1998 Ford Expedition Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 127about this part
- Share
- 15%of 836 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 127 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Ford Expedition, 15% of the 836 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Coil and spark plug blow out of engine when truck was started (1998). The Expedition has been known to have this issues as well as other issues. Why is Ford not taking responsibility; so far accident avoided. I had to replace one coil pack each year so far but this was the worse. I needed the cinder retreaded to fit the spark plug in.”
NHTSA complaint #10453753, filed 2012-04, 175,000 miles“Spark plug blew out while driving on highway -- very dangerous. Had children in car. Had to be towed. My mechanic told me this is a recurring problem with this engine--5.4l-- in other fords as well. He had another Ford with same problem come in the previous week, and has seen several others recently (this is just one small town/rural mechanic). Please take action -- it's a costly repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10446369, filed 2012-02, 175,000 miles“As I was driving I heard a loud clattering noise. In a few seconds it became louder. I shut the engine off. My husband came and drove the Expedition approx 1/4 mile home. The # 4 spark plug blew out of the head. It slammed the coil pack into the fuel rail and cut the fuel line. As of this time, we have not repaired the vehicle yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10216160, filed 2008-01, 205,000 miles“My 1998 Ford Expedition blew out a spark plug on the highway while I had my baby daughter in the truck. I lost power and had to swerve into the slow lane almost causing multiple accidents . This is the 2nd time this has happened and still no recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10220757, filed 2008-03, 110,000 miles“I had a skiing accident and severely damaged my knee. As I was being taken to the hospital in my 1998 Expedition, it blew a spark plug out of the engine. I was told by the dealer today that this is a common problem with all Ford triton aluminum engines, however, there would be no compensation for this known defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10104747, filed 2004-12, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10023943Oct 1, 2007Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes…
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10014685Mar 21, 2005Use of stainless steel exhaust studs in service for 5.4l 2v engine.
- 10014666Mar 7, 2005Intermittent rough idle - non-commanded egr (exhaust gas recirculation valve) flow.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 | 31 | 6% |
| 2018 | 25 | 7% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 75 | 25% |
| 2005 | 47 | 15% |
| 2004 | 26 | 9% |
| 2003 | 127 | 21% |
| 2002 | 95 | 28% |
| 2001 | 122 | 21% |
| 2000 | 116 | 13% |
| 1999 | 248 | 26% |
| 1998 | 127 | 15% |
| 1997 | 89 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Expedition
144 complaintsElectrical system
115 complaintsVehicle speed control
78 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
70 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
61 complaintsBrakes
57 complaintsSteering
52 complaintsTires
38 complaintsWheels
37 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsSeat belts
25 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford Expedition
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology