Problems with 1999 Ford Expedition ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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. *jb

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.

Dt*: the contact stated the engine shut down while driving at 50 mph. the vehicle was taken to a local dealership where the cause was determined, but the dealer was unable to make the necessary repairs. an independent repair shop inspected the vehicle and determined the engine suffered electrolysis problems. the antifreeze leaked onto the engine because the compartment was made of weak aluminum. therefore, the compartment could not sustain the fluid. *ak

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: http://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.

My husband was driving our 1999 ford expedition and had just crossed the state line from connecticut into new york on i-84. there was a loud bang in the engine and a consistent banging thereafter. the car was not drivable and my husband pulled off the highway and called aaa for a tow. we had the car towed over an hour to the ford dealer near our home. they determined that the #3 sparkplug blew out of the engine. it caused major damage. we had to have the entire engine head assembly replaced which cost us over $3500 and we were without our car for two weeks.

The air bag sensor controls the height of the vehicle. the sensor is malfunctioning and the vehicle's rear is dropping, and will not lift. also, transmission has been replaced four times, and the engine was replaced three times. *bf *nm

My ford expedition blow a spark plug and know requires a head replacement (over $2500) talked with ford dealership and they indicated that they see at least one ford a month with this problem.

1999 ford expedition eddie bauer 4x4 the emergency brake was removed by the dealer when they sold it to me and never put one on it, also the /c blows out hot air up front and cold in the back, and the odomitter does not work, it goes in and out and the dealer refuses to fix it. several of my friends have the same truck and they have the same problem

I bought a used 1999 ford expedition. i owned it for less than 30 days before the first spark plug ejected. after having the dealer fix it the problem it happened again in less than 30 days. i had to spend 1000 to have the car towed home from ny, the price of the rental car and another 3500 to get a new head. not to mention the 500 i paid the dealer to fix the car. *jb

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.

Upon driving our 1999 ford expedition we were noticing a burning smell originating from the engine compartment. in preparation of a road trip we decided to take the vehicle in for service and asked to have the problem diagnosed. it was found that the head gaskets were leaking oil on the engine block as well as the starter and the exhaust, which could result in a fire. we contacted ford motor company to ask for assistance with this problem due to the fact that we were informed by a certified ford engine technician that there has been previous service bulletins out on this problem that we were not notified about, however ford has not responded as of yet, although they have acknowledged our calls and e-mails. at this time nothing has been done to correct the problem, because we do not have $2,500 to $3,000 to have the vehicle repaired and the vehicle has been parked since the diagnostic reports. *jb

Right cylinder head was leaking in 1999 expedition with 56000 miles. dealer or ford would not correct problem and cost $2750 from ford dealer to fix. learned later that is not an isolated problem but wide spread. why isn't ford held responsible??? *ak

My 99 ford expedition's spark plug ejected from the head. this has caused emotional distress, not being able to get to and from work and other places. i had it repaired for a price of $300 dollars. this was ridiculous, ford should pay all expenses. then i was driving today and another plug blew. my truck is sitting on the side of the road right now. this is terrible! *nm

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford expedition. the contact stated that the spark plugs thread failed, which caused the spark plugs to eject from the coil. he attempted to repair the vehicle himself. a technician from the dealer stated that he would have to pay $1,900.00 to repair the vehicle. no repairs were made. the failure mileage was 98,000. the current mileage was 135,800.

While parked vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment. the cause has yet to be determined. vehicle was considered a total loss. *ak

Engine tends to stall, and unable to start when it rains. occasionally, engine turns on and off on its own. consumer will contact manufacturer.*ak

The consumer was aware of a ford tsb concerning oil leakage. he experienced an oil leakage from the head gasket into the exhaust system. *jb

Oil leak from right side cylinder head gasket. oil leaks onto exhaust manifold and under certain conditions it could start a fire.*ak

I had a spark plug blow out of my cylinder head while driving. i have read reports happening all of the time and it is a very common occurrence. no warnings, just a $4000 bill to have the head replaced. *jb

Engine compartment fire after being parked 5 minutes. fire centered in engine compartment on driver's side towards the rear of the engine compartment. brake switch at pedal had been replaced 4 months before fire.*ak

While driving, a loud pop was heard. later there were several pops heard, the owner pulled over to the side of the road and looked inside and saw that the spark plug had blown completely out of the head. the owner had to buy another spark plug and an ignition coil. the new spark plug would not go back in because the previous spark plug stripped the plug area where the new plug would not enter. the owner was told by the dealer that it would cost 3,000.00 to replace the heads to keep this from recurring. provide further details. *jb

Right head gasket leaking oil. *jb

I had a tune up done at roundtree moore ford dealership in lake city florida on 08-11-04. i drove my vehicle on vacation to pennsylvani and while there a spark plug came out and damaged the cylinder head and coil pack. i took the vehicle top a ford dealer in pennsylvania (davies ford connelsville pa)and was advised that it appeared it was the fault of the original dealership. upon contacting my dealership i was advised that this was common with this type of engine. i had the repair done at a local mechanic for $790.00.

The number three plug on the engine blew out. the spark plug came completely out of the head. the cylinder head had to be replaced. please provide any further information. also, provide correct vehicle identification number. *jb consumer believe this is a manufacture defect and should be a recall on this recurring problem. have done some research on this problem and found numerous cases. consumer do not think the public should have to pay for ford design flaw. *bf

While i was driving on the expressway at expressway speeds all of a sudden there was a pop sound and the vehicle lost power and started vibrating badly. when got vehicle to mechanic by tow truck because vehicle had no power, it was revealed to me that the spark plug was blown out the head of the motor. it was the 3rd plug on the passenger side. my vehicle has a complete extended warranty but the warranty company claims that this is due to a loose spark plug. they are the original factory plugs supposedly you don't have to touch them for 100,000 miles. my mechanic states that this happened due to a defect in the head because he not only spoke to ford mechanics but has seen this before. this is a common problem, upon researching this myself i found many other people on the internet with this same problem,at the same exact site on the motor. this is a problem with the head of the motor and my warranty company should fix my truck because this is a covered item it is the engine block that malfunctioned , not the spark plug!!!! please help because this is a very costly repair. *jb

Dt: the contact owns a 1999 ford expedition. had to have repairs done several times. the first time it was the alternator. then, there were problems with the motor. the last time there were transmission problems. *ak

Oil was leaking from the vehicle. made an appointment with local mechanic, and took vehicle in. it was discovered that right head gasket was defective. then, vehicle was taken to the dealer, a dye was placed into the engine, and after one week it was taken back. the manufacturer stated nothing could be done. *ak

In dec of 2003 we had a spark plug foul out, now 6 months later we are informed that we had a right side head gasket blown and a power steering pump leaking.

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 3600.00 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.

I own the infamous 1999 ford expedition with the head gasket oil leak. though i loved this car from the day i purchased it new up until the time at 50,000 miles the oil started to leak. it is well maintained and babied, so for something as serious as this to happen to all of us who own these vehicles disappoints me. ford would only pay for half of the repair, but i believe this should be a recall because of the seriousness of the problem.a head gasket blowing? the heads are also defective from what i have read. that is not your average repair. i don't have the money to replace something that was installed defective to begin with. i guess i will continue to stuff a rag up under the leak until ford feels like taking reponsibility for its failures. *ak

I purchased my 1999 ford expedition used, with 50,140 miles on it. i also purchased an esp warranty plan. my engine always had a knock when cold.i thought that was "normal". on the week of april 12th, the engine knock became severe and the vehicle had been using more oil than usual. i brought it to johnson ford for repair. my service advisor told me not to worry, i had the best warranty plan there is, and that this is a very common problem with the 5.4 engines.he even told me that he spends much time calling in similiar claims. the diagnosis was "spun rod bearings". after two weeks, my claim was "denied", and i removed the vehicle from the dealership after a $6400.00 estimate for a new motor. i brought the vehicle to a reputable independent, and had to purchase a used motor for my ford. after much research, i have found that numerous people have had complaints about defects in the 5.4 ltr engine. i find it very frustrating to have spent $1100.00 on a rental car, $4300.00 on repairs, and $335.00 to johnson ford to tell me that my engine failed. (i knew that when i brought it in!) in addition to that, i spent $2395.00 on an esp warranty that was of no use to me. johnson ford is claiming that my engine failure was due to lack of maintenance. mobile tech (the independent) has stated that my engine was sludge free, and that their opinion is that is was not lack of maintenance. i have written at least 20 letters to the dealership, the bbb, and different departments of ford motor company since april 30th and am getting no answers or satisfaction. the motor remains at mobile tech as i have requested an examination, again, from ford motor company. to date, i have been repeatedly denied my request.*ak

Tl*- the contact owns a 1999 ford expedition. the contact stated that intermittently the vehicle stalls without any prior warnings. in 2004, a technician concluded that the engine compressor strips the spark plug thread, which causes the plugs to eject. he then replaced the engine head, and ecm at an expense of $2,200.00. the failure resurfaced so he took the vehicle back to a repair facility.a mechanic replaced the spark plug wires with a special thread, at an expense of $1,600.00. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 60,000. the current mileage was 125,000. the vehicle identification number was unavailable.

#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. *jb

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. *jb

About a year ago the cylinder head gasket on our 1999 ford expedition was replaced due to leaking oil, by the dealership. the mileage was 35,000. now a year later, while traveling at 70 mph. on the freeway, a spark plug blew out of the same right cylinder. the loud noise and clatter caused a knee jerk response,almost causing an accident. the vehicle's mileage is now only 46,000. we feel that ford should do the responsible thing and recall these 5.4 l engines with the aluminum cylinder heads and and replace them with a better design with safety in mind. if you check other consumer compaints, you will see that this is not an isoleted incident.*ak

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 $6000.00 to get a new engine or get a new vehicle; i couldn't believe my ears. these trucks are lemons and i believe it_x0019_s 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. *jb *bf *nm

I purchased a 1999 expediton. and shortly after buying it notice a tapping noise that goes away after about 2-3 minutes of warm up. i believe ther is other problems causing this. my major complaint is with the constant oil leak on the righthand side head gasket. the is a constant leak of oil down ont the exhaust manifold and catalyst converter,causing a possible fire hazard. i have read of over 53 other compalints for the same problem and question why ford has not recalled this problem. it all comes down to economics, i feel the are quick to fix small problems i.e... trailer hitches and wiring problems, but when it comes to a known manf. defect in these particular engines ford is not willing to stand behind there work. iwould like to see n.h.t.s.a force ford to correct this problem. if people are spending over 25,000 for a vehicle they should have the piece and mind that their families will live long enough to pay off the vehicle. my point is that i am a u.s. marine and my life is at danger whenever we go off to war and its a possiabilty that my life can be ended by a single bullet, and i am willing to make that sacarfice. but i never thought i would be ask to die in my vehicle on the open roads in the land of the free. the way i see it ford is willing to save a few dollars by not accepting responsiabity of this known defect. but my wife, 5 year old daugter, 3 year old son, and 2 year old son should mean alot more than $1800- $5000 saved by them not fixing the problem. i would really like to see what can be done to remedy this situation. and if they still refuse to fix the problem lets just send all the iraqi's and terrorist a free 99 ford expediton that should solve our war on terrorism... not so respectfully submitted, gunnery sergeant united states marines. *ak

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!!*ak

Follw up on letter dated oct. 7, 2002 1999 ford expedition. nvs-216, mek, ref. # 567329. no components mentioned. the consumer called into the hotline to indicate that the engine was replaced because of a snapped intake valve that was laying against the piston. *ak

We bought a 1999 ford expedition eddie bauer almost a year ago. the day we bought it we noticed a burnt oil smell. the dealer replaced the head gasket. now almost a year later, we blew a spark plug and need a new head. dealer says that the head gasket and head are not related???? i was told that this car has these problems because of aluminum heads..i want the dealer to replace it, i am willing to pay more for a new one, but i am not willing to repair it and take a loss! help!!*ak

Right cylinder head warped, required replacement, ford and dealer refused to cover. *jb

On my 1999 ford expedition i noticed the smell of hot oil. when i would stop and park the vehicle the smell became stronger and smoke would come up around the hood of the vehicle. i also noticed some oil drops on the ground. upon taking the vehicle to the local ford dealer i was informed the the head gasket was leaking oil on the rear of the right head. cost to repair was $1,295.04. i then found on the internet that this was a know problem and was widespread. apparently there was a manufacturing defect in the head which would cause an oil leak in the right rear or left front of the head. again this was a know problem by ford but no recall has been issued and if your vehicle was not under warranty the owner had to absorb the repair cost. to me this was a safety issue and should have been addressed by ford. the oil was leaking onto the exhaust pipe and could have caused a fire. *tr

1999 ford expedition - significant oil leak in the right head gasket. there is a current service bulletin for this problem.*ak

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

1 engine blew-100 deductible 2 electrical,lights wont go off - 3 electrical,radio/windshield wipers inop-4 transmission leak-5 transmission going bad-6 alternator bad all within a year and 4 months, been walking more than riding, have not enjoyed truck yet, scared to drive past 200 miles out i got a real lemon that i still have to pay 535 for, i hate ford, will never buy another if it was free, going to iraq, but ill be back 4 justice.... *jb

Consumer complained about a consistent problem with the engine check light in 1999, ford, expedition. every time engine light was on vehicle hesitated/shook. dealer replaced engine sensor, but problem still occurring. *ak

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 $1200.00 to $1500.00. 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.*ak

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.*ak

1999 ford expedition: 4.6 sohc ead gasket leaks oil fixed twice still leaks. multi function switch replaced once,doe's not work again. expedition has rough idle ,never been able to fix. *ak

The consumer noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. the mechanic informed the driver that the head gasket needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *jb