2003 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 63about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,202miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 63 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Ford Explorer, 6% of the 1,131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,202 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have recurring wheel bearing and hub assembly issue. The timing I put on the form may be off a bit but not much. Its all like a recurring Ford Explorer nightmare at this point! We have replaced bearings, hib assembly, tie rod, then rear end went up ( and shouldn't have)/now again, another bearing and wheel sensor. The truck cuts out when at a slower speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10786962, filed 2015-10, 180,000 miles“Ok we were driving pulled out and it did not shift to second gear and cars were coming up and honking horn it takes car a long time to switch to 2nd gear at light and this is very dangerous can get hit. The o/d light flashes causing service engine light to come on. Transmission was serviced and I was told it was a Ford issue with these transmission Ford was not successful at helping their needs to be a recall on these transmission they are very dangerous and the customer is constantly paying the price on these vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10504570, filed 2013-03, 135,000 miles“On 7/15/08 we brought our 2003 Ford Explorer to the dealership for a tune-up. We then found out our front wheel bearing needed replacing. Other problems occurred too. The lower ball joints and upper control arm also needed to be replaced. We also had a front pinion seal leaking. The cost of the tune-up was $555.54 while all the other problems costs us $1402.30. We were prepared to pay for the tune-up but not for all the other problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10236579, filed 2008-07, 73,000 miles“Recently had to have the rear bearing and hub replaced b/c it was going bad. Repair shop informed me that it was very dangerous b/c the wheel could come off while driving and it was walking wearing the brake pads out unevenly resulting in additional safety concerns. The repair shop is replacing bearing assembly and all brakes. I have researched this and notice many other people having similar issues. It only was detected b/c we thought the transmission was acting up which was still under warranty. So we took it in. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221751, filed 2008-03, 72,400 miles“I bought a 2003 Ford Explorer xlt right off the lot brand new. Within months I noticed a small wet spot in the rear of the vehicle. After my first oil change I mentioned it to where I bought the vehicle and the told me that my differently is low but not leaking. Then I asked what about the wet spot on the ground. With 7 months from that a huge puddle from the rear of my car on vacation with the vehicle and drop it at a Ford dealer it's my rear differently seals. Fixed that paid for it because they say where and tear. …”
NHTSA complaint #10247670, filed 2008-11, 2,900 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10018064Oct 7, 2005Noise from rear wheel hub bearings.
- 10016789Jan 1, 2005Rear axle noise repair.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 14 | 13% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 36 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 58 | 3% |
| 2016 | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 | 83 | 5% |
| 2014 | 103 | 6% |
| 2013 | 79 | 4% |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% |
| 2011 | 24 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 63 | 6% |
| 2002 | 422 | 13% |
| 2001 | 43 | 11% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 65 | 5% |
| 1998 | 111 | 6% |
| 1997 | 105 | 6% |
| 1996 | 97 | 7% |
| 1995 | 93 | 11% |
| 1994 | 65 | 5% |
| 1993 | 59 | 6% |
| 1992 | 60 | 9% |
| 1991 | 33 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Explorer
354 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
335 complaintsEngine cooling
69 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 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 28, 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