2003 Ford Explorer Sport

The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport, a sporty two-door variant of the popular Explorer SUV, offered a more compact and youthful appeal. While discontinued after 2003, it shared many components with the standard four-door Explorer. Engine options included the 4.0L SOHC V6, producing approximately 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, and the 4.6L SOHC V8, generating around 239 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque. The 4.0L engine was typically paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, while the 4.6L was often mated to a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praised the Explorer Sport for its maneuverability, ruggedness, and relatively affordable price point. Common complaints revolved around fuel economy, particularly with the V8, and some reliability issues.

Engine

4.0L SOHC V6

• Timing Chain Rattles/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise, especially on startup. Potential for engine damage if the timing chain breaks. Rough running engine. Check engine light with codes related to timing.
  • Solution: Replace timing chain, tensioners, and guides. It is best to replace all of the timing components, not just one of them.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine runs rough, stalls, hesitates, or doesn’t start. Check Engine Light is illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L SOHC V8

• Spark Plug Blowout
  • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loud popping noise from the engine, followed by a loss of power. Spark plug is ejected from the cylinder head damaging the threads.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the cylinder head (typically installing a thread repair insert). Install a new spark plug.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ depending on the extent of the damage and repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine runs rough, misfires, or idles erratically. Check engine light may illuminate. Coolant may leak externally from the intake manifold.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket and potentially the intake manifold itself if warped or damaged.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (4.0L V6)

• Shifting Problems/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears, harsh shifting, delayed engagement, or complete failure to shift. Transmission may overheat.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Replacing the valve body might resolve some shifting issues, but a full rebuild is often necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic (4.6L V8)

• Shifting Problems/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5-speed, slipping, harsh shifts, delayed engagement, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Check solenoids.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise from the front suspension, especially when turning or going over bumps. Excessive tire wear. Steering may feel loose or wander.
  • Solution: Replace the front ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Leaf Spring Sag/Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sits lower than normal. Poor ride quality. Clunking noise from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the rear leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent or no heat/AC. Clicking noise behind the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ depending on location and accessibility.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window moves slowly or not at all. Grinding noise when attempting to operate the window.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Pump Relay Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks but does not start, stalling, random engine shut off while driving.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel pump relay
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Liftgate Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing around the rear liftgate window, particularly along the bottom edge. Can lead to structural weakness and water leaks.
  • Solution: Repair rust damage (sanding, patching, painting) or replace the liftgate.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on severity and repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks developing on the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or install a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the option chosen.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport, while offering a sporty experience, does exhibit several common issues. Engine problems, especially timing chain issues on the V6 and spark plug blowout on the V8, can be costly. Transmission issues are a potential concern across both engine options. Suspension components like ball joints and leaf springs are prone to wear and failure. Electrical issues, such as blend door actuator and power window motor failures, are also common. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, and the associated costs can vary significantly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchase.