2003 Ford Excursion Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2003 Ford Excursion.

20022004
Complaints
139
Crashes
9
Fires
12
Injuries
10
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2003 Ford Excursion Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#119 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:92,897 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:5
#29 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel

Avg mileage:22,448 mi
Fires:1
#38 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Avg mileage:47,482 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2003 Ford Excursion.

Electrical Faults
19
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
5
Avg Miles
92,897
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
22,448
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
47,482
Diesel Fuel System
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
40,507
Tire Defects
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
10,713
Engine & Cooling
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
75,661
Steering Defects
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
138,500
Unintended Acceleration
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
107,920
Engine Problems
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
91,026
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
38,192
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Tread/Belt
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Side/Rear Glass
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention:Warnings:External/Pedestrian Alert
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Instrument Cluster
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Control Module
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Software
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Excursion. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2003 Ford Excursion

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~26,715 vehicles.

11V352000Exterior Lighting:brake Lights · Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
~26,715 affected

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.

Other Ford Excursion Years

2003 Ford Excursion — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2003 Ford Excursion reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2003 Ford Excursion has 139 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 19 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2003 Ford Excursion?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (19 complaints, avg 92,897 mi); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel (9 complaints, avg 22,448 mi); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (8 complaints, avg 47,482 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Ford Excursion?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 67,744 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2003 Ford Excursion?
NHTSA complaints for the 2003 Ford Excursion include 9 crash-related reports, 12 fire reports, 10 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2003 Ford Excursion have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 26,715 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2003 Ford Excursion?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Ford Excursion reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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