2003 Ford Excursion recalls and problems

The 2003 Ford Excursion has 5 safety recalls and 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
106
Crashes / fires
6 / 9
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Ford Excursion vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Ford Excursion recalls

Recall 11V-352: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 13, 2011 · 26,715 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ranger trucks built from january 25, 2011, through april 25, 2011 at the twin cities assembly plant, and service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004 through 2011 model year ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005 model year excursion vehicles, and 2002 through 2007 model year f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the multi-function switch was shipped with a subcomponent (Slider) that may experience deformation. A multi-function switch with a deformed slider may malfunction causing the turn signal, tail lights, hazard warning signal flashers and/or brake lights not to activate.

Risk: Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on august 15, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall 09V-399: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Oct 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (Scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

Risk: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.

Fix: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.

Recall 07V-553: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Dec 5, 2007 · 1,176,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Risk: In the event of an engine stall, a crash could result without warning.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 29, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall 07V-078: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Mar 6, 2007 · 155,584 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.

Risk: Overheating could result in smoke, burn, or an underhood fire.

Fix: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on march 12, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. (Note: also see recalls 05v017, 05v388, and 06v286)

Recall 04V-327: Electrical System

Reported Jul 7, 2004 · 83,687 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 6.0l diesel engines, the engine ground stud that attaches the negative battery terminal eyelet to the engine block may be loose.

Risk: If the ground wire is loose, electrical current may flow to the radio suppression strap causing it to heat and potentially melt or ignite adjacent components which could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the engine ground stud and the radio suppression strap and adjacent components will be inspected for damage and replaced, if necessary. The recall began on july 23, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

2003 Ford Excursion problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System29
Engine and Engine Cooling26
Tires10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Fuel System, Diesel7
Steering7
Suspension7
Vehicle Speed Control7
Power Train6
Structure5
Engine5
Visibility4

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 9
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 8
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 5
  • Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 3
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 3
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 57,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Ford Excursion complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · at 110,000 miles · reported Oct 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Excursion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the suspension made an abnormal popping sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an air bubble had formed on the front passenger’s side tire which he linked to the suspension failure. The tire was not replaced. The contact also stated that after he replaced the radio inside the vehicle, the radio had become defective after the second day of installation. The contact stated that an abnormal buzzing sound was coming from the speakers. Upon investigation, he linked the…
Steering · at 189,000 miles · reported May 26, 2020
The vehicle has a steering issue. It will pull to the right mostly but occasionally to the left. So you spend the entire drive correcting the wheel to try to keep the vehicle in the road. Towing is impossible with this issue because it causes the trailer to go in to a snaking motion because of the constant steering correction. This occurs when ever the car is in motion.
Service Brakes · at 160,000 miles · reported Jan 10, 2020
Pavement was wet...cit was dark ....a car suddenly stopped in the roadway..my anti lock brakes locked up causing me to skid into the car in front of me..causing rear damage to it...my airbag also did not deploy..was going about 25mph..but seemed to increase in speed skidding on the pavement it caused me to lose my safe driving discount on my istate farm insurance...had to pay a higher premium for 3yrs because of it..I have recently gotten my safe driver discount back can get statefarm documentation later if needed
Engine · at 200,106 miles · reported Jan 8, 2019
The contact owns a 2003 ford excursion. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was an injector failure. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,106.
Engine · at 123,000 miles · reported Nov 7, 2018
The contact owns a 2003 ford excursion. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently to approximately 75-80 MPH. The contact had to apply excessive force to the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. No further assistance was offered. The…

Other Ford Excursion years

Compare all Ford Excursion years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford Excursion have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Ford Excursion: 11V-352 (exterior lighting), 09V-399 (vehicle speed control), 07V-553 (engine and engine cooling), 07V-078 (vehicle speed control), 04V-327 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford Excursion?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (29 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (26). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 57,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.