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2000 Ford Expedition Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2000 Ford Expedition has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Windshield water intrusion disabling electrical system.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2000 Ford Expedition.

Reported to NHTSA

Windshield water intrusion disabling electrical system

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

30 NHTSA complaints · 2008-10 → 2015-02

“WINDSHIELD WIPERS, DASH LIGHTS, 4X4, DOOR LOCKS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, SOUND SYSTEM, ALL OPERATE INTERMITANLY AFTER RAIN OR SNOW. HEATER FAN COMES ON AFTER TAKING KEY OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10392435
“2000 FORD EXPEDITION EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FROM A LEAK IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD.*DT THE LEAK WAS INTERNAL CAUSING WATER DAMAGE TO THE FUSE BOX AND CORROSION ON THE GEM MODULE. *JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10313181
“MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION XLT OUT OF THE BLUE STARTED ACTING BIZARRE. COME TO FIND OUT THE WINDSHIELD SEAL HAD A LEAK WHICH IN TURN DESTROYED MY GEM MODULE AND FUSE BOX”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10253947

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear suspension trailing arm corrosion

SUSPENSION

13 NHTSA complaints · 2010-09 → 2014-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, AN UNKNOWN NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10658869
“THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON THE REAR SUSPENSION HAVE EXCESSIVE RUST AND THEY BREAK OFF WITH ENGINE TORQUE OR THROTTLE. THE DRIVE SHAFT BREAKS OFF WHEN THE REAR AXLE ROTATES AND THIS LOCKS UP THE REAR AXLE, AND ALSO SNAPS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10378791
“2000 FORD EXPEDITION 4X4. REAR LOWER TRAILING ARMS OR ( CONTROL ARMS ). PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE POWDER COATING FLAKES OFF EXPOSING THE BARE METAL. CONTROL ARMS RUST THROUGH AND BREAK IN HALF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10358943

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine-compartment fires from cruise control switch

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

25 NHTSA complaints · 2008-09 → 2026-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748008
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. AS HE STARTED THE ENGINE, HE NOTICED BLACK SMOKE AND THEN FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10476543
“OUR 2000 FORD EXPEDITION SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AFTER SITTING FOR 2 DAYS. IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10310224

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spark plug ejection from cylinder head

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

29 NHTSA complaints · 2008-09 → 2016-11

“I OWN A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION WITH A 5.4 LITER TRITON ENGINE WHICH EXPERIENCED A SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT. SO FAR, NHTSA HAS NOT REQUIRED FORD TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR A PROBLEM THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD WITH THE SAME TYPE OF ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10370322
“FORD EXPEDITION SPARK PLUG EJECTION. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THIS 2000 XLT. VERY DANGEROUS, ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, SOUND OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE THEN OPEN CYLINDER NOISE, SMELL OF RAW GAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10280962
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE SPARK PLUG FAILED. AS A CONSEQUENCE HER RISK FOR VEHICLE CRASH AND SERIOUS INJURY WAS INCREASED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10285043

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

546 crashes 1990–2024

How the 546 occupant deaths break down

318

driver deaths

228

passenger deaths

546

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2000 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

59

complaints mentioning a crash

208

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2000 Ford Expedition reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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