RoadVitals

2003 Ford Expedition Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
615
Latest Mar 9, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
93

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

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.

171
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11642012 · filed Feb 11, 2025

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)

NHTSA ID 11566561 · filed Jan 19, 2024
All 171 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

104
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11722874 · filed Mar 9, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID 11566561 · filed Jan 19, 2024
All 104 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

87
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The brakes are burning while driving & the emergency brakes are not applied. The power windows are failing 1 by 1.

NHTSA ID 11559141 · filed Dec 8, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID 10949609 · filed Feb 4, 2017
All 87 reports naming brakes

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

59
reports

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

NHTSA ID 11471391 · filed Jun 28, 2022

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON IN CAR JUST GOT THIS TRUCK FROM SOMEONE USED

NHTSA ID 11048128 · filed Nov 23, 2017
All 59 reports naming airbags

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

57
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11018670 · filed Aug 21, 2017

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

NHTSA ID 10907217 · filed Sep 16, 2016
All 57 reports naming tires & wheels

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

38
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11205517 · filed May 3, 2019

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

NHTSA ID 10244355 · filed Oct 4, 2008
All 38 reports naming visibility

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

38
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Fuel leaking from emissions vents on fuel tank. Non reparable part.

NHTSA ID 11587033 · filed May 5, 2024

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)

NHTSA ID 11566561 · filed Jan 19, 2024
All 38 reports naming fuel system

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

32
reports

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

NHTSA ID 11471391 · filed Jun 28, 2022

FRAME ROT IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, FRONT AND REAR

NHTSA ID 11081307 · filed Mar 26, 2018
All 32 reports naming body & structure

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

30
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10586566 · filed May 5, 2014

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

NHTSA ID 10458864 · filed May 17, 2012
All 30 reports naming transmission

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

25
reports

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!

NHTSA ID 10893675 · filed Aug 6, 2016

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.

NHTSA ID 10820327 · filed Jan 14, 2016
All 25 reports naming driver assistance

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

22
reports

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

NHTSA ID 11289948 · filed Dec 18, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID 10467563 · filed Jul 24, 2012
All 22 reports naming interior & seats

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRANSMISSION SLIPPING @ 30-50 MPH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10678912 · filed Jan 26, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID 10633257 · filed Sep 15, 2014
All 21 reports naming powertrain (other)

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

20
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10970368 · filed Apr 3, 2017

TRANSMISSION SLIPPING @ 30-50 MPH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10678912 · filed Jan 26, 2015
All 20 reports naming suspension

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The brakes are burning while driving & the emergency brakes are not applied. The power windows are failing 1 by 1.

NHTSA ID 11559141 · filed Dec 8, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID 10820327 · filed Jan 14, 2016
All 20 reports naming steering

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

14
reports

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

NHTSA ID 11471391 · filed Jun 28, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 10714497 · filed May 4, 2015
All 14 reports naming seat belts

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

12
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10907217 · filed Sep 16, 2016

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

NHTSA ID 10537603 · filed Aug 27, 2013
All 12 reports naming other / unspecified

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

8
reports

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

NHTSA ID 11364900 · filed Oct 18, 2020

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

NHTSA ID 11289948 · filed Dec 18, 2019
All 8 reports naming exterior lighting

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

3
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10139949 · filed Oct 7, 2005

WHILE BEING PARKED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM SEATS. WHEN BEING INSPECTED IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE SEAT HEATING SYSTEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 10109192 · filed Jan 28, 2005

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.

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