2004 Ford Expedition
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 853 |
| 1998 | 836 |
| 1999 | 946 |
| 2000 | 890 |
| 2001 | 577 |
| 2002 | 340 |
| 2003 | 615 |
| 2004 | 296 |
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 215 |
| 2008 | 146 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 71 |
| 2012 | 116 |
| 2013 | 90 |
| 2014 | 71 |
| 2015 | 164 |
| 2016 | 210 |
| 2017 | 353 |
| 2018 | 357 |
| 2019 | 455 |
| 2020 | 367 |
| 2021 | 212 |
| 2022 | 104 |
| 2023 | 61 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 6 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
10% of complaints: air bags — 31 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT I HIT A CONCRETE WALL AT 50 MILES PER HOUR HEAD ON AND MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED I WAS ON A HIGH WAY
NHTSA ODI report, 20171129
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BUMPER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121226
10% of complaints: electrical system — 30 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the turn signals, the hazard lights, and the cigarette lighter had become inoperable. The TPMS warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250306
10% of complaints: engine — 29 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A POPPING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130523
6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 19 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: tires — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM
Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 — check if this car was fixed
STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Campaign 06E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Ford Expedition — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E064000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E023000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Ford Expedition reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Ford Expedition is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Expedition?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Expedition have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.