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 811 of 890 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 439 of 890 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.
Electrical system
219 complaint records87 fire reports5 crash reports
"VEHICLE PARKED APPROX 15-20 MINS, STEAM COMING FROM HOOD, THEN THICK SMOKE, FLAMES UNDER HOOD DRIVERS SIDE BY WINDSHIELD..."- 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 →
Tires
176 complaint records2 fire reports8 crash reports
"CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A RECALL ON HIS TIRES GENERAL TIRES SIZE #P275/60R17.DEALER WAS CONTACTED. MR..."- 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 tires parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
146 complaint records34 fire reports2 crash reports
"WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE COIL PACKS GO OUT, LEADING UP TO THE FIRE. OUR GARAGE COUGHT FIRE AND BURNT OUR NEW HOME DOWN. *TR..."- 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 →
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA05015 opened Oct 2005 | closed Dec 2006 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD LEAK CAUSES ELECTRIC FAILURES CONSUMERS ALLEGED THAT WHEN IT RAINED OR SNOWED, WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE AROUND THE WINDSHIELD.MOISTURE FLOWING THROUGH THE SEAL THAT SURROUNDS THE FRONT WINDSHIELD FOLLOWS A PATH THROUGH THE SEAL INTO THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) AND FUSE BOX,... |
| 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... |
| PE05033 opened Jun 2005 | closed Oct 2005 | Visibility | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE ODI HAS RECEIVED 39 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT WATER LEAKS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING ELECTRICAL FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND THE HEADLAMPS.FORD REPORTS THAT WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE CAN WET THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX (PDB)... |
| PE04078 opened Nov 2004 | closed Mar 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRE - led to recall 05V017000 IN ITS LETTER DATED JANUARY 27, 2005 TO ODI, FORD INDICATED THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL # 05V-017) TO REMEDY AN OVERHEATING SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH IN APPROXIMATELY 738,490 SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THE RECALL... |
| SQ00016 opened Sep 2000 | closed Dec 2001 | Wheels | WHEEL STUD AND NUT IN DECEMBER 1999, FORD ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 99-26-3, ENTITLED INCREASED WHEEL NUT AND STUD SIZE-SERVICE TIP,FOR 2000 MODEL YEAR EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, AND CERTAIN F-150 VEHICLES, BUILT ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 27, 1999.THESE VEHICLES HAVE INCREASED... |
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 |
| 05V017000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN. | Normally free |
| 03V094000 | Structure | CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. | Normally free |
| 02V239000 | Equipment | CERTAIN 4X2 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. | Normally free |
| 01V258000 | Visibility | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. | Normally free |
| 00V396000 | Equipment | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER... | 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 |
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. |
| 2001204 2001-08-13 | Other | 83,005 | Certain passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper... |
| 2000281 2000-11-28 | Lights And Instruments | 120,576 | On certain vehicles, the daytime running lamp circuit contains a resistor that is corroding. If this occurs, the resistive element can open, resulting in a loss of daytime running lamp (DRL) function. |
| 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... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB 20-2233 Jul 2020 | Structure | This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. | |
| TSB 19-2026 Feb 2019 | Structure | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. | |
| 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 | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 050618 Jan 2005 | Suspension | REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *SC | |
| 0471 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | WARNING INDICATORS-PARKING AID-REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (RSS) AND FORWARD SENSING SYSTEM (FSS)-FALSE ACTIVATION OF WARNING TONE-SERVICE TIPS. *MJ UPDATE. *TT | |
| 04251 Dec 2004 | Structure | ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 04189 Dec 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 18217 Oct 2004 | Fuel System | MULTIPLE VEHICLES - FUEL LEVEL INDICATION CONCERNS - SERVICE TIP. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES, EXCURSION, EXPEDITION, EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER AND AVIATOR. *TT | |
| 04174 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *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. | |
| 041514 Aug 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 031501 Jul 2004 | Visibility | INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 17720 Apr 2004 | Electrical System | AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B1994/B1998 ON VEHICLES WITHOUT SIDE AIR BAGS. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 99263 Nov 2003 | Wheels | CORRECT LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS - INCREASE WHEEL NUT AND STUD SIZE - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 17316 Nov 2003 | Fuel System | FUEL SIGNAL TO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SERVICE TIP. *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 | |
| 16797 Apr 2003 | Electrical System | VEHICLES WITH KEYLESS ENTRY PAD MAY EXHIBIT DEAD BATTERY, NO START, INTERIOR LAMP/HEADLAMP SELF-ACTIVATION, OR INOPERATIVE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD. *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 | |
| 0258 Nov 2002 | Power Train | INOPERATIVE OR INACURRATE SPEEDOMETER, 4X4 LAMP ILLUMINATD, AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1635 OR P1639. *TT | |
| 02227 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-CYLINDER HEAD DECK LEAK-4.6 AND 5.4L ENGINES-NEW SERVICE-ONLY GASKET AND CYLINDER HEAD KITS AVAILABILITY. *MJ | |
| 16403 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-LIGHT TICK OR RATTLE TYPE NOISE FROM ENGINE AFTER COLD START. *MJ | |
| 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 | |
| 02L10 Aug 2002 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE INFORMATION LABEL.*JG | |
| 16015 Jul 2002 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES WITH AIR SUSPENSION MAY EXHIBIT AN INITIAL OR REPEAT COMPRESSOR DRYER FAILURE. *TT | |
| 16033 Jul 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES WITH ELECTRONIC SHIFT-ON-THE FLY MAY EXHIBIT AN INADVERTENT 4X4 LOW ENGAGEMENT WHILE DRIVING. *TT | |
| 02121 Jun 2002 | Equipment | WHITE FLAKES COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS WHEN THE BLOWER MOTOR IS ENGAGED. *TT | |
| 02108 May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.4L 2V ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A WHISTLING NOISE FROMTHE FORMED NYLON TUBE INTHE IDLE-AIR BYPASS FLOW CIRCUIT. *TT | |
| 15851 May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 5.4L WINDSOR POWER IMPROVED ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A SLIGHT OIL LEAK OR WEEP AT THE CYLINDER HEAD TO BLOCK JOINT. *TT | |
| 15897 May 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING DRIVELINE ANGLE-RELATED VIBRATION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND LOAD CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 15939 May 2002 | Structure | CONCERNS WITH SPEED BODY BOOM. *TT | |
| 15793 Apr 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SLIGHT OIL LEAK AT THE CYLINDER HEAD TO BLOCK JOINT. *TT | |
| 15794 Apr 2002 | Tires | SOME 4X2 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P275/60/R17 CONTINENTAL-GENERAL TIRES MAY EXHIBIT A HIGHWAY SPEED TIRE VIBRATION. *TT | |
| 0241 Mar 2002 | Steering | SUBJECT REGARDING IDLER ARM REPLACEMENT SPECIFICATIONS. *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 |
Showing 60 of 205 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.
- 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.
- Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 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 →