2003 Ford Excursion

Introduction

The 2003 Ford Excursion is a full-size SUV that was available with a choice of two gasoline engines and two transmission options. The base engine was a 5.4-liter V8 that produced 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 6.8-liter V10 that produced 310 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission.

The Excursion was popular with consumers for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and towing capacity. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and large size.

Engine

5.4L V8

• Spark Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfiring, rough idling, and poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the spark plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine overheating, and poor performance.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine noise, loss of power, and engine failure.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain and gears.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

6.8L V10

• Spark Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfiring, rough idling, and poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the spark plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Bolt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust leak, engine noise, and poor performance.
  • Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold bolts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, and loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and slipping.
  • Solution: Replace the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping, chattering, and difficulty shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration, noise, and difficulty shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission mount.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

Front Suspension

• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking, popping, and vibration.
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncing, swaying, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

Rear Suspension

• Leaf Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging, bouncing, and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncing, swaying, and poor ride quality.
  • Solution: Replace the shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, difficulty starting, and battery drain.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, grinding noise, and clicking.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, slow starting, and electrical problems.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Surface rust, paint bubbling, and body panel perforation.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate Hinge Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging or loose tailgate.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate hinges.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air flow, weak air flow, or excessive noise.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or flickering display, incorrect readings, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Ford Excursion is a spacious and powerful SUV, but it has a number of potential issues that buyers should be aware of. The most severe and expensive issue is timing chain failure on the 5.4L V8 engine. Other common issues include spark plug failure, exhaust manifold bolt failure, and rust. Overall, the Excursion is a reliable vehicle, but it is important to factor in the cost of potential repairs when considering purchasing one.