2005 Ford Excursion Problems

Severe Issues

Used FORD EXCURSION shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 65 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.

20035 yearsnewer

Before you buy

This 2005 Ford Excursion has 65 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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65
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
2
Recalls

2005 Ford Excursion Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
β—‹Stability Control: Noβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2005 Ford Excursion has 65 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2005 Ford Excursion β€” key reliability facts
Make
Ford
Model
Excursion
Model year
2005
NHTSA owner complaints
65
Crash-related complaints
2
Safety recall campaigns
2
Top reported component
Engine Problems
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
Electronic stability control
No

Common problems

Most common 2005 Ford Excursion problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
23
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1
#2
20
complaints

Electrical Faults

#3
8
complaints

Fuel System

Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Fuel System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2005 Ford Excursion?

This FORD EXCURSION year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.

Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2005 Ford Excursion

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
  • Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
  • Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN

Before You Close the Deal

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2005 Ford Excursion, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

The FORD EXCURSION has 65 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 2 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 65 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 2 federal recall campaigns
  • 2 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2005 Ford Excursion complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford Excursion. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems23β€”1β€”
Electrical Faults20β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System8β€”β€”β€”
Diesel6β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System5β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects4β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain4β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration3β€”β€”β€”
Brake System3β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic3β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions22β€”β€”
Gasoline2β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2005 Ford Excursion. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 65 most recent complaints

Steering DefectsAug 14, 2025

Several times I’ll be driving and the steering wheel will jerk in one direction and wobble violently I will grab it to correct it and basically fight to keep it in the lane so I have to pull over and try again. I checked all steering components had it looked at by a mechanic and …

Tire IssuesFeb 18, 2023

LT275/65/R18 Tire developed a massive approximately 18in x 3in bubble on the inner section of tread causing significant vibration and excessive wear in that area in less than 50 miles

Electrical FaultsAug 14, 2020

WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE JUST QUITS AND LOSES ALL POWER. I HAVE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, TURN THE KEY ALL THE WAY TO OFF, AND RESTART THE ENGINE. SOMETIMES IT STARTS RIGHT UP, OTHER TIMES IT TAKES SEVERAL (MANY) TRIES TO GET THE ENGINE TO RESTART. IT CAN GO 200 MILES WITHOUT KI…

Engine ProblemsFeb 26, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. WHILE UNDERGOING ROUTINE SERVICE BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE COOLANT LEAKING THROUGH THE ENGINE CYLINDER AND THE HEAD GASKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN…

Engine ProblemsFeb 7, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (CHAPMAN FORD, 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19114) AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE A SER…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 21, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED, SHUT OFF, AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (BUSS FORD, IN MCHENRY, IL) WHO STATED THAT…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashJul 13, 2017

DURING A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT DUE TO LOSING CONTROL AT, ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, 65 MPH AND RUNNING FRONT-END FIRST IN TO A ROCKY MOUNTAIN BANK THEN BOUNCING OFF SAID BANK ROTATING THE VEHICLE, AGAIN ACCORDING TO THE ACCIDENT REPORT, ROUGHLY 120-DEGREES THE FACTORY AIRB…

Electrical FaultsNov 14, 2016

WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK THE ACCELERATOR BECOMES NONRESPONSIVE AND SOON AFTER THE TRUCK SHUTS DOWN, COMPLETE POWER LOSS. VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND BRAKE. IT WILL START BACK UP MOST OF THE TIME, BUT ON OCCASION IT WILL TAKE 20 TO 30 MINUTES TO RE-START. FORD HAS A RECALL FOR THIS…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresNov 13, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V352000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). …

Electrical FaultsSep 1, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY…

Electrical FaultsJun 12, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE RELATED TO THE FUEL INJECTO…

Electrical FaultsJun 5, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V270000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…

Steering DefectsMay 16, 2015

CAR STEERS SIDE TO SIDE AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO KEEP WITHIN THE LANES.YOU HAVE TO HOLD STEERING WITH 100 % CONCENTRATION AND CONSTANTLY MANEUVER IT TO KEEP IT STRAIGHT.ALSO TEND TO VEER TO THE LEFT.LOT OF STEERING PLAY.

Electrical FaultsMay 4, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V270000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VE…

Engine ProblemsNov 12, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE SPARK PLUGS DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE HELICOIL WAS INSTALLED AND THE SPARK PLUGS WERE RE…

Engine ProblemsJul 3, 2014

6.0L DIESEL ENGINES TO ADDRESS REPORTED INCIDENTS OF ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING OCCURRED UP TO 9 TIMES IN ONE DAY. ON JUNE 25 TOOK VEHICLE TO CERTIFIED DIESEL TECH, NO COMPUTER ERRORS. D & S SERVICE TECHS TROUBLE SHOT FOR 5 DAYS TO NO AVAIL. MANUFACTURE HAS NO ADVICE FO…

Engine ProblemsFeb 7, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE …

Electrical FaultsOct 21, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT BOTH OF THE BATTERIES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHIC…

Engine ProblemsSep 1, 2013

WHILE TOWING A CAMPER, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED ABOUT 4 HOURS INTO THE TRIP. THE TRUCK AND TRAILER HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. THE TRUCK WAS BROUGHT TO FORD AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS BLEW OUT. THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS COMMON WITH THE 6.0 DIESEL ENGINES. HE STATED THA…

Transmission / DrivetrainMay 31, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE INJECTOR PRESSURE SYSTEM …

Page 1 of 4

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2005 Ford Excursion.

Safety recalls

2005 Ford Excursion recalls

2 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 Ford Excursion. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

#11V352000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS13/07/2011
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

#05V270000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRINGOct 6, 2005

Across model years

Compare Ford Excursion model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2005 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2005 Ford Excursion buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2005 Ford Excursion reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 65 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This FORD EXCURSION year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Excursion?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (23 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (20 complaints). #3: Fuel System (8 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2005 Ford Excursion?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2005 Ford Excursion?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2005 Ford Excursion, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 65 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2005 Ford Excursion have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2005 Ford Excursion. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2005 Ford Excursion?β–Ύ

This FORD EXCURSION year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Ford Excursion reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2005 Ford Excursion based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.