2003 Ford Explorer engine problems
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2003 Ford Explorer — 2% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Hello my name is [XXX] just writing you cause my neighbors have program my vehicle meaning they hack my 2003 explore pretty much they want to take over my driving they trying to dominate me in this matter when in reality is not going to be possible that's why I come to your people's corporate plus…”
filed Oct 17, 2021
“Engine stops while driving (stalls in motion while turning on street and highway) restarts without problem, has happened twice now 30 days apart.”
filed Nov 5, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes f-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10…
07212 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 2007Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running. *tt
041601 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 14, 2005
Engine problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 5 | 23% |
| 2025 Explorer | 7 | 8% |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Explorer | 10 | 10% |
| 2022 Explorer | 26 | 10% |
| 2021 Explorer | 44 | 11% |
| 2020 Explorer | 112 | 9% |
| 2019 Explorer | 18 | 6% |
| 2018 Explorer | 94 | 13% |
| 2017 Explorer | 235 | 14% |
| 2016 Explorer | 380 | 16% |
| 2015 Explorer | 226 | 13% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.