YearToAvoid

2005 Ford Excursion Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2005 Ford Excursion has 65 NHTSA complaints, led by engine issues (26 complaints, 40% share) and electrical system problems (23 complaints, 35% share). It carries a complaint index of 100 and ranks worst among the 2 model years with data, with 2 recalls on file, one involving stalling in 6.0L diesel engines.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 2 Excursion years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
65
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
2
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
2
reported in complaints
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
—
no alternative with data

Top 2005 Ford Excursion problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine26 (40%)
  2. Electrical System23 (35%)
  3. Fuel System12 (18%)
  4. Steering4 (6%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (6%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain4 (6%)
  7. Brakes3 (5%)
  8. Airbags2 (3%)
  9. Structure & Body2 (3%)
  10. Other1 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Diesel engines stall unexpectedly at highway speed and sometimes will not restart, occasionally accompanied by smoke.
  • Diesel engines fail to start or lose fuel delivery, with owners reporting repeated replacement of the gas pedal module and assembly.
  • Turbo and EGR cooler failures occur along with stalling and wiring harness replacement on the diesel powertrain.
  • Electrical system faults cause transmission slipping, hard shifts, and non-functioning windows, locks, and radio at the same time.
  • Airbags fail to deploy in crash situations despite significant impact forces.
  • Brake line failures allow fluid to leak and rub against a tire, leading to loss of stopping ability.
2005 Ford Excursion complaints: complaints filed per month3Jun 2005Apr 2008Mar 2010Dec 2010Dec 2011Feb 2013Jul 2014Nov 2016
65 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2005 to Aug 2025; peak Dec 2011 (3).

2005 Ford Excursion recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 11V352000Jul 13, 2011Electrical System26,715 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:brake lights

    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.

    Risk: Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.

    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.

  2. NHTSA 05V270000Jun 10, 2005Electrical System180,104 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring

    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.

    Risk: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.

    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.

2005 compared with other Excursion years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020052010
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005No verdict100652—
2010No verdict010—

All Ford Excursion years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Ford Excursion reliable?
NHTSA data shows 65 complaints for the 2005 Excursion, with engine (40% share) and electrical system (35% share) problems dominating. It carries a complaint index of 100 and ranks worst among the 2 model years with data, so it shows more reported problems relative to the other year on file.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Excursion?
Engine problems account for 26 complaints, mostly involving stalling, turbo failure, and no-start conditions in the 6.0L diesel. Electrical system problems account for 23 complaints, often tied to stalling and transmission or accessory malfunctions.
Does the 2005 Ford Excursion have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns, including one for 6.0L diesel-equipped vehicles that may stall without warning due to a fuel injection control module wiring issue, and one covering an electrical switch replacement.
At what mileage do 2005 Excursion problems typically show up?
Median mileage at failure varies by system: engine problems at 95,000 miles, electrical system problems at 87,000 miles, and fuel system problems at 88,000 miles.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.