2004 Ford Expedition

296 federal complaints (381 component records) · 0 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 89 service bulletins
See all 35 model years of the Ford Expedition →
Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 18 hwy
Federal complaints
296
Recall campaigns
0
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Engine & cooling
55
Air bags
49
Brakes
42
Electrical system
37
Power train
28
Tires
27
Body & structure
25
Fuel system
23
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

0 years old: 57 complaints01 years old: 28 complaints2 years old: 19 complaints3 years old: 14 complaints4 years old: 19 complaints5 years old: 14 complaints56 years old: 19 complaints7 years old: 21 complaints8 years old: 15 complaints9 years old: 14 complaints10 years old: 15 complaints1011 years old: 9 complaints12 years old: 13 complaints13 years old: 12 complaints14 years old: 6 complaints15 years old: 5 complaints1516 years old: 3 complaints17 years old: 2 complaints18 years old: 4 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 2 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 291 of 296 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 44 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 27 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 18 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 22 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 30 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 24 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 17 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 13 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 8 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 11 complaints200,000+ miles: 7 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 221 of 296 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.

Engine & cooling

55 complaint records7 fire reports
"ENGINE HOOD INSULATOR MATERIAL BEGAN TO SMOLDER AND SMOKE. NEEDED TO REMOVE BEFORE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. BURNED TWO FINGERS. *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 →

Air bags

49 complaint records1 fire report32 crash reports
"I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT I HIT A CONCRETE WALL AT 50 MILES PER HOUR HEAD ON AND MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED I WAS ON A HIGH WAY..."- 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 air bags parts in the directory →

Brakes

42 complaint records2 fire reports9 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING BRAKES FAILED. THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH RAN OFF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. THE SECOND TIME AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. *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 brakes 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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE08070
opened Dec 2008
closed Apr 2009WheelsSTEEL WHEEL FRACTURE
FORD SPECIAL SERVICE VEHICLE (SSV) EXPEDITIONS USE A STEEL FULL FACE WHEEL DESIGN SIMILAR TO THAT INVESTIGATED IN PE03009, RQ04007, EA04034 (CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR) AND PE03026 (GM PICKUPS AND SUVS).A TOTAL OF 8,251 SSVS (2.2% OF TOTAL PRODUCTION)...
DP05005
opened Sep 2005
closed Jan 2006Engine And Engine CoolingSPARK 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...

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TSB 24-2188
Jul 2024
WheelsThis article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application.
TSB 22-2219
Jun 2022
Power TrainSome 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE).
TSB 20-2307
Oct 2020
EquipmentSome 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE).
TSB 20-2233
Jul 2020
StructureThis 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
StructureSome 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.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SSM 46085
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingThe Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns.
TSB-08-19-3
May 2009
Power TrainFORD: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT OIL SEPARATION FROM THE INTERNAL LUBE FOUND IN THE UNITIZED CARTRIDGE SEAL. OIL SEPARATION APPEARS TO BE AND IS OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED, AS AN AXLE LUBE LEAK. *PE
07212
Oct 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME 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
0514
Jan 2006
Service BrakesBRAKE SHUDDER (ROTOR THICKNESS VARIATION) DUE TO THE NEW LOW DUST FRONT BRAKE LINING USED IN PRODUCTION, OR NEW LININGS THAT WERE INSTALLED PER TSB 04-05-02. *TT
06216
Jan 2006
Power TrainLIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT
0637
Jan 2006
TiresLOW TIRE INDICATOR ON - TPMS SYSTEM SENSOR WAKE UP. *TT
06317
Jan 2006
Service BrakesBRAKE SHUDDER. *TT
041601
Nov 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingWDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT
0594
Oct 2005
SeatsDRIVERS FRONT POWER SEAT WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REARWARD. *TT
05198
Oct 2005
VisibilityREAR WINDOW WIPER INOPERATIVE. *TT
18815
Sep 2005
Power TrainA TINY CRACK, OR CRACKS, AROUND THE TRANSFER CASE DRAIN PLUG HOLE. *TT
04105
Jun 2005
Power TrainAXLE SEAL LEAKS. LEAKS FROM REAR HALFSHAFT AXLE SEAL. SERVICE TIPS. *TT
042421
Jun 2005
Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT
18478
May 2005
Power TrainAXLE SEAL LEAKS. *EH
031207
Apr 2005
SteeringSTEERING WHEEL AT 65 MPH (105 KM/H) OR HIGHER. *TT
05618
Apr 2005
Power TrainREAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *TT
0554
Mar 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingUSE OF STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST STUDS IN SERVICE FOR 5.4L 2V ENGINE. *TT
05411
Mar 2005
EquipmentNOISE FROM A/C (AIR CONDITIONING) OR INSUFFICIENT A/C COOLING. *TT
05417
Mar 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingINTERMITTENT ROUGH IDLE - NON-COMMANDED EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE) FLOW. *TT
18466
Mar 2005
Power TrainAXLE WHINE HOWL. THIS INCLUDES 1997-05 FORD VEHICLES. *EH
18506
Mar 2005
WheelsALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS PITTING AND OR PEELING CLEANING PROCEDURES. *EH
05310
Feb 2005
Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT WEB STOP BUTTON SERVICE. *EH
18423
Feb 2005
Power TrainAXLE WHINE HOWL SERVICE WITH INDIVIDUAL PARTS INSTEAD OF AN AXLE ASSEMBLY. *EH
18400
Feb 2005
SuspensionFOUR CORNER LOAD LEVELING AIR SUSPENSION MAY EXHIBIT LEVELING CONCERNS, SUCH AS ONE FRONT CORNER DROPPING. INDIVIDUAL AIR SPRINGS AVAILABLE FOR SERVICE. *TT
18439
Feb 2005
Power TrainTINY CRACK OR CRACKS AROUND THE TRANSFER CASE DRAIN PLUG. *EH
18384
Jan 2005
Electrical SystemPOPPING OR QUAVERING FROM RADIO ON THE AM BAND. *TT
050618
Jan 2005
SuspensionREAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *SC
052624
Jan 2005
WheelsVIBRATION DIAGNOSIS - TIRE/WHEEL RUNOUT. *TT
052621
Jan 2005
Service BrakesUNINTENDED BRAKE ASSIST. *TT
0471
Dec 2004
Electrical SystemWARNING INDICATORS-PARKING AID-REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (RSS) AND FORWARD SENSING SYSTEM (FSS)-FALSE ACTIVATION OF WARNING TONE-SERVICE TIPS. *MJ UPDATE. *TT
041614
Dec 2004
SteeringSTEERING COLUMN CLUNK, POP OR CREAK. *AR UPDATE. *TT
040704
Dec 2004
SeatsCLIMATE CONTROLLED SEAT DIAGNOSIS - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
04251
Dec 2004
StructureALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT
04189
Dec 2004
VisibilityREAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
042116
Nov 2004
VisibilityREVERSE TILT MIRROR SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR. *EH
18213
Oct 2004
Power TrainGRINDING NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE WHEEL HUBS ON ACCELERATION IN 2WD - SERVICE TIP. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR. *TT
18217
Oct 2004
Fuel SystemMULTIPLE VEHICLES - FUEL LEVEL INDICATION CONCERNS - SERVICE TIP. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES, EXCURSION, EXPEDITION, EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER AND AVIATOR. *TT
18228
Oct 2004
TiresTIRE FEATHERING AT LOW MILEAGE. OASIS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 EXPEDITION. *TT
03198
Sep 2004
Power TrainCHATTER, SHUDDER, A BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 9.75 INCH OR 8.8 INCH LIMITED SLIP REAR AXLE. *TT
04174
Sep 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT
18127
Sep 2004
Electrical SystemVARIOUS ELECTRIC CONCERNS. INTERIOR ILLUMINATION, QUARTER WINDOWS, MOONROOF FUNCTION, ACCESSORY DELAY, COURTESY LAMPS, ELECTRO CHROMATIC MIRROR, CLIMATE CONTROLLED SEATS, ELECTRONIC PARK BRAKE RELEASE, FLASHER RELAY, AUDIO SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC HIDDEN ANTENNA MODULE (EHAM), POWER...
18172
Sep 2004
Electrical SystemREVERSE SENSING SYSTEM DEFAULTING OFF, SETTING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES, OR LOSING COMMUNICATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC SCAN TOOL. *TT
031404
Aug 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE 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.
041511
Aug 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingMISFIRE AT IDLE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300-P0308, P0316. *TT
041514
Aug 2004
VisibilityREAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
031501
Jul 2004
VisibilityINOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT
17905
Jul 2004
Power TrainMULTIPLE VEHICLES USING FEHP REAR AXLE FLUID. FLUID USAGE CHANGE. *TT
17881
Jun 2004
SuspensionRIDE HEIGHT ISSUES ON AUTOMOBILES WITH AIR SUSPENSION. *TT
17693
Apr 2004
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0320 (IGNITION ENGINE SPEED INPUT CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION). *TT
17732
Apr 2004
Electrical SystemCHECK AIR SUSPENSION MESSAGE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1724, C1873, AND/OR C1889. *TT
17738
Apr 2004
Electrical SystemCHARGING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY ON WITH POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0620. *TT
17755
Apr 2004
Power TrainAXLE WHINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (40-60 MPH). *TT
0454
Mar 2004
SuspensionAIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR NOISE. *TT
0457
Mar 2004
VisibilityPOP/THUMP NOISE AT END OF WINDOW MOVEMENT AND/OR DRIVER'S WINDOW BOUNCE BACK AND REVERSE TO MID-POSITION. *TT

Showing 60 of 89 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  3. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  4. 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 →