#3 spark plug blew out at 67,000 miles. Original plugs from manufacture with all factory parts. Spoke with several Ford mechanics and others who have extensive work on this problem. Ford acknowledges no design errors. I found online that this has happened to several Ford owners with the 5.4 L V8 and the V10 engine and on occasion with 4.6L V8. This appears to me to be a design flaw that Ford should have recalled.

- Roseville, CA, USA

Engine idling louder than normal. Needed a valve asy-idle air control. I know 3 people that had the same problem with their Expedition and they had the work done in the last 3 weeks.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

Frankly, I need your advice on a matter of great concern I bought a 1999 Ford Expedition from waldorf Ford in Oct 2002. Recently I had a break down; I had three spark plugs blow-out, yesterday I was told that three cylinders are gone due from the damage of the spark plugs. The assistant team mgr said it would cost $6000 to get a new engine or get a new vehicle; I couldn't believe my ears. These trucks are lemons and I believe itS time that Ford take responsibility for their actions and recalls these engine. I guess they are waiting for someone to get killed. My truck lost power in the middle of rush hour and I was nearly rear ended. Other noted problems: The emergency brake cable stays on, the engine light stays on while driving and the brakes pads and shoes are worn out at a higher rate.

- Waldorf, MD, USA

Approximately 2 weeks ago, I noticed a burning smell/oil leak in my 1999 Expedition. I promptly took it in to my mechanic to be diagnosed. It was determined that it had a leaking head gasket (this engine has only 46,000 miles on it, and the vehicle has been extremely well maintained). I spent many hours on the phone with Ford, but was told they would not help. Feeling stuck, I went ahead and authorized my mechanic to go ahead and fix the head gasket at our expense (of nearly $2000)! unfortunately, this nightmare only got worse! yesterday, my mechanic informed me that while tearing down the engine to get to the head gasket, he determined that the timing chain has worn clear into the guides/tensioners. He (and 2 other qualified mechanics) have stated that there is no explanation for this other than defective manufacturing. There is nothing I could have done to have caused this. The cost to repair this problem would be an additional $1500, now putting my total at nearly $3500! both the mechanic and I spent much of yesterday on the telephone (yet again) with Ford, but they are still refusing to take any responsibility for these faulty engines! it sickens me that they can charge $40,000 for a vehicle, then not be made to stand behind them! I have been absolutely amazed at how many other reports I am reading (here and elsewhere) about this very same problem occurring with the head gaskets. Why hasn't Ford been required to fix this problem? this Expedition was my "dream" car that I saved 2 years to buy. I cannot even begin to tell you how much that dream car has turned into a nightmare!! please make Ford take responsibility for these defective engines!!

- San Jose, CA, USA

Right cylinder head warped, required replacement, Ford and dealer refused to cover.

- Lone Tree, CO, USA

While driving my 1999 Ford Expedition 5.4L on the interstate at 55 mph, a heard a noise which at first felt like something caught in the fan, but was alter determined that a spark plug #2 passenger side had blown out and broken off the coil causing contact with the 2 fuel rail. I have discovered that this is a common problem amongst Ford Triton engine owners and the aluminum head is inadequate in keeping the spark plugs intact after 50, 00 miles or so due to a design defect. As I understand it, Ford has re-designed the head on newer models, but has not issued a recall for this defect. I feel that a recall is necessary because the coil can damage the fuel line and that could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

- Aurora, CO, USA

1999 Ford Expedition, V8 Triton 4.6 liter engine with 68,700 miles has oil leak. Inspection at dealership determined head gaskets need replacing with estimated cost of $1200 to $1500. This vehicle was purchased new and maintaince was maintained according to schedule. A vehicle requiring this type investment should not require repairs of this type at 68,000 miles. A recall for this problem would be appropriate.

- Burlington, NC, USA

Continuing oil leak on a 1999 Ford Expedition from the head gasket. Head gasket replaced at 14,000 miles under warranty and now it is leaking again at 37,000 miles. Ford must perform a recall on this problem.

- Port Jefferson Station, NY, USA

Fire hazard! manufacturers defect causes head gasket failure resulting in severe pressurized oil leak onto hot exhaust manifold, creating a dangerous fire hazard.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

Engine head gasket leaks oil badly. This vehicle had been to dealer twice for replacement of the engine head gasket and it needs replacement again.

- Norwood, NC, USA

Engine problems, I purchased a 1999 Ford Expedition 4X4 used Dec. 21 2002, in Feb 2003 I had to take it back to the dealer for a head gasket problem, had to have that repaired, after that was repaired while still in the shop the mechanic couldn't get it to run smooth. I was told that it was missing and was barely running, it would hardly take off and once you got rolling it would spit and sputter and cut off while driving down the road. I finally got it back 2 weeks later, when I asked what the problem was I was given the response, we don't know we just replaced parts until it was running smooth" what kind of answer was that? now here it is Aug 2003 and the engine is knocking! I took it straight to the dealer and they said yep sounds like you've got either a bad bearing or some kind of rod was bad???? hello???? then I was told to bring in back in a few days that they couldnt inspect it completely at the moment. Then I was told not to be driving it, ok how do I get it home if I cant drive it? how do I get it back in a few days if I cant drive it? I paid a lot of money for this piece of junk, why should I pay $20,000 for a vehicle and have to pay another $5,000 in 6 months just to be able to drive it again? whats up with Ford? are they so hard up for money that they have to shaft their customers" way to go Ford!! keep up the shafty work we all (customers) like to pay $20,000 + for a hunk of junk that we have to keep putting money into. I cant believe im paying payments on a vehicle that I cant even drive, that really sucks. To bad there isn't anybody that can make Ford do something about those bad motors and all the other problems they are having, yes I work everyday to pay for this lemon vehicle and whats even worse is that I have to bum a ride to work, now thats sad with a nice expensive vehicle sitting in my garage.

- Fort Hood, TX, USA

While driving, the engine made a loud the noise, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the consumer was informed the engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $5000. Vehicle was taken to the dealer who learned the failure was the result of a "scored cylinder." Consumer was advised Ford would pay for a portion of the repair. Consumer felt that since the vehicle was routinely maintained, Ford should cover the entire portion. Consumer was told the offer was non-negotiable.

- Poland, OH, USA

Oil leak from head gasket at about 35,000 miles. Oil leak from head gasket at about 75,000 miles.

- Spring Valley, CA, USA

The engine light illuminated on the dashboard, and remained on throughout the entire drive.

- New Braunfels, TX, USA

Triton V8 5.4L with 90,000 miles spark plug pulled out and destroyed the cylinder head. I was told by 2 mechanics that this was caused by poor design. There are only 3 threads holding in the spark plug. Ford has also updated this particular cylinder head but has not recalled it.

- Littleton, CO, USA

I have a 1999 Ford Expedition that has a faulty right side cylinder head. Oil leaks onto the exhaust which is a potential fire hazard. Through my own research I have found out that this is a common problem (oil leak from the right side head) with this vehicle. There are thousands of complaints that I have found on the internet. Ford refuses to acknowledge the problem with the consumer but has sent out technical support information to their mechanics on how to fix it. To me that's an acknowledgment that a problem exists. If my vehicle was still under warranty they would fix it (which to me is another acknowledgement to this problem) but since it's not they won't back it up. Repairs would cost me aprox $ 2,000. Through my research I have found that this problem has existed since these vehicle were new, back in 1999. I bought the vehicle with aprox 40K miles on it and today I have aprox 75K miles on it. I noticed a burning smell shortly after I purchased it but only recently did I realize what the problem was. I had an oil change done by an ex Ford mechanic and he admitted that the Expedition is known for this oil leak but Ford won't do anything about it.

- Mauston, WI, USA

Head warped on engine.008". warp beyond repair tolerance thereby requiring a complete rebuild with new heads or new engine. Ford refused to offer any help with this even though this happened at only 75,000 miles. Engine shows evidence of head gasket seepage over a long period of time. In service manager's opinion "only a head gasket failure could cause this type of failure." This 5.4L V8 is renowned for head gasket failure. According to Ford's own admission this is a manufacturing defect and therefore this motor has had this problem from day 1 of the manufacturer's warranty. 6 months prior to this failure this had had a broken valve spring. These heads are also renowned for blowing spark plugs right of the head.

- Hudson, NC, USA

I just purchased the 1999 Expedition 4.6L XLT on March 4, 2003. The vehicle has approximately 38,000 miles on it, and I have only put about 500 on it since the date of purchase. I bought the vehicle in Virginia and needed a Maryland inspection. Upon the inspection, the mechanic noticed a leak around the engine. He did not investigate the issue, since it is not an inspection item. I am afraid that with all the other complaints about the right side head gasket, that this is in fact the problem. Will my limited power train warranty that the dealership gave me cover this cost. I think it is a complete shame that Ford has knowledge of this recurring problem but does not offer a solution. If there are any programs that Ford is offering, I would like to here about them.

- Frederick, MD, USA

Engine oil leak, right side cylinder head leaking oil.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

We just bought a 1999 Ford Expedition with 35000 miles. We have driven it for 5000 miles and now it needs a new right head gasket. I've read many complaints about the same problem. Any answers?

- Harbor Springs, MI, USA