2003 Ford Expedition recalls and problems

The 2003 Ford Expedition has 1 safety recall and 615 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

615

Crashes / fires

57 / 36

Injuries / deaths

70 / 3

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

2003 Ford Expedition recalls

Recall 03V-094: Structure

Reported Mar 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles affected · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS

Problem: Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.

Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

2003 Ford Expedition problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine and Engine Cooling	129
Electrical System	105
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	67
Air Bags	59
Tires	57
Power Train	51
Engine	44
Visibility	41
Structure	32
Unknown or Other	21
Suspension	20
Steering	20

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 43
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 19
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 18
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 16
Air Bags › Frontal — 15
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 12
Structure › Body — 12
Tires › Tread/Belt — 11

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 79,850 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 Expedition complaints

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

Electrical System · reported Mar 9, 2026

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.

Engine · at 230,000 miles · reported Feb 11, 2025

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.…

Electrical System · reported Jan 19, 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…

Engine · at 196,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2022

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the engine was misfiring, and the contact smelled a burning odor inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on five occasions where it was diagnosed that water was leaking into the ignition coil. The independent mechanic installed silicon around the boot to prevent water from leaking into the coils; however, the failure…

Engine · reported Feb 8, 2022

This vehicle has a faulty engine. The aluminum that Ford used to create the top end is too thin to support the pressure of the engine. As a result spark plugs explode from the engine at random with no warning. This has happened 5 times even after replacing all spark plugs, numerous coils and having kits installed by a mechanic sold by Ford to address the issue. $475 per kit from Ford. This is an enormous safety issue. The last one that blew out was on the highway with my two toddlers in the car.

Other Ford Expedition years

2027 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Ford Expedition years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford Expedition have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Ford Expedition: 03V-094 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (129 reports), followed by electrical system (105). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 79,850 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.