Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Ford Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was notified of an engine misfire. The spark plugs were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the brake pedal became stiff, and the vehicle failed to immediately stop. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the spark plugs, and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Since purchasing the Expedition in December 2014, I've had several incidents of "check engine throttle" warnings and the engine shut down, suddenly. This seems to also have a secondary issue of the truck hesitating/sputtering around 40-50mph. The vehicle has shut down on me in city traffic quite a few times and once on an exit ramp of the highway. This is a very dangerous situation to experience. The dealer mentioned possible spark plug issues. When the "check engine" icon finally came on, I had it read by the dealer and an independent mechanic. The code is a p2104. The dealer never got back to me on a remedy for this. The mechanic says the electronic throttle control must be replaced and could be the cause of both issues. Both have been reported to the dealer before their warranty expired. I'm finding the repair could cost about $700. …
While driving the vehicle went into a heavy vibration from the motor and the smell of raw fuel was present. After turning off the vehicle it would not start. The vehicle was towed to the Ford dealer and the dealer stated that a fuel injector became stuck open. The injector filled the cylinder with fuel and caused the engine to blow up (severe damage). It was found that this occurred on Ford expeditions numerous times and Ford extended the warranty to 11 years, 120,000 miles and my scary experience occurred at 129,000. I previously replaced the motor at my own expense 2 years prior and Ford did not replace the injectors or notify me of an injector issue. Ford is stating that they will not honor the warranty and the engine damage was caused by the injector that was not replaced. It was found that Ford was aware of the injector issue since 2007. …
I have a 2005 Ford Expedition and have maintained my vehicle maintenance and only have 124,000 miles on this vehicle. It continues to shut off the engine and code fail safe mode on code appear and when I'm driving on the highway it is dangerous. After reading so many complaints this is unsafe. Also, the computer issues with locking doors, failure of the transmission (which I had to replace) such a disappointment of a vehicle. Ford should recall engine and computer issues. I purchased this vehicle brand new $50,000 + and have not be able to depend on the stability since I've had it.
While moving in traffic the vehicle engine cut-off on its own. Message came up on dash display, something about "elect throttle control". Was moving very slowly on an interstate highway bad traffic, with heaters (front and back) and the radio on. I was able to coast off to the side of the highway. Turned off radio, heaters, then was able to restart the vehicle. Battery condition was fine (replaced 2 years ago), no other warning. Vehicle is well-maintained, never driven hard or used for towing. Today I am taking it to a Ford dealer for evaluation.....updated 08/25/15
This is the 4th time in 5 weeks that my car has shut down while driving and it says "engine fail safe mode". It has been in the shop after the first 3 incidents and different things have been done to it. I just got it out of the shop and it happened the 4th time. So it's going back to shop. I have been fortunate, and have not been in a accident as a result of it shutting down. Looking online it's amazing how many people have experienced this same issue. Why has Ford or NHTSA not done something about this? Will it take someone getting killed before they take action?
I was driving and all of a sudden steering wheel locked and my car literally shut off while I was driving.. I coasted to the side and I turned off car.. Tried to turn it back on and it kept cranking and I kept doing it like 5 times until it started back up. Sure it is a 2005, but it has been giving me problems since I got it, now it is worse. I don't believe it is wear and tear I actually replaced the whole engine 4 years after I bought my car which is ridiculous to begin with. If my car burns up while I am driving I will really make a stink..
I have had an engine check light and no one can find the problem. Some mechanics tell me its one thing and the others something else. Took to a.v Ford and quicklane in north hollywood. My truck stayed several days at shop and still cant find problem. Mechanic even called detroit plant to get advise. Still not resolved. Paid too much just trying to figure the problem. Has there been any issues brought to you about engine light on for Ford trucks. I have documents of visits to mechanics if you guys need them.
My 2005 Expedition is maintained normally and spark plugs changed and the engine will either cut off or slow down to about 30 miles an hour while I am on the highway with a error message fail save mode. Most times when I shut off the engine and restart it turns over but doesn't stay on. Totally unsafe for me and my family. Please research and recall what the issue is! This issue has started about 4 years after we purchased the vehicle and has been happening maybe one to two times a month since.
Vehicle vibrates badly especially at highway speeds. Vibration is so bad, the vehicle rocks side-to-side while driving. Driving at highway turnpike speed of 75mph, vehicle engine began to surge and then completely shut down. Oil pressure gauge indicated low oil pressure and vehicle would not start. Vehicle still had electrical function but engine no longer would turn over. Checked engine oil level and had engine oil. Called highway patrol and had to have the vehicle towed.
Engine complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 104 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Ford Expedition, 33% of the model year's 315 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Expedition engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Ford Expedition. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford Expedition engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.