2005 Ford Expedition
The 2005 Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and towing capability. It offers seating for up to eight passengers and plenty of cargo space, making it a popular choice for families. Owners appreciate its truck-like capabilities combined with a comfortable interior. However, some common complaints include poor fuel economy, age-related maintenance issues, and some reliability concerns. The 2005 Expedition was available with two engine options: a 4.6L Triton V8 producing 232 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.4L Triton V8 producing 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Engine
4.6L Triton V8
- Spark Plug Blowout
- Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs can eject from the cylinder head due to weak threads. This can cause a loud popping noise, misfire, and loss of power.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the cylinder head with a redesigned version that has longer spark plug threads, or using thread repair inserts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Vacuum Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Cracked or brittle vacuum lines can cause rough idling, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel economy.
- Solution: Replacing the damaged vacuum lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
5.4L Triton V8
- Spark Plug Blowout
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 4.6L, spark plugs can eject from the cylinder head due to weak threads. This can cause a loud popping noise, misfire, and loss of power.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the cylinder head with a redesigned version that has longer spark plug threads, or using thread repair inserts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Cam Phaser Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The cam phasers can wear out or fail, leading to a rattling noise, especially at startup, rough idling, loss of power, and potential engine damage.
- Solution: Replacing the cam phasers, timing chain, and potentially other related components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Exhaust Manifold Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Cracked or warped exhaust manifolds can cause exhaust leaks, leading to a hissing noise, reduced fuel economy, and potential exhaust fumes entering the cabin.
- Solution: Replacing the exhaust manifolds and gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4R70W 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both Engine Options)
- Shifting Problems/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission may experience slipping between gears, harsh shifting, or difficulty engaging certain gears. This can be caused by worn clutches, valve body issues, or low fluid levels.
- Solution: Performing a transmission flush, replacing the valve body, or rebuilding the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (flush), $400 - $1000 (valve body), $2000 - $4000+ (rebuild)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, leading to shuddering, stalling, and loss of power.
- Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Problems (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can experience leaks in the air springs, compressor failure, or sensor issues. This can lead to the vehicle sagging, a rough ride, or the suspension not leveling properly.
- Solution: Replacing the air springs, compressor, or sensors. Converting to coil springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per component (air suspension), $1000 - $2000+ (coil spring conversion)
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Worn ball joints can cause clunking noises, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacing the worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Blend Door Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The blend door actuator controls the temperature of the air coming out of the vents. Failure can result in only hot or cold air blowing, regardless of the temperature setting.
- Solution: Replacing the blend door actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster may experience flickering, dimming, or complete failure of gauges.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Rocker Panels and Lower Body Panels
- Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on the rocker panels, wheel wells, and other lower body panels.
- Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, or rust prevention treatments.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ per panel
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Power Window Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows may stop working or become slow and erratic due to a failing motor.
- Solution: Replacing the power window motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may leak, get stuck, or fail to open or close properly.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2005 Ford Expedition has some known reliability issues, mostly related to engine and transmission components. The Triton engines are prone to spark plug blowout and cam phaser issues. The transmission can have shifting problems, and the air suspension, if equipped, may need costly repairs. While some issues are relatively minor, others, like engine repairs or transmission rebuilds, can be quite expensive. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle, especially the engine and transmission, and be aware of the potential for these common problems. Overall, the severity of the issues ranges from moderate to severe, and the potential cost of repairs can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.