RoadVitals

2005 Ford Excursion

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
65
Latest Aug 14, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jul 13, 2011
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 65 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Ford Excursion, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 82 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine2328.0%
  • Electrical2024.4%
  • Fuel system1214.6%
  • Steering44.9%
  • Exterior lighting33.7%
  • Powertrain (other)33.7%
  • Driver assistance33.7%
  • Brakes33.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
11V352000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Jul 13, 2011
26,715 units potentially affected
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
The risk: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 11C18View on NHTSA.gov
05V270000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Jun 10, 2005
180,104 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.
The risk: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE (FICM) WIRE HARNESS OR REPLACED, AND/OR HAVE A NEW INJECTION CONTROL PRESSURE (ICP)) SENSOR CONNECTOR INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 05S34View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 65
Steering
Filed Aug 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 cannot figure out what could be the issue. It is very dangerous and terrifying to drive since it happens out of nowhere at random.

NHTSA ID
11680694
Incident
Jul 11, 2025
Tires & wheels
Filed Feb 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

NHTSA ID
11507922
Incident
Feb 6, 2023
Electrical
Filed Aug 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 KILLING, AND THEN KILL 5 TIMES IN 5 MILES. THE ISSUE APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR TO THE RECALL 05S34 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V270000), BUT THAT'S SPECIFIC TO DIESEL ENGINES, AND MY TRUCK HAS A GASOLINE ENGINE.

NHTSA ID
11349212
Incident
Aug 8, 2020
Mileage
275,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 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 TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11074984
Incident
Dec 23, 2017
Mileage
135,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 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 SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.

NHTSA ID
11071533
Incident
Feb 7, 2018
Mileage
192,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 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 THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11006717
Incident
Jul 17, 2017
Mileage
120,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 13, 2017
Crash reported1 injury reported

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 AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. EVEN WITH THE SEATBELT ON MY CHEST, STERNUM AND RIBS STILL MANAGED TO EITHER BE INJURED BY THE SEATBELT (NO VISIBLE SEATBELT MARKS OR TRAUMA) OR BY IMPACTING THE STEERING WHEEL. BASED ON THE FRONT END DAMAGE, DAMAGE TO THE FRONT SUSPENSION SPRINGS AND THE TRANSFER CASE ALONG WITH THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVESHAFTS COMPLETELY DETACHING THE WRECKER/TOW COMPANY ALSO QUESTIONED WHY THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SAID VEHICLE HAS NOW BEEN ACQUIRED BY COPART AT THE REQUEST OF MY INSURANCE COMPANY DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING TOTALED. PEOPLE REPOT IS AVAILABLE THOUGH THERE IS NO MENTION OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT OR NON-DEPLOYMENT.

NHTSA ID
11004995
Incident
Jun 19, 2017
Mileage
84,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Nov 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 # 05S34. MY VIN INDICATES THAT MY EXCURSION ISN'T UNDER THIS RECALL, BUT THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING. THIS EVENT HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS, WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. THIS EVENT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT AS MY WIFE WILL NO LONGER DRIVE IT DO TO THE VEHICLES HANDLING/BREAKING ISSUES WITHOUT POWER SO I ONLY DRIVE IT ON WEEKENDS. IT HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE A DAY SOMETIMES REPEATEDLY WITHIN SECONDS AFTER RESTARTING AND SOMETIMES NEVER AGAIN DURING THE WEEKEND. IT ALSO IS NOT TIME OR DISTANCE RELATED. IT HAS HAPPENED LEAVING OUR HOUSE AND IT HAS HAPPENED 20 MINUTES INTO A DRIVE. VERY SPORADIC

NHTSA ID
10926037
Incident
Nov 12, 2016
Mileage
88,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 51909

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptable. After 30-Jun-2023, MERCON SP ATF will no longer be manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes.

SSM 46085

ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.

ASI-44534

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FORD: WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN PARK, REVERSE AND/OR DURING 2-3 SHIFT, AN INTERMITTENT CLUNK OCCURS WITH A TORQSHIFT TRANSMISSION. MODEL 2003-2014 F-SUPER DUTY, E SERIES, EXCURSION, F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS, LOW CAB FORWARD. *PE

ASI-44404

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

FORD: ON SOME TRUCKS, THERE IS A NO CRANK SITUATION AND IF VOLTAGE ON TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR AT PIN 21, IS LESS THAN 5 VOLTS, DISCONNECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CLUTCH, ELECTRONICALLY, AND RECHECK VOLTAGE. MODEL 2003-2007 F SUPER DUTY, 2004-2010 E SERIES, 2003-2005 EXCURSION.

TSB-10-12-6

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

FORD: RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, HARD START, NO START. SOME VEHICLES AND TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, HARD TO START, NO START CONCERN WITH OR WITHOUT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0611 CODE OR VARIOUS INJECTOR CIRCUIT CODES. *PE

SB-20937

POWER TRAIN; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FORD: MULTIPLE VEHICLES WITH A TORQ SHIFT TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENT CLUNK WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN DRIVE, REVERSE AND PARK AND/OR DURING 2-3 UPSHIFT. MODELS F SUPER DUTY; E SERIES; EXCURSION; F53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS AND LOW CAB FORWARD. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Excursion by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2010100—
2005Viewing652042.9
2004952353.8
20031065562.7
20021295464.1
20012097767.6
20005336767.1
1999711—
1998010—
1997110—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.