2001 Ford Expedition Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 122about this part
- Share
- 21%of 578 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 122 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Ford Expedition, 21% of the 578 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 24 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My husband was on his way home from work. He was going at about 70-75 MPH when the #3 spark plug blew out. It left him stranded in the middle of nowhere. It has been brought to my attention that spark plug blowouts are a common defect on my vehicle yet Ford takes no responsibility for it, costing the vehicle owners a large amount of money and could cause serious accidents.”
NHTSA complaint #10439749, filed 2011-12, 289,997 miles“I have a 2001 Ford Expedition 4.6 v8, and my spark plug blew out on me damaging my head and snapping my coil. I understand that this is becoming a common problem with Ford and they no about it but refuse to take care of the problem. I had to replace my coil and take my head to a machinist so I can put a spark plug back in it.”
NHTSA complaint #10298011, filed 2010-01, 140,000 miles“2001 Ford Expedition. Drove for five minutes and parked, then walked into house and turned to look back at car and saw smoke coming out of the hood. I ran over there and found the whole engine compartment on fire. I sprayed with hose and unhooked battery. The part that looks like it started the fire was just below the brake fluid reservoir.”
NHTSA complaint #10240115, filed 2008-08, 151,000 miles“Ford 2001 Expedition has a blown spark plug. The engine could have caught on fire while I drove the truck with the vapors pouring out of the plug spot (which flew out of the engine on to the road some where behind me). Ford knows this is an engine defect. Why are we not having a recall for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10361828, filed 2010-10, 134,000 miles“While starting the vehicle I heard a loud pop from the engine... When I took the vehicle to the mechanic #8 sparkplug blew out, damaged the head and piston....looking around $1200.00 in repairs plus car rental. Sparkplugs got water in them 3 different times before they need to investigate this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10355569, filed 2010-09, 92,521 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 2001 Ford Expedition
118 complaintsVehicle speed control
101 complaintsTires
59 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsSeat belts
36 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsAir bags
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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