The Ford Expedition has been a popular SUV in the American market since its introduction in 1997. The vehicle was designed to meet the needs of large families, offering seating for up to eight passengers and ample cargo space. As one of Ford’s largest SUVs, the Expedition comes in either two- or four-wheel drive configuration and is available in various trim levels with a variety of engine choices.
The Ford Expedition has been well-received in the market, with sales continuing to be strong year after year. While it offers many advantages, the Expedition is not without its issues. Before you consider purchasing an Expedition, take note of these top complaints you should know about.
1 – Spark Plug Ejection
One of the most common engine problems involving the Ford Expedition is spark plug ejection. This occurs when one or more of the spark plugs are ejected from the engine due to a malfunction in the ignition system.
The symptoms of this include severe misfiring, decreased fuel efficiency, and difficulty starting the engine. The problem is caused by faulty ignition coils that can cause excessive heat buildup, resulting in the spark plugs being ejected from their sockets. Another potential culprit is an excessive spark plug gap, which can cause the spark plug to be ejected due to an increase in pressure.
A decade’s worth of older models of Expeditions suffered from this common problem, dating back to 1997 and all the way to 2007. So if you have a model year from ’97 to ’07 that features an affected Triton gasoline engine, you should have your vehicle inspected for these complaints.
How to Fix
The best way to resolve this issue is to replace the faulty ignition coils and make sure that the spark plug gap is set correctly. Additionally, it is important to inspect all of the other components related to the ignition system, such as spark plug wires, and distributor caps and rotors.
2 – Ignition Coil Failure
Another one of the most common problems with the Ford Expedition is ignition coil failure. Symptoms of this issue include a lack of power, rough idle, and difficulty starting the engine. This problem can also cause a decrease in fuel efficiency, as well as excessive emissions from the exhaust system.
The cause of this issue is usually due to worn or faulty ignition coils that are unable to generate enough spark to ignite the fuel. This problem is more prevalent in older Ford Expedition models, as they are more likely to have worn ignition coils.
Ford wasn’t much help in resolving this problem, as it prevailed from 1997 to 2011 model years of the Expedition.
How to Fix
Ignition coil failure is best resolved by replacing all of the ignition coils, spark plugs, and other related components. It is also important to inspect and replace any worn or damaged parts that may be contributing to the problem. If a local dealership refused to have your ignition coil problem fixed on the house, you can at least have them verify the problem through an OBD II scan. Faulty ignition coils can give out wonky O2 readings.
3 – Engine Cuts or Shuts Off
Ford Expedition owners have long suffered from engine cuts or shuts off while driving, usually due to a faulty fuel pump or vacuum leak.
This issue can be identified by sudden loss of power, excessive smoke from the exhaust system, and difficulty restarting the engine. The problem is more likely to occur in 2004 to 2011 model years of the Expedition, though it can still be an issue on newer models.
How to Fix
To fix this common Ford Expedition problem, it is recommended that you check for any vacuum leaks and replace the fuel pump if necessary. In addition, be sure to check your fuel injectors, filters, pressure regulators, and so on. Also, make sure to check for any wiring issues that may be causing the problem.
If you can’t track down the primary cause of the issue, you may need to take your vehicle to a local dealership for further diagnosis.
4 – Transmission Failure
From 2004 to 2011, transmission failure was another common problem Ford Expedition owners faced. So if you own one these model years, you should be able to identify this issue by a lack of power, grinding noises from the transmission, and difficulty shifting gears.
The cause of this issue is usually due to worn or damaged components in the transmission system. This can include shift solenoids, clutches, and sensors. This problem affects all model years of the Expedition, though it is most common in early models.
How to Fix
To fix this issue, you must start by replacing any faulty or worn components in the transmission system. It is also important to inspect other related parts, such as the clutch assembly, flywheel, and axle seals to determine the cause of your transmission problems.
In addition, you may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic for further diagnosis if the issue persists.
5 – Air Conditioning Malfunctions
Yet another common problem with the Ford Expedition is air conditioning malfunctions. This problem pops up as the A/C fan changes speeds. The system can also stop blowing cold air anymore. The cause of this issue usually lies with the control unit. It’s present in 2008 to 2016 model years of the Ford Expedition.
How to Fix
There is a silver lining here, and that’s the fact that this issue is a quick and easy one. Located behind the glove box is the control unit. In just a matter of minutes, you can swap out your faulty control unit with a new one. If this doesn’t fix the issue, however, then it’s likely another faulty A/C component. Or, it could be a leak in the system.
6 – Paint Problems
The Ford Expedition is known for having paint problems throughout the entire vehicle, and it’s plagued Expedition owners over the years. The most common symptom is fading or peeling paint that’s caused by exposure to the sun and other weather conditions. This problem usually occurs in older model years of the Ford Expedition from 2004 to 2011.
How to Fix
Painting over your vehicle can be a long and costly process. The best way to fix this problem is to use a paint sealant, which can protect your vehicle from the elements and keep it looking like new for longer. Additionally, you may want to look into investing in a good car cover or just park the car inside a covered garage, as this can help reduce UV exposure and extend the life of your vehicle’s paint.
Knowing Which Years to Avoid
Now that you know the common Ford Expedition problems that owners face, you can make an informed decision when choosing which year and model to buy.
While Ford vehicles like the Expedition are generally reliable, it’s always wise to take the time to do your research and be aware of any potential issues that could arise later on down the line. This way, you’ll know which years and models to avoid, ultimately helping you invest in the right used Ford Expedition.
