8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,640
Average Mileage:
96,100 miles
Total Complaints:
19 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. ford needs to take responsibilty and issue a recall (10 reports)
  2. not sure (9 reports)
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problem #19

May 012016

Expedition XLS Sport 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

My Expedition sat for a year, thinking the transmission was done. It turned out to be the spark plugs. My mechanic at the time refused to change them, claiming they would break inside head. Finally found tech that would fix it. Done.

Next pain in the ass: since I drove vehicle with bad plugs, the left side cat convertor crapped out. $1200 for dealer-only part. (sticking middle finger in air) Ford sucks!

Now, six months later, right side cat convertor is making check engine light go on. Another $1200?! Hope not. I'm planning on trading this POS in for something else.

- Dave S., Cathedral City, CA, US

problem #18

Nov 052015

Expedition EX 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

I would just like to be re-reimbursed for the spark plugs. This is a flaw in design. The work was done by my local Firestone on base. I am in the military. I have the receipt. On a separate note, the rear differential also had to be replaced on the same day...total bill was about $1800.00 not including rental vehicle.

V/R LtCol Drake USMC

- jasoncdrake, Camp Lejeune, NC, US

problem #17

Mar 012014

Expedition XLT 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Apparently it takes a special tool and person to change the spark plugs. I have been quoted a min of $400 up to $800 in order to change out 8 plugs at $9 a piece. They tend to break off easily causing it to take longer to change out and racking up the bill.

- nlhagen, Turtle Lake, ND, US

problem #16

Oct 082010

Expedition 5.4L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Had to replace spark plugs that were broken off back in 2010, and guess what, it's headed to the shop Friday for the same issue!!!

- Jen H., Sandwich, IL, US

problem #15

Mar 012014

Expedition Eddie Bauer 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,992 miles

Took the shop all day and two broke off and required a lot more work.

- Jared B., Kingville, Ontario, canada

problem #14

Nov 072013

Expedition

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

2006 ford expedition miss fire and hesitate while going down the highway and then the engine light came on. Took it to the dealer (layton, Utah) that stated I had a bad coil and plug on #5 and #2. $400.00 to fix and advised that this will be only a TEMPORARY fix until all 8 is replaced.

sure enough 1 week later same issues. Take it back in #399.00 Tune up. to Fix and replace all 8 plugs. Get a call from the dealer stating that the #2 #5 plug broke off $60 each to replace. Final bill of $400.00 first appointment + 640.00 Second appointment = $1040.00 plus tax. So over all my Local Ford dealer (Layton, Utah) is making allot of money on repair issues '04, '05, '06 model Expeditions. I don't blame the dealer its just what they have to deal with. I've owned Taurus, F150 crew-cab, and Expedition. This experience hasn't been good and sick of making excuses for FORD. Ford has lost my business for known issues that should have been a recall.

- Boo Y., Layton, UT, US

problem #13

Mar 152012

Expedition XL 5.4L Triton

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

I could feel the engine on my 2006 ford expedition miss and hesitate while going down the highway and then the engine light came on. Took it to the dealer that stated I had a bad coil and plug and should go ahead and replace all eight at an estimated $1000. Get a call from the dealer stating that the #3 plug broke off in the head and none of their extraction tools will remove it. They say the head will have to be removed and possibly replaced and could cost up to $4500 dollars!!!! I picked my jaw up off the floor and went and complained to the service manager. He said he can get ford to help with the repair (which they initially rejected) and after 8 days and a final bill of $1193. Found out that the metal from the spark plug had actually bonded with the metal of the head so the head did have to be replaced!!! My vehicle regularly maintained and always on schedule. There was no reason for this to happen outside of lousy engineering and design. Stay away from '04, '05, '06 model Expeditions, they all have this issue.

- shawn m., Boerne, TX, US

problem #12

Jun 072013

Expedition

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

I to have a 2006 expedition with a lot of problems, 3rd alternator has been installed, transmission has been rebuilt, and then taken back to get rebuilt, motor was replaced under warranty, navigation system not working properly, etc., etc. We were also FORD lovers. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER again.

Now I also have the misfire in cylinder 4 and was told how expensive it was, my husband and son work on our other vehicles with no problem, but both refuse to tackle this spark plug job.

COME ON FORD, STAND BEHIND YOUR DESIGN AND RECALL THIS SPARK PLUG ISSUE, IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CUSTOMER.

- kgliatas, Powell, OH, US

problem #11

Mar 222013

Expedition

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I took my 2006 Ford Expedition to the repair shop last week. My check engine light was on and it was misfiring when I'd ease-off on the gas. The mechanic read the diagnostic--"random misfire" and "misfire no. 6". I agreed to $100 for additional testing after which the mechaic recommended new spark plugs for $500. I thought this was too high, so I paid the $100 and picked up my vehicle with the idea of finding a better price or replacing the spark plugs myself. Now that I have read all of the on-line complaints, I have decided not to risk the repair (some of the other complaints involved repairs with broken spark plugs that increased the cost to over $1,000). For now I will live with the random misfire (sometimes I don't notice it), and I will hope for a recall. This is definitely my last Ford!

- don.clark, Bakersfield, CA, US

problem #10

Nov 152012

Expedition Limited V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

My Expedition began having problems about a month ago. Husband decided to change spark plugs. He bought 8 for about $130, spark plugs? really? Anyway, it broke. Went back to parts house, and bought the expensive wrench to get it out. 3 hours later the one spark plug that was problematic is finally changed. He returned the other 7 saying it is too much of a pain in the butt to mess with the others. A month later, different cylinder having problems, so we sucked it up, took it to the best mechanic we know. They broke the plugs getting them out, but the position of the back cylinders make it impossible to remove the broken ones (even with the expensive dumb wrench). The heads have to come off. This is ridiculous! Why would you manufacture something engineered so poorly, and not stand behind your design flaw. Shame on you Ford. Issue a dang recall!!!!

- bbentleytx, Helotes, TX, US

problem #9

Jun 012012

Expedition Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,099 miles

FORD SHOULD PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS FOR IT'S LOYAL CONSUMERS.

THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE AND THE DESIGN OF THE SPARK PLUGS IS THEIR ERROR, NOT THE CONSUMERS. IT IS AN AWFUL EXPENSE FOR SOMETHING THAT IS THE LEAST AMOUNT FOR REPAIR IN ANY OTHER FORD MODEL (HENCE WHY THEY STOPPED DESIGNING THE ENGINES/SPARK PLUGS THIS WAY)

COMPLAIN TO CORPORATE AND GET YOUR MONEY BACK.

I WILL SEEK RESOLUTION THROUGH LITIGATION IF NECESSARY.

- dianaon, Wood, ON, canada

problem #8

Feb 192012

Expedition XLT 5.4L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,443 miles

I am not a mechanic but have always done the simple things like change plugs, oil change, etc. When i went to replace spark plugs in my ford expedition the thread part broke off and came out but not the plug itself. I found out through a mechanic shop and automotive store that I needed a special tool designed for this specific problem or take it to a mechanic where it could be very expensive. My understanding is that there is a design issue and the plugs get stuck. I can't believe Ford does not take responsibility for this. Replacing plugs should not be a costly thing to do. I have always been a Ford person but i will really think twice because of this.

- Robert H., Canyon Lake, TX, US

problem #7

Nov 012011

Expedition 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles

Time for a tune up. Took my 2006 Expedition in and immediately my mechanic called me to come take a look at the first plug he tried to remove. Three (3) weeks $ $1300 dollars later, he finally got them all out and replaced. I am still in shock over the time and the money that I am out because of this problem that Ford should be responsible. I'm struggling to keep up the payments after re-financing this vehicle. With no job, it is very difficult to maintain. I've owned four other Expeditions, 1 Explorer, 1 Mustang, 1 Maverick, etc. As you can see, I've been a Ford Woman all my driving life. My Dad was a Ford Man. I know now that if I can get anyone to finance a vehicle for me, it will not be a Ford unless Ford Motor Company helps me out with this situation. It is ridiculous that with all the money that Ford has, why can't they recall this problem and help the consumers out.I believe that there is a God and He will soften the Hearts of Rosemary O'Malley and/or Lynne Buckman and get in touch with me so that we can work something out. I am anxiously awaiting a response so that perhaps I can pick up my vehicle from the mechanic and make sure he will be reimbursed for his services.

- livingstonm, Longs, SC, US

problem #6

Sep 182011

Expedition XLT 5.4L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,017 miles

I will never purchase another FORD vehicle ever!!! On September 18th 2011 I drove my 2006 ford expedition to maroone of Miami on 57ave and the 826 for a tune up. The agreed price was $700. I received a call a day later informing me that a ford trained and certified mechanic broke 5 of my spark plug while attempting to take them out. I blasted the service adviser for not calling me after the 1st plug broke. I was basically forced to pay an additional $475 to complete the job and get my vehicle back. Another 2days pass and then I got another call from my ford service adviser informing me that another plug broke bring the total to 6 spark plugs and the cost was an additional $2880 because bits and pieces fell into the headers. My grand total for getting my vehicle back was $4055. I told the service adviser that no way in hell was I going to pay for something their mechanic did.it. Its been over 2 months and I am still waiting to get my truck. Ford motor company refuses to help, they call it routine maintenance. This is a known fact of this particular year 2006 vehicle spark plugs breaking off in the engine. Ford you need to issue a recall.

- Chris G., Miramar, FL, US

problem #5

Oct 072011

Expedition XLT 5.4L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

click to see larger images

difficulties in changing spark plugs difficulties in changing spark plugs difficulties in changing spark plugs

Well, I decided to do a tune up on my wife's 2006 Ford Expedition because when I drove it on the freeway it felt like it was operating on only 7 cylinders. I started the project and BAM! I pulled off the first plug and only got half of it. The rest of it was stuck in the head. Ok, maybe this was a fluke or something. Surely the others would not have this problem right? This is a Ford right? "Built Ford Tough" right? WRONG!!!! When I got to the fourth plug, It easily loosened but would not come out for anything. It was like it was stuck or frozen to the head. When I got to the sixth plug, I pulled it out and only got the thread portion. The rest of the sixth plug was also frozen to the head!!!

This is just not right. Spark plugs are meant to be changed!! How can a customer change out his spark plugs if you make a product like this??? Thanks FORD...."Built Tough"....really?

I can't afford to pay a shop to take off the heads. People are trying to survive in this Great Country. At least make a truck that can get us to work and back.

- viconrad, Long Beach, CA, US

problem #4

May 122011

Expedition LX 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

Ford Expedition 2006 went in for a tune up..You know normal stuff change oil, plugs, filters, 98 thousand miles. WOW!! I thought it was a simple task. Boy was I wrong. All went well until they tried to take out the plugs. Triton motor 5.4...5 of the 8 plugs broke so we looked it up. Guess what Ford has a special tool just for this. Great right. No way tool was $170.00. Not like I had a choice. Went out bought the tool for the shop. While trying to take the first plug out, tool breaks....AHHHH no way I'm thinking. Now what? Of course to make matters worse the broken parts fall down inside the heads. So now they have to take the heads apart to fix it. 1200.00 dollars and two weeks later. I'm still waiting on my car. Good news is the manufacture replaced the tool (which I don't need now) and I wasn't paying for labor. I will never buy another Ford..... not ever! I was doing a tune up to go on a trip with my boys. After spending all this money I can't afford it now. Breaks my heart to have to disappoint them.Thanks a lot Ford....

- vickyg, Rosharon, TX, US

problem #3

May 082011

Expedition

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

2006 ford expedition. I was going to change spark plugs since in 3 weeks I was taking kids on vacation to Florida. And with gas prices as they are, hoping to help mileage. Well 1st spark plug broke off at electrod. have already read after logging on this how common this is. FORD needs to stand by its motor craft parts for the inconvenience this has caused. I will not buy another ford if they do not stand by their product. Will find out and will update. After what i read should be a recall on this. Government may need to step in. Toyota stood by their brake acceleration issue. starting to be a better way to go - at least they step up instead of stepping down.

- Faron L., Sherman, TX, US

problem #2

Apr 252011

Expedition

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,500 miles

I got a tune-up today at Dick Edwards Ford in Junction City, KS. I was told that the mechanic had difficulty in removing the sparkplugs & they broke. They had to extract them, whatever that means. For 5 spark plugs, they charged me $50 for each spark plug ($250.00). The total tune up cost me $751.00, spark plugs, oil change, wiper blades, labor parts and shop fees (what is that???)

- Kimberly C., Fort Riley, KS, US

problem #1

Aug 012010

Expedition LX 5.1L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

I went to ford dealer to have my spark plugs changed and the mechanics told me that they do not guarantee the changing of the spark plugs because of the type of engine my car has. i was told that they might damage something else in the engine because of how this engine was built. what kind of crap is this. Ford builds an engine which you can't change the spark plugs because something else can get damage...they just told me that it was my choice whether to just keep riding my car like that until it blew out or they could go ahead and try but if something else broke I would have to pay for it. I have the extended warranty in this vehicle. so I asked if my egine blows up then my warranty has to kick in. they have no clue of what to do. all they do is steal your money......

- Haychel L., Miami, FL, US