Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 1998 record →
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS/AT, SIZE P235/75R16,STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THIS TRUCK WERE OUT OF ROUND , AND WOBBLED. TREAD ALSO SEPARATED UNDER HOT WEATHER CONDITIONS. FIRESTONE WAS NOT CONTACTED. CONSUMER REPLACED AT OWN EXPENSE. *AK
WHILE DRIVING OUR EXPEDITION ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATLY 55 MILES PER HOUR, OVER SMOOTH DRY ROAD CONDITIONS SUDDENLY THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED, I FELT THE TRUCK LIFT UP A LITTLE THEN WE COULD HEAR THE RIM SCRAPING ON THE ROAD. I PULLED OVER IMEDIATLY AND COULD SEE THAT THE TIRE LOOKED AS THOUGH IT HAD DISINTEGRATED. AFTER CHANGING IT WITH THE SPARE TIRE I TOOK IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER WHERE I HAD BOUGHT THE TRUCK, THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO CALL BACK LATER IN THE WEAK TO TALK TO AN REPRESENTATIVE SO I CALLED THEM BACK ON MONDAY AND THEY TOLD ME I MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING AND THATS WHAT MUST HAVE HAPPEND. I TOLD THEM NO I DID NOT AND THAT I AM A CAREFULL DRIVER YOU SEE MY WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN WHERE ALSO IN THE CAR WITH ME AT THE TIME,BESIDES I WOULD HAVE SEEN OR HEARD THE NOISE IF I HAD HIT SOMETHING. THEY WHERE VERY RUDE TO ME. THEN I TOLD MY WIFE WHAT THEY SAID AND SHE WAS VERY UPSET WITH THEM ( KORUM FORD ) SHE CALLED AND COMPLAINED AND GOT VERY ANGRY WITH THEM OVER THE PHONE AND THEY HUNG UP ON HER, SO WE SENT A LETTER TO FORD MOTOR CO . I THEN TOOK THE TIRE TO GOODYEAR AND THEY AT LEAST TREATED ME WITH SOME RESPECT THEY SAID THE TIRE COULD BE SENT OUT FOR INDEPENDENT STUDY WHICH IF IT SHOWED NO DEFECT IN THE TIRE THEN I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE OR THEY COULD SIMPLY DISCOUNT A NEW TIRE BY 50% SINCE IT WAS A QUESTIONABLE CAUSE. THE GOODYEAR DEALER TOLD ME IN HIS OPINION THE TIRE FORD USES IS TOO LIGHT FOR SUCH A BIG TRUCK, THE EXPEDITION FALLS JUST UNDER THE MA
PE00-020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH AND REAR SIDE DRIVER'S TIRE SEPARATED FROM RIM. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED, AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK
THE FUEL TANK IS PLACED IN SUCH A MANNER THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UP HILL (OR IS PARKED FACING UP HILL) THE FUEL GAUGE WILL REGISTER UP TO A QUARTER TANK MORE THAN ON A FLAT SURFACE, AND WHEN TRAVELLING DOWN HILL (OR WHEN PARKED FACING DOWN HILL) THE GAS GAUGE WILL REGISTER UP TO A QUARTER TANK LESS THAN ON A FLAT SURFACE. THE RESULT IS THAT WHEN TRAVELLING OR BEING PARKED ON A DOWN HILL SURFACE THE VEHICLE WILL EITHER NOT START OR RUN OUT OF GAS, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A QUARTER TANK OF GASOLINE. I CONTACTED A FORD DEALER IN GLENDALE WHEN I FIRST EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY ONLY RESPONDED THAT THIS IS THE VEHICLE'S DESIGN. THE DEALER ALSO PROVIDED ME WITH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ACKNOWLEDGING FORD'S KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAS TANK FLUCTUATION PROBLEM. THE REASON I AM NOW, AND ONCE AGAIN, MAKING THIS AN ISSUE IS THAT I RECENTLY, DUE TO THE GAS TANK FLUCTUATION, RAN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL, DESPITE A QUARTER TANK READING ON THE GAS GAUGE WHILE TRAVELLING ON A LEVEL SURFACE. I STRONGLY URGE NHTSA TO PERFORM A SAFETY ANALYSIS ON THIS GAS TANK DEFECT. A VEHICLE WHICH BECOMES INOPERATIVE WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL IS TRULY AN UNSAFE VEHICLE.
PE00020; TIRE TREAD SEPARATION: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH DRIVER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. DRIVER CONTINUED TO DRIVE. EXPEDITION DID NOT SHAKE, AND THERE WAS NO LOSS OF CONTROL. AFTER LOOKING AT THE TIRE, OWNER SAW THAT TWO CHUNKS OF TREAD WERE MISSING FROM TIRE. THIS WAS A FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS TIRE, 25570R16. NEW TIRE PURCHASED WITH THE EXPEDTION. FIRESTONE HAS BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT THE TIRE. FIRESTONE IS WILLING TO REPLACE TIRE. *AK
WHILE DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL HEARD LOUD NOISE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
WANT TO SEE IF DEALER SOLD ME A WRECKED OR DAMAGED VEHICLE. HAVING MINOR PROBLEMS WITH CAR AND I HAVE SOME "BUBBLES" IN THE HOOD WHICH WOULD INDICATE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN THROUGH SOME KIND OF DAMAGE. REQUESTING FURTHER INFO TO MAKE SURE SO I CAN FEEL A LITTLE BETTER ABOUT THE PURCHACE. *AK
UNDER CABLE MOUNT FOR THE SPARE TIRE BROKE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING SPARE TO FALL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
CONSUMER AND 2 YEAR OLD CHILD WERE INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT, THE CHILDS SEAT BELT UNLATCHED AND HIS CAR SEAT COMPLETELY FLIPPED OVER. NLM
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE RECALL COMPONENT PRIOR TO NOTIFICATION (00V-073), BOLTS BECAME LOOSE AND PROBLEMS WITH TOWING AS A RESULT OF HITCH FAILURE. *MJS
WHILE DRIVING FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION DROPPED WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CRASH. DEALER SAID THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR AIR PUMP AUTOMATED LEVER RIDE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
WHEN CONSUMER APPLIES BRAKE PEDAL, THERE IS CONSIDERABLE RESISTANCE. VEHICLE STOPS ONLY AFTER REAPPLYING THE BRAKE. THIS VEHICLE HAS ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. *AK *ML
CHILD IN REAR OUTBOUND SEAT GOT SHOULDER BELT CAUGHT UNDER HER LEG WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLATCH THE SEAT BELT. SEAT BELT BECAME VERY TIGHT AND WOULD NOT RELEASE, CAUSING THE PARENTS TO CUT THE CHILD OUT THE BELT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
POWER WINDOWS GO UP AND DOWN INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN WINTER WHEN WINDOWS WERE UP.*AK
ASSIST HANDLE ON FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SPLIT IN HALF WHEN OCCUPANT CAUGHT ONTO IT TO GET INTO THE TRUCK. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE DUE TO STRIPPED THREADS, DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AS A RESULT OF FAILURE. *MJS
A SPARK PLUG THAT HAD NOT BEEN PROPERLY TORQUED AT THE FORD FACTORY LOOSTENED AND DESTROYED THE CYLINDER HEAD. IT TOOK THE FORD DEALER 2 WEEKS TO REMOVE THE ENGINE FROM THE VEHICLE, GET THE PARTS, AND MAKE THE REPAIR.
LAP BELT IN REAR SEAT WOULD NOT RETRACT WHENEVER SHOULDER BELT WAS USED ON REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. IF THE SHOULDER BELT WAS RELEASED FROM THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT THE LAP BELT WOULD RETRACT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER. HOWEVER, NO REPONSE WAS RECEIVED. CAR SEAT CANNOT BE SAFELY PLACED IN THE MIDDLE SEAT WITH THIS DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT. SEATBELT WAS REPLACED WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE BELT. NO HELP FROM FORD. *AK *ML
FRONT ROTORS (2) WORN OUT PRE-MATURELY AND NEED REPLACEMENT AFTER 33000 MILES. *AK
VEHICLE HAD BEEN LEAKING OIL SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT. BUT, DEALER COULDN'T FIND WHERE THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM. *AK
A 2-YEAR OLD WAS ABLE PUT CAR INTO GEAR AND CAR ROLLED BACK. VEHICLE WAS NOT ON, AND IT TOTALLED ANOTHER CAR , CONSUMER SAID THANK GOD THERE WERE NO KIDS AROUND BECAUSE SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN RUN OVER. CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO FORD AND THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL. *AK *ML
THE VEHICLE DRIFTS AT HIGHWAY SPEED DUE TO FLAW IN THE VEHICLE'S FRONT END DESIGN. YH
NHTSA RECALL 00V073000 AND MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00S05/TRAILER HITCHES AND ATTACHMENTS. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *AK *ML
WHILE ON VACATION AT SONS HOME IN TROY MICHIGAN VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT ABOUT 9PM AND WHEN MY WIFE WENT TO GET THE CAR IN THE MORNING SHE FOUND IT MISSING. SHE WAS TOLD BY A NEIGHBOR THAT THE VEHICLE HAD STARTED ON FIRE AROUND 2AM IN THE MORNING WITH WHAT APPEARED TO BE AN ENGINE FIRE. THE TROT MICHIGAN POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE DISPATCHED AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE POUND. MY WIFE CONTACTED THE POLICE AND FOUND THAT THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE HAD BURNED TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE IS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN PARKED IN OUR GARAGE IN TEXAS OUR HOUSE WOULD HAVE ALSO BEEN A TOTAL LOSS WITH THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIFE. THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO NATIONWIDE INSURANCE AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER SERVICE HOT LINE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY EXPECTS TO TRY AND DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE LATER TODAY 5-24-2000. AS OF NOW IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH ALLL APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE CURRENT AND EXHIBITED NO PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THE SPONTANIOUS FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN THE POSSESSION OF THE TROY MICHIGAN IMPOUND LOT. MY WIFE IS STRANDED IN MICHIGAN AND CAN BE REACHED AT 248 952 0802. *AK
NHTSA RECALL 00V073000 AND MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00S05/ TRAILER HITCHES AND ATTACHMENTS. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *AK
UPON MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURN VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO DOORS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED WITH OPERATOR CONTROLLING THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
LEATHER SEAT IS WEARING OUT AND LEATHER STEERING COVER IS WEARING BADLY. COLOR IS COMING OFF BOTH. ALSO COLOR COMES OFF BACK SIDE PANELS EASILY.
WHILE PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT THE RIGHT SIDE TORSION BAR CRACKED COMPLETELY IN HALF. THIS DROPPED THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ABOUT 6 INCHES RENDERING IT UNDRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS JUST PURCHASED ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO USED. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN OFF ROAD OR NO HOLES OR CURBS WERE HIT WITH THE VEHICLE. THE SECURITY GUARD CALLED ME TO TELL ME THAT MY VEHICLE ALARM WAS GOING OFF. WHEN I WENT OUT TO CHECK IT LOOKED LIKE A FLAT TIRE UNTIL I GOT CLOSER AND SAW THE TIRE WAS OK. THE VEHICLE WAS LEANING DOWN TO THE RIGHT FRONT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING FOR MORE THAN 9 HOURS WHEN THE TORSION BAR JUST BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK
CONSUMER'S 3-YEAR OLD SON GOT OUT OF CSS/GRABBED KEYS/PUT IT INTO IGNITION/ TURNED IT ONE NOTCH FORWARD, AND ACCIDENTLY MOVED GEAR INTO NEUTRAL, CAUSING VEHICLE TO PICK UP SPEED AND RUN INTO A LAKE. GEARS DID NOT LOCK WHEN KEY WAS PUT INTO IGNITION AND TURNED TO THE FIRST NOTCH. SHIFT GEAR COULD BE MOVED AND GEARS WILL ONLY LOCK WHEN THEY ARE PUT INTO ANY OTHER NOTCH .VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. SOMEONE WAS ABLE TO JUMP INTO LAKE AND GET CHILD OUT BEFORE VEHICLE SANK. *AK
WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 TO 45 MPH LEFT FRONT TORSION BAR BROKE AWAY FROM THE SUSPENSION, FLYING TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND CAUSING A BLOWOUT OF THE RIGHT TIRES. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
UNDER BACK SEAT IN REAR OF VEHICLE FRAME HAS A BAD STRESS FRACTURE. THE CRACK GOES THE WIDTH OF THE BODY ON THE FLOORBOARD. LOCATED WHERE SEATS ARE MOUNTED. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP & WAS INFORMED NOTHING CAN BE DONE. MANUFACTURER WAS IN AGREEMENT. CRACK AT PRESENT IS AT LEAST 3 TO 4 INCHES LONG & GETTING WORSE. *AK
WHILE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON THE STREET AT 25 MPH SPARE TIRE CABLE SNAPPED, CAUSING TIRE TO FALL OFF THE RACK UNDER THE VEHICLE AND ONTO THE STREET. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED AT THIS TIME. *AK
THE BOLTS HOLDING THE TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER TO THE FRAME CAME LOOSE TO THE POINT THEY ALMOST FELL FROM THEIR HOLES. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WHEN PULLING A TRAILER THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER WITH A LOOSE TRAILER ON THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALER NOR THE FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER CANNOT TELL ME WHAT THEY BOLTS SHOULD BE TORQUED TO OTHER THAN VERY TIGHT. *AK
DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD BROKE WHEN BACKING OUT OF GARAGE. NLM
AS WE PULLED OUT OF A TOLL BOOTH ON THE G.S.PKWY WE HEARD A LOUD BANG IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY LOSS OF ACCELERATION POWER. APPARENTLY A SPARK PLUG WAS BLOWN FROM THE ENGINE. IT REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE WIRE BUT NEITHER THAT PLUG OR A NEW ONE COULD BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE CYLINDER WAS STRIPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KAYTES FORD. WE'RE HOPING FORD WILL INCUR THE EXPENSE OF REPAIRING IT SINCE THIS SHOULD NEVER HAD HAPPENED ESPECIALLY ON A VEHICLE WITH 41,000 MILES. WARRANTY WAS UP AT 36,000. *AK
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE STREET AT 25-35 MPH FRONT TORSION BAR BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO DIP DOWN ON ONE SIDE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REPAIRS MADE AT NO COST TO CONSUMER, BUT, DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE OTHER SIDE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
CONSTANTLY BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP WHO CONTINUALLY SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH VEHICLE. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED WITHIN SUMMARY. *AK
THE CAR ACCELERATES QUICKLY WHEN SLOWLY STOPPING.GOING INTO A PARKING SPACE VERY SLOWLY WHEN I PUT ON THE BRAKE THE CAR ACCELERATED TO 3000RPM'S I PUSHED THE BRAKE HARD, THE DRIVE WHEEL SPUN AND SMOKED I PULLED IT OUT OF GEAR AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION TO STOP THE ENGINE DOES NOT DO IT ALL THE TIME TOOK TO DEALER NOT A GOOD RESPONSE THEY MAY THINK I AM NUTS?? *AK
TORSION BAR CRACKED WHILE BACKING / TURNING FROM DRIVEWAY, VEHICLE DISABLED AND TOWED TO DEALER FOR IN-WARRANTY REPAIRS. *AK
WHEN TRAVELING AND UPON DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP CONSUMER NOTICED BRAKE FADING AWAY AND CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. POWER BRAKES HAVE FAILED TWICE, AND TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE 4 TIMES. CONSUMER WANTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. DEALER CONTACTED, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK *ML
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
TORSION BAR CRACKED. VEHICLE IN DEALER SHOP FOR REPAIRS DUE TO WARRANTY. *AK
RECALL NUMBER 98V095000; RECALL REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM, WHILE DRIVING FIVE LUGS: NUTS DISENGAGED FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL, CAUSING THE WHEEL AND TIRE TO NEARLY COME OFF. LOCAL DEALER REIMBURSED OWNER FOR REPAIRS. *AK.ET.
DEFECTIVE TORSION BAR BROKE, CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.THE BAR MAY ENTER THE VEHICLE AND INJURE THE OCCUPANT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON A SHEET OF ICE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND SLID INTO A GUARDRAIL. UPON A FRONTAL IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICHNOT PROTECTING THE OCCUPANTS. ALSO, DRIVER'S SEATBELT DID NOT RETRACT, WHICH DID NOT HOLD THE OCCUPANT IN SEAT, AND CAUSING OCCUPANT TO SUSTAIN INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER COLLISION, SPEED UNDETERMINED. VEHICLE HIT SEVERAL TREES BEFORE AND DURING ROLLOVER. BOTH AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING,THE VEHICLE IS STALLING, ONCE IT STALLED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. *SLC
REFLECTIVE PART OF THE MIRROR IS DETERIORATING FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER SAYS MIRROR HAS TO BE REPLACED. *AK
REAREND IS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE WHEN DECELERATING. MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO REPLACE REAREND ASSEMBLY. *AK *YC
ON-GOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH LAP BELT LATCH IN 2ND. ROW, FAILING TO ENGAGE, LEAVING OCCUPANT WITHOUT ANY RESTRAINT IF INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE COLLISION. DEALER NOTIFIED. UNABLE TO USE THIS POSITION FOR CHILD SAFETY SEAT. *AK
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Full record for the 1998 Ford Expedition → · Every Expedition year → · How the figures are calculated →