2003 Ford Explorer Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,415miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 1,131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,415 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.
“About 8 - 10 months ago we started having trouble with the speed control shutting off. We also noticed that the brake lights were on sometimes when the vehicle was parked. Finally, dec 31st, we discovered that the battery had been fully discharged overnight because the brake lights had come on. The part responsible was the brake light switch, which cost $118.00 parts and labor. The exact same problem resulted in recall NHTSA 04v106000 on the 2003 Ford taurus. Our vehicle is a 2003 Ford Explorer.”
NHTSA complaint #10213751, filed 2008-01, 64,800 miles“Noticed the other day the brake light were stuck on after exiting the vehicle and only after tapping them a few times did they turn off. The only place to get a replacement brake on / off switch is via the dealer for approx $95.00, installation extra. He told me he sells alot of these for explorers, maybe it needs to go on the recall list . It potentially will cause an accident if they were to stay on and then have a need to stop quickly the person behind you would not see brake lights come on and rearend your vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10215867, filed 2008-01, 94,415 miles“Why have some car manufacturers replaced yellow rear turn signals with red ones. These lights are very hard to discern directly above brake lights. This even occurs between models of the same make. I have spoke with many people about this and they have noticed the same thing. We cannot figure out how this was allowed to happen. All vehicles should have to have the same lighting, period. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10133851, filed 2005-08“I have recently bought 2 brand new fords from champion Ford in shreveport louisiana. My brand new Ford xlt Explorer 2 door sport has been in the shop for various repairs longer than I have had the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071069, filed 2004-01“The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the brake lights would not shut off or would sporadically flicker on and off while the vehicle was turned off. The manufacturer advised they had not received any complaints concerning the failure and there were no recalls. The vehicle had not yet been taken to the dealer for repairs or diagnostic testing. The failure and current mileages were 161,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10330390, filed 2010-05, 161,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 2% |
| 2020 | 56 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 12 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 0% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 25 | 1% |
| 2013 | 25 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 12 | 8% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 19 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 2% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 46 | 3% |
| 1998 | 38 | 2% |
| 1997 | 20 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 9 | 1% |
| 1993 | 7 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 0% |
| 1991 | 6 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Explorer
354 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
335 complaintsEngine cooling
69 complaintsSuspension
63 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
62 complaintsWheels
56 complaintsElectrical system
54 complaintsAir bags
50 complaintsOther or unknown
48 complaintsBrakes
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsSteering
27 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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