Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Ford Expedition
The 2004 Ford Expedition has moderate complaints, with notable issues in airbags, electrical systems, and brakes. There are multiple recalls related to aftermarket lighting assemblies lacking required side reflectors. Buyers should be aware of potential electronic and braking system concerns during inspection. Given the relatively limited recall data for major systems, be cautious but not overly alarmed by the complaint numbers.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Ford Expedition has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 297 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E064000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E026000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E023000 FMVSS 108/HEADLAMP/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 46 complaints
- Electrical System 36 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 34 complaints
- Engine 29 complaints
- Power Train 27 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 26 complaints
Of the 297 complaints on file, 49 report a crash and 15 a fire; across all 297 complaints, owners report 60 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag deployment issues
How to check: Inspect the airbag light; it should turn off after ignition.
Faulty electrical connections
How to check: Test all power features like windows and locks.
Hydraulic brake problems
How to check: Check for soft brake pedal or unusual noises.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises at startup.
Red flag: Loud knocking or rattling sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe the dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent engine or electrical warnings
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test all electrical components like lights and wipers.
Red flag: Non-functional electrical features
- 04
Moderate acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth acceleration without hesitation.
Red flag: Stuttering or power loss
- 05
Braking at low speed
What to check: Ensure brakes respond quickly without noise.
Red flag: Grinding or delayed braking response
- 06
Turning at low speeds
What to check: Listen and feel for steering ease and noise.
Red flag: Resistance or clunking noises
- 07
Stopping and parking
What to check: Inspect for ease in gear transition to park.
Red flag: Difficult gear shift or noises
- 08
Final idle check
What to check: Recheck dashboard for new warning lights.
Red flag: New warnings appearing after driving
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag system been checked?
- Have there been any electrical repairs?
- What is the history of brake servicing?
- Are all recall repairs completed?
- Any issues with aftermarket parts?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records
- Recall repair documentation
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Ford Expedition at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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