2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Introduction:

The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a mid-size pickup truck based on the Explorer SUV platform. It was offered with three engine options: a 4.0L V6 with 210 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, a 4.6L V8 with 239 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque, and a supercharged 4.6L V8 with 302 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic with overdrive.

Owners of the Explorer Sport Trac generally praise the vehicle for its versatility, ruggedness, and spacious interior. However, it has also been plagued by numerous issues, particularly in its engine and transmission.

Engine

4.0L V6

• Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Valve Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The IMRC valves control the airflow into the intake manifold. When they fail, they can cause a loss of power, stalling, and poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the IMRC valves.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Spark Plug Threads Stripping:
  • Description/Symptoms: The spark plug threads in the cylinder head can become stripped, causing the spark plugs to loosen and misfire.
  • Solution: Repair the spark plug threads or replace the cylinder head.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L V8

• Timing Chain Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain can stretch or break, causing the timing between the camshaft and crankshaft to be off. This can lead to engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: #03V274000, #06V124000

Supercharged 4.6L V8

• Supercharger Bearing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The bearings in the supercharger can fail, causing a whining noise and loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: The clutch can wear out or become contaminated, causing difficulty shifting or slipping.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic

• Valve Body Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The valve body controls the flow of fluid in the transmission. When it fails, it can cause shifting problems, slipping, and overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Five-Speed Automatic with Overdrive

• Torque Converter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing shuddering, slipping, or loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front End Bushing Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: The front end bushings can wear out, causing rattling, clunking, and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Leaf Spring Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear leaf springs can break or sag, reducing load capacity and causing the vehicle to ride lower.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely, causing difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair any electrical system faults.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter can fail to engage or turn the engine over.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Switch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The headlight switch can fail to turn on or off the headlights.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: #07V207000

Interior

• HVAC Fan Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The HVAC fan can fail to blow air, causing discomfort in the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the HVAC fan.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The power windows can fail to open or close, or they may become inoperative.
  • Solution: Replace the window motors or switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has been plagued by numerous issues, particularly in its engine and transmission. While some of these issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be severe and costly. Owners should be aware of these issues and take precautions to avoid or mitigate them.