Owners have filed 1,136 complaints
about the 2000 Ford Expedition with NHTSA between 1999 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 30 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Ford Expedition. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 16
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2000 compares with every other Ford Expedition
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Cruise Control
6324.0%
Tread/Belt
6022.8%
Engine
3914.8%
Windshield
3111.8%
Automatic Transmission
207.6%
Frontal
186.8%
Gasoline
166.1%
Wiring
166.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
20.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
20.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
152.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
6811.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
11219.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
9917.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
15627.1%
150,000+ miles
12221.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1999peak 35Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 Ford Expedition
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA05015Opened 13 Oct 2005Closed 6 Dec 2006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WINDSHIELD LEAK CAUSES ELECTRIC FAILURES
CONSUMERS ALLEGED THAT WHEN IT RAINED OR SNOWED, WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE AROUND THE WINDSHIELD.MOISTURE FLOWING THROUGH THE SEAL THAT SURROUNDS THE FRONT WINDSHIELD FOLLOWS A PATH THROUGH THE SEAL INTO THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) AND FUSE BOX, AND MAY CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE VEHICLE TO MALFUNCTION.OVERALL, THE NUMBER OF REPORTS ALLEGING WIPER FAILURES AND LIGHTING FAILURES IS RELATIVELY SMALL.IN REVIEWING A LARGE SAMPLE OF THE 1503 COMPLAINTS FOR WINDSHIELD LEAKS, ODI'S ANALYSIS REVEALS THAT 0.04% OF THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION REPORTED IMPROPER WINDSHIELD WIPER O...
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...
PE05033Opened 15 Jun 2005Closed 13 Oct 2005ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE
ODI HAS RECEIVED 39 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT WATER LEAKS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING ELECTRICAL FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND THE HEADLAMPS.FORD REPORTS THAT WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE CAN WET THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX (PDB) AND THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM).THESE COMPONENTS CONTROL VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS IN THE VEHICLE.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA05015, TO ALLOW FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE AND TO ASSESS THE NATURE OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY CONSEQUENCE.
PE04078Opened 19 Nov 2004Closed 22 Mar 2005VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRE
IN ITS LETTER DATED JANUARY 27, 2005 TO ODI, FORD INDICATED THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL # 05V-017) TO REMEDY AN OVERHEATING SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH IN APPROXIMATELY 738,490 SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THE RECALL ARE CERTAIN 2000 MODEL YEAR (MY) FORD F150, FORD EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND CERTAIN 2001 MODEL YEAR F150 SUPERCREW VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 7, 2000.SINCE OPENING PE04-078, ODI HAS IDENTIFIED OTHER REPORTS OF KEY OFF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN FORD VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION...
SQ00016Opened 15 Sep 2000Closed 6 Dec 2001WHEELS
WHEEL STUD AND NUT
IN DECEMBER 1999, FORD ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 99-26-3, ENTITLED INCREASED WHEEL NUT AND STUD SIZE-SERVICE TIP,FOR 2000 MODEL YEAR EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, AND CERTAIN F-150 VEHICLES, BUILT ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 27, 1999.THESE VEHICLES HAVE INCREASED WHEEL STUD AND NUT DIAMETERS FROM 12MM TO 14MM.THE WHEEL NUT TORQUE WAS INCREASED FROM 100 FT-LB. TO 150 FT-LB., RESPECTIVELY.ODI HAS RECEIVED THREE REPORTS OF WHEELS SEPARATING FROM 2000 MODEL YEAR EXPEDITION VEHICLES, INCLUDING TWO CRASHES.TWO ADDITIONAL REPORTS ALLEGE BROKEN STUDS AND/OR LOOSE WHEEL NUTS.LOOSE WHEEL NUTS CAN ALLOW THE WH...
Recalls on the 2000 Ford Expedition
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E067000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E060000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST 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."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
06E056000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
05V388000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
05V017000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A FIRE. FIRES HAVE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE PARKED WITH THE IGNITION 'OFF.'
03V094000
STRUCTURE
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Risk: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
02V239000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CERTAIN 4X2 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE REAR TIRE PRESSURE IS INCORRECTLY LISTED ON THE LABEL FOR 4.2 VEHICLES.
Risk: CUSTOMERS MAY INFLATE THEIR REAR TIRES BASED ON THE INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL.
01V258000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
Risk: LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2005028304,417 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a new switch or fused wiring harness.
Recall 2004164305,024 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, Ford has issued a scheduled maintenance guide update which specifies that every 20 000 kms, the steering linkage, which includes tie-rod ends, should be inspected. The vehicle owner is asked to place the tie-rod end inspection procedure supplied with this maintenance guide update in the vehicle's glove box for reference and safekeeping. The vehicle owner is to provide the inspection procedure to their repair facility to help properly identify worn tie-rod ends. Performing the vehicle scheduled maintenance, including maintenance inspections, is the responsibility of the vehicle owner. Failure to replace worn tie-rod ends may eventually result in a tie-rod end separation that could adversely affect steering control. If the inspection reveals that a tie-rod end is worn and must be replaced, the repair will be at the owner's expense unless the vehicle is still covered by the basic vehicle warranty, or has an extended service plan coverage that includes these components.
Recall 200120483,005 units in Canada
Other
Certain passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke or, potentially, ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced.
Recall 2000281120,576 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the daytime running lamp circuit contains a resistor that is corroding. If this occurs, the resistive element can open, resulting in a loss of daytime running lamp (DRL) function. If DRL function is lost, there may be reduced vehicle conspicuity, which could increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will install a sealed daytime running lamp resistor.
Recall 200007923,801 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the trailer hitch assembly attachment bolts may lose clamp load. If the operator does not notice the condition due to rattle or other looseness of the trailer hitch assembly, there is a potential for the trailer hitch to separate from the vehicle. Correction: Trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates will be replaced with higher strength mounting bolts and nut plates installed at a higher torque and including an adhesive patch.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cedar City, UTFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On XXX my 2000 Ford Expedition caught on fire at around 2am. It had not been driven or turned on since XXX, and was sitting parked that whole time. It was parked in the parking lot of my apartment building, right outside of my unit. I was woken up by a loud pop which I believe was the tire exploding, and the flames were tall enough to see outside my second story bedroom window. My entire apartment building was evacuated by the fire department, and some doors were kicked in by them, including mine. After they put the fire out, the fire inspector looked for two hours to determine a cause and were only able to determine that the fire started under the hood, on the drivers side, close to the dashboard area. The vehicle was completely totaled in the fire, and my other car parked next to it was damaged from the fire as well, and the apartment building had a lot of damage from the fire and heat spreading to it. Multiple residents were displaced for a few days at the advice of the fire department, to let units air out from the carcinogenic fumes. The vehicle has been towed and signed over to AutoMoto Salvage yard. I was researching what could have started this fire and found this article where the NHTSA investigated over 600 spontaneous Ford vehicle fires including year 2000 Ford Expeditions, caused by cruise control deactivation switches, which are located in the same place under the hood that the fire department determined my fire originated. [XXX] My vehicle was not listed in any recall, but that article states that over 200 vehicles that caught fire were not either. I'm unsure if the salvage yard still has it available for inspection. It has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. It was inspected by the fire department and police department - insurance did not do their own inspection. There were no warning signs and the vehicle was running like normal. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedar City, UTFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX my 2000 Ford Expedition caught on fire at around 2am. It had not been driven or turned on since XXX, and was sitting parked that whole time. It was parked in the parking lot of my apartment building, right outside of my unit. I was woken up by a loud pop which I believe was the tire exploding, and the flames were tall enough to see outside my second story bedroom window. My entire apartment building was evacuated by the fire department, and some doors were kicked in by them, including mine. After they put the fire out, the fire inspector looked for two hours to determine a cause and were only able to determine that the fire started under the hood, on the drivers side, close to the dashboard area. The vehicle was completely totaled in the fire, and my other car parked next to it was damaged from the fire as well, and the apartment building had a lot of damage from the fire and heat spreading to it. Multiple residents were displaced for a few days at the advice of the fire department, to let units air out from the carcinogenic fumes. The vehicle has been towed and signed over to AutoMoto Salvage yard. I was researching what could have started this fire and found this article where the NHTSA investigated over 600 spontaneous Ford vehicle fires including year 2000 Ford Expeditions, caused by cruise control deactivation switches, which are located in the same place under the hood that the fire department determined my fire originated. [XXX] My vehicle was not listed in any recall, but that article states that over 200 vehicles that caught fire were not either. I'm unsure if the salvage yard still has it available for inspection. It has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. It was inspected by the fire department and police department - insurance did not do their own inspection. There were no warning signs and the vehicle was running like normal. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corsicana, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
while driving smoke came from under my hood by the time i opened it was a full blown fire on the passenger side near the fuel injectors and spark plugs. we called 911 police and fire department came a nearby business owner loaned a fire extinguisher and we got the fire out. the fire men say it was caused by a spark plug that had came out caught spark with oil or gas it damaged hoses electrical and not sure what else yet.
NHTSA complaint #11703155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesOntario, CAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION WAS PARKED AT MY JOB PARKING LOT FOR 3HRS, WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD NEAR THE MASTER CYLINDER, DRIVERS SIDE, NEAR THE FIREWALL. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BBB, AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, WHICH ALL ATTEMPTS WERE IGNORED.
NHTSA complaint #11398241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesOntario, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION WAS PARKED AT MY JOB PARKING LOT FOR 3HRS, WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD NEAR THE MASTER CYLINDER, DRIVERS SIDE, NEAR THE FIREWALL. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BBB, AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, WHICH ALL ATTEMPTS WERE IGNORED.
NHTSA complaint #11398241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesOntario, CAFire
ENGINE
MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION WAS PARKED AT MY JOB PARKING LOT FOR 3HRS, WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD NEAR THE MASTER CYLINDER, DRIVERS SIDE, NEAR THE FIREWALL. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BBB, AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, WHICH ALL ATTEMPTS WERE IGNORED.
NHTSA complaint #11398241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Cedar City, UTFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On XXX my 2000 Ford Expedition caught on fire at around 2am. It had not been driven or turned on since XXX, and was sitting parked that whole time. It was parked in the parking lot of my apartment building, right outside of my unit. I was woken up by a loud pop which I believe was the tire exploding, and the flames were tall enough to see outside my second story bedroom window. My entire apartment building was evacuated by the fire department, and some doors were kicked in by them, including mine. After they put the fire out, the fire inspector looked for two hours to determine a cause and were only able to determine that the fire started under the hood, on the drivers side, close to the dashboard area. The vehicle was completely totaled in the fire, and my other car parked next to it was damaged from the fire as well, and the apartment building had a lot of damage from the fire and heat spreading to it. Multiple residents were displaced for a few days at the advice of the fire department, to let units air out from the carcinogenic fumes. The vehicle has been towed and signed over to AutoMoto Salvage yard. I was researching what could have started this fire and found this article where the NHTSA investigated over 600 spontaneous Ford vehicle fires including year 2000 Ford Expeditions, caused by cruise control deactivation switches, which are located in the same place under the hood that the fire department determined my fire originated. [XXX] My vehicle was not listed in any recall, but that article states that over 200 vehicles that caught fire were not either. I'm unsure if the salvage yard still has it available for inspection. It has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. It was inspected by the fire department and police department - insurance did not do their own inspection. There were no warning signs and the vehicle was running like normal. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedar City, UTFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX my 2000 Ford Expedition caught on fire at around 2am. It had not been driven or turned on since XXX, and was sitting parked that whole time. It was parked in the parking lot of my apartment building, right outside of my unit. I was woken up by a loud pop which I believe was the tire exploding, and the flames were tall enough to see outside my second story bedroom window. My entire apartment building was evacuated by the fire department, and some doors were kicked in by them, including mine. After they put the fire out, the fire inspector looked for two hours to determine a cause and were only able to determine that the fire started under the hood, on the drivers side, close to the dashboard area. The vehicle was completely totaled in the fire, and my other car parked next to it was damaged from the fire as well, and the apartment building had a lot of damage from the fire and heat spreading to it. Multiple residents were displaced for a few days at the advice of the fire department, to let units air out from the carcinogenic fumes. The vehicle has been towed and signed over to AutoMoto Salvage yard. I was researching what could have started this fire and found this article where the NHTSA investigated over 600 spontaneous Ford vehicle fires including year 2000 Ford Expeditions, caused by cruise control deactivation switches, which are located in the same place under the hood that the fire department determined my fire originated. [XXX] My vehicle was not listed in any recall, but that article states that over 200 vehicles that caught fire were not either. I'm unsure if the salvage yard still has it available for inspection. It has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. It was inspected by the fire department and police department - insurance did not do their own inspection. There were no warning signs and the vehicle was running like normal. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corsicana, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
while driving smoke came from under my hood by the time i opened it was a full blown fire on the passenger side near the fuel injectors and spark plugs. we called 911 police and fire department came a nearby business owner loaned a fire extinguisher and we got the fire out. the fire men say it was caused by a spark plug that had came out caught spark with oil or gas it damaged hoses electrical and not sure what else yet.
NHTSA complaint #11703155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 315,000 milesBrooklyn Center, MN
STEERING
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to prevent oversteering. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering shaft. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred because the aftermarket replacement part was too short. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 315,000.
NHTSA complaint #11614220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesPerry, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start-up. The contact attempted to jump start the vehicle with assistance, but he was not successful. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000.
NHTSA complaint #11441043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesPerry, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start-up. The contact attempted to jump start the vehicle with assistance, but he was not successful. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000.
NHTSA complaint #11441043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesOntario, CAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION WAS PARKED AT MY JOB PARKING LOT FOR 3HRS, WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD NEAR THE MASTER CYLINDER, DRIVERS SIDE, NEAR THE FIREWALL. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BBB, AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, WHICH ALL ATTEMPTS WERE IGNORED.
NHTSA complaint #11398241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesOntario, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION WAS PARKED AT MY JOB PARKING LOT FOR 3HRS, WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD NEAR THE MASTER CYLINDER, DRIVERS SIDE, NEAR THE FIREWALL. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BBB, AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, WHICH ALL ATTEMPTS WERE IGNORED.
NHTSA complaint #11398241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesOntario, CAFire
ENGINE
MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION WAS PARKED AT MY JOB PARKING LOT FOR 3HRS, WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD NEAR THE MASTER CYLINDER, DRIVERS SIDE, NEAR THE FIREWALL. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BBB, AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, WHICH ALL ATTEMPTS WERE IGNORED.
NHTSA complaint #11398241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBuena Park, CA
POWER TRAIN
MY CAR SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY AS I'M DRIVING. I'VE HAD MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND SEE NOTHING WRONG. THERE ARE NO CODES COMING UP EITHER.
NHTSA complaint #11396680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBuena Park, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY CAR SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY AS I'M DRIVING. I'VE HAD MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND SEE NOTHING WRONG. THERE ARE NO CODES COMING UP EITHER.
NHTSA complaint #11396680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBuena Park, CA
ENGINE
MY CAR SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY AS I'M DRIVING. I'VE HAD MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND SEE NOTHING WRONG. THERE ARE NO CODES COMING UP EITHER.
NHTSA complaint #11396680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesCrockett, CA
SEATS
ODOMETER BLANKS OUT NO DIGITAL READ OUT FOR MILEAGE, SEATS ARE TORN BADLY DON'T USE OR DRIVE THAT OFTEN 1 OR TWICE A WEEK IT HAS ONLY 145K MILES. NOW, THE AIR LINE HAS BEEN REPLACED AND IT LOW IN REAR WITH COMPRESSOR CAN'T FIND LEAK AND BELIEVE THE AIR BAGS WILL NEED REPLACED TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE ISSUE IS AND NO WARNING LIGHT THIS TIME ON DASH LIKE USUAL.
NHTSA complaint #11324787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesCrockett, CA
AIR BAGS
ODOMETER BLANKS OUT NO DIGITAL READ OUT FOR MILEAGE, SEATS ARE TORN BADLY DON'T USE OR DRIVE THAT OFTEN 1 OR TWICE A WEEK IT HAS ONLY 145K MILES. NOW, THE AIR LINE HAS BEEN REPLACED AND IT LOW IN REAR WITH COMPRESSOR CAN'T FIND LEAK AND BELIEVE THE AIR BAGS WILL NEED REPLACED TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE ISSUE IS AND NO WARNING LIGHT THIS TIME ON DASH LIKE USUAL.
NHTSA complaint #11324787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesCrockett, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODOMETER BLANKS OUT NO DIGITAL READ OUT FOR MILEAGE, SEATS ARE TORN BADLY DON'T USE OR DRIVE THAT OFTEN 1 OR TWICE A WEEK IT HAS ONLY 145K MILES. NOW, THE AIR LINE HAS BEEN REPLACED AND IT LOW IN REAR WITH COMPRESSOR CAN'T FIND LEAK AND BELIEVE THE AIR BAGS WILL NEED REPLACED TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE ISSUE IS AND NO WARNING LIGHT THIS TIME ON DASH LIKE USUAL.
NHTSA complaint #11324787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesCable, OHFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY TRUCK HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE WITH NEW PARTS ON IT. I WENT TO MY FRIEND'S HOUSE WENT IN TO SWITCH MY LAUNDRY, LOOKED OUT HER WINDOW AND MY WAS ON FIRE!! TRUCK OFF AND KEYS WERE NOT IN IGNITION AND IT WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY UNDER A CARPORT. IT POSED NO PROBLEMS ON THE WAY OVER THERE, NO SMELLS, NO SOUNDS, NO NOTHING. AND THEN BAM! HOOD SHOOTING OUT FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #11306520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesCable, OHFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY TRUCK HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE WITH NEW PARTS ON IT. I WENT TO MY FRIEND'S HOUSE WENT IN TO SWITCH MY LAUNDRY, LOOKED OUT HER WINDOW AND MY WAS ON FIRE!! TRUCK OFF AND KEYS WERE NOT IN IGNITION AND IT WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY UNDER A CARPORT. IT POSED NO PROBLEMS ON THE WAY OVER THERE, NO SMELLS, NO SOUNDS, NO NOTHING. AND THEN BAM! HOOD SHOOTING OUT FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #11306520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesCable, OHFire
ENGINE
MY TRUCK HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE WITH NEW PARTS ON IT. I WENT TO MY FRIEND'S HOUSE WENT IN TO SWITCH MY LAUNDRY, LOOKED OUT HER WINDOW AND MY WAS ON FIRE!! TRUCK OFF AND KEYS WERE NOT IN IGNITION AND IT WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY UNDER A CARPORT. IT POSED NO PROBLEMS ON THE WAY OVER THERE, NO SMELLS, NO SOUNDS, NO NOTHING. AND THEN BAM! HOOD SHOOTING OUT FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #11306520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 258,000 milesCypress, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY EXPEDITION CAUGHT ON FIRE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AT LEAST 30 MINUTES AFTER DRIVING IT. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND A WATER HOSE, BUT THE PLASTIC PARTS WERE WERE MELTED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED AND I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL RELAY.
NHTSA complaint #11196458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 286,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING THE DOWN THE STREET GOING TO WAL-MART ON PENDLETON PIKE IN INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA THE CAR SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN. I SHIFTED IT BACK IN GEAR DROVE ON TO WAL-MART THEN TO WENT TO ALDIS. WHEN I CAME OUT OF ALDIS ALSO ON PENDLETON PIKE THE CAR WOULDN'T COME OUT OF PARK WITHOUT KEY BEING IN ACC POSITION FOOT ON BRAKE AND PLAYING WITH GEARSHIT FOR APPROX 15 MINS IT WAS LOCKED. THEN THE POWER WINDOWS ALSO WENT OUT IN THE SAME TIME THAT THIS ALL HAPPENED. NOW MY CAR WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR WITHOUT MESSING WITH GEARSHIFT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND MESSING WITH IGNITION SWITCH MUTIPLE TIMES BEFORE I CAN GET CAR INTO MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11180073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 286,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING THE DOWN THE STREET GOING TO WAL-MART ON PENDLETON PIKE IN INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA THE CAR SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN. I SHIFTED IT BACK IN GEAR DROVE ON TO WAL-MART THEN TO WENT TO ALDIS. WHEN I CAME OUT OF ALDIS ALSO ON PENDLETON PIKE THE CAR WOULDN'T COME OUT OF PARK WITHOUT KEY BEING IN ACC POSITION FOOT ON BRAKE AND PLAYING WITH GEARSHIT FOR APPROX 15 MINS IT WAS LOCKED. THEN THE POWER WINDOWS ALSO WENT OUT IN THE SAME TIME THAT THIS ALL HAPPENED. NOW MY CAR WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR WITHOUT MESSING WITH GEARSHIFT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND MESSING WITH IGNITION SWITCH MUTIPLE TIMES BEFORE I CAN GET CAR INTO MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11180073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 201,000 milesFinksburg, MDFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE, THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH UNDERNEATH THE HOOD THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WAS OFF AT THE TIME. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT, A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, STATED THAT THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID COMING OUT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,000.
NHTSA complaint #11076444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 201,000 milesFinksburg, MDFire
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE, THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH UNDERNEATH THE HOOD THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WAS OFF AT THE TIME. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT, A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, STATED THAT THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID COMING OUT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,000.
NHTSA complaint #11076444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 280,000 milesWinslow, AZ
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN MY EXPEDITION AND I WENT TO DISINGAGE MY CRUISE CONTROL AND MY ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF IT'S BEEN 4 WEEKS NOW AND I CAN'T GET ANYONE TO TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG. MY VEHICLE IS A NO CRANK NO START NOW
NHTSA complaint #11064311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesTyler, TX
WHEELS
BATTERY WILL NOT KEPT A CHARGER HAVE TO TAKE OFF CABLE WHEN CUTTING THE TRUCK OFF. LIGHTS NOT WORKING IN BACK ,NO PICK UP SPEED
NHTSA complaint #11061577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.