10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 4
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 24,145 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
My 1999 Ford Expedition had a spark plug blow out. The vehicle has approximately 60,000 miles.
- Pocatello, ID, USA
Engine spark plug blow out at 80,000 miles on engine. Engine had 40,000 on it from new and was consuming oil due to the right head leaking oil. Ford replaced the head gasket. The gasket did not solve the problem so a new motor was installed. Now at 120,000 (80,000 on the motor) after the spark plugs were changed, a plug blew out of the head. A helicoil was installed after the plug blow out but that also failed. Rebuilt head is being installed. Feel this is a Ford problem on this spark plug blow out. The 5.4L head is not manufactured to withstand the horsepower.
- Harlan, IA, USA
My '99 Ford Expedition 5.4L engine blew out a spark plug. Current mileage is 64,400 miles.
- Sun Prairie, WI, USA
Upon start up my 1999 Ford Expedition blew a spark plug out of the engine block. Ford refused to admit that there is a problem. Repair is approximately$4000. Numerous complaints at Consumer Affairs attest to this problem.
- Cheektowaga, NY, USA
While driving on the highway with my family my 6 year old Ford Expedition blew a spark plug right out of the head. It has come to my attention that this is an on going problem with this vehicle. We had been driving for about 5 hours coming home from a family vacation when this occurred in New Jersey. We were lucky in this case because we were able to make it across the highway and off the road. The problem completely destroyed the head on the left side of the engine and the vehicle was unusable for over two weeks while the local Ford dealer worked on the problem. That head had to be replaced as well as many other parts associated with this problem. The dealer stated that this could happen again with the head on the right side. Between the repairs to the engine and the rental car for the time of repair, this was a very expensive (5000 $) problem. Which I stated earlier appears to be an ongoing problem with this motor.
- Coventry, RI, USA
One spark plug on my 1999 Ford Expedition exploded and burst through the head of the engine. My wife was picking up my child at school. She parked the vehicle, shut it off and minutes later returned. As she was starting the Expedition both her and my daughter heard a very large explosion from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle continued to run and a constant popping sound could be heard. She immediately shut off the engine and noticed a very strong gas/exhaust type smell. She called me and I arrived to check the vehicle out. I inspected all the fluid levels and fuses and they were fine. I briefly started the engine with the hood open to help narrow the location of the sound. The sound was coming from the top of the engine on the passenger side. I started inspecting this area and found that the third spark plug from the front of the engine on the passenger side had been completely blown out of the head of the engine. It is very fortunate that this occurred in a parking lot. My wife and daughter were both very startled by the loud explosion and I can only imagine what would have happened if this had occurred on the road at a high rate of speed. I believe that an accident would have resulted. I have since done some research on this particular issue and have learned that this has happened on numerous occasions on Ford vehicles and has been brought to the attention of the NHTSA. I would like to file this complaint and find out what the NHTSA is doing about this specific issue. The design issue with this particular spark plug/engine head combination is well known in automotive circles. What is the NHTSA doing about this issue. Thank you for taking the time to hear my concerns, and to reiterate I believe that there would have been an accident if this event had happened on the road at any rate of high speed.
- Carlsbad, CA, USA
1999 Ford Expedition 5.4L 4WD driving down road and spark plug shot out of the head. Causing a loud popping noise and bad idle. Replaced sparkplug and had heli-coil installed. Two weeks later, another spark plug shot out of the other side of the head.
- Yuma, AZ, USA
1999 Ford Expedition with 5.4 Triton V8. Spark plug is ejected from the aluminum cylindar head. Immediately upon the plug being "blown" from the position on the head I could smell fuel and the engine began to violently make a loud "popping" sound. I have found numerous complaints on the web regarding this but cannot find any resolution measures. Bought the truck used with 85K miles but I have read other complaints where the plugs blow out at much lower mileage. Had to have it towed because I was advised by the dealer that, "it wouldn't be a good idea to drive it if you smell fuel." I had the service rep tell me that, "this is pretty common in our lighting models with the V10, but not with our V8 models." He also tells me that the plugs were too short for the engine but I checked with the mechanic that changed my plugs and he says that he put the replacement spec plugs that Ford recommended. Links to other sites related to this: www.F150online.com/forums/showthread.php?S=&threadid=103042 I know these are not filed complaints with the NHTSA but this is a serious issue. When I took it into the Ford dealership at dobb's Ford, 7925 hwy 64, memphis, tn 38133-4007, they told me originally it would be $2600. I was almost set to have it done then he tells me that labor was not included in that price and the total price would be $3800.
- Oakland, TN, USA
Spark plug (believe it was #4) blew out of the cylinder head. 66K miles. These were original plugs, so not attributable to faulty mechanic. Head re-threaded, new plug inserted.
- Westport, CT, USA
While driving to myrtle beach I heard a loud bang under the hood.I had the truck towed to a Ford dealer where they told me the spark plug blew out of the cylinder head.I have read many complaints about this issue on the internet. I feel this is a safety issue due to the strong smell of gasoline when this happens.Ford said they will do nothing and it will cost me $3600 to fix this. Who says even after replacing the head it wont happen again and again. I am disgusted with the whole thing. I think Ford should step up to the plate and fix this problem.
- Wilmington, DE, USA
Right side oil leak from head gasket.
- Gilbert, AZ, USA
I have a 1999 Ford Expedition 5.4L engine, while drivung the vehicle one of the spark plugs blew out. I contacted Ford motor about the problem and they said there is nothing they can do. After doing some research, I found that alot of people have complained about the same problem. Ford motor knows they have a problem with this engine but woun't admit it. I think it is a big safety problem and Ford sure realize it. If you could do anything for me and unknown amount of other people that purchased this piece of junk please email me thanks
- Wareham, MA, USA
1999 Ford Expedition - significant oil leak in the right head gasket. There is a current service bulletin for this problem.
- Sun Prairie, WI, USA
The owner noticed a burning smell entering the compartment. The right side of the engine has a cylinder failing causing a leakage of oil onto the exhaust system. The owner is aware that the manufacture has (3) technical service bulletins the indicate this type of failure.
- Jacksonville, FL, USA
Vehicle was purchased in 1999 new, all routine maintenance was performed on time and on schedule, vehicle was purchased with a facotry extended warranty to provide drivetrain coverage to 100,000 miles. Engine failure at 103,000. Warranty expired, manufature customer service reported so sorry. Buy new engine.
- Atlanta, GA, USA
No summary listed for above vehicle.
- Cypress, CA, USA
Unexplained fire. Car was parked and unattended at the time. No components were on or in operation. Nlm
- Newtown, PA, USA
Unexplained fire. Car was parked and unattended at the time. No components were on or in operation. Nlm
- Newtown, PA, USA
There is a low recurring beep when driving.
- Boise, ID, USA
- Cleveland, GA, USA