2003 Ford Excursion problems
Owners have filed 139 complaints about the 2003 Ford Excursion with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 20.9% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 18.7%.
Complaints139
Crashes9
Fires12
Injuries10
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 20.9% · 29
Engine and engine cooling 18.7% · 26
Tires 7.2% · 10
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.8% · 8
Vehicle speed control 5.0% · 7
Steering 5.0% · 7
Suspension 5.0% · 7
Fuel system, diesel 5.0% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 9 describe a crash, 12 describe a fire and 10 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Ford Excursion in this data, 2003 draws comparatively few complaints; 2000 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 13 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 56,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Vehicle stalled while driving @ 40-45 mph on us41. Vehicle completely locked up. Batteries replaced more than 4x . Ford galloway fort myers , florida refuses to fix wants me to keep replacing batteries. Vehicle being repaired for over 6-7 months. Dangerous vehicle almost killed me. From 12/2006-5/2007 vehicle has died on me every month several times during the month. Dealer still has vehicle. Electrical system · reported at 56,700 miles
Over the last 1 1/2 year, veh dies and wont restart or slower to start eventually will not start. All gauges go full tilt, abs light comes on, loss of all electrical systems, will not restart, just clicks, then nothing. Have to disconnect and fully recharge batteries to restart,,,, then,,,, problem recurs in few weeks. New batteries 11/07, cam shaft sensor replaced 3/07. Code p0603. Electrical system · reported at 77,965 miles
At top of a hill I stopped completely and shifted to low gear, the wires in gear shift knob sparked loudly and began burning. Stopped car immediately, opened hood and disconnected battery. Overdrive indicator light harness is a shoddy design. Wire insulation wears through while rubbing with gear shifter selection. There is no armoring or other covering for the thin flimsy harness wires. Electrical system · reported at 150,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…