1998 Ford Expedition Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 2%of 836 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 180,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Ford Expedition, 2% of the 836 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 180,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“5.4l gas engine. Spark plugs have blown out of 2 different cylinders in 2 months. I have found only that this is a known issue for several models with this engine including the f-150. Ford had done nothing to address this faulty engine design. Both times my plugs blew out I was accelerating from a stop while turning left.”
NHTSA complaint #11163573, filed 2018-12, 200,000 miles“I have a Ford 1998 Expedition, eddie bauer edition. It has a 5.4 liter engine with aluminum heads. Three times I've had a helicoil blown out leaving me stranded. Now a spark plug has blown out breaking two coils. Ford has made this vehicle for years with this engine. All with the same problems of components blowing out of the engine. I feel it is Ford's responsibility to start a recall and fix this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10915249, filed 2016-10, 180,000 miles“I have a 1998 Ford Expedition the spark plugs number 3 and 4 keep going out I have done everything I can own my budget to try and fix but the problem keep happen. I smell gas and see smoke this is the only vehicle I have to get me and my daughter around I need this problem fix permanently don't wont nothing to happen to me and my kid as far as truck fire or gas fumes. So please can you get with Ford to fix before something bad happens to us.thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10648684, filed 2014-10, 180,000 miles“Driving down the road in our town and #3 spark plug blew out of cylinder head, had to be trailered to a Ford mechanic to fix the problem - new spark plug, coil and cylinder head work - and I found out this a very common problem with the 5.4 triton motor!!”
NHTSA complaint #10475395, filed 2012-09, 158,000 miles“Went to store, came out battery dead, car wouldn't start. Had not left lights or any accessories on. Got a jump, drove to auto parts store. They checked alternator and battery and said battery dead, needed an overnight charge. Let them charge battery, put back in car, horn started blowing and would not stop despite my using both the key and key fob. Horn blew for 5 hours before I found out how to disconnect from google. Got horn to stop, and car wouldn't start. Ford dealer said anti-theft system had to be reprogrammed at cost of $250 plus tow to dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10852469, filed 2016-03, 203,538 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 8% |
| 2024 | 5 | 6% |
| 2023 | 6 | 9% |
| 2022 | 11 | 9% |
| 2021 | 57 | 24% |
| 2020 | 51 | 12% |
| 2019 | 108 | 21% |
| 2018 | 100 | 26% |
| 2017 | 38 | 11% |
| 2016 | 37 | 17% |
| 2015 | 31 | 19% |
| 2014 | 10 | 14% |
| 2013 | 10 | 11% |
| 2012 | 12 | 10% |
| 2011 | 11 | 15% |
| 2010 | 4 | 7% |
| 2009 | 2 | 7% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 21 | 10% |
| 2006 | 87 | 29% |
| 2005 | 57 | 18% |
| 2004 | 29 | 10% |
| 2003 | 44 | 7% |
| 2002 | 27 | 8% |
| 2001 | 15 | 3% |
| 2000 | 28 | 3% |
| 1999 | 26 | 3% |
| 1998 | 16 | 2% |
| 1997 | 11 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Expedition
144 complaintsEngine cooling
127 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 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