2003 Ford Explorer recalls

NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford Explorer. Between them they involve body and structure. The most recent was received on September 13, 2004.

September 13, 2004Body and structure

Ford/rear liftgate glass

NHTSA campaign 04V-442 · 955,732 vehicles potentially affected · Structure

The defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the liftgate glass strut may become disengaged or the hinge may fracture allowing the glass to fall and possibly break.

The risk: If the hinge should fracture, there is a potential for the glass to fall and ultimately break and personal injuries could occur.

The remedy: Dealers will have the liftgate glass strut brackets and glass hinges replaced. For the vehicles built from august 1, 2000 through march 3, 2002, the dealers will replace the hinges and liftgate strut bracket. On vehicles built from march 3, 2002 through june 23, 2003, the dealers will only replace the hinges. The recall began on september 30, 2004. A postcard was sent to owners on december 27, 2004, advising them that parts are now available. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
March 7, 2003Body and structure

Southern comfort/running boards

NHTSA campaign 03V-094 · 3,674 vehicles potentially affected · Structure

The defect: 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.

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

The remedy: 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.

Check by VIN

A campaign rarely covers every Explorer built in 2003. Enter your 17-character VIN to find the recall campaigns filed for your make, model and model year. The VIN is on the driver’s side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the door-jamb label, and on your registration and insurance documents.

Is a recall still open on your vehicle? Only NHTSA’s official VIN check can say whether a campaign applies to your exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been done.

Your VIN is decoded with NHTSA’s public vPIC service to identify the make, model and year. It is not stored and is not added to any page address.

What 2003 Ford Explorer owners should do

Check your VIN on NHTSA’s lookup to see which of these campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether any are still open.
Call a Ford dealer and book the repair, quoting the campaign numbers (04V-442, 03V-094).
If you have bought the vehicle used, the recall still applies: the repair is free whoever owns the vehicle now.
Make sure your current address is on file with the manufacturer so the owner letters reach you.

Other Ford Explorer model years

Common questions

Does the 2003 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 campaigns for the 2003 Ford Explorer: 04V-442 (Ford/rear liftgate glass); 03V-094 (Southern comfort/running boards).

How do I know if my 2003 Ford Explorer has an open recall?

Enter your VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup. Most campaigns cover only part of a model year’s production, and the lookup also shows whether the repair has already been done on your vehicle.

Will the dealer charge to fix the 2003 Ford Explorer?

No. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by Ford dealers. Quote the NHTSA campaign number when you book.