1997 Ford Expedition

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 853 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 9 times.

Avoid One of the Ford Expedition years to avoid: 3.2× the complaints of a typical Expedition year. Which Ford Expedition years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
120,000 milesMedian miles at failure

238 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.

Most common 1997 Ford Expedition problems

118 of the 853 complaints (14%) are about the suspension.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System43
0180
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration37
987
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes37
300
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs26
204
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control · throttle and acceleration26
0182
Suspension › Front25
000
Steering25
204
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine25
120
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine25
050
Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar24
000

1997 Ford Expedition suspension problems

14% of all complaints

118 of the 853 complaints are about the suspension. This is what owners describe:

  • vibrates or shakes9% · 11
  • knocks, grinds or clunks5% · 6

Share of the 118 suspension complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
100,000 mi
median of 11 reports
Peak year of filing
2001
49 suspension complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
3 · 0 · 3
in these complaints
Recalls on the suspension
“While driving on the highway, as soon as I go faster than 55mph the vehicle down by the wheels, starts shaking. I can feel it in the steering wheel. I suspect it's the ball joints but not sure. It also wobbles when turning going as slow as 25 MPH.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 29, 2018 at 189,000 miles
“While traveling on the highway and without prior warning a knocking noise was coming from underneath the vehicle. Also, there was vibrations coming though the steering column. *ak”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 8, 2003

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1996: 2 complaints, 0 about the suspension'961997: 72 complaints, 11 about the suspension1998: 90 complaints, 11 about the suspension1999: 98 complaints, 8 about the suspension2000: 103 complaints, 11 about the suspension'002001: 123 complaints, 49 about the suspension2002: 45 complaints, 11 about the suspension2003: 46 complaints, 8 about the suspension2004: 28 complaints, 3 about the suspension'042005: 66 complaints, 0 about the suspension2006: 22 complaints, 0 about the suspension2007: 26 complaints, 0 about the suspension2008: 34 complaints, 1 about the suspension'082009: 17 complaints, 0 about the suspension2010: 14 complaints, 0 about the suspension2011: 18 complaints, 2 about the suspension2012: 9 complaints, 1 about the suspension'122013: 4 complaints, 0 about the suspension2014: 8 complaints, 0 about the suspension2015: 12 complaints, 0 about the suspension2016: 3 complaints, 1 about the suspension'162017: 3 complaints, 0 about the suspension2018: 4 complaints, 1 about the suspension2019: 0 complaints, 0 about the suspension2020: 4 complaints, 0 about the suspension'202021: 0 complaints, 0 about the suspension2022: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspension2023: 0 complaints, 0 about the suspension2024: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspension'24Recall 96V252000 (suspension)Recall 97V171000 (transmission)Recall 98V095000 (wheels)Recall 00V073000 (trailer hitch)Recall 00V168000 (headlights)Recall 03V196000 (steering)Recall 05V388000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 06E060000 (headlights)Recall 06E067000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation DP05005NHTSA investigation EA02001NHTSA investigation PE01022NHTSA investigation PE99060NHTSA investigation PE98024
All complaintsAbout the suspensionRecall (red: the suspension)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1997 Expedition peaked in 2001, with 123 filed that year. Owners had filed 0 complaints about the suspension before the first recall that covers it, 96V252000 in December 1996; 118 more have come in since. In 2024 owners filed 1 so far.

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E067000
Filed Aug 1, 200619,413 vehiclesMaxzone Auto Parts Corporation

Defect. CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

Exterior Lighting06E060000
Filed Jun 29, 200687,745 vehiclesAai Motorsports USA, LLC

Defect. CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy. AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Vehicle Speed Control05V388000
Filed Sep 7, 20054,500,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)

Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector03V196000
Filed May 27, 2003171,446 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT YOKE SEPARATES FROM THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT, THE STEERING SYSTEM BECOMES DISCONNECTED.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT YOKE TO DETERMINE IF THE YOKE IS FULLY SEATED ON THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT. IF THE YOKE IS FULLY SEATED NO SERVICE IS REQUIRED. IF THE YOKE IS NOT FULLY SEATED AND BOLT GROOVE AND SPLINE IS VISIBLE, THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND BOLT WILL BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE BOLT AT THE STEERING COLUMN CONNECTION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Exterior Lighting00V168000
Filed Jun 19, 200020,637 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.

Risk. THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.

Trailer Hitches00V073000
Filed Mar 7, 2000565,800 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS COULD LOSE THE CLAMP LOAD.

Risk. THE TRAILER HITCH COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs98V095000
Filed May 13, 19981,520,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE.

Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE LOOSENING OF LUG NUTS, STUD FATIGUE FAILURE, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A WHEEL SEPARATION FROM THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE RECEIVING TWO NOTIFICATIONS. THE FIRST NOTIFICATION, WHICH BEGAN IN MAY 1998, WILL PROVIDE AN INTERIM REPAIR PROCEDURE UNTIL PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THIS INTERIM PROCEDURE CAN BE COMPLETED BY OWNERS OR THEIR DEALERS. IT SPECIFIES THAT THE LUG NUT TORQUE MUST BE VERIFIED TO BE 100 LBS. THEN THE LUG NUTS NEED TO BE TIGHTENED AN ADDITIONAL 1/8 TO 1/4 TURN MORE. THERE WILL BE A SECOND OWNER NOTIFICATION, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JULY 20, 1998, UNDER WHICH DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEEL STUDS AND REPLACE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)97V171000
Filed Oct 7, 1997866,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS NOT FULLY ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET, THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY CAN COME OUT OF THE BRACKET. THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WOULD THEN NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITIONS INTO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE "PARK."

Risk. THE CONDITION WOULD NOT ALLOW A DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE PARK POSITION OR AFFECT PROPER NEUTRAL START SWITCH OPERATION. UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR IF THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT SET.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MAKE THE PROPER ATTACHMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL CABLE TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET AND ADD A TIE STRAP TO THAT CONNECTION.

Suspension › Rear96V252000
Filed Dec 18, 199625,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE REAR AXLE TRACK BAR BRACKET CAN SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME DUE TO MISSING WELDS OR INADEQUATE WELD PENETRATION.

Risk. IF BOTH BRACKETS SEPARATE, THE REAR AXLE CAN MOVE LATERALLY UNTIL THE TIRES CONTACT EITHER THE FRAME OR THE WHEELHOUSE RESULTING IN EITHER TIRE DAMAGE OR A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN VEHICLE HANDLING PERFORMANCE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TRACK BAR BRACKET REINFORCEMENT KIT AND INSPECTION OF THE AXLE TUBES. THE SUSPECT AXLE TUBES DO NOT HAVE A STAMPED DATE CODE ON THE TUBE. AXLES WITHOUT DATE CODES ON THE TUBES WILL BE REPLACED.

All 9 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 7 name the 1997 Expedition.

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADDefect petition DP05005Closed
Opened Sep 22, 2005Closed Jan 4, 2006engine

On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 FORD vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in …

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESEngineering analysis EA05005Closed
Opened Mar 22, 2005Closed Aug 2, 2006Led to recall 05V388000electrical system

Ea05-005 is closed with FORD?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.FORD is also including the entire population of 1998 explorers.FORD has informed odi that testing to determine the cause of failures in the 1998 explorers will continue after this investigation is closed.odi believes that the …

STEERING SHAFT SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA02001Closed
Opened Feb 6, 2002Closed May 29, 2003Led to recall 03V196000steering

See attached summary for technical details

FRONT STABILIZER LINKPreliminary evaluation PE01022Closed
Opened Jul 2, 2001Closed Nov 9, 2001suspension
FACTORY INSTALLED TOWING HITCH SEPARATIOPreliminary evaluation PE99060Closed
Opened Sep 27, 1999Closed Mar 8, 2000Led to recall 00V073000equipment

This investigation was opened on september 27, 1999 based on five consumer reports alleging that some of the eight hitch mounting bolts either became loose or came completely out of its retaining plate.one of the complaints indicated that while towig a trailer the hitch actually separated from the frame on the passenger's side of the vehicle when the four mounting bolts on that side came completely out. This allowed the hitch and trailer to contact the road surface.in its response to the agency, FORD provided information regarding nine additional reports of loose or missing bolts, two of …

TIE ROD END FAILURESPreliminary evaluation PE98024Closed
Opened Apr 21, 1998Closed Jul 21, 1998steering

There is no summary currently available

INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION TORSION BARPreliminary evaluation PE98009Closed
Opened Feb 13, 1998Closed Jun 30, 1998suspension

Three consumers have reported failure of one of the two front suspension torsion bars in the subject vehicles.in one case the failure occurred while the vehicle was in operation, and the vehicles were parked when the other two failures occurred.no crashes have been reported.torsion bar failures are considered to be fairly uncommon and in each of the reported cases, the failures occurred at relatively low mileages.the failures are also reported to have occurred in a common location, approximately six inches from the control arm.a preliminary evaluation has been opened to evaluate the scope and …

Technical service bulletins

373 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1997 Expedition. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 73transmission 62body and frame 29suspension 26electrical system 26equipment 26visibility 19fuel system 17
050618Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2005suspension

REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *SC

0454Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 22, 2004suspension

AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR NOISE. *TT

0392Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 12, 2003suspension

REPEAT AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR DRIER FAILURES. *TT

030709Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2003suspension

REPEAT AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR DRIER FAILURES. *TT

16015Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 1, 2002suspension

SOME VEHICLES WITH AIR SUSPENSION MAY EXHIBIT AN INITIAL OR REPEAT COMPRESSOR DRYER FAILURE. *TT

15692Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 1, 2002suspension

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK, SNAP, RATTLE, OR CLUNK IN THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 26 bulletins about the suspension, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed May 29, 2024171,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became loosened while making a left turn. The contact stated that the "Check Suspension" and "Check ABS" messages were displayed on the instrument panel along with the oil, brake, and battery warning lights being illuminated. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the part needed to repair the steering wheel was no longer in stock. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as from the dealer. The contact also stated that moisture had begun to leak from the sunroof. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 24, 2022TX

Vehicle will speed up or slow down in certain times for certain speeds without notice smell of smok and looked hurt wiring

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 17, 20203 milesGA

WHILE COMING TO A STOP AND THE INTERSECTION OF LONGSTREET AND HIGHWAY 82. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND I SLED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION INTO A DITCH. I WAS TRAVELING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 50 MPH. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVERS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE A BROKEN NOSE FROM HITTING STEERING WHEEL. SEAT BELTS WERE ON FRONT SEAT DRIVER AND PASSENGER.

Engine
Filed Oct 23, 2020225,000 milesKS

MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION XLT BEIGE IN COLOR SINCE I HAVE OWN THIS VEHICLE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE FIVE (5) SPARK PLUGS AND COIL FOR THEY HAVE BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER AND I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED INTO A REPAIR FACILITY WHICH HAVE BEEN COSTLY TO ME. THE ENGINE ON THIS VEHICLE IS A 5.4. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME OF THE PROBLEM ON THE HIGHWAY

SteeringCrash
Filed Aug 4, 2020261,900 milesUT

STEERING IS EXTREMELY OVERACTIVE AND SEEMS TWITCHING, MEANING AT LOW SPEED OR AT HIGH RATE OF TRAVEL VERY SLIGHT MOVEMENTS OF THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE SUDDENLY, AND UNCONTROLLABLY, PREVIOUS OWNER WENT OFF HIGHWAY AND FELT UNSAFE IN VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I IMAGINE THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE VARIABLE ASSIST POWER STEERING BUT CANNOT FIND ANY DIAGNOSTIC AIDE IN RESOLUTION OF ISSUE.

Electrical System
Filed May 25, 2020190,000 milesWA

WHEN EXAMINING MY VEHICLE WHICH SUPPOSEDLY HAD A RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL SENSOR ON BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, FOUND THAT FORD ONLY ADDED A FUSABLE LINK TO PREVENT FIRE AS THE SENSOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN LEAKING AT THE TIME. IT HAS SINCE LEAKED AND THE ADDED BIT OF WIRE WITH THE BLUE TAG HAS BLOWN IT'S FUSES BUT I BELIEVE THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS NOW DISABLED MY HORN DURRING OPERATION. I AM REQUESTING MY VEHICLE BE SERVICED PROPERLY AS THE RECALL WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY TO MY UNDERSTANDING. I WAS LOOKING ONLINE AND JUST REALIZED THIS SO I LOOKED AT MY VEHICLE AND SAW IT IS THE OLD DESIGN.

Steering
Filed Dec 7, 2018190,000 milesCA

TAKATA RECALL, MY STEERING IS BAD LIKE IM FISHTAILING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN I HIT A BUMP IT PULLS TO ONE SIDE. THERES ALOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 15, 2018180,000 milesMO

THE STEERING IS VERY LOOSE AND HARD TO KEEP ON ROAD, I CALLED FORD HEADQUARTERS TO SEE IF IT WAS UNDER RECALL AND THEY SAID NOT MY VIN WAS INCLUDED. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE O/D LIGHT BLINKING. MY TRANSMISSION SHIFT GREAT UNTIL THE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING.I THINK IT IS A BAD CRUISE CONTROL SENSOR. I READ WHERE A LOT OF THOSE SHORTED OUT AND STARTED FIRES.

Engine
Filed Apr 29, 2018195,000 milesIL

COIL PACK, SPARK PLUG ISSUE. MY EXPEDITION SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS "MISSING". NOT SURE WHEN I 1ST HEARD IT. I TOOK IT IN FOR SOME MAINTENANCE- OIL CHANGE, CHANGE SPARK PLUGS, BASIC TUNE UP. BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE SHOP THAT THE COIL PACK/SPARK PLUGS WERE DEFECTIVE & IF I ATTENPTED TO CHANGE THE PLUGS & COULD THAT THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE IT WILL BLOW THE HEAD. THE SHOP REFUSED TO CHANGE THE PLUGS N COILS. STATING THAT THEY WILL NOT ATTEMPT IT, BEING AS THEY DO NOT WANT TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HEAD. SO, I HAVE TO LIVE WITH A DEFECTIVE ENGINE. FORD NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM. IF THIS BLOWS WHILE I DRIVE IT & ANYONE GETS INJURED AS A RESULT, I WILL SUE FORD. THE 97 EXPEDITION IS A GREAT SUV. BUT I CAN'T BELIEVE THE COIL PACK/SPARK PLUG ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS! THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS & DANGEROUS & EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. SHAME ON YOU, FORD.

Suspension
Filed Apr 29, 2018189,000 milesIL

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AS SOON AS I GO FASTER THAN 55MPH THE VEHICLE DOWN BY THE WHEELS, STARTS SHAKING. I CAN FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I SUSPECT IT'S THE BALL JOINTS BUT NOT SURE. IT ALSO WOBBLES WHEN TURNING GOING AS SLOW AS 25 MPH.

Steering
Filed Oct 22, 2017VA

THE STEERING ON THE VEHICLE IS LOOSE AND WONDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD CONTACTED A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME WHERE STEERING SHAFT SLIDES TOGETHER IS REALLY LOOS AND STEERING SHAFT NEEDS REPLACED

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 20, 2017160,000 milesFL

I KNOW FOR A FACT THERE WAS A MASSIVE RECALL ON THE MODEL. THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS AND CATCHES ON FIRE WHEN THE KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION. MOST OF THE F-150 ENGINE FIRES WERE TRACED BACK TO A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLES USUALLY BURNED WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS 160-180,000 MILES ON THE SPEEDOMETER. MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION BURNED CAUGHT MY HOME ON FIRE AND NEARLY KILLED THREE PEOPLE AND SEVERAL PETS. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION BELONGS TO A GOOD FRIEND. THEY MENTIONED IN PASSING THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL IS MALFUNCTIONING. THIS VEHICLE IS EXHIBITING THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS THAT MY EXPEDITION DID JUST BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE. I UNPLUGGED MY FRIENDS EXPEDITION CRUISE CONTROL. I AM SHOCKED THIS VEHICLE IS NO LONGER ON THE RECALL LIST. IF THIS VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED DURING THE RECALL IT WOULD NOT BE MALFUNCTIONING NOW.

Engine
Filed Mar 15, 2017221,613 milesNC

STARTED VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY HEARD LOUD NOISE UNDER HOOD. FOUND SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF HEAD. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT TIME, BUT HAD BEEN DRIVEN WITHOUT PROBLEM JUST A COUPLE OF HOURS EARLIER.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 13, 2016TN

MY BRAKE WENT TO THE FLOOR WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE LAST WEEK. I WAS GOING TO AVE MY BAKES REPLACED TODAY WHEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE VERY RUSTED IT HAS PIECES BREAKING OFF AND THERE IS ACTUALLY A HOLE IN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE METAL BRAKE LINES IS ALSO RUSTED IN TWO. HE LOOKED AT MY 1998 EXPIDITION AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON THE BACK OF IT ARE ALSO RUSTED OUT. HE SAIDIDN'T I SHOULD NOT DRIVE EITHER OF THEM UNTIL THEY ARE REPLACED. I'M WONDERING IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THESE.

Suspension
Filed Apr 6, 2016220,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V252000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 15, 2016170,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO REMAIN IN POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V196000 (STEERING), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 14, 2015190,000 milesWA

MISCELLANEOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS CAUSED BY WATER LEAKING FROM DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD INTO THE FUSE BOX CAUSING, WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO QUIT. DOOR LOCK WON'T WORK, RADIO QUIT. PROBLEM IS NEVER THE SAME, DEPENDS ON WHERE THE WATER LEAK OCCURS. VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT IN THE RAIN.

Steering
Filed Sep 30, 2015134,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS BECOMING LOOSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V196000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 22, 2015220,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WITH A KNOWN SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE DETAILS OF THE REPAIR WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 097V171000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 26, 2015130,021 milesKY

IN DRIVEWAY UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, TO PUT CAR IN GEAR, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. NO BRAKES AT ALL. NO WARNING. NO LIGHTS INDICATING FAILURE AHEAD OF TIME. BOTH BRAKE LINES THAT GO FROM MASTER CYL, TO ABS UNIT RUSTED THROUGH. UPON FOR DEALER REPLACING BOTH LINES ON A TEST DRIVE FRT DRIVERSIDE BRAKE LINE FAILED DUE TO RUST. COST $976 FOR THOSE RUSTED OUT LINES AND STILL 3 ORE BADLY RUSTED, TO GO. HARDLY SAFE WITH SEVERELY RUSTED LINES. WHEN THOSE TWO LINES BURST,(AT SAME TIME) NO BACKUP BRAKE SYSTEM IN AFFECT.

Tires
Filed Aug 11, 2015MT

GENERAL AMERI-TRAC 255/70/R16 HAD A COMPLETE TREAD SEPARATION FROM MAIN TIRE. IT BEGAN WHEN I NOTICED SUDDEN AND VIOLENT VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WHILE DRIVING AT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY 82 IN MONTANA. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN, PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE TIRE TO FIND CHUNKS OF RUBBER FALLING OUT AND TREAD BULGING & WARPED. THIS TIRE (PROPER MOUNTED & BALANCED) HAS APPX 75% TREAD. I SLOWLY DROVE HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING DAY I WAS GOING TO REPLACE IT WITH THE SPARE. WHEN I WENT OUT THE NEXT MORNING THE TIRE HAD COMPLETELY GONE FLAT. A CLOSER LOOK REVEALED OVER NIGHT THE TIRE HAD EXPLODED WITH THE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE AROUND 1/5 OF ITS CIRCUMFERENCE. THE STEEL BELTS STILL ATTACHED TO THE LIFTED PART OF THE TREAD. I WAS LUCKY THIS DIDN'T EXPLODE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.. AS GOING 60MPH ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY (ONE LANE EACH WAY) THAT IS HEAVILY USED BY LOGGING TRUCKS GOING 70+MPH COULD HAVE LEAD TO A DEVASTATING AND TRAGIC ACCIDENT. AN INCIDENT OF THIS NATURE ON ICY ROADS IN WINTER WOULD HAVE ONLY INCREASED THE LIKELY-HOOD OF A FATALITY. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS TIRE IS AN ISOLATED DEFECTIVE ITEM OR IF ALL THE 255/70 R16 AMERI-TRAC TIRES ARE BAD, BUT I CERTAINLY WANT THIS DEFECTIVE TIRE REPLACED BY GENERAL AS NO TIRE OF THIS POOR OF QUALITY SHOULD LEGALLY BE ON THE ROAD. IT WOULD BE LIKE ALLOWING BRAKE MANUFACTURERS TO SELL BRAKES SYSTEMS THAT ARE KNOWN TO FAIL OR ALLOWING STEERING WHEEL MANUFACTURERS TO SELL STEERING WHE

Steering
Filed May 27, 201563,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND NOTICED CORROSION UNDERNEATH THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

Steering
Filed Apr 8, 2015192,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, THE TIRES TURNED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Apr 1, 201590,000 milesWA

THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITIONS INTO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE "PARK. HAVE ACCIDENT, THE CAR ROLL OVER TO ANOTHER CAR, I CAN"T PARK DOWN HILL IS TO DANGERS, IS TOT SAFETY . *TR

Power TrainCrash
Filed Apr 1, 201590,000 milesWA

THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITIONS INTO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE "PARK. HAVE ACCIDENT, THE CAR ROLL OVER TO ANOTHER CAR, I CAN"T PARK DOWN HILL IS TO DANGERS, IS NOT SAFETY . *TR

Engine
Filed Feb 24, 2015193,000 milesVA

SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT. ON MY TRIP FROM VA TO PA SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT WHILE ON I95 IN DELAWARE A SNOWSTORM ABOUT TO START AND I GOT STRANDED. NO PART STORE HAS ANY ANSWERS, AUTO REPAIR SHOPS WANT TO CHANGE $300+ DOLLARS TO FIX. THERE IS A REPAIR KIT THAT CANNOT BE BOUGHT IN ANY AUTO PART STORE ONLY ONLINE. MY TRUCK IS YET IN PA CAN'T AFFORD HAVING IT TOWED BACK TO VA.. HAD TO GET A RENTAL TO COME BACK HOME. FORD NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING HERE. *JS

Equipment
Filed Feb 1, 2015NE

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ON MY 97 FORD EXPEDITION LIGHTS FLASHING RADIO ON AND OFF BY ITSELF. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 13, 201598,000 milesVA

SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT, BROKE COIL AND DAMAGED HEAD. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Sep 30, 2014180,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR CHILD SAFETY LOCK ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 24, 2014260,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUSTING OF THE SUB FRAME AREA. THE AREA THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE STRAP TO THE SECURE THE FUEL TANK WAS THE AFFECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,000. UPDATED 09/05/14*LJ

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 24, 2014260,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUSTING OF THE SUB FRAME AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260.000. UPDATED 9/4/14*CN

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2014GA

I CURRENTLY OWN A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION THAT KEEPS SPITTING OUT SPARK PLUGS! !ST TIME WAS CYLINDER #3 THEN #7, THEN ON 3-6-2014 IT WAS #8 THEN ON 03/14/14 #2 AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE WITH THE HOOD OPEN LOOKING FOR WHAT I THOUGHT SOUNDED LIKE A VACUUM LEAK OR VALVE TICK ONLY TO HAVE THE SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT AND ALMOST TAKE OUT MY EYE!!! FORD HAS KNOWN FOR YEARS THAT THERE ARE MILLIONS OF VEHICLES OUT THERE ESPECIALLY FROM 1997 THROUGH 2005 AND STILL HAVE DONE NOTHING TO ASSIST IN EITHER FIXING THE PROBLEM OR COMPENSATING PEOPLE FOR THEIR LOSSES DUE TO THIS CRAP DESIGN THEY CAME OUT WITH THAT ONLY HAS THE HEADS OF THE MOTOR HOLDING THE SPARK PLUG IN WITH 4 THREADS!! I AM TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE A RECALL BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THERE IS NO EMINENT DANGER INVOLVED WITH THE MALFUNCTION OF THIS DEFECT?? WHAT ABOUT - HEY THE MOTOR IS RUNNING SO THE FUEL INJECTOR IS SPEWING OUT FUEL ALL OVER THE MOTOR WHEN THE PLUG SHOOTS OUT LIKE A ROCKET AND THEN KNOCKS SOMEONE'S EYE OUT? FIRE DID U SAY?? EYE OUT?? NAAAH NO PROBLEM!!! I AM ALSO TOLD FROM MY MECHANIC THAT I WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS BECAUSE EVEN IF YOU REPLACE THE HEADS THAT HOLD THE PLUGS IN YOU WILL ONLY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN DOWN THE LINE. THIS IS NOT AN ANSWER. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THE PROBLEM, MAKE A RECALL, REDESIGN THE HEADS AND STOP WITH THE B.S. BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT BAD!!! TOO MUCH TIME AND $$$ LOST FROM HAVING THIS PROBLEM GO TO THE SHOP EVERY [XXX] FEW MILES NOT TO MENTION THE TIME AND $$$ I AM LOOSING

EngineFire
Filed May 19, 2014190,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY. ONLY THE FRAME REMAINED AFTER THE ENGINE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TiresCrash
Filed Mar 17, 2014CA

WHILE TRAVELING S/B AT APPROX 70 MPH ON I5 IN ORANGE COUNTY CA, RR TIRE OF 97 FORD EXPEDITION SUFFERED 360 DEGREE TREAD SEPARATION. LOSS OF CONTROL, ROLL. FRONT PASSENGER DIED. DRIVER LOST THREE FINGERS. DEFINITY DAKOTA H/T, DOT UPCU PA7 1508 (COOPER, FINDLEY PLANT). DOA 9/5/13. *TR

Engine
Filed Feb 4, 2014238,340 milesGA

I CURRENTLY OWN A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION THAT KEEPS SPITTING OUT SPARK PLUGS! !ST TIME WAS CYLINDER #4 THEN #5, THEN TODAY 2-3-2014 I MET WITH #3 AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE WITH THE HOOD OPEN LOOKING FOR WHAT I THOUGHT SOUNDED LIKE A VACUUM LEAK OR VALVE TICK ONLY TO HAVE THE SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT AND ALMOST TAKE OUT MY EYE!!! FORD HAS KNOWN FOR YEARS THAT THERE ARE MILLIONS OF VEHICLES OUT THERE ESPECIALLY FROM 1997 THROUGH 2005 AND STILL HAVE DONE NOTHING TO ASSIST IN EITHER FIXING THE PROBLEM OR COMPENSATING PEOPLE FOR THEIR LOSSES DUE TO THIS CRAP DESIGN THEY CAME OUT WITH THAT ONLY HAS THE HEADS OF THE MOTOR HOLDING THE SPARK PLUG IN WITH 4 THREADS!! I AM TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE A RECALL BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THERE IS NO EMINENT DANGER INVOLVED WITH THE MALFUNCTION OF THIS DEFECT?? WHAT ABOUT - HEY THE MOTOR IS RUNNING SO THE FUEL INJECTOR IS SPEWING OUT FUEL ALL OVER THE MOTOR WHEN THE PLUG SHOOTS OUT LIKE A ROCKET AND THEN KNOCKS SOMEONE'S EYE OUT? FIRE DID U SAY?? EYE OUT?? NAAAH NO PROBLEM!!! I AM ALSO TOLD FROM MY MECHANIC THAT I WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS BECAUSE EVEN IF YOU REPLACE THE HEADS THAT HOLD THE PLUGS IN YOU WILL ONLY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN DOWN THE LINE. THIS IS NOT AN ANSWER. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THE PROBLEM, MAKE A RECALL, REDESIGN THE HEADS AND STOP WITH THE B.S. BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT BAD!!! TOO MUCH TIME AND $$$ LOST FROM HAVING THIS PROBLEM GO TO THE SHOP EVERY [XXX] FEW MILES NOT TO MENTION THE TIME AND $$$ I AM LOOSING FROM WORK -

Engine
Filed Jan 2, 2014140,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE DRIVING 60 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SPARK PLUGS SEPARATED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE THREAD AND CYLINDER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS WITH A NEWLY MANUFACTURED STEEL HEAD AND THREAD HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD OR ENGINE POSSIBLY NEEDED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 6, 2013FL

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET, GOING ABOUT 10 TO 15 MPH AND WHILE DRIVING I HAD NOT LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD INDICATING ANY PROBLEMS ALL OF SUDDEN MY 97 FORD EXPEDITION MAKES THIS CRAZY SOUND AND COMPLETELY TURNS OFF. I WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE TRUCK UP AGAIN SO I HAD IT TOWED. AFTER TWO DAY PAST I TRIED STARTING THE TRUCK UP AND IT WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. *TR

Steering
Filed May 12, 2013127,416 milesPA

STEERING GETS HARD THEN CUTS LOOSE, STEERING COLUMN MOVES UP AND DOWN, SEEMS LIKE A SERIOUS SHAFT PROBLEM OR STEERING BOX ISSUE, SAW RECALL AND DEALER SAYS IT WAS NOT INCLUDED, SAME PROBLEM AS OTHERS, PLACES PEOPLE AT RISK AND SHOULD BE COVERED. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 18, 2013TX

I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS FOR THE MIDDLE SEAT WILL NOT EXTEND. THEY ARE LOCKED IN THE RETRACTED POSITION. FROM REVIEWING THIS ON THE INTERNET IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE EVER HAD THAT HAD SEAT BELT PROBLEMS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO REPLACE THESE AS IT MAKES IT SO YOU CAN'T BUCKLE ANYONE INTO THE MIDDLE SEAT. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=1997, MAKE=EXPEDITION, MODEL=FORD ). *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jan 23, 2013179,000 milesPA

I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM WORK AND I HEARD A CLICKING NOISE AS I WAS DRIVING COMING FROM MY DASH ALONG WITH ALL OF MY GAUGES JUMPING RPMS RAN EXTREMELY HIGH AND SPEED GAGE JUMPING FROM ALL OVER FROM 50'S TO 05 MILES A HOUR LIGHTS LIGHTING UP AND THEN POWER LOST IN WHICH MADE IT HARDER TO STOP AND STEER ITS DONE THIS A FEW TIMES ALONG WITH A WITH THE CLICKING THE RADIO WILL TURN ITS SELF ON AND KILLS THE BATTERY AND THERE IS A SMELL OF A HOT PLASTIC SMELL ALONG WITH ALL OF THAT WHEN I START TO LOSE POWER MY HEAD LIGHTS DIM DOWN. *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 1, 201248,500 milesTX

WHEN I HAD THE TIRES REPLACED ONE LUG ON EACH FRONT WHEEL BROKE OFF. WE ORDERED REPLACEMENTS AND THE NEXT DAY WHEN THE TIRES WERE REMOVED TO REPLACE THE BROKEN ONES SEVERAL OTHERS BROKE. I HAD ALL THE TIRE LUGS REPLACED AND AM DRIVING THE CAR. THERE HAVE BEEN SIMILAR PROBLEMS REPORTED WITH ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY LOST WHEELS. *TR

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Sep 26, 2012151,000 milesMS

HUSBAND DROVE CAR ALL DAY LONG WITH NO ISSUE. THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. HE PARKED IT ABOUT 10PM. WE ALL WENT TO BED. AT 3:15 AM WE WERE AWAKENED BY NEIGHBORS SCREAMING OUR CAR WAS ON FIRE. IT HAD STARTED ON FIRE. NOT SURE WHY OR HOW, WHEN IT WAS RUNNING JUST FINE DURING THE DAY. THE WHOLE FRONT END WAS BURNT UP, THE TIRES WERE MELTED, IT WAS RUINED. THE FIRE SCORCHED PART OF THE HOUSE ON THE FRONT. IT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE AND MELTED AWAY SOME OF THE SIDING AND THE DOOR. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Aug 6, 2012190,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT OIL LEAKED ONTO THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 190,000.

Power Train
Filed May 21, 2012160,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT VIEWED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V171000, POWER TRAIN, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) AND STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY SHIFT INTO PARK GEAR. WHEN SHE TRIED TO SHIFT INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL. SHE HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR, GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND PUSH IT BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY WHILE FORCING THE GEAR INTO PARK. WHEN SHE TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE IT FAILED TO START UNLESS IT WAS IN NEUTRAL GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEY WOULD DOCUMENT THE CALL; OTHERWISE, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 16, 2012155,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD PANEL OCCASIONALLY FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 6, 2012GA

ON 03/05/2012, MY FORD EXPEDITION EXEMPLIFIED SUDDEN ACCELERATION UPON IGNITION. THE TRUCK STARTED AND, IMMEDIATELY, ACCELERATED WITH EXTREME RPM. THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN THE PARKED GEAR BUT THE TRUCK GUNNED FORWARD EXPLOSIVELY. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY JOB AT THE END OF MY SHIFT. THE TRUCK ROCKETED FORWARD ABOUT 60 FEET THEN COLLIDED WITH A BRICK, SIX FEET HIGH RETAINING WALL. THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE EXPEDITION WAS ABOUT FOUR FEET FROM A GROUND-LEVEL POWER TRANSFORMER. THE RETAINING WALL WAS DESIGNED TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE TRANSFORMER. I'VE SUFFERED NECK AND BACK INJURIES AND WAS HOSPITALIZED. THE TRUCK SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT FRONT END AND UNDER CARRIAGE DAMAGE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 5, 2012113,000 milesCA

THIS ISSUE WAS AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHT TO SEE AT NIGHT HAD TURNED OFF AT A 35 MPH SPEED NO BUMPS NO TURN JUST DRIVING STRAIGHT. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE, YOU USE YOUR LIGHTS FOR NIGHT AND YOUR ARE LEFT WITH NO LIGHTS, AS A RESULT FOR THIS HUGE PROBLEM I RECEIVED A TICKET THAT IS HOW I FOUND OUT MY LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. THE HEADLIGHTS FUSES, MODULE COMPONENTS, WIRING WERE CHECKED NO ISSUES THERE, AS FOR ALL OTHER LIGHTS EXAMPLE EMERGENCY LIGHTS, REAR LIGHTS INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE FUNCTIONING. BUT AS THE ELECTRICIAN FOUND THE DIRECTIONAL SWITCH COMBO WAS BURNED LEFT WITH A WHITE SHADOW IN ONE AREA IT WAS REPLACED, AND NOW FUNCTIONING. AS FOR THE SUSPENSION NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY IS THIS AN ISSUE THAT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO BE RESOLVED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO DIFFERENT SHOPS AND THERE IS NO AIR LEAKAGE IN THE SUSPENSION PUMP AND OTHER AREAS THAT ARE LINKED WITH THE SUSPENSION. THE SUSPENSION PUMP STILL REPEATEDLY PUMP AIR EVERY 45-60 MINUTES WHICH IT'S FINE, BUT NOT WHEN THE VEHICLE BOUNCES VERY VIGOROUSLY FOR 15 MINUTES OR MORE TILL IT ACTIVATES THE SUSPENSION TO PUMP AIR. WHEN THE SUSPENSION IS DOWN THE STEERING WHEEL FUNCTIONS DIFFERENT AS THE BOUNCING MAKES IT HARD TO DRIVE AT A CERTAIN SPEED, NOT SAFE BUT MANAGEABLE IN THE MEAN WHILE. DURING THIS TIME I'M NOT APPRECIATING THE QUALITY OF MY EXPEDITION COMPONENTS. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 27, 2012113,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY AT 35 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DID NOT NOTICE A FAILURE WITH THE FUSES OR THE RELAY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

Power Train
Filed Jan 6, 2012140,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLED IN THE DRIVEWAY, HE NOTICED THAT THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE FLASHING, THE STEREO WOULD TURN ON AND OFF, AND THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD LOCK AND UNLOCK. THE CONTACT UNPLUGGED THE BATTERY AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER LEAKING IN FROM THE WINDSHIELD ONTO THE DASHBOARD. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 197,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 9, 2011145,000 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING ON A EXPRESSWAY TRAVELING AT 55MPH, MY WIFE FELT A THUMPING AND HEARD NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE TRUCK. WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH, I NOTICED 2 HOLES PUNCHED THROUGH THE BACKING PLATE OF THE REAR BRAKES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I PULLED THE WHEEL AND THE ROTOR OFF AND THE PARKING BRAKE SHOES AND HARDWARE FELL OUT ONTO THE GROUND. AFTER TALKING TO A FORD DEALERSHIP I LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPEDITIONS. I RESEARCHED IT ON LINE AND FOUND OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME ISSUE INCLUDING SOME INSTANCES OF WHEELS LOCKING UP. THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. WHY HAS FORD NOT ISSUED A RECALL? I HAVE ALSO HAD 2 LEAKING EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKETS THAT I AM TOLD IS ALSO COMMON. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 853, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270200Routine
202611200Routine
202538610Routine
202479710Routine
202365840Routine
20221171200Routine
20212421240Above average
20204281870Above average
20195261130Above average
20183831420Above average
2017358470Above average
2016217380Above average
2015164360Routine
201472020Routine
201392030Routine
2012118320Routine
201171010Routine
201058010Routine
200928101Fatalities reported
2008146422Fatalities reported
2007215250Above average
2006299663Fatalities reported
2005315560Above average
20042974151Fatalities reported
20036156363Fatalities reported
20023404692Fatalities reported
200157810955Fatalities reported
2000890111992Fatalities reported
19999469775Fatalities reported
19988367731Fatalities reported
1997 — this page85397411Fatalities reported
19963010Routine
19951000Routine
19944000Routine
19931000Routine
19911000Routine

Compare every Expedition year →

1997 Ford Expedition: questions buyers ask

Is the 1997 Ford Expedition a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Expedition years to avoid: owners filed 853 complaints, 3.2 times as many as a typical Expedition year. The most common complaint is about the suspension (14%).

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Ford Expedition?

The suspension: 118 of the 853 complaints (14%) are about it. Owners most often say it vibrates or shakes (9%) and knocks, grinds or clunks (5%). The typical report comes at 100,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Expedition have?

9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 1, 2006. The largest, 05V388000, covered 4,500,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1997 Ford Expedition problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 120,000 miles. For the suspension the midpoint is 100,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1997 Ford Expedition?

Yes, 7 times. The latest, DP05005 ("SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD"), was opened Sep 22, 2005 and closed Jan 4, 2006.

Are there service bulletins for the 1997 Ford Expedition?

The manufacturer filed 373 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (73), the transmission (62) and the body and frame (29). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

11 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 1, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.