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2003 Ford Excursion

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2003 Excursion.

Body SUV

The 2003 Ford Excursion is an SUV specified with a 6.0-quart engine oil fill and 5W-20 API viscosity. It accumulated 146 total owner complaints and five recalls, with the electrical system representing the top complaint area. Within the model’s 1997–2010 history—a range spanning a high of 550 complaints in 2000 and a low of one in 1997—that figure situates the 2003 model between those extremes, indicating a moderate incidence of reported problems relative to the best and worst years in the lineup.

Model year2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque165 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 Diesel · 750 Diesel CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 Diesel · 750 Diesel CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeLT265-75R16OEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	226.8 in
Overall width	79.9 in
Overall height	80.3 in
Wheelbase	137 in
Curb weight	7189 lb
Track (front / rear)	68.5 / 68.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	49/51

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Excursion of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

10.1–10.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 10.10 sec — 2000 Limited

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2000	Limited 6.8L V10	10.10 sec	17.60 sec	310 hp	4x4
2000	XLT 6.8L V10	10.50 sec	17.70 sec	310 hp	4x4
2000	Limited 6.8L V10	10.90 sec	18.10 sec	310 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 165 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Coolant	USE FORD PREMIUM GOLD COOLANT
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.0 qt
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.0 qt
Engine Oil	15W-40 · 10W-30 · 0W-30
Engine Oil Capacity	15.0 qt

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	6-9 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	212 DI Diesel ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	55-64 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	59 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	89 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	18 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	8 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	28 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)	185.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket	185.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle	185.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket	185.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	165 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	20.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	20.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Cylinder Firing Order	1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	705 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	55 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	750 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	150 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	875 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	75 rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	Less auxiliary A/C, 2.62. With auxiliary A/C, 4.25. lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	Less auxiliary A/C, 9.00. With auxiliary A/C, 14.00. oz
Standard BCI Group Number	65 Diesel
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	750 Diesel cca
Standard BCI Group Number	65

Service checks

Pressure Test	18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	Use individual readings listed on cap. psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	181-206 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	35-45
RPM	28-45 @ Idle rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	80-120
Engine Oil Pressure	20-45 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	1500 rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	42 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	166 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	42 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	166 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	27 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	150 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.039; Rear: 0.039 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.0021 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

33 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees, Step 3: 120

33 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

33 ft. lbs., Step 2: 50

33 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

32 ft. lbs., Step 2: 105

32 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

52-53 ft. lbs., Step 2: 80

52–53 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

66 ft. lbs., step 2: Loosen one turn., step 3: 37 ft. lbs., step 4: 90

66 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages

Prep Lightly lubricate new cylinder head bolt · threads and flanges with engine oil

1	finger tight
2	bolts 1 to 10	65 ft. lbs
3	bolts 1, 3, 5, 7, 9	85 ft. lbs
4	bolts 1-10	90 degrees
5	bolts 1-10	90 degrees
6	bolts 1-10	90 degrees
7	bolts 11 to 15	18 ft. lbs
8	23

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep First Sequence

1	65 ft. lbs.	65 ft. lbs
2	85 ft. lbs.; Second Sequence	85 ft. lbs
3	95

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 69

4 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

3 ft. lbs., step 2: 18

3 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

90 ft. lbs., Step 2: 120 ft. lbs., Step 3: 170

90 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

76 ft. lbs., Step 2: 96

76 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 mi	Air Filter Restriction Gauge (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension Ball Joint (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System Heat Shield (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 45,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 mi	Wheel Bearing (repack)
Every 100,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · PCV Valve (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 mi	Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2003 Ford Excursion occupies a middle ground in a generation-wide trend that peaked dramatically in 2000 with 550 complaints before gradually declining through 2005. Although complaint volume decreased to 146 from the 2002 level of 174, the 2003 model sustained 5 federal investigations, matching the highest level recorded for the entire generation in 2000. Technical Service Bulletins also surged to 195 for this year, exceeding the 150 documented for the 2002 model and indicating persistent technical corrections. Specific federal data highlights 11 fire complaints and 24 electrical system complaints, though the root causes are not specified in the record. When compared to the 2004 and 2005 models, which show reduced recalls and zero investigations by 2005, the 2003 variant retains elevated regulatory scrutiny. Consequently, despite lower complaint volume than the 2000 model, this is not the recommended year to buy given the high investigation count and TSB volume relative to later production years.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

195

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

146

Owner complaints

7 involved a crash · 11 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02’03’04 ’05 ’10

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 146 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System24

Engine & Engine Cooling19

Tires11

Power Train10

Steering6

Service Brakes, Hydraulic6

Suspension5

Seat Belts5

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

11V352000Exterior Lighting:Tail LightsReported 13/07/2011

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

09V399000Vehicle Speed ControlReported 13/10/2009

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY… Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 195 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
SSM 51909	2023-09-07	Power Train	When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV…
RFI20210210_624-	2021-02-10	Power Train	This SKU is a Transmission Line. The customer communication requested return of unsold…
DOR-B8H4Z-11	2018-10-02	Steering	This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of…
ASI-44534	2014-05-01	Power Train	FORD: WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN PARK, REVERSE AND/OR DURING 2-3 SHIFT, AN INTERMITTENT CLUNK…
ASI-44404	2014-02-01	Power Train	FORD: ON SOME TRUCKS, THERE IS A NO CRANK SITUATION AND IF VOLTAGE ON TRANSMISSION RANGE…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Excursion. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 65 battery Vehicles taking 6.0 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2003 Excursion take?

6.0 qt of 5W-20 API MEETING FORD SPECIFICATION WSS-M2C945-A, per the factory manual.

Does the 2003 Excursion have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

2003 Ford Excursion

Quick specs

Fitment & sizes

Full specifications

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Performance & power Independent road tests

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Lubricants & capacities

Engine torques

Chassis torques

Ignition

Battery & A/C

Service checks

Brakes

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Common OBD-II trouble codes

VIN tools

Vehicles with shared specs

Reference guides

Related vehicles

Other years

Frequently asked