2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2003 model year · 180+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 180+ owner reports, the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Truck Bed and Frame Rust ($200-$2,000 repair) and 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Guide Failure ($1,500-$3,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Rear Window Defroster Grid and Flip Glass Hinge Failure with 180 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $30 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

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On the 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the truck bed floor and frame rails are prone to severe rust, especially in northern climates. The bed is separate from the cab and traps moisture underneath. Frame rot near the rear leaf spring mounts is a safety concern.

Common Symptoms

Visible rust on bed floor
Holes in truck bed
Frame rail flaking
Leaf spring mount deterioration

How to Fix

Inspect frame rails annually. Treat with rust converter and undercoating. In severe cases, frame reinforcement plates can be welded on. Bed floor panels can be replaced with aftermarket steel.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradePOR-15 rust preventive coating stops rust permanently (POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating)
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UpgradeRust-Oleum rust converter spray for treating corroded panels (Rust-Oleum Rust Converter Spray)
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Typical repair cost:$200 - $2,000

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Community Reported

180 owners

On the 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the first-generation Sport Trac's rear flip-up glass window suffers from hinge wear and gas strut failure, causing the glass to not stay open. The defroster grid also cracks at the same hinge flex points, rendering the rear defroster inoperable.

Common Symptoms

Rear glass won't stay open
Glass slams shut unexpectedly
Rear defroster doesn't clear fog
Partial defroster pattern visible
Hinge feels loose or wobbly
Gas struts have no resistance

How to Fix

Replace the gas struts to restore the flip glass hold-open function. For the defroster grid, apply conductive paint repair to the broken traces. In severe cases, the entire rear glass must be replaced.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 180+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeRear glass gas strut replacement pair (Stabilus #SG414001)
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Typical repair cost:$30 - $300

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Community Reported

High Confidence180 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2001-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L SOHC, the 4.0L SOHC V6 uses plastic timing chain guides and tensioners that fail, causing the chain to skip or break. This is the same engine and issue as the Explorer. The cassette-style chain system requires significant labor to replace.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Citroën DS3, Hyundai Santa Fe

Common Symptoms

Rattling on startup
Check engine light
Rough idle
Loss of power
Engine stall

How to Fix

Confirm the problem by listening for a cold-start timing chain rattle from the front or rear of the 4.0L SOHC engine, scanning for cam/crank correlation or misfire codes, and checking oil pressure/condition since low oil pressure can worsen tensioner noise. Repair typically requires replacing the timing chain cassette guides, hydraulic tensioners, chains, and related sprockets; because the rear cassette is at the back of the engine, most shops remove the engine for proper service and often install the updated Ford timing components. If the chain has already skipped time, inspect for internal engine damage and verify cam timing with the proper Ford timing tools before reassembly. Typical repair cost is about $2,000-$4,000 depending on how many components are replaced, and a remanufactured engine may be more cost-effective if severe damage is found.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeComplete timing chain kit includes chains, guides, and tensioners (Cloyes Timing Chain Kit)
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UpgradeHigh-quality engine oil is critical after timing service (Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $3,000

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Community Reported

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 180+ owner reports, the 2003-2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Truck Bed and Frame Rust, 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Guide Failure, Rear Window Defroster Grid and Flip Glass Hinge Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

The 2003-2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 3 known issues documented across 180+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Truck Bed and Frame Rust and 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Guide Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Explorer Sport Trac issues range from $30 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Truck Bed and Frame Rust, typically costs $200-$2,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Truck Bed and Frame Rust?

The truck bed floor and frame rails are prone to severe rust, especially in northern climates. The bed is separate from the cab and traps moisture underneath. Frame rot near the rear leaf spring mounts is a safety concern. Repairs typically run $200-$2,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2001-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Guide Failure?

The 4.0L SOHC V6 uses plastic timing chain guides and tensioners that fail, causing the chain to skip or break. This is the same engine and issue as the Explorer. The cassette-style chain system requires significant labor to replace. Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Rear Window Defroster Grid and Flip Glass Hinge Failure?

The first-generation Sport Trac's rear flip-up glass window suffers from hinge wear and gas strut failure, causing the glass to not stay open. The defroster grid also cracks at the same hinge flex points, rendering the rear defroster inoperable. Repairs typically run $30-$300. Severity: low.

2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: Truck Bed and Frame Rust#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: Rear Window Defroster Grid and Flip Glass Hinge Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2001-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac: 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Guide Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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Other Ford Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

Is the Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

What is the 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Truck Bed and Frame Rust?

What is the 2001-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Guide Failure?

What is the 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Rear Window Defroster Grid and Flip Glass Hinge Failure?