Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Ford Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the drivers side tie rod has broken twice. Both times was without warning. The dealer has fixed it once and now it is back to the dealer for the second time for same problem. The manufacturer took information from the consumer, but she has not heard back from them. Passenger side rear window does not go down from master switch. Door ajar light does not go off. Left front ball joint separated, then vehicle hit sign. Lower control arm broken, upper ball joint bad, spindle broken sway bar link broken, cv boot torn and axle pulled out of front differential. Tie rod end on left side broken and vacuum hub cracked on spindle and tire and rim damaged. Also fender liner ripped out. Spindle, upper control arm, lower control arm, cv boot replaced. Clip for axle vacuum hub and wheel and tire, removed front differential to reinstall, axle and clip replaced wheel and tire and performed alignment. …
I parked my 2003 Ford Expedition in my driveway. I put it in park and engaged the emergency brake. As I went to open my door I turned to see the truck rolling down the driveway. It hit my neighbor's truck and when I got to the truck, it was still in park. After having the truck at the dealership for several days I was told there was nothing wrong with it. I asked for a Ford rep to examine the vehicle but with no success. The people at the dealership have been helpful however they are running up against a brick wall as well.the owner and service manager were told by Ford that an independent engineer would be sent out to look at the truck. When I called I was told the notes stated that there was no further action necessary by Ford.
I was driving down the freeway when my Expedition made a noise, the inside dash lights flickered and the transmission started acting up. I pulled over at a hotel. I called a tow truck who came to pick it up a few days later. When he started it the wiring harness caught unfire. The entire wiring burned up on the lift side of the vehicle. The mechanic told us we were luck to have stopped. If we continued down the highway my family and I would have been in great danger. I believe the fire was the fault of bad wiring. I check the recall sites and my vehilce was not part of the faulty wiring recall.
While parked on incline vehicle slipped out of park gear into reverse, and vehicle rolled back, and rolled over consumer's knees when trying to stop the vehicle. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Consumer was unloading some materials from the rear of the vehicle when all of a sudden it jumped from park into reverse on its own. Consumer was dragged into the other side of the street, resulting in injury.
Upon parking the vehicle and putting the emergency brake on the vehicle put itself into reverse, rolled back into the neighbors yard, hitting a vehicle. Consumer contacted an independent repair shop.
While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Suddenly, the vehicle stalled. The driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. While unlocking the driver's door with the automatic switch both side rear view mirrors would automatically move up and down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic replaced both side rear view mirror motors. Please provide further details. Consumer adds both side view mirrors motors replaced 2 to 3 more times. The fog light housing replaced, rear light covers replaced due to moisture, heater core switch replaced from dash. Brakes squealing when applied. Transmission slipping and power steering pump winding.
My wife and I own a 2003 Ford Expedition xlt 4wd since 2004. Every since we owned this vehicle we have had problems from the rear lsd being replaces twice, the electrical harness replacement, all power locks replaced (due to coming open by themselves), and recently the two coil packs blowing out of the motor. We spent over a thousand dollars to get vehicle to pass smog due to outrageous spark plug prices along with labor cost of $400. I am fed up with Ford and want everyone to know how their quality is so sub-standard. This vehicle has been in the shop around 6-7 times and I have to worry every time I drive it. Please issue a recall on the spark plug issue as Ford agrees it is a defect, they will not take responsibility for their shabby work- [redacted]
I have a 2003 Expedition with only 31000 miles. At 26000 miles I noticed a grinding vibration when I turned right or left.. I went to the dealership and was told this is a common problem with 2003,04 expeditions. The cluthes in the rear differential goes bad every 30,000 mile and the cost will be $1250.00 dollars to repair. If Ford know this is a problem, why haven't they issued a recall? We as owners shouldn't have to continue to pay this every 30,000 miles. My e-mail address is [redacted] . Please respond.
Clutch failed, causing the tires to produce a grinding noise when turning. This problem was noticed, by me, while still under warranty, but I thought it was just systematic of the vehicle until passengers noticed and eventually it got so bad that it felt like a very unsafe and serious problem. Dealer is charging $1600 half of which is parts. Next week when I get the vehicle back, will determine if I am keeping the car or have lost confidence in the safety or future problems.
Transmission complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Ford Expedition, 8% of the model year's 615 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford Expedition transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2003 Ford Expedition, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford Expedition transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.