1999 Ford Expedition Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 248about this part
- Share
- 26%of 946 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,539miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 248 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Ford Expedition, 26% of the 946 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,539 miles. 15 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 1999 eddie bauer Expedition. Was at a light and turned right going about 20 miles and hour when I heard an exaggerated pop and it seemed like it rattled very loudly. This is the third time spark #3 has popped out. This is ridiculous. Worst part is that it happened at 2:00 am on a dark road. Had to get it towed to a local mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #10382499, filed 2011-02, 185,689 miles“99 Ford Expedition blew out #3 spark plug and damaged coil, no forewarning of this , has 114,000miles, cost me $400 for a temp fix,,was told this is a common problem with the 5.4 engine, garage installed a repair sleeve and special plug,,no warranty,,I was 800 miles from home, when the plug blew, I thought somebody took a shot at me...it also ruined the coil.”
NHTSA complaint #10262782, filed 2009-03, 114,000 miles“For the 2nd time I have had a spark plug blow out of the engine. This time the gas caught fire. I managed to beat it out with my jacket, unhook the fuel injector, and drive the vehicle the rest of the way home. Fortunately the fire started just as I opened the hood and I got it out before any damage could occur.”
NHTSA complaint #10365046, filed 2010-11, 154,000 miles“On my way home from kansas to colorado when we heard a sound like a flat tire but it wasn't. My spark plug had shot out of my cylinder head. This could have caused fuel to spray out and start a fire. This is a common problem with the triton 5.4l engines, but there has not been a recall or anything to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10343043, filed 2010-07, 124,460 miles“While driving my 1999 Ford Expedition 5.4l and coasting down a hill all of a sudden a loud pop and the a loud exhaust noise. I smelled fuel and immediately pulled over. Upon opening my hood I found a small fire (thank god I carry a fire extinguisher) and that my engine had spit out a spark plug stripping all the plug threads. It is now in the shop being repaired for an unknown cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10284965, filed 2009-09, 134,234 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 1999 Ford Expedition
184 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
123 complaintsElectrical system
117 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
67 complaintsVehicle speed control
59 complaintsSuspension
52 complaintsBrakes
36 complaintsSteering
32 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsEngine
26 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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