2003 Ford Expedition Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Ford Expedition, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine17122.5%
- Electrical10413.7%
- Brakes8711.4%
- Airbags597.8%
- Tires & wheels577.5%
- Visibility385.0%
- Fuel system385.0%
- Body & structure324.2%
- Transmission303.9%
- Driver assistance253.3%
- Interior & seats222.9%
- Powertrain (other)212.8%
- Suspension202.6%
- Steering202.6%
- Seat belts141.8%
- Other / unspecified121.6%
- Exterior lighting81.1%
- Heating & air conditioning30.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and the front end of the vehicle was shaking abnormally, vibrating, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was a loud booming sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the spark plug had ejected from the engine cylinder. The engine cylinder was rethreaded, and the spark plug was installed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 230,000.
My Ford Expedition started randomly stalling and it stalled in the highway. The engine just shut down in the middle of the highway and it was such a scary a life endangering experience. This total loss of power in the middle of the highway when vehicles are traveling at highway speeds can cause death very, very easily to the occupants of the Ford Expeditions suffering this defect. I have been reading in many forums ( I have included the link to one of many forums) this is a common defect [XXX] ) many have Ford Expedition owners have experienced and have been very concerned and shocked that there was not recall. The issue is that the R303 relay (non serviceable fuel pump relay) fails very commonly on Ford Expeditions. In my Ford Expedition, the relay was melted. The fuel pump relay fails and cuts all current going to the fuel pump causing the engine to stall. This is a life-threatening risk caused by a defective fuse box with a defective fuel pump relay (R303). There were no warnings, the Ford Expedition just stalled randomly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My truck stopped working in November 2025. I was told I needed fuel pump and filter. I replaced those and still didn't crank. I was then told I needed a circuit box. Purchased a circuit box and had it put on. Got my truck back February 2026. March 08,2026, truck went out again. I kept my truck maintenance and don't understand what's going on with it. I was told it is a recall on electrical parts and engine coils and spark plugs.
My Ford Expedition started randomly stalling and it stalled in the highway. The engine just shut down in the middle of the highway and it was such a scary a life endangering experience. This total loss of power in the middle of the highway when vehicles are traveling at highway speeds can cause death very, very easily to the occupants of the Ford Expeditions suffering this defect. I have been reading in many forums ( I have included the link to one of many forums) this is a common defect [XXX] ) many have Ford Expedition owners have experienced and have been very concerned and shocked that there was not recall. The issue is that the R303 relay (non serviceable fuel pump relay) fails very commonly on Ford Expeditions. In my Ford Expedition, the relay was melted. The fuel pump relay fails and cuts all current going to the fuel pump causing the engine to stall. This is a life-threatening risk caused by a defective fuse box with a defective fuel pump relay (R303). There were no warnings, the Ford Expedition just stalled randomly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brakes are burning while driving & the emergency brakes are not applied. The power windows are failing 1 by 1.
EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AFTER A 6 HOUR DRIVE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC FROM NJ TO VA. PARKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR 30 MINUTES, AND UPON BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. PARKED THE CAR AND FOUND BRAKE FLUID ON THE GROUND. FOUND BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH ON THE CROSS SUPPORT UNDER THE ENGINE. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT AND MAJOR INJURY HAD THIS OCCURRED ON THE DRIVE IN HEAVY CITY TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE HAS 113000 MILES ON IT. WE HAVE HAD OTHER MANUFACTURERS VEHICLES WITH OVER 200000 MILES AND NO BRAKE LINE ISSUES. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE PART/DESIGN ISSUE AND DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK, FORD SHOULD TAKE ACTION. WE HAD A 1990 F150 THAT HAD THE SAME ISSUE IN 2002 AT 100000 MILES. WE WILL BE CHECKING OUR 2004 F150 VERY CAREFULLY.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
bought truck 3/2/22 from Gold cAuto In troy NY. 3/7/22 went to take kids to school 2.5 inches of water set in my weather guard mats. seats soaked console everything in front cab reversed to pull out spot and water starting pouring on my and my kids from sides in pass sides front and the front windshield area omgand the sun roof was worst.kids had to go in myslef too it was snow still out.so that dayi oh sunroof needs to be blown out i said well that right frontdoor sounds open when its shut . same night i picked it up said all was good to go and his guy didn't hear any issues with door. the next snow it was worst this was about toward end of march. i called back around 3/15 said its still leaking dude i just want my money back for real and we are good, he said no doesnt work liek that said all his winshield guy he would take a lok at it and tell hijm ihe sent me. did that talked to the guy said he woudl call me the next day week went by so i called him back long story short he said he wasnt fixing it josh the dealer never pays him , i understood. called talked joshgoldstien told him he said well u just have to bring it in and let me have it for a few days he knows i could NOT NOT do that .leave because by now im having to leave apt and in hotel w/2 kids and im not even from here i know nobody. kids have to bev icked up ad dropped off no buses. i didnt and dont trust his people by this time so i didnt it comes out now the truck is dangerous the airbag on right side light has been von since i bought he said it was old truck it was fine no its busted the air bag. the right front seatbelt now is broke it would have to be completely replaced this in 2.5 months. then find truck is like flintstones the front cab from yrs i guess leaking is gone LITERALLY my 5 yr old fits the cab from underneath its should have never been inspec. the day i bought vthe refused to trade or give refund cussed and screamed at me whenever i came lights turnoff at night form damage nooil
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON IN CAR JUST GOT THIS TRUCK FROM SOMEONE USED
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION EQUIPPED WITH MIRADA CROSS TOUR SLX TIRES, SIZE: 265/70R17. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A POP NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TREAD ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SEPARATED AND DESTROYED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BIGH TIRE AND MUFFLER, 1695 SOUTH VOLUSIA AVE, ORANGE CITY, FL 32763) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEEL CORD IN THE FRONT TIRE FAILED AND FRACTURED THE CORD IN THE REAR TIRE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. SIX WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TREAD AND THE WIRE SEPARATED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 274,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.
2003 FORD EXPEDITION, WITH FACTORY ORIGINAL TIRES BY CONTINENTAL, HAD A TIRE TREAD SEPARATION ON JUNE 11 WHICH RESULTED IN ONE DEATH AND FOUR SERIOUS INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND HIT A TREE...UPDATED 02/02/17 *BF *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, WHEN UNLOCKING THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY, IT MOVED THE SIDEVIEW MIRRORS AND NEVER MOVWS BACK. I PUT THE MIRRORS BACK WHERE THEY BELONG AND EVERY FOLLOWING TIME WHEN I UNLOCK THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY FOB, IT CONTINUES TO DO THE SAME. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE THIS WAY.
LIVE IN CHICAGO IL. (20 MINUTES OUTSIDE) AND MY EXPEDITION WAS LEFT OUTSIDE. IT GOT COLD (48 OUTSIDE) OVER NIGHT, AND MY FORD WAS DEAD IN THE MORNING, (DOME LIGHTS WOULDN'T EVEN TURN ON). I JUMPED IT, AND NOTICED THAT THE CLIMATE CONTROL WAS INOPERABLE (DOESN'T EVEN LIGHT UP). I TOOK IT TO FORD, AND THEY HAD THOUGHT THAT THE UNIT BURNED OUT. COOL, I CAN BUY ONE ON E-BAY FOR ABOUT $40.00 INSTEAD OF 326.00 THAT THEY QUOTED ME... I LEFT FEELING A LITTLE BETTER, KNOWING WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS....THEN SOMETHING STRANGE STARTED HAPPENING... THE 4WD HIGH/LOW IS FLASHING IN 1 MINUTE INTERVALS AT THE SAME TIME. THE DRIVER SEAT IS ADJUSTING ON IT'S OWN, WHILE I AM DRIVING, AND CANNOT BE STOPPED, LEAVING ME CRAMMED INTO THE DASH/STEERING WHEEL, THE BACK UP AID IS NOT WORKING, WHEN I EXIT THE VEHICLE THE RADIO STAYS ON, I HAVE TO RE-OPEN THE DOORS AND CLOSE THEM AGAIN TO TURN IT OFF, AND I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROLS. CALL ME STUPID, BUT THIS SOUNDS A LITTLE MORE INDEPTH THAN A CLIMATE CONTROL BURNING OUT. AFTER READING COUNTLESS ISSUES WITH THE EXPEDITION (INCLUDING THE COOL FEATURE OF AUTO IGNITE, WHERE IT DECIDES TO BURN IT'S SELF TO THE GROUND AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 3-5 HOURS DUE TO ELECTRICAL FIRES) I AM NOT SURE I AM VERY FOND OF THIS TRUCK ANYMORE. I AM NOT ENCOURAGED BY EVERYONE ON THIS HAVING SIMILAR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, AND NOT HAVING FORD BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM CAUSES GRAVE CONCERN, SEEING HOW MY WIFE AND 3 KIDS (WHO ARE SECURED IN THEIR CAR SEATS) ARE DRIVING IN A FIRE LADEN DEATH TRAP, OR WORSE, MY WIFE GETTING PINNED AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL FROM THE SEAT GOING HAYWIRE, THEN HITTING ANOTHER CAR AND THE AIR BAG GOING OFF.... THIS IS SERIOUS, I NEED YOU TO INVESTIGATE THIS A LITTLE MORE CLOSELY, PLEASE FOR MY FAMILY'S WELL BEING. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel leaking from emissions vents on fuel tank. Non reparable part.
My Ford Expedition started randomly stalling and it stalled in the highway. The engine just shut down in the middle of the highway and it was such a scary a life endangering experience. This total loss of power in the middle of the highway when vehicles are traveling at highway speeds can cause death very, very easily to the occupants of the Ford Expeditions suffering this defect. I have been reading in many forums ( I have included the link to one of many forums) this is a common defect [XXX] ) many have Ford Expedition owners have experienced and have been very concerned and shocked that there was not recall. The issue is that the R303 relay (non serviceable fuel pump relay) fails very commonly on Ford Expeditions. In my Ford Expedition, the relay was melted. The fuel pump relay fails and cuts all current going to the fuel pump causing the engine to stall. This is a life-threatening risk caused by a defective fuse box with a defective fuel pump relay (R303). There were no warnings, the Ford Expedition just stalled randomly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
bought truck 3/2/22 from Gold cAuto In troy NY. 3/7/22 went to take kids to school 2.5 inches of water set in my weather guard mats. seats soaked console everything in front cab reversed to pull out spot and water starting pouring on my and my kids from sides in pass sides front and the front windshield area omgand the sun roof was worst.kids had to go in myslef too it was snow still out.so that dayi oh sunroof needs to be blown out i said well that right frontdoor sounds open when its shut . same night i picked it up said all was good to go and his guy didn't hear any issues with door. the next snow it was worst this was about toward end of march. i called back around 3/15 said its still leaking dude i just want my money back for real and we are good, he said no doesnt work liek that said all his winshield guy he would take a lok at it and tell hijm ihe sent me. did that talked to the guy said he woudl call me the next day week went by so i called him back long story short he said he wasnt fixing it josh the dealer never pays him , i understood. called talked joshgoldstien told him he said well u just have to bring it in and let me have it for a few days he knows i could NOT NOT do that .leave because by now im having to leave apt and in hotel w/2 kids and im not even from here i know nobody. kids have to bev icked up ad dropped off no buses. i didnt and dont trust his people by this time so i didnt it comes out now the truck is dangerous the airbag on right side light has been von since i bought he said it was old truck it was fine no its busted the air bag. the right front seatbelt now is broke it would have to be completely replaced this in 2.5 months. then find truck is like flintstones the front cab from yrs i guess leaking is gone LITERALLY my 5 yr old fits the cab from underneath its should have never been inspec. the day i bought vthe refused to trade or give refund cussed and screamed at me whenever i came lights turnoff at night form damage nooil
FRAME ROT IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, FRONT AND REAR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
WHY IS THERE NO WARNING LIGHT,OR SIGNAL OF ANY KIND WHEN THE PCM FAILS? OUR PCM FAILED, WHICH CAUSED OUR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, 02 SENSORS, & FUEL PUMP TO FAIL. OUR IGNITION COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED. WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE IF A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. THIS HAS CAUSED OUR EXPEDITION ENGINE TO RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING COUNTLESS TIMES! I HAVE MIRACULOUSLY BEEN ABLE TO MANEUVER MY EXPEDITION TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY &HAVE IT TOWED EIGHT TIMES WITHOUT KILLING MYSELF, MY FAMILY OR ANY ONE ELSE! WE HAVE HAD ODD ELECTRICAL AND PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS SINCE AUGUST OF 2002 WHEN WE PURCHASED IT. NOT ONE FORD MECHANIC (3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS) COULD EVER DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR ISSUES. BECAUSE THERE IS NO WARNING LIGHT/CODE WHEN THE PCM IS OUT, THE DAMAGE SNOWBALLS. THERE ARE NO COMPUTER CODES, OR WARNING LIGHTS TO SHOW UP ON THE DASH BOARD WHEN THE PCM IS OUT, WHICH BEFUDDLES THE MECHANICS. WE ARE LITERALLY $5,000 IN THE HOLE SO FAR! FORD DEALERSHIP "REPAIRED" OUR EXPEDITION BY REPLACING THE PCM ($1,300.00). 48 HOURS AFTER THEY REPLACED THE PCM, AND 18 MILES AFTER WE DROVE EXPEDITION OFF THE FORD LOT, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD -FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! WE DROVE BACK TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, AND HE SAID FOR $3,400 PLUS TAX HE COULD REPLACE OUR NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN "BANK ONE" THAT WERE DESTROYED AGAIN, & THE "BANK TWO" CONVERTERS WHICH ARE NOW VERY WEAK, NOT UP TO SPEC. THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOTOR THAT HAS BEEN FICKLE SINCE AUG OF 2002, STOPPED WORKING WHEN WE WENT TO PICK IT UP, SO I CAN'T DRIVE IT, BECAUSE I CAN'T REACH THE GAS OR BRAKE PEDALS. $800 WILL FIX THAT, FORD SAYS. IF YOU GOOGLE "2003 FORD EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER ENGINE SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY", THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THE SAME ISSUES. UNTIL SOMEONE CRASHES AND DIES, I DON'T THINK FORD CARES. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOTOR STOPPED WORKING WHILE BEING SERVICED AT THE DEALER, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOWS AS WELL. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
FUSE RELAYS KEEP BURNING OUT! I HAVE BROUGHT OVER 10 RELAYS IN 2 WEEEKS. I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL 2003 FORDS AND IS VERY EXSPENSIVE TO FIX. I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED! THERE ARE VIDEOS ON YOU TUBE TO PROVE THAT ALL OF THESE TRUCKS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX BUT EVENTUALLY I WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OUT OF THAT FUSE BOX BECAUSE THUS IS A DEFECT IN ALL 2003 FORD EXPEDITIONS. THE CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE IN 2 VERY DANGEROUS CAR ACCIDENTS! IT HAS STOPPED ON ME ON THE HIGHWAY AND STREET! WHEN I SAW THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL EMMISION RELAYS AND THE FUSE BOX I DECIDED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT IN ORDER TO GET THIS RECALLED!
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE JUST SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN. I MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT STARTED AND I CONTINUED ON, AFTER A FEW MILES THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. I GOT IT STARTED AGAIN AND WAS TRYING TO MAKE A REST STOP A FEW MILES AWAY. WHILE PULLING INTO THE REST STOP THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AGAIN AND RESULTED IN A COLLISION BECAUSE OF NO STEERING OR BRAKES. THE LOSS OF POWER HAPPENED 8 TIMES THAT DAY. WHILE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROBLEM, I FOUND ON THE NHTSB WEBSITE THAT OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT TURNED OUT TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE FUSE BLOCK. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. THEY SAID IT WAS A FUEL PUMP ISSUE. THAT WOULD NOT CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO DID FIND THAT IT WAS INDEED A FAULTY FUSE BLOCK. THE SAME MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME THEY HAD COME ACROSS THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT NEEDS TO BE RECTIFIED BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS. THE LOSS OF POWER OCCURS WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS OR CODES.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUNROOF LEAKS BADLY IT HAS FUSE BOX SHORTING OUT. WHEN IT RAINS MY WINDOWS GO UP DOWN ALONE. ALL LIGHTS SHORTED OUT AND NOTHING WORKING ANY LONGER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN SHE NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE SEAT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER HOME AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND THAT THEY WOULD FURTHER INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION SLIPPING @ 30-50 MPH. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY AND STALLED INTERMITTENTLY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,880.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION HAS A REAR END PROBLEM AND ITS NOW ROARING WHILE I'M ON THE HIGHWAY. I NOTICE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO THE CONSUMER. I ALSO NOTICE THERE ARE OTHER FORD EXPEDITION HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE SEE RECALL BULLETIN FOR THIS ITEM#10016789.NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 050618. REPLACEMENT# 05126.
TRANSMISSION SLIPPING @ 30-50 MPH. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brakes are burning while driving & the emergency brakes are not applied. The power windows are failing 1 by 1.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE JUST SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN. I MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT STARTED AND I CONTINUED ON, AFTER A FEW MILES THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. I GOT IT STARTED AGAIN AND WAS TRYING TO MAKE A REST STOP A FEW MILES AWAY. WHILE PULLING INTO THE REST STOP THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AGAIN AND RESULTED IN A COLLISION BECAUSE OF NO STEERING OR BRAKES. THE LOSS OF POWER HAPPENED 8 TIMES THAT DAY. WHILE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROBLEM, I FOUND ON THE NHTSB WEBSITE THAT OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT TURNED OUT TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE FUSE BLOCK. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. THEY SAID IT WAS A FUEL PUMP ISSUE. THAT WOULD NOT CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO DID FIND THAT IT WAS INDEED A FAULTY FUSE BLOCK. THE SAME MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME THEY HAD COME ACROSS THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT NEEDS TO BE RECTIFIED BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS. THE LOSS OF POWER OCCURS WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS OR CODES.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
bought truck 3/2/22 from Gold cAuto In troy NY. 3/7/22 went to take kids to school 2.5 inches of water set in my weather guard mats. seats soaked console everything in front cab reversed to pull out spot and water starting pouring on my and my kids from sides in pass sides front and the front windshield area omgand the sun roof was worst.kids had to go in myslef too it was snow still out.so that dayi oh sunroof needs to be blown out i said well that right frontdoor sounds open when its shut . same night i picked it up said all was good to go and his guy didn't hear any issues with door. the next snow it was worst this was about toward end of march. i called back around 3/15 said its still leaking dude i just want my money back for real and we are good, he said no doesnt work liek that said all his winshield guy he would take a lok at it and tell hijm ihe sent me. did that talked to the guy said he woudl call me the next day week went by so i called him back long story short he said he wasnt fixing it josh the dealer never pays him , i understood. called talked joshgoldstien told him he said well u just have to bring it in and let me have it for a few days he knows i could NOT NOT do that .leave because by now im having to leave apt and in hotel w/2 kids and im not even from here i know nobody. kids have to bev icked up ad dropped off no buses. i didnt and dont trust his people by this time so i didnt it comes out now the truck is dangerous the airbag on right side light has been von since i bought he said it was old truck it was fine no its busted the air bag. the right front seatbelt now is broke it would have to be completely replaced this in 2.5 months. then find truck is like flintstones the front cab from yrs i guess leaking is gone LITERALLY my 5 yr old fits the cab from underneath its should have never been inspec. the day i bought vthe refused to trade or give refund cussed and screamed at me whenever i came lights turnoff at night form damage nooil
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT RECEIVER ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RECEIVER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 FORD EXPEDITION, WITH FACTORY ORIGINAL TIRES BY CONTINENTAL, HAD A TIRE TREAD SEPARATION ON JUNE 11 WHICH RESULTED IN ONE DEATH AND FOUR SERIOUS INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND HIT A TREE...UPDATED 02/02/17 *BF *TR
LOST CONTROL, HIT PARKED CAR AND TREE, FRONT END DAMAGE, DRIVER SIDE FENDER, DRIVER DOOR, DRIVER RECEIVED LACERATION TO FOREHEAD AND TWO FRACTURED RIBS. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHEN USING AUTO CONTROL, SINCE THIS IS AN 03' I BELIEVE HEADLIGHT CONTROL UNIT IS BAD AS THIS SAME UNIT WAS RECALLED ON MY 03' CROWN VICTORIA
SUNROOF LEAKS BADLY IT HAS FUSE BOX SHORTING OUT. WHEN IT RAINS MY WINDOWS GO UP DOWN ALONE. ALL LIGHTS SHORTED OUT AND NOTHING WORKING ANY LONGER
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH AIR CONDITION MAKING NOISE, POWER WINDOWS ONLY LOWER, RADIO VOLUME GETS LOUDER WHEN ACCELERATING SEAT CONTROL BUTTONS ARE INOPERABLE. *TS WATER LEAKED FROM THE SUNROOF, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS DUE TO BRAKE AND ROTOR NOISE. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED LACK OF POWER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO HEAR THE RADIO SEPARATELY WHEN THE DVD WAS PLAYING. *JB
WHILE BEING PARKED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM SEATS. WHEN BEING INSPECTED IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE SEAT HEATING SYSTEM.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .