2000 Ford Expedition

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 890 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 11 times.

Avoid One of the Ford Expedition years to avoid: 3.3× the complaints of a typical Expedition year. Which Ford Expedition years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
91,000 milesMedian miles at failure

441 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.

Most common 2000 Ford Expedition problems

180 of the 890 complaints (20%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System131
0464
Tires89
212
Tires › Tread/Belt58
603
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control · throttle and acceleration51
1432
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine48
0220
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration47
3302
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine36
020
Visibility › Windshield24
000
Engine19
130
Unknown or Other18
151

2000 Ford Expedition electrical system problems

20% of all complaints

180 of the 890 complaints are about the electrical system. This is what owners describe:

  • leaks oil or fluid22% · 39
  • smokes or smells of burning12% · 22
  • will not start4% · 7
  • sets off warning lights on the dash3% · 6
  • drains the battery or stops charging3% · 6

Share of the 180 electrical system complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
95,000 mi
median of 131 reports
Peak year of filing
2005
44 electrical system complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
2 · 81 · 5
in these complaints
Recalls on the electrical system
None
“Summary: water leaked around the left side of windshield causing electrical failures, including but not limited to the starter, radio, windshield wipers, headlamps, etc. The water entering the vehicle wet the power distribution box (pdb) and the generic electronic module (gem). These components control various electrical systems in the vehicle.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 14, 2014 at 70,000 miles
“Driving normally during heavy rain wipers and radio went dead at highway speed and worked intermittently after that. After the rain stopped and car dried out wipers and radio worked normally again. Carpet on left side under fuse panel and gem module, both of which have already been replaced was wet. This is a safety concern as it is extremely difficult to see when the wipers stop working unexpectedly.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 1, 2014 at 86,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1999: 2 complaints, 1 about the electrical system'992000: 77 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2001: 77 complaints, 2 about the electrical system2002: 86 complaints, 2 about the electrical system2003: 90 complaints, 5 about the electrical system'032004: 87 complaints, 28 about the electrical system2005: 138 complaints, 44 about the electrical system2006: 47 complaints, 12 about the electrical system2007: 54 complaints, 16 about the electrical system'072008: 55 complaints, 15 about the electrical system2009: 40 complaints, 17 about the electrical system2010: 35 complaints, 8 about the electrical system2011: 21 complaints, 8 about the electrical system'112012: 18 complaints, 6 about the electrical system2013: 15 complaints, 5 about the electrical system2014: 15 complaints, 4 about the electrical system2015: 11 complaints, 1 about the electrical system'152016: 4 complaints, 1 about the electrical system2017: 3 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2018: 5 complaints, 2 about the electrical system2019: 2 complaints, 2 about the electrical system'192020: 2 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2021: 3 complaints, 1 about the electrical system2022: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2023: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'232024: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2025: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2026: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical systemRecall 00V073000 (trailer hitch)Recall 00V396000 (equipment)Recall 01X001000 (tires)Recall 01V258000 (visibility)Recall 02V239000 (equipment)Recall 03V094000 (body and frame)Recall 05V017000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 05V388000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 06E056000 (fuel system)Recall 06E060000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation PE04078
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2000 Expedition peaked in 2005, with 138 filed that year. No recall on file covers the electrical system, the subject of 20% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E067000
Filed Aug 1, 200619,413 vehiclesMaxzone Auto Parts Corporation

Defect. CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

Exterior Lighting06E060000
Filed Jun 29, 200687,745 vehiclesAai Motorsports USA, LLC

Defect. CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy. AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E056000
Filed Jun 13, 200658,640 vehiclesUfi Filters USA

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Risk. FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Vehicle Speed Control05V388000
Filed Sep 7, 20054,500,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control05V017000
Filed Jan 27, 2005738,490 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A FIRE. FIRES HAVE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE PARKED WITH THE IGNITION 'OFF.'

Remedy. AS AN INTERIM REPAIR, OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. AS SOON AS REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EARLY APRIL 2005), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A NEW SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V388 AND 06V286)

Structure03V094000
Filed Mar 7, 20033,674 vehiclesSouthern Comfort Conversions

Defect. CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

Risk. THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

Equipment › Other › Labels02V239000
Filed Sep 9, 200280,254 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. CERTAIN 4X2 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE REAR TIRE PRESSURE IS INCORRECTLY LISTED ON THE LABEL FOR 4.2 VEHICLES.

Risk. CUSTOMERS MAY INFLATE THEIR REAR TIRES BASED ON THE INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL.

Remedy. A SUPPLEMENTARY LABEL WILL BE SENT TO CUSTOMERS TO PLACE NEAR THE CERTIFICATION LABEL TO IDENTIFY THE APPROPRIATE REAR TIRE PRESSURE. THE CUSTOMER MAY ALSO HAVE THE DEALER INSTALL THE LABEL ON THE VEHICLE, IF THEY SO DESIRE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor01V258000
Filed Aug 8, 20011,083,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

Risk. LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Tires › Tread/Belt01X001000
Filed May 22, 200113,000,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

Risk. SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual00V396000
Filed Nov 28, 2000495,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS OF SEATING POSITIONS EQUIPPED WITH TETHER ANCHORAGES, AND DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THESE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE F150 SC OWNER GUIDES DO NOT PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE TAURUS/SABLE OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE CENTER REAR SEATING POSITION AS HAVING LATCH COMPATIBLE LOWER ANCHORAGES.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OWNER GUIDE INSERTS REVISED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES. CUSTOMERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED THAT IF THEY PREFER, THEIR DEALER WILL AFFIX THE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES.

Trailer Hitches00V073000
Filed Mar 7, 2000565,800 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS COULD LOSE THE CLAMP LOAD.

Risk. THE TRAILER HITCH COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES.

All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 5 name the 2000 Expedition.

WINDSHIELD LEAK CAUSES ELECTRIC FAILURESEngineering analysis EA05015Closed
Opened Oct 13, 2005Closed Dec 6, 2006electrical system

Consumers alleged that when it rained or snowed, water leaked into the vehicle around the windshield.moisture flowing through the seal that surrounds the front windshield follows a path through the seal into the generic electronic module (gem) and fuse box, and may cause the electrical components in the vehicle to malfunction.overall, the number of reports alleging wiper failures and lighting failures is relatively small.in reviewing a large sample of the 1503 complaints for windshield leaks, odi's analysis reveals that 0.04% of the total vehicle population reported improper windshield wiper …

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADDefect petition DP05005Closed
Opened Sep 22, 2005Closed Jan 4, 2006engine

On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 FORD vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in …

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE05033Closed
Opened Jun 15, 2005Closed Oct 13, 2005electrical system

Odi has received 39 reports alleging that water leaks around the windshield causing electrical failures, including but not limited to the windshield wipers and the headlamps.FORD reports that water entering the vehicle can wet the power distribution box (pdb) and the generic electronic module (gem).these components control various electrical systems in the vehicle.this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis, ea05015, to allow further investigation of the issue and to assess the nature of the potential safety consequence.

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIREPreliminary evaluation PE04078Closed
Opened Nov 19, 2004Closed Mar 22, 2005Led to recall 05V017000throttle and acceleration

In its letter dated january 27, 2005 to odi, FORD indicated that it would conduct a safety recall (NHTSA recall # 05v-017) to remedy an overheating speed control deactivation switch in approximately 738,490 subject vehicles.the vehicles affected by the recall are certain 2000 model year (my) FORD f150, FORD expedition and lincoln navigator equipped with speed control and certain 2001 model year f150 supercrew vehicles built through august 7, 2000.since opening pe04-078, odi has identified other reports of key off engine compartment fires in FORD vehicles with similar speed control …

WHEEL STUD AND NUTInvestigation SQ00016Closed
Opened Sep 15, 2000Closed Dec 6, 2001wheels

In december 1999, FORD issued technical service bulletin 99-26-3, entitled increased wheel nut and stud size-service tip,for 2000 model year expedition, navigator, and certain f-150 vehicles, built on or after november 27, 1999.these vehicles have increased wheel stud and nut diameters from 12mm to 14mm.the wheel nut torque was increased from 100 ft-lb. To 150 ft-lb., respectively.odi has received three reports of wheels separating from 2000 model year expedition vehicles, including two crashes.two additional reports allege broken studs and/or loose wheel nuts.loose wheel nuts can allow the …

Technical service bulletins

206 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2000 Expedition. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 33transmission 27equipment 22electrical system 19suspension 18visibility 16body and frame 13fuel system 8
0471Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 31, 2004electrical system

WARNING INDICATORS-PARKING AID-REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (RSS) AND FORWARD SENSING SYSTEM (FSS)-FALSE ACTIVATION OF WARNING TONE-SERVICE TIPS. *MJ UPDATE. *TT

04174Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 6, 2004electrical system

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT

17720Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2004electrical system

AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B1994/B1998 ON VEHICLES WITHOUT SIDE AIR BAGS. *TT

03181Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 15, 2003electrical system

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

16797Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2003electrical system

VEHICLES WITH KEYLESS ENTRY PAD MAY EXHIBIT DEAD BATTERY, NO START, INTERIOR LAMP/HEADLAMP SELF-ACTIVATION, OR INOPERATIVE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD. *TT

0245Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 4, 2002electrical system

INFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 19 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jul 2, 2026UT

On XXX my 2000 Ford Expedition caught on fire at around 2am. It had not been driven or turned on since XXX, and was sitting parked that whole time. It was parked in the parking lot of my apartment building, right outside of my unit. I was woken up by a loud pop which I believe was the tire exploding, and the flames were tall enough to see outside my second story bedroom window. My entire apartment building was evacuated by the fire department, and some doors were kicked in by them, including mine. After they put the fire out, the fire inspector looked for two hours to determine a cause and were only able to determine that the fire started under the hood, on the drivers side, close to the dashboard area. The vehicle was completely totaled in the fire, and my other car parked next to it was damaged from the fire as well, and the apartment building had a lot of damage from the fire and heat spreading to it. Multiple residents were displaced for a few days at the advice of the fire department, to let units air out from the carcinogenic fumes. The vehicle has been towed and signed over to AutoMoto Salvage yard. I was researching what could have started this fire and found this article where the NHTSA investigated over 600 spontaneous Ford vehicle fires including year 2000 Ford Expeditions, caused by cruise control deactivation switches, which are located in the same place under the hood that the fire department determined my fire originated. [XXX] My vehicle was not listed in any

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Dec 5, 2025TX

While driving smoke came from under my hood by the time i opened it was a full blown fire on the passenger side near the fuel injectors and spark plugs. we called 911 police and fire department came a nearby business owner loaned a fire extinguisher and we got the fire out. the fire men say it was caused by a spark plug that had came out caught spark with oil or gas it damaged hoses electrical and not sure what else yet.

Steering
Filed Sep 12, 2024315,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to prevent oversteering. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering shaft. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred because the aftermarket replacement part was too short. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 315,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 19, 2021300,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start-up. The contact attempted to jump start the vehicle with assistance, but he was not successful. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Feb 28, 202110,000 milesCA

MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION WAS PARKED AT MY JOB PARKING LOT FOR 3HRS, WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD NEAR THE MASTER CYLINDER, DRIVERS SIDE, NEAR THE FIREWALL. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BBB, AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, WHICH ALL ATTEMPTS WERE IGNORED.

Engine
Filed Feb 17, 2021100,000 milesCA

MY CAR SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY AS I'M DRIVING. I'VE HAD MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND SEE NOTHING WRONG. THERE ARE NO CODES COMING UP EITHER.

Air Bags
Filed May 16, 2020145,000 milesCA

ODOMETER BLANKS OUT NO DIGITAL READ OUT FOR MILEAGE, SEATS ARE TORN BADLY DON'T USE OR DRIVE THAT OFTEN 1 OR TWICE A WEEK IT HAS ONLY 145K MILES. NOW, THE AIR LINE HAS BEEN REPLACED AND IT LOW IN REAR WITH COMPRESSOR CAN'T FIND LEAK AND BELIEVE THE AIR BAGS WILL NEED REPLACED TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE ISSUE IS AND NO WARNING LIGHT THIS TIME ON DASH LIKE USUAL. *TR

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Feb 2, 2020195,000 milesOH

MY TRUCK HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE WITH NEW PARTS ON IT. I WENT TO MY FRIEND'S HOUSE WENT IN TO SWITCH MY LAUNDRY, LOOKED OUT HER WINDOW AND MY WAS ON FIRE!! TRUCK OFF AND KEYS WERE NOT IN IGNITION AND IT WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY UNDER A CARPORT. IT POSED NO PROBLEMS ON THE WAY OVER THERE, NO SMELLS, NO SOUNDS, NO NOTHING. AND THEN BAM! HOOD SHOOTING OUT FLAMES.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 15, 2019258,000 milesTX

MY EXPEDITION CAUGHT ON FIRE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AT LEAST 30 MINUTES AFTER DRIVING IT. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND A WATER HOSE, BUT THE PLASTIC PARTS WERE WERE MELTED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED AND I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL RELAY.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 14, 2019286,000 milesIN

I WAS DRIVING THE DOWN THE STREET GOING TO WAL-MART ON PENDLETON PIKE IN INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA THE CAR SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN. I SHIFTED IT BACK IN GEAR DROVE ON TO WAL-MART THEN TO WENT TO ALDIS. WHEN I CAME OUT OF ALDIS ALSO ON PENDLETON PIKE THE CAR WOULDN'T COME OUT OF PARK WITHOUT KEY BEING IN ACC POSITION FOOT ON BRAKE AND PLAYING WITH GEARSHIT FOR APPROX 15 MINS IT WAS LOCKED. THEN THE POWER WINDOWS ALSO WENT OUT IN THE SAME TIME THAT THIS ALL HAPPENED. NOW MY CAR WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR WITHOUT MESSING WITH GEARSHIFT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND MESSING WITH IGNITION SWITCH MUTIPLE TIMES BEFORE I CAN GET CAR INTO MOTION.

Service BrakesFire
Filed Mar 6, 2018201,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE, THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH UNDERNEATH THE HOOD THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WAS OFF AT THE TIME. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT, A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, STATED THAT THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID COMING OUT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 23, 2018280,000 milesAZ

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN MY EXPEDITION AND I WENT TO DISINGAGE MY CRUISE CONTROL AND MY ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF IT'S BEEN 4 WEEKS NOW AND I CAN'T GET ANYONE TO TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG. MY VEHICLE IS A NO CRANK NO START NOW

Electrical System
Filed Jan 10, 201818,000 milesTX

BATTERY WILL NOT KEPT A CHARGER HAVE TO TAKE OFF CABLE WHEN CUTTING THE TRUCK OFF. LIGHTS NOT WORKING IN BACK ,NO PICK UP SPEED

Electrical System
Filed Jan 10, 2018165,400 milesMI

TRIED TO START WITH KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OF. HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. THIS WOULD BE LIFE THREATENING IF HAPPENED IN A CLOSED GARAGE

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 5, 2018251,000 milesMN

THROTTLE FEELS LIKE ITS STICKING. THE BREAKS FEEL LIKE THEY GET HARDER THE LONGER YOU DRIVE OR USE THEM. ITS BEEN EXTREMELY COLD THE LAST FEW WEEKS (AIR TEMP OF -28F LOWS TO -3F FOR HIGHS). YOU LET OFF THE BREAK FROM A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT AND IT WILL SUDDENLY ACCERLERATE BY ITSELF. SEEMS TO HAPPEN ANYTIME AFTER 40MPH, EVEN IF YOU SLOW BACK DOWN TO 10-15MPH IT WILL ACCELERATE BACK UP ON ITS OWN, UP TO AS FAST AS 65MPH!) I NEED TO DOWNSHIFT AND RIDE BRAKES (WHICH ARE HARD AS A ROCK!!!) TO KEEP IT FROM EXCELLING THOUGH TOWN AND TO TRY TO KEEP THE RPMS AT BAY. WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND TURNING ITS HARD TO STEER AND IT MAKES JUMPY/JERKY MOVEMENTS FORWARD WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP THE RPMS SKYROCKET UNTIL YOU SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE. IF YOU HAVN'T GIVEN IT ENOUGH TIME BEFORE YOU START IT AGAIN, THE ENGINE AND RPMS SOAR UP AGAIN. THINGS WE'VE TRIED WITH NO LUCK ARE, DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL, REPLACING THE SPRING UNDER HOOD WHERE THE THROTTLE CABLE IS. THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS STRETCHED AND NOT DEPRESSING FULLY TO ALOW DECELERATION. AFTER THAT WE REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY ITSELF. AGAIN, NO LUCK ON TEST DRIVE. YOU CAN HEAR A CLICK/PING IN THE PEDAL AND SEE IT COME UP ONCE TRUCK IS IN PARK, GIVE IT TIME. PEDAL SEEMS TO BE PARTIALLY DEPRESSED AND THERE IS PLAY. HAVE TRIED TO STICK FOOT UNDER THE PEDAL TO TRY AND GET IT TO DISENGE. WORKED THE FIRST FEW TIMES THAT'S ALSO WHY THOUGHT IT WAS THE SPRING. NO LONGER WORKS TO DO THAT. CAN SEEM TO HEAR A DIFFERENC

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Nov 30, 2017193,000 milesCA

I HAVE OWNED A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION FOR APPROX. 3 YRS. AND ON NOV. 22, 2017 WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT AT MY WORK(APPROX. 3HRS) IT DECIDED TO LIGHT ITSELF ON FIRE! I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL AND AM EXTREMELY ANGRY AS I HAVE PUT OVER $10,000 WORTH OF UPGRADES TO THE VEHICLE. HAD I BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL I WOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF IT IMMEDIATELY. THE RECALL NUMBER IS 05V017000 AND FORD RECALL NUMBER IS 05S28. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THIS AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY RESPONSE. BEFORE I CONTACT AN ATTORNEY I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING THE NHTSA CAN DO TO HELP? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 19, 2017142,000 milesOR

TAKATA RECALL. IGNITION MECHANISM ON STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKED. CAN PUT KEY IN, BUT ABSOLUTELY CANNOT TURN IGNITION MECHANISM. STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED IN "PARK". THESE ARE SAFETY FEATURES AND WILL NOT UNLOCK UNTIL IGNITION IS TURNED. VEHICLE IS PARKED SO IT IS STATIONARY AND TURNED OFF.

Engine
Filed Mar 23, 2017IL

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED MY MECHANIC TOLD ME AND IT LEAKS ANTI

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Dec 15, 2016186,000 milesNC

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND I WAS ALERTED BY MY DOGS BARKING. I OPENED MY GARAGE DOOR TO SEE THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS SO INTENSE THAT EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD HAD MELTED.THE FIRE MARSHALS SAID THE ALTERNATOR CAUSE IT

Engine
Filed Nov 25, 2016261,752 milesTX

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 30MPH AND SUDDENLY MY ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IT THREW A ROD. MY HUSBAND LOOKED AT IT AND FOUND A SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE MOTOR. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 27, 2016100,000 milesMI

STARTS THEN STALLS WAS TOLD SECURITY SYSTEM PROBLEM CAN'T GET IT TO RUN NO MORE THAN 20 SECONDS

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 11, 2016141,000 milesOK

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A STORE PARKING LOT, NOT RUNNING/IGNITION OFF, AND IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE FIRE DAMAGED EVERYTHING IN THE UPPER PORTION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE HOOD, THE COWLING AND THE GRILL. PROBABLY NOT REPAIRABLE.

Engine
Filed Sep 24, 2015153,267 milesTX

#7 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT DESTROYING THE COIL ON PLUG WITH IT. ALL THE THREADS ARE STRIPPED OUT AND THERES NO WAY TO PUT A NEW PLUG IN IT. WAS LUCKY I DIDN'T HAVE AN ENGINE FIRE FROM FUEL VENTING OUT OF SPARK PLUG HOLE. THIS IS A TRITON 5.4L V8

Tires
Filed Sep 15, 201530,000 milesCT

THE TREAD IS SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE ON ALL FOUR TIRES. THERE IS ABOUT 30K ON THE TIRES WHICH HAVE A 70K MILE WARRANTY. THE SAME TIRE ALTHOUGH DIFFERENT SIZE ARE RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE.

EngineFire
Filed Aug 29, 2015150,000 milesPR

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AROUND 10:25 PM. VEHICLE WAS PARK AND COLD SINCE THE LAST TIME IT WAS USED WAS AROUND 1:00 PM THE SAME DAY. MY WIFE GOT HOME AND WAS PARKING HER CAR A SUDENLY SAW THE FORD EXPEDITION CACHING FIRE AND FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE ENGINGE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE IS TOTAL THERE ARE NO POSSIBILITY OF REPAIR.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 27, 2015155,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING THIS EXPEDITION I BEGAN NOTICING STRANGE INTERMITTANT ELECTRICAL BEHAVIOR LIKE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT WORKING, RADIO TURNING OFF, WINDSHIELD WASH LIGHT BLINKING, AND 4X4 LIGHT BLINKING. SEVERAL TIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT I'D NOTICE THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME ON ON THEIR OWN. ALSO THE AIR RIDE WOULD TURN ON AND OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS OFF, AND THE HEATER FAN WOULD ALSO COME ON. THIS WOULD KILL THE BATTERY. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE 4X4 WOULD TURN ON IN THE LOW GEAR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE STARTER WOULD TURN ON WHILE THE CAR WAS ALREADY RUNNING. I REPLACED THE GEM MODULE AND HAD THE WINDSHIELD RESEALED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT AFTER JUST A FEW MONTHS THE PROBLEMS WOULD RECUR. THE FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN WAS WHEN THE STARTER KICKED ON WHILE RUNNING AND IT TOOK A MINUTE TO GET THE CAR SAFELY STOPPED. I COULD SMELL SMOKE FROM THE BURNED UP STARTER MOTOR. THE EXPEDITION HAS SAT FOR 1.5 YEARS AS I AM UNABLE TO SELL IT AND AM UNWILLING TO PUT ANY ADDITIONAL MONEY TO FIX THIS LEMON.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Jul 22, 2015130,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED OF THE FIRE BY NEIGHBORS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. AN INVESTIGATOR ASSESSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WHICH WAS RELATED TO AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 9, 2015IL

WHEN IT RAINS REAL HEAVY IT LEAKS THROUGH THE SUNROOF THROUGH THE WALL ON THE SIDE OF THEODORE WITH IS CONNECTED TO THE WINDOW

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 16, 2015178,000 milesNC

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ACTIVATED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH, CAUSING UNCONTROLLED STOP IN MOVING TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING. NEVER HAD ANY PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH ABS SYSTEM. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ON (AND IS STILL NOT ON). FORD'S CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER SUGGESTED I TAKE MY VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY ALSO SAID THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, RECALLS OR PROGRAMS THAT WOULD PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THIS CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. BEFORE I DO ANYTHING ELSE TO MY VEHICLE I WANTED TO NOTIFY NHTSA FIRST. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 1, 2015200,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REFUEL, THE FUEL NOZZLE WOULD CONSTANTLY CLICK OFF. AFTER REMOVING THE FUEL FILLER TUBE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL FILLER SCREEN WAS CLOGGED WITH PLASTIC DEBRIS FROM THE INNER LINING OF THE FILLER TUBE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DEBRIS HAD ALSO CLOGGED UP THE FUEL FILTERS AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SPUTTER AND HESITATE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 23, 2015170,000 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD POPPING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE ALONG WITH THE ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE COIL ON PLUG TO THE ENGINE WAS OUT OF POSITION AND A SPARK PLUG HAD POPPED OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 19, 2015160,000 milesTX

I BEGAN NOTICING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE LIGHTS GOING ON AND OFF, DASH GAUGES GOING ON AND OFF, RADIO GOING ON AND OFF, HEATER GOING ON AND OFF, DOOR ALARM STAYING ON WHEN DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPEN, BUT NO KEY IN IGNITION OR LIGHTS ON, DOOR LOCKS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, 4WD ENGAGING AUTOMATICALLY, CD PLAYER GOING OFF AND ON, WINDSHIELD WIPERS GOING ON AND OFF, AND WATER ON DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR AFTER RAINS. IT HAS BECOME MORE OF A PROBLEM. I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS UNTIL I BEGAN REPLACING PARTS AND FOUND ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE EXPEDITION AND FORD BEING AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS. I JUST WROTE THE FORD COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT SUCH PROBLEMS!!! REFERENCE NUMBER IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 10, 2015161,000 milesIN

WHILE I PULLED IN A PARKING LOT AFTER FREEWAY DRIVING THE THROTTLE STICKS. THIS ONLY HAPPENS IN LOT TEMPERATURES. THIS MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE BRAKE EXTREMELY HARD TO STOP AND THE MOMENT YOU REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE SPEEDS UP. WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON SNOW COVER ROADS THE ABS KICKS IN. WHEN THE ABS RELEASES THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD 2 TO 3 FEET. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. FORD HAS ISSUES A TSB ON THE PROBLEM (TSB 01-21-5) SUGGESTING A PVC REPAIR KIT. THE PROBLEM IS NOT BEING CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE PART, IT IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN ALLOWING MOISTURE TO ENTER THE SYSTEM FROM THE PCV AND ICE UP THE THROTTLE PLATE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 14, 201470,000 milesNJ

SUMMARY: WATER LEAKED AROUND THE LEFT SIDE OF WINDSHIELD CAUSING ELECTRICAL FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE STARTER, RADIO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HEADLAMPS, ETC. THE WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE WET THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX (PDB) AND THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM). THESE COMPONENTS CONTROL VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ATTEMPT TO START ITSELF WITHOUT ANY KEY IN IGNITION UNTIL IT RESULTED IN THE STARTER BURNING UP AS WELL AS DAMAGING ASSOCIATED WIRING AND BATTERY. VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WAS THE STARTER, ASSOCIATED WIRING AND BATTERY AFTER VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY. *TR

Visibility
Filed Nov 23, 2014NC

5 PEOPLE IN MY VEHICLE DRIVING 55MPH ON I40 AROUND MIDNIGHT WHEN AIR SUSPENSION WENT OUT AND EVERYTHING IN THE DASH WENT CRAZY. THINGS CUTTING OFF AND ON MOVING BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS, WHEN I CUT IT OFF SO TO NOT DRIVE WITH AIR SUSPENSION DOWN IT WOULD NOT RESTART UNLESS YOU STARTED IT IN NEUTRAL BUT THE BATTERY KEPT DYING AND EXPLODED DRIVING TO SHOP,.GOT ANOTHER BATTERY, IT EXPLODED TO. NOTHING ELECTRICAL WORKED. DOOR LOCKS, WINDOWS,SPEEDOMETER, STEREO WOULDN'T COME ON THEN WOULD COME ON BY ITSELF, LIGHTS TO. AIR SUSPENSION WOULD NOT WORK, BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE. FIRST TIME THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG. THIS TIME THEY KNOW BUT I CAN AFFORD TO FIX IT. THE GEM MODULE AND FUSE BOX IS OVER 600.00 PLUS LABOR! IM DISABLED WITH A FIXED INCOME AND I HAVEN'T DRIVEN ANYWHERE SINCE FEB I CANT GET TO MY DOCTOR, GROCERY STORE, TO GET MEDICINE FOR HEART ATTACK AND OTHER DISABLING ILLNESSES. I CANT AFFORD ANOTHER CAR OR TO FIX MY EXPO. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS I SURE NEED SOME HELP WITH THIS.ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE NHTSA PRELIMINARY EVALUATION #PE05033 STATUS:CLOSED DATE OPENED:JUNE 15, 2005 DATE CLOSED: OCTOBER 13, 2005 RECALL: NO RECALL ISSUED COMPONENT(S): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD SUMMARY: ODI HAS RECEIVED 39 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT WATER LEAKS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING ELECTRICAL FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND THE HEADLAMPS.FORD REPORTS THAT WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE CAN WET THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX

Suspension
Filed Nov 18, 2014135,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, AN UNKNOWN NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRAILING ARMS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 16, 2014155,000 milesIA

JUST STOPPED AT STOP LIGHT, PULLED AWAY AND HEARD A SMALL POPPING NOISE, SLOWED DOWN TO TURN CORNER TO TRY TO PULL OVER AND LOOK AND VEHICLE STARTED POPPING LIKE A POPCORN POPPER. THOUGHT IT WAS MUFFLER(S). GOT UNDER CAR TO LOOK NOTHING WRONG THERE, PROCEEDED TO GO BACK HOME. ( LESS THAN 5 BLOCKS AWAY) DRIVING ON (COASTING) ONLY USING GAS PEDAL TO MAKE IT INTO DRIVEWAY. GOT UNDER HOOD AND SEEN SPARK PLUG LAYING ON ENGINE, COIL LOOING LIKE IT HAD CAUGHT FIRE. REPLACED WIRE, PLUG AND PUT A HELIX COIL ON IT. DROVE FOR ABOUT A MONTH. SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. HAD MECHANIC "RETHREAD" THE HEAD AND USE "SLEEVE". THIS LASTED ABOUT ANOTHER MONTH. HAD TO REPLACE IT 3 MORE TIMES (ALWAYS THE SAME PLUG THAT POPPED OUT) UNTIL AUGUST 2 WHEN IT DIDN'T EVEN MAKE IT OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY BEFORE IT POPPED AGAIN. NOW IT IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY, A 5100 POUND "LAWN ORNAMENT" NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO REPLACING THE HEAD. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 1, 201486,000 milesCO

DRIVING NORMALLY DURING HEAVY RAIN WIPERS AND RADIO WENT DEAD AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND WORKED INTERMITTENTLY AFTER THAT. AFTER THE RAIN STOPPED AND CAR DRIED OUT WIPERS AND RADIO WORKED NORMALLY AGAIN. CARPET ON LEFT SIDE UNDER FUSE PANEL AND GEM MODULE, BOTH OF WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPLACED WAS WET. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN THE WIPERS STOP WORKING UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CAUSE SEEMS TO BE THE WINDSHIELD WASN'T SEALED PROPERLY AT THE FACTORY, AS MY FATHER BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW AND SAID THE WINDSHIELD HAS ALWAYS LEAKED. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM HIM. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 13, 201490,000 milesNJ

EXHAUST MANIFOLDS LEAKING AND FUMES ENTERING VEHICLE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 10, 2014135,495 milesVA

ON MAY FIRST OF 2014 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I ASSUMED I NEEDED OIL, SO I WENT TO THE ADVANCED AUTO STORE AND PURCHASED SOME OIL. I PUT THE OIL IN AND BEGAN TO PROCEED HOME. I WAS DRIVING AND THE OIL LIGHT WAS SHOWING AS HOT. THE CAR WOULD NOT GIVE ENOUGH POWER FOR ME TO DRIVE, IT BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE ANYMORE. IT IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THAT THIS CAR'S MAKE AND MODEL IS A RECALL CAR. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 25, 2014107,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000. PAM...UPDATED 07/02/14 *BF NO AMENDED TEXT. 07.03.14

Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 2014TX

THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE INSTALLATION OF THE WINDSHIELD THAT CAUSES WATER IN ENTER THE CAB. UPON ENTRY, THE WATER GOES INTO THE GEM MOD AND FUSE PANEL OF THE SUV. THIS SHORTS THE SYSTEM - AT ONE POINT YOU MAY ENCOUNTER THE HEATER TURNING ON WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. HERE IS A SPECIAL NOTICE SENT BY FORD IN 2002 REGARDING THIS PROBLEM: *FORD SPECIAL MESSAGE #15773 VARIOUSELECTRICALCONDITIONS RESULTING FROM WATER INTRUSION INTO THE GEM/CJB SOME 1997-2002 EXPEDITION AND 1998-2002 NAVIGATOR VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS UNUSUAL ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: XXXXX XXXXX REAR BLOWER OR EATC STAYING ON WITH KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, RADIO STAYING ON AFTER DOORS OPENED AND KEY OUT OF IGNITION, WIPER CIRCUIT FAILURE CODES, AND MULTIPLE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS WITH 'SHORT TO POWER' OR 'LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE' DTCS. THESE SYMPTOMS MOST OFTEN OCCUR AFTER A RAIN OR SNOW. THIS MAY BE DUE TO GEM/CJB WATER INTRUSION RESULTING FROM A WINDSHIELD WATER LEAK. TO SERVICE, REMOVE THE GEM AND CJB FROM THEVEHICLE, SEPARATE THEM AND INSPECT FOR WATER CONTAMINATION OR CORROSION. IF FOUND IN EITHER COMPONENT, REPLACE BOTH COMPONENTS AND COMPLETELY RESEAL THE WINDSHIELD. EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/05/2002 FORD MOTOR COMPANY *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 2, 2014150,000 milesLA

IT STARTED WITH THE RADIO AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT WORKING PERIODICALLY THIS WENT ON FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AND THEN ON SATURDAY NIGHT 5/31/14 AT APPROX. 11:30 AM "[XXX]" SHOWED UP AND MY CAR WAS TRYING TO START ITS SELF. IT MADE A CLICKING SOUND FOR ABOUT 30 MINS WITH THE LIGHTS GOING OFF AND ON. THE SOUND WAS LIKE A DEAD BATTERY SOUND. THEN IT WOULD TRY TO START ITSELF. THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT AND HOUR AND THEN IT FINALLY STOPPED. I ASSUMED THAT THE NEXT MORNING MY BATTERY WOULD BE DEAD BUT WHEN I WENT OUT SUNDAY MORNING IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND I WAS ABLE TO RUN MY ERRANDS. THIS MORNING MONDAY 6/2 I WENT OUT TO GO TO WORK AND IT WOULD NOT START BUT THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND IT CONTINUED TO MAKE A CLICKING SOUND EVEN THOUGH I ASSUMED THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I AM SCARED TO DO ANYTHING, LIKE JUMP THE BATTERY , FOR FEAR IT WILL EXPLODE OR CATCH FIRE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Suspension
Filed May 17, 201470,000 milesIL

TAKING OFF FROM A STOP IN THE SUBDIVISION, MY SON WITH A FRIEND IN THE VEHICLE HEARD A SLIGHT CLUNK, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. HE KEPT DRIVING, BUT THE VEHICLE "FELT A LITTLE STRANGE" HE REPORTED. HE PULLED OUT ONTO A MAJOR ROADWAY AND HEARD ANOTHER LOUD NOISE, BUT THE CAR KEPT GOING, SO HE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AS SOON AS HE COULD, TO DISCOVER THAT THE REAR END ALMOST FELL OFF THE CAR. THE CAR HAS 4 WHEEL DRIVE WITH AWD. THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT GOT PULLED OUT OF THE TRANSFER CASE, DROPPED TO THE GROUND STARTED TO DRAG. IT SNAPPED OFF, BREAKING THE PINION SHAFT, WHEN PULLING OFF THE ROAD. THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAD RUSTED AWAY AND SNAPPED OFF. I LIVE IN THE RUST BELT IN THE CHICAGO SUBURBS, AND EXPECT THINGS LIKE DOORS AND FENDERS TO RUST, BUT A MAJOR PIECE OF THE SUSPENSION THAT HOLDS THE WHOLE CAR TOGETHER? REALLY? DOESN'T THAT DESERVE AT LEAST A HEADS UP MENTION IN THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE MANUAL, OTHER THAN AT INTERVALS HAVE THE SUSPENSION CHECKED? THE MANUAL PRETTY CLEARLY DESCRIBES CHECKING THINGS AT RECOMMENDED INTERVALS, AND I'VE ALWAYS HAD IT SERVICED AT THE LOCAL (NOW CLOSED MERCURY DEALER NEARBY). THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, AND I'VE OWNED IT FOR 12 YEARS. I'M EXTREMELY THANKFUL NOBODY WAS INJURED. FORD CURRENTLY DOES NOT HAVE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED ON THIS ISSUE. IF IT HAD 200,000 MILES AND WASN'T EVER CARED FOR OR GARAGE KEPT, THEN I'D BE A LITTLE LESS SURPRISED!! AS OF THIS WRITING I STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN THE CAR FIXED YET BEC

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 25, 201477,400 milesVA

BRAKE LINE ABOVE FUEL LINE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. LUCKILY I WAS STOPPED FOR FUEL AND LOST BRAKE PRESSURE. UPON INSPECTION AT MY LOCAL GARAGE, ALL BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED TO THE POINT ALL WERE REPLACED. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, THE REAR SUSPENSION PARTS ARE RUSTING UNDERNEATH THE COATING THAT COVERED THE SUSPENSION PARTS. I REALIZE THE VEHICLE IS 14 YEARS OLD, BUT I HAVE MUCH OLDER VEHICLES THAT HAVE ZERO RUST. JUST FOR THE RECORD, WE HAVE YEARS THAT WE HAVE NO SNOW, SO MY EXPOSURE TO SALT ROADS IS VERY LIMITED. ITEMS SUCH AS BRAKE LINES AND SUSPENSION PARTS SHOULD BE MADE OF A BETTER QUALITY MATERIAL. AFTER ALL, THIS VEHICLE STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL EXHAUST SYSTEM! REGARDLESS OF AGE, WITH JUST OVER 77K MILES THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Apr 23, 2014130,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN BOUNCING ABNORMALLY WHILE REVERSING FROM A DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT SOON DISCOVERED THAT THE LARGE, UNKNOWN POLE WAS LYING UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

EngineCrash
Filed Apr 9, 2014182,789 milesTN

MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION WILL NOT STAY IN PARK. AND WHEN IT IS IN PARK AFTER A COUPLE MINUTES IT WILL JUST GO BACKWARDS. MY FORD HAS ALREADY HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. I WAS WARMING HER UP. I GOT OUT TO SHUT MY BACK HATCH IT JUST TOOK OFF BACKWARDS WHILE STILL IN PARK AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. I TRIED JUMPING IN THE MY TRUCK PUT WAS DRAGGED AND UNABLE TO STOP IT. I DON'T FEEL SAFE BUT HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE. MANY MECHANICS LOOKED AT IT SAID THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT'S CAUSING THE PROBLEM. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 24, 2014196,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, AN ABNORMAL BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED INTO THE RIGHT LANE AND NEARLY CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MOVED TO THE SHOULDER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE OF THE DRIVE SHAFT ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TRANSFER CASE, SHAFT LINKAGE AND OXYGEN SENSORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

Engine
Filed Nov 2, 2013190,000 milesCT

IT WAS SATURDAY MORNING AND I WAS TAKING MY DAUGHTER SHOPPING FOR SOME SCHOOL CLOTHES, DRIVING DOWN ELL T GRASSO BLVD GOING TO LOOK FOR THE INTERSTATE 95 DRIVING 20 MPH I HEAR THIS LOUD POP AND MY DAUGHTER SCREAMS AND SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE HOOD, AND THIS LOUD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO PULL OVER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OPEN THE HOOD AND SEE MY SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE ENGINE NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE I WAS STUCK THERE FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS UNTIL FAMILY MEMBERS CAME AND HELP THIS IS MY 2ND FORD EXPEDITION BUT AFTER READING THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM I WILL NEVER BY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN, I JUST THINK AND WONDER WHAT WOULD HAD HAPPEN IF I WAS IN THE INTERSTATE 95 DOING 55MPH I PROBABLY WOULDN'T BE WRITING THIS RIGHT, NOW THANK GOD MY DAUGHTER AND ME NEVER MADE IT TO THE INTERSTATE 95. *TR

Engine
Filed Oct 15, 2013179,000 milesWA

SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 890, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270200Routine
202611200Routine
202538610Routine
202479710Routine
202365840Routine
20221171200Routine
20212421240Above average
20204281870Above average
20195261130Above average
20183831420Above average
2017358470Above average
2016217380Above average
2015164360Routine
201472020Routine
201392030Routine
2012118320Routine
201171010Routine
201058010Routine
200928101Fatalities reported
2008146422Fatalities reported
2007215250Above average
2006299663Fatalities reported
2005315560Above average
20042974151Fatalities reported
20036156363Fatalities reported
20023404692Fatalities reported
200157810955Fatalities reported
2000 — this page890111992Fatalities reported
19999469775Fatalities reported
19988367731Fatalities reported
199785397411Fatalities reported
19963010Routine
19951000Routine
19944000Routine
19931000Routine
19911000Routine

Compare every Expedition year →

2000 Ford Expedition: questions buyers ask

Is the 2000 Ford Expedition a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Expedition years to avoid: owners filed 890 complaints, 3.3 times as many as a typical Expedition year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (20%).

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Ford Expedition?

The electrical system: 180 of the 890 complaints (20%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (22%), smokes or smells of burning (12%) and will not start (4%). The typical report comes at 95,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2000 Ford Expedition have?

11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 1, 2006. The largest, 01X001000, covered 13,000,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2000 Ford Expedition problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 91,000 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 95,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2000 Ford Expedition?

Yes, 5 times. The latest, EA05015 ("WINDSHIELD LEAK CAUSES ELECTRIC FAILURES"), was opened Oct 13, 2005 and closed Dec 6, 2006.

Are there service bulletins for the 2000 Ford Expedition?

The manufacturer filed 206 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (33), the transmission (27) and the electrical system (19). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 1, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.