2003 Ford Explorer wheels problems
56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the wheels on the 2003 Ford Explorer — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25-35 MPH around a curb, the driver thought that the tire was flat. The contact pulled off the road and noticed that three of the wheel studs on the driver’s side rear wheel had sheared off. The vehicle…”
filed Oct 27, 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford explorer. While driving 55 mph, the lug nuts became detached from the rear passenger wheel, which caused the vehicle to shake violently. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and waited for a tow truck. The contact stated that the failure…”
filed Jul 13, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Wheels problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Explorer | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 Explorer | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 Explorer | 15 | 1% |
| 2019 Explorer | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 Explorer | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 Explorer | 60 | 4% |
| 2016 Explorer | 50 | 2% |
| 2015 Explorer | 15 | 1% |
| 2014 Explorer | 26 | 2% |
| 2013 Explorer | 20 | 1% |
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.