Ford Expedition Reliability and Common Problems

If you’re looking for an SUV with large cabin space and innovative features, you can never go wrong with a Ford Expedition. Aside from being one of the top contenders in its segment, the Ford Expedition also has great resale value—depreciating only 51% in five years according to CarEdge.com.

Are Ford Expeditions Reliable?

J.D. Power gave the 2021 Ford Expedition a quality and reliability rating of 97/100. RepairPal, on the other hand, gave the Ford Expedition a reliability score of 3 out of 5, ranking it 7th out of 14 full-size SUVs.

Top Ford Expedition Common Problems

Although the Ford Expedition is a reliable SUV, it doesn’t come without problems. Here are the most widely reported Ford Expedition issues for different model years:

Electrical Issues

Included in the list of the 2016 Ford Expedition’s common problems are electrical problems concerning the model’s remote start feature. Other complaints involve burnt wiring, malfunctioning heated seats, power liftgate problems, and touchscreen display issues.

Blower Motor Only Works on High

Several 2007-2016 Ford Expedition models equipped with manual temperature and fan controls may experience blower motor problems. The blower motor on the affected units may only work on certain settings (commonly on the highest setting).

In most cases, a faulty blower motor resistor is the culprit behind this issue. Replacing the resistor is a common fix for this problem.

Spark Plug Ejection

A common complaint among many owners of 2003 Ford Explorer involves the vehicle’s spark plugs. According to reports, the V8 engine spark plug/s on the affected units may eject from the cylinder head after an average of 133,300 miles.

Drivers report hearing loud popping noises from under the hood, prompting them to stop their vehicle and inspect their engine. Upon inspection, owners found that one of their Expedition’s spark plugs was disconnected from the head.

According to RepairPal, this problem also affects many units belonging to the 1997-2007 model years. Ford has issued several TSBs for this problem.  According to reports, the threads on these vehicles’ cylinder heads are the cause of the problem because they were too short or soft to handle the pressure from engine combustion. The cylinder head of the affected models must be repaired to solve this issue.

Ignition Coil Failure

Still related to spark plugs, several Ford Expedition vehicles from different model years have to deal with ignition coil failure due to excessive spark plug gap. This issue affects some units from the 1997-2011 model years. The check engine light typically illuminates once the engine detects an issue with your ignition coils. Repairs may include replacing the bad ignition coil/s, spark plugs, and coil boots.

Air Suspension Failure

The list of 2000 Ford Expedition common problems includes issues with the vehicle’s air suspension. Although there were only a few complaints for this model year, it is worth noting that air suspension repairs can cost up to $1,500.

One owner reports hearing air rushing from the canister as the back end of their Expedition started to drop. Others say their vehicles felt bumpy and uncontrollable after the same incident.

Owners of affected units may need to replace faulty suspension components to solve the issue. Some experts suggest converting the air suspension to a regular one using conversion kits. Make sure to consult your trusted mechanic before attempting any repairs.

EGR Sensor Issues

Some 1997-2007, 2012, and 2017 Ford Expedition units suffer from rough idling caused by a sticking engine gas recirculation (EGR) sensor. When this happens, your EGR valve may remain partially open and affect your ride’s fuel economy.

If this symptom is accompanied by an illuminated check engine light, it’s best to go to a nearby auto repair shop for proper inspection. Both EGR sensor and valve may need to be replaced to solve the issue.

Cracked PCV Hose

A cracked positive crankcase ventilation  (PCV) hose may also cause issues like rough idling, whistling noises, and reduced gas mileage. A damaged PCV causes a vacuum leak, which may result in engine crankcase pressure issues.

Several Ford Expedition units from 1997-2004 are affected by this issue. To fix the problem, you’ll have to replace your ride’s PCV hose with a new one.

Now that you know the potential problems you may encounter with a Ford Expedition, choosing the right model year to purchase may be a little bit easier. Just remember that the best way to get the most mileage out of your Ford Expedition is to stay on top of its repair and maintenance.

Where to Get Auto Parts and Accessories for Your Ford Expedition

While it’s one of the most reliable full-size SUVs, the Ford Expedition can still develop issues as it racks up mileage. When problems like the ones mentioned above arise, don’t think twice about addressing them to keep your SUV in great shape. The great news is that finding high-quality replacement parts only takes a few clicks here at CarParts.com.

Find exactly what you need in minutes using our vehicle selector and search filters. You can place your order using our website or dial our toll-free hotline for further assistance. Our customer service representatives will give you all the help you need to find what you’re looking for.

Order your replacement part now, and we’ll deliver your product straight to your doorstep in as fast as two business days. In the unlikely event you get an incorrect part, we have a return policy. Simply file a claim through our returns center, and we’ll issue you a full refund.

Check out our catalog and take advantage of the best deals on Ford Expedition parts today!