Model year guide

2003 Ford Explorer Sport

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 28 on record.

2003 Ford Explorer Sport — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Ford Explorer Sport at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints1,313
Combined16 mpg
Typical price$1,880

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Ford Explorer Sport recalls 1

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Ford Explorer Sport common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 1,313 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2003 Ford Explorer Sport MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,881

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport worth?

Low
$900
Typical price
$1,880
High
$3,000

From 26 comparable 2003 Ford Explorer Sport listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,405
Fuel only$19,405
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Ford Explorer Sport trims & engines on record

Trims
XLT · XLS
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl 203 hp

2003 Ford Explorer Sport vehicles on record

2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLS1FMYU60E63UB79871 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E33UC12194 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E93UA95608 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMZU70E13UB06076 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E33UA78478 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E23UC04930 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMZU70E53UA37246 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMZU70E63UA57568 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLS1FMYU60E23UB36080 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E83UC04396 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMZU70E93UA47231 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMZU70E23UB17488 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E23UB18081 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E73UC04695 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E93UB05683 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E03UA37564 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E13UB88283 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E13UC11934 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLS1FMZU70E03UA62801 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLS1FMZU70E63UB04078 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E73UA96563 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMZU70E33UB35501 2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMZU70E43UC11288 2003 Ford Explorer Sport XLT1FMYU60E53UB96810

Other Ford Explorer Sport model years

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2007 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000 1999

2003 Ford Explorer Sport — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport?

Based on 1,313 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, seats, structure.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport at about 16 mpg combined (15 city / 19 highway).

How much is a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport worth?

Comparable 2003 Ford Explorer Sport listings run roughly $900–$3,000, typically around $1,880 (from 26 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.