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U3003 on FORD EXPLORER

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
2
Most Affected
2013, 2015

What U3003 Means on Your FORD EXPLORER

Real FORD EXPLORER Owner Reports (Source: NHTSA Complaints Database)

"Vehicle is a 2013 explorer xlt that was purchased new. it has 69k and is outside the 5yr/60k powertrain warranty. my wife commutes to work and drives the kids to school. we do not tow or haul anything with it."

— 2013 FORD EXPLORER owner • POWER TRAIN • Filed 09/05/2016

"Vehicle power steering failure, causing locked steering. After reading, am finding this is a major problem with many Ford models. There has been recalls on many other models. No warning at all just locked up. Luckily did not happen to my wife at highway speeds."

— 2015 FORD EXPLORER owner • STEERING • Filed 01/04/2024

Data from NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. All reports are filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Common Causes of U3003 on FORD EXPLORER

50%
50%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2013
1
2015
1

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if your vehicle is covered.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50-$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2-3 quotes. Dealer vs independent shop prices often differ 30-50% for the same repair.

U3003 on Other Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (U.S. Department of Transportation) and the SAE J2012 OBD-II standard. Code definitions follow the SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 standard. Owner reports are filed directly with NHTSA by vehicle owners. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional automotive diagnosis. Always consult a qualified mechanic for vehicle repair decisions.

Last updated: March 2026