1999 Ford Excursion problems
The Ford Excursion is a heavy-duty (Class 2) SUV that was sold by Ford Motor Company from 2000 to 2005. At the time of its introduction, the Excursion was the longest and heaviest SUV ever to enter mass production. The third Ford SUV derived from the F-Series pickup trucks (after the Ford Bronco and the Ford Expedition), the model line used a heavier-duty chassis and frame than the Expedition; both vehicles competed against the Chevrolet Suburban.
Developed as a competitor for the 2500-series (3⁄4-ton) Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL, the Ford Excursion was derived from the 3⁄4-ton F-250 Super Duty pickup truck (sharing its chassis with the regular cab, long-bed chassis). The model line was produced for a single generation; a shortened 2006 model year was offered exclusively for Mexico. Sold nearly exclusively in the North American market, limited numbers of the model line were produced for export. As of current production, the Excursion remains the largest mass-produced SUV (matched in length by the 2023 introduction of the lighter Jeep Grand Wagoneer L); currently, only the GMC Hummer EV SUV is heavier.
Throughout its production run, the Excursion was assembled at its Kentucky Truck Plant (Louisville, Kentucky) alongside the Ford Super Duty line; the final example was produced on September 30, 2005. For 2007, Ford introduced the extended-length Ford Expedition EL/MAX (today, Expedition MAX), competing more closely against the 1500-series Suburban in capability.
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Common 1999 Ford Excursion problems
The Ford Excursion, produced from 2000 to 2005, is known for its formidable size and towing capacity. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most prevalent issues based on owner complaints:
- Spark Plug Ejection: One of the most reported issues, particularly in models equipped with Triton engines, is the tendency for spark plugs to blow out of the cylinder head. This issue not only causes a sudden loss of power but can also lead to costly repairs if threads in the cylinder head are damaged.
- Inoperative Door Locks: Many Excursion owners have encountered problems with door locks becoming inoperative due to resistance in the circuit. This issue can affect one or multiple doors, making it inconvenient and posing a security risk.
- Rough Idle Due to EGR Sensor Sticking: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) sensor can stick, leading to a rough idle. This problem is usually accompanied by the Check Engine light, and cleaning or replacing the EGR valve can remedy the issue.
- High-Pressure Oil Pump Failure: The high-pressure oil pump is critical for the Excursion's engine operation, especially in diesel models. Failure of this component can cause a "No Start" condition, requiring replacement to get the engine running again.
- Oil Leaks: Oil leaks from the passenger-side head gasket onto the starter is another issue that has plagued some Excursion models. This not only leads to oil loss but can also cause starter problems due to oil contamination.
- Incorrect Engine Oil Leading to Hard Starts: Using the wrong type of engine oil can lead to hard starting conditions, especially in colder climates. It is essential to use the manufacturer-recommended oil to avoid this issue.
- Injector Seal Leaks: Diesel models can suffer from oil leaking into the fuel system due to injector seal leaks. This problem can affect engine performance and fuel efficiency.
- Stuck Turbo: A lack of power or poor acceleration can sometimes be traced back to a stuck turbo in diesel models. Regular maintenance and checks can prevent this issue.
- EGR Cooler Leaks: Coolant leaks from the EGR cooler are not uncommon and can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- VGT Solenoid Failure: The Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) solenoid controls turbo boost in diesel models. Failure of this component can result in a lack of power or a "No Boost" condition.
For Ford Excursion owners facing these issues, accurate diagnosis is the first step. Haynes Manuals provide comprehensive troubleshooting guides that can help identify the root cause of the problem. Once identified, Haynes Manuals offer detailed repair instructions, from simple fixes to complex component replacements, empowering owners to tackle these issues confidently.
Why did the Ford Excursion fail?
The Excursion sold relatively well upon its introduction, but felt out of favor due to rising gasoline prices. The vehicle, which had notably poor gas mileage, was unable to keep up with consumer demands for better performance with less gas usage. As a result, sales suffered.
Why did Ford get rid of the Excursion?
After largely meeting sales projections at its launch, demand for the model line was affected by the energy crisis of the 2000s. While able to produce 70,000 examples yearly, sales from 2001 onward struggled to reach half of that capacity, becoming the lowest-selling SUV sold by Ford or Lincoln-Mercury.
Is the 2000 Ford Excursion V10 reliable?
Extremely. These engines if well maintained (as every engine needs to be for best performance/ lifespan) are well known to last a long time & can attain very high mileage. The 6.8L like 4.6L & 4.2L Triton engines were the best offered at that time for durability /low running costs.
What was the last year of the 7.3 Excursion?
The 2003 model year was this engine's last. At mid-year, it was replaced by the higher-output but soon to be discovered, woefully unreliable, Power Stroke 6.0.
1999 Ford Excursion car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Excursion problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Ford Excursion vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1999 Ford Excursion complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Ford Excursion.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-01
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE BACKING UP AND TURNING, THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON MY 1999 FORD EXPEDITION FAILED. THE PIN ACTUALLY SHEARED OFF THE BALL. THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 96200 MILES ON IT. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I OWN A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION AND HAVE NOW HAD 2 SPARK PLUGS EJECT OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD DUE DESTROYING THE COILS OF EACH SPARK PLUG IN THE PROCESS. THIS IS A WIDELY KNOW ISSUE WITH 1997-2000 FORDS, BUT FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. I CALL THE DEALER IN CARLSBAD CALIFORNIA AND WAS QUOTED ALMOST $3000 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS FAILURE AND FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. I FOUND A COMPANY NAMED TIMESERT THAT SELLS A "FORD TRITON SPARK PLUG STEEL INSER KIT" AND PAID OVER $400 FOR THE KIT AND DID THE REPAIRS MYSELF....WHEN A COMPANY LIKE TIMESERT MAKES A KIT SPECIFICALLY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH FORDS IT'S HARD NOT TO BELIEVE THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM HERE THAT FORD NEEDS TO CORRECT. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-23
- VIN: 1FMPU18L2XL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 99 EXPEDITION WITH 5.4 L TRITON V-8 FORCIBLE EJECTED SPARK PLUG FROM CYLINDER HEAD LEADING TO ENGINE FAILURE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-12
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE A 99 FORD EXPEDITION. TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, HAZARD LIGHTS, AND REAR WIPER WORKS WHEN THEY WANT TO WORK. TAKEN IT TO SERVICE SHOP, CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. TAKE IT BAKE WHEN IT DOES IT AGAIN, SHOP REPLACES JUNCTION BOX (FUSE BOX). IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN AS I WRITE THIS, AND IS NOT WORKING AGAIN. SHOP DOESN'T SEEM TO KNOW THE PROBLEM. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-26
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3FAKP1134XR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING/IDLING, SMOKE WOULD COME OUT FROM THE DRIVER SIDE TAILLIGHTS COMPARTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *NM THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT OFFER TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE NOR LOOK INTO WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER OPENED THE TRUNK AND SAW SMOKE AND FIRE AROUND THE LOCK AREA. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE WIRES AND PLASTIC INSERT AND BULB THAT LIGHTS UP LICENSE PLATE WAS THE CAUSE. *TC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-17
- VIN: 1FMSU43F2YE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND THE CAR JUMPED. THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE REPLACED. THE FUEL LINE WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. *JB
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-24
- VIN: 1FMPU18LXXL
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY SHE HEARD A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE SWAYBAR BROKE. TS
1999 Ford Excursion recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1999 Ford Excursion.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
- Summary: ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1999 Ford Excursion problems:
Looking to buy a 7.3 Excursion... What should I watch out for? | Ford ...
Dec 24, 2010 ... I'm in the market for a '99 to '03 7.3L Diesel Excursion and I'm looking for some guidance on common problem areas I should watch out for.
Looking at 01 excursion diesel - any problems - Ford Truck ...
Oct 14, 2009 ... I am going to be looking at an 01 diesel excursion 4x4 with 114000 miles, it is a limited model. Any common problem with them?
Problems with Excursion transmissions? | Ford Powerstroke Diesel ...
Aug 10, 2010 ... ... common problem, also off topic, are you ... 99-03 Ford Excursion Forum · Blitanicle99 Aug ... bigred_stroker Aug 2, 2010 · Transmission Problems....
Excursion V10 multiple misfires solved - Ford Truck Enthusiasts ...
Feb 20, 2017 ... All of these fixes and problems are very common on V10 engines. steveschroeder's Avatar. steveschroeder , 02-20-2017 09:45 PM. New User. Yes ...
Q&A: Ford 7.3 Fuel Bowl Heater Fuse & Glow Plug Light Issues
Dec 19, 2009 ... I have 2004 F250 Super Duty 6.0 I just changed out all 8 ... ford: I am having electrical problems with a 99 f350 7.3. ... 2002 Ford Excursion ...
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