27 of the
1,065 complaints about the 1997 Ford Expedition are about the
airbag system — 3% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
122,000 miles.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11383877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,900 milesSpokane, WACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A TOW TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE TOW TRUCK TO THE CONTACTS PLACE OF RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 199,000.
NHTSA complaint #10369371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesOklahoma City, OKCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUFFERED INJURIES TO HIS HEAD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 155,000. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR UPDATED VIN. 09/05/07.
NHTSA complaint #10196728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesDothan, AL
AIR BAGS
ON DEC. 08, 2005 THE WASHER FLUID LIKE BLINKED RAPIDLY AND LOUDLY FROM WHAT SOUNDED TO BE A RELAY UNDER THE DASH. THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. THE DEALER ADVISED ME THAT THE TRUCK WAS ATTEMPTING TO START ITSELF. DEALER REP NAME IS GARY WELLS AT BONDY'S FORD IN DOTHAN, AL.
NHTSA complaint #10144862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesAurora, COFire
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
DT:CONSUMER STATED THAT SINCE T SHE BOUGHT VEHICLE IT HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER HAD CONSUMER TO TAKE VEHICLE TO A SPECIAL SHOP, THEY WOULD TRY TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER SAID THAT WITHIN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS VEHICLE HAD TWO IGNITION SWITCHES INSTALLEDT HAT CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR. VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. CONSUMER SAID THAT WITHOUT THE KEY IN IGNITION THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS /RADIO CAME ON, AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. SOMETIMESM THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLE BACK UP AFTER BEING ROLLED DOWN. CONSUMER ARRIVED HOME AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE ALL DAY. CONSUMER PARKED AND WENT INSIDE THE HOUSE. ABOUT FIVE MINUTES LATER, FOUND OUT THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. FIREMEN STATED THEY COULD NOT TELL WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10125957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cordova, TN
AIR BAGS
I OWN 1997 FORD EXPEDITION 4.6L 2WD AND HAVE HAD A FEW INSTANCES WHERE I THINK WATER HAS LEAKED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE WATER IS LEAKING SOMEWHERE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. IT IS CAUSING THE RADIO TO TURN ON AND STAY ON WITHOUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION. IT ALSO CAUSES THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON SO I DO NOT KNOW IF THERE IS A REAL PROBLEM OR NOT. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LIGHT COMES ON ALSO. I AM AFRAID THIS MIGHT TRIGGER SOME EXTREMELY DANGEROUS REACTION WHILE DRIVING IF THE WRONG THING GETS WET. I WOULD HAVE IT FIXED BUT I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. I TOLD THE DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT BECAUSE IT DRIED AND STOPPED. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS. I HAVE READ ON THIS SITE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO REPLACE ALL THE MOLDING AND GLASS. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10062563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesIndianola, MS1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE PARKED AND IDLING, THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS EXPLODED UPON IMPACT. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK BURNS, COLLAR BONE/ RIB INJURIES.*AK *CB
NHTSA complaint #10040390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CACrash
AIR BAGS
THE VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE FRONT LEFT SIDE YET THE VEHICLES AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND CAUSED MINOR INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10019426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baytown, TXCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AFTER AUTO LEFT ROAD JUMPING CULVERTS AND LANDING FORCEFULLY IN A LARGE DITCH AT APPROX 50 MPH. VEHICLE SUFFERED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES INCLUDING FRONT DAMAGE. WRECK CAUSED DAMAGE TO STEERING COLUMN AND ENGINE. VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT BATES CUSTON COLLISION IN BAYTOWN, TEXAS.
NHTSA complaint #755998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DES Moines, WA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE LEAVING A BALLGAME ON 7/8/01 - SPEED APPROX. 10-20 MPH WE HIT A HOLE IN THE ROAD AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. LUCKILY THE SPEED WAS SLOW AND MY HUSBAND WHO WAS DRIVING ONLY SUSTAINED SOME PAINFUL BRUISING ON HIS ARM. WE CONTACTED THE FORD CONSUMER DEPARTMENT AND WERE TOLD IT HAD TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE IF SOMETHING WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY DETERMINED SOME PARTS TO BE DEFECTIVE RESULTING IN SHORTS WHICH SUPPOSEDLY CAUSED THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY BUT AFTER SEVERAL CALLS AND EMAILS WE WERE INFORMED BY FORD THAT THEY DO NOT COVER THESE TYPES OF SAFETY FAILURES. IF WE HAD BEEN DRIVING ON A FREEWAY OR HIGHWAY OR EVEN AT A FASTER SPEED WHEN THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED IT VERY WELL COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURY OR DEATH TO US OR OTHERS. BECAUSE NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY HURT AND THERE WAS NO "ACCIDENT" AS A RESULT OF THE DEPLOYMENT FORD REPRESENTATIVES WERE UNINTERESTED IN ASSISTING IN CORRECTING THE EQUIPMENT FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #750216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DES Moines, WA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE LEAVING A BALLGAME ON 7/8/01 - SPEED APPROX. 10-20 MPH WE HIT A HOLE IN THE ROAD AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. LUCKILY THE SPEED WAS SLOW AND MY HUSBAND WHO WAS DRIVING ONLY SUSTAINED SOME PAINFUL BRUISING ON HIS ARM. WE CONTACTED THE FORD CONSUMER DEPARTMENT AND WERE TOLD IT HAD TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE IF SOMETHING WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY DETERMINED SOME PARTS TO BE DEFECTIVE RESULTING IN SHORTS WHICH SUPPOSEDLY CAUSED THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY BUT AFTER SEVERAL CALLS AND EMAILS WE WERE INFORMED BY FORD THAT THEY DO NOT COVER THESE TYPES OF SAFETY FAILURES. IF WE HAD BEEN DRIVING ON A FREEWAY OR HIGHWAY OR EVEN AT A FASTER SPEED WHEN THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED IT VERY WELL COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURY OR DEATH TO US OR OTHERS. BECAUSE NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY HURT AND THERE WAS NO "ACCIDENT" AS A RESULT OF THE DEPLOYMENT FORD REPRESENTATIVES WERE UNINTERESTED IN ASSISTING IN CORRECTING THE EQUIPMENT FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #750216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bixby, OKCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
REAR ENDED WHILE SITTNG STILL AND WAS HIT AT 45 MPH. AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN HE RAN ME INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND SHOVED MY BUMP[ER UNDER 3 INCHES. ALSO THE FRONT SEAT BROKE BACKWARD ON IMPACT THIS WAS SECOND TIME.
NHTSA complaint #746580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Onalaska, WICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I AM LOOKING FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING OTHER FORD 'S WHERE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #729894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Russell, KS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WOULD BE DRIVING VEHICLE & APPLYING BRAKES (ABS) & PEDAL WOULD PULSATE. VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO STOP. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. ABS LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND STAYING. WOULD ONLY GO OFF WHEN VEHICLE IS NOT ON. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP & WAS INFORMED TSB ON VEHICLE & IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, BY 5 WEEKS WITH ONLY 4163 MILES. *AK THE VEHICLE IS USED TO PULL BOAT, AND HAS EXTREMELY POOR FUEL MILEAGE .THIS VEHICLE HAD TWO BRAKE FAILURES DUE TO BAD SENSORS. THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED DEFECTIVE SINSORS WHICH ARE SAFETY HAZARD BUT REFUSES ADMIT.
NHTSA complaint #867011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Ysidor, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 40-45 MPH HIT A TRUCK WITH FRONT END , AND DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY,CAUSING INJURIES CONSUMER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER.PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #858579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodlands, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TRYING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT CONSUMER HIT A DITCH, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK.ET.
NHTSA complaint #857141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodlands, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
BOTH AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN MAJOR ACCIDENT. POLICE SAID THEY SHOULD HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #718892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Stroudburg, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING UNDER ICY CONDITIONS VEHICLE SLID INTO A TELEPHONE POLE AT 20 MPH. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND SETA BELT RIPPED, CAUSING RUG TO BURN TO DRIVER'S NECK. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #856941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camarillo, CACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND BRAKING HAD A FRONTAL IMPACT, AND DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #853717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lenoir, NC
AIR BAGS
COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS THE AIRBAGS IS DEFECTIVE AND MUST BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE DUE TO WARRANTY...WE WERE WARNED THAT THE AIRBAG WON'T DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT OR MAY DEPLOY AT ANYTIME. UPON CALLING FORD MOTOR COMPANY THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY WOULD DO. I FEEL THAT THIS PART SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD THIS FAST, AND THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO ABSORB THE WHOLE COST OF THE REPAIR, WHICH WAS ESTIMATED AT $350.00. IF I WANTED THE PART SHIPPED OVERNIGHT IT WOULD COST ANOTHER 15% EXTRA. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN PROVIDE. THE AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHED OFF AND ON AND THEN STAYED ON. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER THEY CHARGED ME $60 FOR AN ANALYSIS AND THEN SAID THE COMPUTER PART WAS BAD. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #707307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terrace, AKCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHEN BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR FLOORED ITSELF, PASSENGER WITNESSED FOOT ON BRAKE AND NOT THE THROTTLE. PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT WORK, AND NOT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE FRAME WAS BENT FROM THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #704504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hilton Head, SC
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON TWICE BEFORE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FIRST TIME AT 14,000MILES. THIS TIME IT IS CURRENTLY WITH DEALER AT 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #823199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rialto, CACrash1 killed
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND DRIVER WAS EJECTED OUT OF VEHICLE. THE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. ALSO, TRANSMISSION SHIFT INDICATOR HAS A LOT OF PLAY AND IS OFF WHEN SELECTING A GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #815198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terrace, UNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT DRIVER STEPPED ON BRAKE AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, CRASHING INTO A BANK. DRIVER'S SHOULDER HARNESS DID NOT WORK, AND AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, RESULTING IN AN INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #518350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terrace BC V8G 4B5, CDCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS DID NOT PREVENT THE PASSENGER FROM BEING PROPELLED FORWARD AND HITTING THE WINDSHIELD WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE STRUCK A WALL. THE ENGINE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND THE FRAME WAS TWISTED.
NHTSA complaint #521892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maryville, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHEN VEHICLE REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS. ALSO, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM GOING FORWARD; HEAD HIT STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #813499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chestertown, MDCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE CONSUMER HAPPROACHED AN INTERSECTION OTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP, APPLIED ABS BRAKES AND COLLIDED WITH OTHER VEHICLE, THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #805266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.