- The problem
- 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 conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Ford Expedition Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 297 complaints about the 2004 Ford Expedition with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (55) and the airbags (46). Those complaints describe 49 crashes, 15 fires, 60 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in April 2009 for the exterior lighting. For comparison, the 2003 has 655 and the 2005 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Expedition year, for its age
#42 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 297
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 49
- Fires
- 15
- Injuries
- 60
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2004 Ford Expedition problems
Share of all 297 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Ford Expedition recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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 side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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 to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
Be the first Expedition owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
297 complaints about the 2004 Ford Expedition
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 12.
I was in a collision with another car. The brakes failed.\n Going over 3540 miles per hour, airbag and passenger side and drivers side neither one deployed.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Expedition. The contact recently purchased the vehicle and stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission hesitated before upshifting with the accelerator pedal depressed. Additionally, while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle rolled backwards when the accelerator pedal was depressed before responding as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to return the vehicle to the independent dealer where the vehicle was purchased; however,...
Read the full complaint
the dealer declined to assist. Recently, the vehicle stalled, and it was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved fault codes for the engine and stated that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Just bought this truck I have no idea what has or has not been resolved, very poor lighting I noticed and there's a click noise coming from? It just clicks and clicks and clicks. Thanks
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was unable to drive above 15 MPH because the vehicle became difficult to control. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the rear axle was fractured, the rear subframe was severely corroded, and the rear driver's side sway bar and rear differential were corroded. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,665.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle shut down completely, and the warning messages indicated check gage and check service engine. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,708.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that one spark plug exploded and then another spark plug exploded and went through the cylinder head. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the spark plug was replaced. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Electrical fire today. Vehicle was parked outside garage. A clicking noise was heard and noticed the mirror was trying to move/click and car was filled with smoke. Mirror switches didn't work when tried. Knocked mirror off and fire stopped. Wiring Harness around the emergency brake area melted. Fire melted a hole in the dash corner by windshield. Vehicle was last driven about 25 hrs. earlier with no issues. Approx. 128K miles. Glad it wasn't in garage and the clicking was heard or garage/house would have burned. We haven't done anything to it yet.
Unknown, transmition left me stranded on busy highway. Managed to get it moved off the road before being hit. After getting it home and not driving for a period of time it can be started and moved with no issue. Drive to town no problem parked it to take care of some business and when I went to leave I couldn't back out of the parking place. Got it home and let it sit again. Needed to move it out of the way all was good started it and moved it across the yard and backed it in no problem. Had K&O auto look at it...
Read the full complaint
and was told it needs a transmission. I see allot of complaints about this issue from others without Ford being held responsible to correct the problem. Nice vehical said I can't afford to get it fixed, now driving a 500.00 used vehicle to get around, it is an eye sore but gets me around ok. Would rather enjoy the expidition if Ford would fix the issue that 1000's have had.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power without warning and the steering wheel became difficult to steer on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be replicated. The throttle was replaced however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 216,000. The Vin was not available.
Vehicle lost power for 3-5 seconds at highway speeds approximately 65 mph on three separate events. Vehicle slowed down due to power loss while in heavy traffic. Three other times at idle speed in drive and in park engine stalled and immediately restarted. Loss of power steering due to engine not running when stall event happened. I performed inspection of fuel pump relay which is internal to passenger side fuse block. Found inadequate solder joint on integrated relay printed circuit and burn marks on outside of...
Read the full complaint
fuel pump relay. Located salvage fuse block same make and model and inspected. Same damage on salvage fuse block assembly. Replaced with aftermarket fuse block with revised solder joint and updated relay.
The frame is rusting. See photos. The body is rusting away also the brake lines. The entire vehicle is rusting away. Why has this 2004 ford not included in a recall for rust.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford expedition. The contact stated while vehicle was in a stand still the vehicle was leaking oil on the muffler system and starter. The contact also stated while driving 25 mph, a burning odor was detected coming from the muffler area. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated a local dealer was contacted however the failure had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that head gasket would need to be replaced. The contact stated...
Read the full complaint
that the failure occurred at 75,000 miles and he replaced the head gasket. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
The gas gauge never works and sometimes the vehicle thinks that it doesnt have gas when it does. *Tr
Chatter when wheel turned at low speed. Low speed turning , shaking and vibration. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford expedition. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off. Later, after restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump relay circuit board had malfunctioned and burnt out. The circuit board was replaced and the failure was remedied. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 180,000.
While driving a 2004 ford expedition 178,000 kept stalling on the highway and streets. I had it towed several times because it won't start back on the next day it would turn on. Had the fuel pump replaced and still having the same problems it turn off on my 18 year old son like 5 times going to school and work where it almost got to the point where we felt it wasn't a reliable due the fact it stalls while on the road or even just turning and almost caused my sons life . Finally we found out it's the relay gets hot...
Read the full complaint
and it causes for the car to stop and I'm aware that ford knows about this very frustrating and disappointing they have not done a recall on this the relay can not be change by its self has to be the whole circuit board
SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT RANDOMLY CAME ON
Frame was broken and rigged and painted unsafe and I am concerned when he puts my kids in the car it is not safe
My dash vents are not sending any a/c out the front vents, and I also feel heat from the floor board of my car along with exhaust emissions. I know that the san diego police had the same problem with their expeditions and they were recalled and repaired,now they changed to ford explorers . Is there anything still on the books for the expeditions? The vehicle can be in any function,it is just not working, and also I hear a tumpping noise in my right rear panel. I am unable to send any pictures because everything is covered.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford expedition. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after waiting several minutes. The vehicle was taken to cowles parkway ford (located at 13779 noblewood plaza, woodbridge, va 22193, (703) 986-5500) where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred a day later. After further research, the contact became aware that the fuel pump relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.
Rusted out rocker panels, brake lines, front end radiator mounts, fender mounts. The entire under carriage is rusting away. We have had to replace all the brake lines as they have rusted away, redid the rocker panels rust away. Now we have to replace the entire front end because of rust. Will not pass pa state inspection due to rust. Is the expedition in the recall for rust?
Head on collision with ford f-250 and neither air bags deployed. We did not have any recalls on our ford expedition. My husband and son are very lucky I will never own a ford ever again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford expedition. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would restart erratically. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 187,000. The vin was not available.
The rod that detaches to the back of the tire hade broke off causing my tire to stay out words on a city street
Ford Expedition: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 146 | 4 | C |
| 2007 | 0 | 2 | A |
| 2006 | 0 | 6 | A |
| 2005 | 0 | 5 | A |
| 2004 | 297 | 4 | F |
| 2003 | 655 | 6 | F |
| 2002 | 383 | 4 | F |
| 2001 | 609 | 10 | F |
| 2000 | 0 | 11 | A |
2004 Ford Expedition vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Ford Expedition | 297 | 4 | F | |
| 2004 Nissan Armada | 463 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Toyota Sequoia | 380 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Cadillac Escalade | 103 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Lincoln Navigator | 86 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe | 0 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Chevrolet Suburban | 0 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2004 GMC Yukon | 0 | 4 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2004 Ford Expedition
Does the 2004 Ford Expedition have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 Ford Expedition: exterior lighting (April 2009); exterior lighting (July 2006); exterior lighting (March 2006); headlights (March 2006). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Expedition?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (55), airbags (46), brakes (43).
How many complaints has the 2004 Ford Expedition had?
297 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 20, 2004 and the latest on October 15, 2026. Of these, 49 describe a crash and 15 a fire, and together they report 60 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2004 Ford Expedition a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 19 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Ford Expedition year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Expedition years have the most complaints?
2003 (655), 2001 (609), 2019 (533). See every Ford Expedition year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 Ford Expedition has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data