Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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. …
The vehicle was stationary, when unlocking the vehicle with the keyless entry, it moved the sideview mirrors and never movws back. I put the mirrors back where they belong and every following time when I unlock the vehicle with the key fob, it continues to do the same. I bought the vehicle this way.
A recurrent and unsolvable problem with the power exterior mirrors on a 2003 Ford Expedition. The passenger mirror is incapable of returning to its pre-set position. This occurs whether or not the "reverse aid" feature is on or off and also occurs whether or not the "memory" feature for driver 1 or driver 2 is activated. It occurs roughly one-half of the time the vehicle is unlocked even by the same driver (driver 1) in succession. Due to the Ford installed alarm feature, the unlocking fob (or the door mounted keypad) must be used. Each triggers the mirror failure. Two dealers have been unable to resolve the problem, even after multiple visits, having the vehicle for several days in succession, and having the available Ford technical service bulletin brought to their attention. …
My Expedition is a 1yr and 5 months. With less than 500 miles paid for a front end alignment and tire rotation, because of bad vibration at speeds of 60-70 miles an hour. Still had vibration, took it back to dealer, they said the truck came with tires out of balance. Still had vibration, took it back to dealership, a box dealing with the steering wheel had to be replaced. Since then I have paid for another front end alignment and tire balance, now tires have worn so bad dealership will probably blame worn tires for the vibration. There is more!!! The seal on the front windshield came loose and started leaking, and had to be replaced. In the front defrost vent some foam stuff had come loose and would flap around when the vent was on, the dealership called it ( packing) it was replaced or glued back down. …
I have a 2003 Ford Expedition and I have the automatic mirrors that rotate in and down when the vehicle is put into reverse. When I purchased the vehicle, the right mirror would continue to move in and down when the vehicle was put into reverse. When the vehicle was placed in drive the mirror was suppose to go back to the pre-sert position but it would not. The problem was fixed when I picked up the vehicle. About a year later the same problem recurred and the dealer replaced both lt and rt mirror motors. Now the problem has recurred again with a little difference. Now when I unlock the doors with the remote both the left and right side mirrors rotate in and down as if the vehicle is in reverse but that is even before the doors ar open. When the vehicle is started neither mirror will go back to the pre-set positions. So now before I can drive the vehicle I have to adjust each mirror. …
I have a 2003 Ford Expedition and I have the automatic mirrors that rotate in and down when the vehicle is put into reverse. When I purchased the vehicle, the right mirror would continue to move in and down when the vehicle was put into reverse. When the vehicle was placed in drive the mirror was suppose to go back to the pre-sert position but it would not. The problem was fixed when I picked up the vehicle. About a year later the same problem recurred and the dealer replaced both lt and rt mirror motors. Now the problem has recurred again with little difference. Now when I unlock the doors with the remote both the left and right side mirrors rotate in and down as if the vehicle is in reverse but that is even before the doors ar open. When the vehicle is started neither mirror will go back to the pre-set positions. So now before I can drive the vehicle I have to adjust each mirror. …
Outside mirror lights and interior lights would not go off after getting out of vehicle and pressing remote lock button. They eventually ran the battery down. This was after a hard rain. A few weeks later the same thing happened only this time, the radio would not turn off (key out of ignition and doors open) the chime kept going off and the battery went dead because I did not disconnect it. I researched online and found this is not uncommon because the windshield leaks, from the factory, and water drips down onto the computer module and fuse box. I checked my fuse box and I did have dripping water in it along with corroded connectors, inside the vehicle, indication long term intrusion of water. This causes all kinds of problems. Other owners have reported complete loss of power while driving. …
According to dealership and manufacturer reps, the problem with the side mirrors and their propensity to move without warning or "pop" when using the vehicles' reverse mirror function, is due to poor design from Ford motor company. I have been told that I am just too tall (6'3"), and that the location that I have the mirrors adjusted in, causes the housing to make contact with the tilting assembly! I find it hard to believe that Ford would produce a vehicle that will not allow you to adjust the mirros properly so that you can see traffic behind you, and still be able to use a function that was designed into the vehicle! The mirros modules have been replaced twice on both sides as well as the motors. I have filed a complaint with Ford and have been told that due to the design flaw, the vehicle is as it was designed and they have no intent to repair. …
We purchased a 2003 Ford eddie bauer October 3rd 2002 and was told by the salesman that we would have no problem with the moon roof as far as leaks or wind noise. Not only does the moon roof leak the front windshield has had a rattle in it ever since we got it. We have taken the vehicle back to the dealership 3 times to get the problems fixed and each time it comes back the moon roof seems to leak even worse. The rattle is still in the windshield also. We have been told now that we should expect the moon roof to leak going through a high pressure car washes. This is what the dealership has told us since they can't seem to fix the problems. This is not what we expected when we purchaced this vehicle. The problems are still being addressed and the dealership is still trying to fix the problems.
Purchased a 2003 Ford Expedition about 2 months ago, since then drivers side window regulator was replaced. Week and half ago, passengers FWD inoperative, yesterday, drivers side inoperative. When first one was fixed. Technician said it was a big problem. The regulator cables bind up. He said bad design. Still waiting for my appointment to repair the other 2 windows. When these windows fail. They are either stuck up, or down. Resulting in a safety issue in floods or water, or heat issues if the windows cannot be rolled down. Not to mention, emergency escape issues. Looking on the internet, I have found many websites with archived forums with many people complaining of the same situation.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2003 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2003 Ford Expedition, 6% of the model year's 615 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices › exterior (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford Expedition window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles, and 63% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.