2003 Ford Explorer Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate Problems

NHTSA component category: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE · data through 07/14/2026

90Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate complaints

8%Of all 1,131 complaints

#4Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How structure:body:hatchback/liftgate ranks on this vehicle

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION141 · 12.5%

STRUCTURE:BODY135 · 11.9%

POWER TRAIN110 · 9.7%

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE90 · 8%

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS55 · 4.9%

Share of the 1,131 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2003 Ford Explorer overview page.

What owners report

“GLASS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD LEAKING, WE HAD IT RESEALED AND IT IS AGAIN LEAKING AND THE NEW SEAL IS LIFTING. THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10056479 — filed 02/03/2004

“PLASTIC UNDER THE REAR LIFTGATE (REAR HATCH) CRACKED WHEN CLOSING IN COLD WEATHER. THE TWO CRACKS WERE OVER 6 INCHES LONG. THE ENTIRE LIFTGATE WILL…”NHTSA complaint 10049145 — filed 12/03/2003

“PLASTIC UNDER (ATTACHED TO) REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW CRACKED IN COLD WEATHER. CRACK WAS ~10 INCHES LONG. ENTIRE LIFTGATE NEEDS REPLACING.”NHTSA complaint 10003326 — filed 01/24/2003

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford Explorer have structure:body:hatchback/liftgate problems?

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2003 Ford Explorer: 90 of 1,131 complaints on file (8%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2003 Ford Explorer have in total?

1,131 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 60 involved a crash, 10 involved a fire, 57 reported injuries, and 2 reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's structure:body:hatchback/liftgate category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.