Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 65 | −49% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 2004 | 95 | −22% | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2003 | 106 | typical | 5 | Engine | Average |
| 2002 | 129 | 1.3× | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2001 | 209 | 2.1× | 6 | Wheel & Tire | Avoid |
| 2000 | 533 | 5.3× | 5 | Wheel & Tire | Avoid |
| 1999 | 7 | −91% | 1 | Suspension | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Excursion year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Excursion problems
Latest Ford Excursion recalls
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ranger trucks built from January 25, 2011, through April 25, 2011 at the twin cities assembly plant, and service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004 through 2011 model year ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005 model year excursion vehicles, and 2002 through 2007 model year f-250,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on August 15, 2011. Owners May contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Vehicle speed control
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 Mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair…
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle May function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on December 29, 2007. Owners May contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Vehicle speed control
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on March 12, 2007. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. (note: also see recalls 05V017, 05V388, and 06V286)
Vehicle speed control
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2006. Owners May contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. (note: also see recalls 05V017 and 05V388)
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Excursion should you avoid?
2000 and 2001 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Excursion years at the same age, led by wheels & tires problems in the 2000.
What is the best year for the Ford Excursion?
1999 has the fewest complaints compared with other Excursion years at the same age, followed by 2005 and 2004. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Excursion problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the wheels & tires (292), engine & cooling (241) and electrical system (151). Wheel & Tire complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Excursion had?
11 recalls across 1999–2005. The model year with the most is 2001. See all Ford Excursion recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.