NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 655 owner complaints for the 2003 Ford Expedition. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (132) and electrical system (117). The EPA rates it 14 mpg combined.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Expedition model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 868 |
| 1998 | 851 |
| 1999 | 970 |
| 2000 | 942 |
| 2001 | 609 |
| 2002 | 383 |
| 2003 | 655 |
| 2004 | 297 |
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 215 |
| 2008 | 146 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 71 |
| 2012 | 118 |
| 2013 | 92 |
| 2014 | 72 |
| 2015 | 164 |
| 2016 | 217 |
| 2017 | 358 |
| 2018 | 383 |
| 2019 | 521 |
| 2020 | 426 |
| 2021 | 241 |
| 2022 | 116 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 79 |
| 2025 | 38 |
| 2026 | 10 |
“I WAS ON INTERSTATE 95 SOUTHBOUND WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BOOM FOLLOWED BY A FLAPPING SOUND I PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER TO SEE WHAT HAPPEND WHEN I NOTICED GAS COMING FROM THE AREA WHERE THE SPARK PLUG WAS AT I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND CALLED FOR A TOW. *TR”
“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.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, DECELERATION BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES LINES HAD RUSTED. THE MECHANIC ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE ROCKER PANELS AND FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 06/27/14*LJ”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| Expedition 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| Expedition 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| Expedition 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 655 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (132), electrical system (117), service brakes, hydraulic (64). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2003 Ford Expedition at 14 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).