message center in daylight.”
NHTSA complaint #10192169, filed 2007-05, 65,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019800Apr 29, 2006Low oil pressure indication/warning, a/c compressor inoperative and/or no crank condition on 4.6l equipped vehicles.
- 10013319Jan 1, 2005Open fuse f2.20 (5 amp) and/or f2.1 (30 amp) which may result in loss of function of several systems including power seats, adjustable pedals and power door locks.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10011342Sep 1, 2004No crank/no start condition when vehicle temperature is below freezing (32f/0c).
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 21% |
| 2025 | 23 | 22% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 14 | 13% |
| 2022 | 39 | 14% |
| 2021 | 48 | 11% |
| 2020 | 188 | 15% |
| 2019 | 20 | 7% |
| 2018 | 58 | 8% |
| 2017 | 94 | 6% |
| 2016 | 129 | 5% |
| 2015 | 93 | 5% |
| 2014 | 100 | 6% |
| 2013 | 163 | 7% |
| 2012 | 64 | 8% |
| 2011 | 95 | 8% |
| 2010 | 12 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 38 | 26% |
| 2007 | 25 | 12% |
| 2006 | 39 | 6% |
| 2005 | 36 | 7% |
| 2004 | 55 | 4% |
| 2003 | 54 | 5% |
| 2002 | 148 | 4% |
| 2001 | 29 | 8% |
| 2000 | 78 | 8% |
| 1999 | 92 | 7% |
| 1998 | 114 | 6% |
| 1997 | 80 | 5% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 55 | 7% |
| 1994 | 75 | 6% |
| 1993 | 45 | 5% |
| 1992 | 45 | 7% |
| 1991 | 52 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Explorer
354 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
335 complaintsEngine cooling
69 complaintsSuspension
63 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
62 complaintsWheels
56 complaintsAir bags
50 complaintsOther or unknown
48 complaintsBrakes
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsSteering
27 complaintsEngine
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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