Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 725 of 836 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 309 of 836 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Suspension
148 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"DRIVER'S SIDE TORSION BAR BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LEAN TO THE LEFT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
146 complaint records9 fire reports
"THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND STRIPPED ALL OF THE THREADS OUT. *AK *TS *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
124 complaint records31 fire reports2 crash reports
"VEHICLE WILL NOT START. ALSO, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN AND CLOSE DOORS OR WINDOWS.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP05005 opened Sep 2005 | closed Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE... |
| EA05005 opened Mar 2005 | closed Aug 2006 | Vehicle Speed Control | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 08V025000 EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A... |
| PE01022 opened Jul 2001 | closed Nov 2001 | Suspension | FRONT STABILIZER LINK |
| PE99060 opened Sep 1999 | closed Mar 2000 | Equipment | FACTORY INSTALLED TOWING HITCH SEPARATIO - led to recall 00V073000 THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT SOME OF THE EIGHT HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS EITHER BECAME LOOSE OR CAME COMPLETELY OUT OF ITS RETAINING PLATE.ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATED THAT WHILE TOWIG A... |
| PE98024 opened Apr 1998 | closed Jul 1998 | Steering | TIE ROD END FAILURES There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05V388000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN. | Normally free |
| 00V168000 | Exterior Lighting | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF... | Normally free |
| 00V073000 | Trailer Hitches | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS COULD LOSE THE CLAMP LOAD. | Normally free |
| 98V095000 | Wheels | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE. | Normally free |
| 97V171000 | Power Train | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS NOT FULLY ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET, THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY CAN... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005028 2005-02-14 | Electrical | 304,417 | On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. |
| 2004164 2004-05-18 | Steering | 305,024 | On certain vehicles, Ford has issued a scheduled maintenance guide update which specifies that every 20 000 kms, the steering linkage, which includes tie-rod ends, should be inspected. |
| 2000079 2000-03-20 | Structure | 23,801 | On certain vehicles, the trailer hitch assembly attachment bolts may lose clamp load. If the operator does not notice the condition due to rattle or other looseness of the trailer hitch assembly, there is a potential for the trailer hitch... |
| 1998095 1998-05-12 | Suspension | 141,580 | ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE. |
| 1997180 1997-10-17 | Structure | 72,763 | ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07212 Oct 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE | |
| 041601 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT | |
| 05618 Apr 2005 | Power Train | REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *TT | |
| 0554 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | USE OF STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST STUDS IN SERVICE FOR 5.4L 2V ENGINE. *TT | |
| 05417 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INTERMITTENT ROUGH IDLE - NON-COMMANDED EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE) FLOW. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 050618 Jan 2005 | Suspension | REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *SC | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 04L19 Sep 2004 | Steering | CUSTOMER MAINTENANCE REMINDER - LITERATURE PROGRAM 04L19 - TIE ROD INSPECTION PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 031404 Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04. | |
| 0454 Mar 2004 | Suspension | AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR NOISE. *TT | |
| 0457 Mar 2004 | Visibility | POP/THUMP NOISE AT END OF WINDOW MOVEMENT AND/OR DRIVER'S WINDOW BOUNCE BACK AND REVERSE TO MID-POSITION. *TT | |
| 17459 Jan 2004 | Interior Lighting | COURTESY RAIL LAMPS DO NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY OR CAUSE A BATTERY DRAW. *TT | |
| 17448 Dec 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REMOTE OIL FILTER ADAPTOR REPLACEMENT - NEW SERVICE PART. *TT | |
| 17320 Nov 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BROKEN EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS. *TT | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 031513 Aug 2003 | Steering | TIE ROD END INSPECTION PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 03144 Jul 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING CONDITION WITH COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS MAY BE MORE ACCURATELY DIAGNOSED USING THE OPTIONAL WORLDWIDE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (WDS) COIL ON PLUG (COP) KIT. 2003 SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 0392 May 2003 | Suspension | REPEAT AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR DRIER FAILURES. *TT | |
| 0398 May 2003 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT | |
| 0399 May 2003 | Steering | TIE ROD END INSPECTION PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 030709 Apr 2003 | Suspension | REPEAT AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR DRIER FAILURES. *TT | |
| 03610 Mar 2003 | Steering | TIE ROD END INSPECTION PROCEDURE. CANADA VEHICLES ONLY. *TT *JB | |
| 16683 Mar 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FALSE FAILURE OF THE VAPOR MANAGEMENT VALVE (VMV). *TT *JB | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 02193 Sep 2002 | Vehicle Speed Control | DRIVEABILITY-IDLE-HIGH IDLE SPEEDS-THROTTLE STICKS AFTER STEADY STATE DRIVING IN EXTREME COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES-VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 12/31/01 EQUIPPED WITH 4.6L ENGINE. *MJ | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 16015 Jul 2002 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES WITH AIR SUSPENSION MAY EXHIBIT AN INITIAL OR REPEAT COMPRESSOR DRYER FAILURE. *TT | |
| 15897 May 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING DRIVELINE ANGLE-RELATED VIBRATION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND LOAD CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 15901 May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS BULLETIN STATES THAT SOME 4.6L FQR ENGINE ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE A SMALLER OR LARGER KNOCK SENSOR THREADED HOLD THAN THE ONE IN THE ORIGINAL ENGINE ASSEMBLY. *TT | |
| 15939 May 2002 | Structure | CONCERNS WITH SPEED BODY BOOM. *TT | |
| 15794 Apr 2002 | Tires | SOME 4X2 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P275/60/R17 CONTINENTAL-GENERAL TIRES MAY EXHIBIT A HIGHWAY SPEED TIRE VIBRATION. *TT | |
| 0245 Mar 2002 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT | |
| 15692 Mar 2002 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK, SNAP, RATTLE, OR CLUNK IN THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. *TT | |
| 15708 Mar 2002 | Wheels | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT WHEELS THAT SEIZE TO THE HUBS AND ARE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE DURING SERVICE. *TT | |
| 15727 Mar 2002 | Tires | SOME 4X2 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P275/60/R17 CONTINENTAL GENERAL TIRES MAY EXHIBIT A HIGHWAY SPEED TIRE VIBRATION. *TT | |
| 15749 Mar 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE MAY EXHIBIT A NOTCHY OR STICKING FEELING IN SLOW SPEED TURNS WITH NO EFFECT ON STEERING EFFORTS OR ASSIST WHILE IN THE AUTOMATIC 4X4 POSITION. *TT | |
| 15605 Feb 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS AND / OR CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE P0455 (GROSS LEAK DETECTED). *TT | |
| 15648 Feb 2002 | Fuel System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SLOW FUEL FILL CONDITION AND/OR PREMATURE SHUTOFF OF THE GAS PUMP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING REFUELED. *TT | |
| 15651 Feb 2002 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR SUSPENSION MAY EXHIBIT AN AIR LEAK AND/OR OVERNIGHT BLEED DOWN OF THE AIR SUSPENSION. *TT | |
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 15504 Jan 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DRIVEABILTY CONDITIONS AND/OR CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0455 (GROSS LEAK DETECTED). *TT | |
| 15517 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING EXAGGERATED ENGINE BRAKING ON DECELERATION. *YD | |
| 15526 Jan 2002 | Exterior Lighting | SUBJECT REGARDING INOPERATIVE RUNNING BOARD LIGHTS.*YD | |
| 15528 Jan 2002 | Suspension | SUBJECT REGARDING AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR QUALITY. *YD | |
| 15549 Jan 2002 | Visibility | INFORMATION REGARDING POP/THUMP NOISE FROM POWER WINDOW. *YH | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 15480 Dec 2001 | Fuel System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SLOW FUEL FILL CONDITION AND/OR PREMATURE SHUTOFF OF THE GAS PUMP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING RE-FUELED. *TT | |
| 12120 Nov 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES WITH 4R700 TRANSMISSIONS BUILT FROM 4/16/98 THROUGH THE END OF THE 1998 MODEL YEAR MAY EXHIBIT A LEAK FROM THE VENT AREA OF THE TRANSMISSION. *TT | |
| 15362 Nov 2001 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AIR SUSPENSION MALFUNCTION. *TT | |
| 01215 Oct 2001 | Vehicle Speed Control | A CONDITION MAY EXIST, WHERE THROTTLE STICKING MAY OCCUR ON A FEW VEHICLES IN VERY COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AFTER OPERATING AT STEADY SPEED OR EXTENDED IDLE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. *TT | |
| 012110 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE ROMEO BUILT 4.6L 2V ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE OIL LEAK OR OIL WEEPAGE FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AT THE RIGHT HAND REAR OR THE LEFT HAND FRONT OF THE ENGINE. *TT | |
| 012112 Oct 2001 | Vehicle Speed Control | A CONDITION MAY EXIST, WHERE THROTTLE STICKING MAY OCCUR ON A FEW VEHICLES IN VERY COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AFTE OPERATING AT STEADY SPEED OR EXTENDED IDLE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. *TT | |
| 012113 Oct 2001 | Electrical System | SOME IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES MAY EXHIBIT ROUGNESS AND / OR EXCESS EFFORT IN TURNING, KEY DOES NOT FULLY RETURN FROM START, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE WITH P0500, P1502 AND U1039 STORED IN POWERTRIAN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT | |
| 01205 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 14372 Sep 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON IDLE VIBRATION OR ENGINE DROAN ON ACCELERATION. *JB | |
| 15225 Sep 2001 | Wheels | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A DIFFICULT TO REMOVE WHEEL RIM CONDITION. *TT | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC |
Showing 60 of 293 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Expedition →