146 of the 1,065 complaints about the 1997 Ford Expedition are about the suspension — 14% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 121,500 miles.
146
Complaints
5
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11156712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11090884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10925688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10853802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10478144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10450242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
THE REAR LOWER TRAILING ARMS THAT HOLD THE REAR AXLE IN PLACE ARE MADE TOO THIN AND WITH CORROSION WILL FAIL. THIS WILL CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO MOVE BACKWARD AND BREAK THE DRIVE SHAFT.
NHTSA complaint #10425386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE REAR LOWER TRAILING ARMS THAT HOLD THE REAR AXLE IN PLACE ARE MADE TOO THIN AND WITH CORROSION WILL FAIL. THIS WILL CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO MOVE BACKWARD AND BREAK THE DRIVE SHAFT.
NHTSA complaint #10425386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEANING TO ONE SIDE. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND INSPECTED IT AND NOTICED THAT THE TORSION BAR WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER/MECHANIC NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10390531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
JUNE 4, 2010 [XXX] WMC TV 5 MEMPHIS, TN 38104 DEAR MR. WISE AND CONSUMER INVESTIGATORS: WALMART IS SELLING RECALLED TIRES OUTLAWED BY THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. THIS SERIES WAS ONCE SOLD BY FIRESTONE. THIS TIRE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVER 26,000 DEATHS AND $1M IN DAMAGES ETC. GOODYEAR BOUGHT THE TRADEMARKED SERIES MENTIONED IN THE SUBJECT LINE AND IS SELLING THEM ONLY AT WALMART. THIS IS THE SAME PRODUCT BUT DIFFERENT COMPANY. THE TIRES SPECIFICS ARE P25570R16. I AM PREPARING TO TAKE THIS STEP FURTHER TO GET THIS SERIES REMOVED FROM THE SHELVES. IT IS THE TIRES TREAD, DEPTH, SIZE, HEIGHT, ETC. THAT DID NOT CONFORM TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S REGULATIONS AN SPECIFICITIES. CONTACT ME TO FURTHER DISCUSS THIS ISSUE VIA EMAIL AT [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED IVOQ 10/22/10
NHTSA complaint #10334659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
THERE IS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL, IT ROCKS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I AM A MECHANIC SO I REPLACED BOTH SHAFT BEARINGS BUT THIS DID NOT CURE THE PROBLEM. THE UPPER STEERING SHAFT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE YOKE IS WEARING OUT CAUSING THIS CONDITION. IF THE YOKE SHOULD SNAP THE ABILITY TO STEER WILL BE LOST AND CAN CAUSE DEATH. THIS IS A CRUCIAL AND CRITICAL STEERING COMPONENT THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. CAN YOU LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS THIS REPAIR WILL HAVE TO BE DONE ASAP. ALSO THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTED OUT THEY ACTUALLY HAVE HOLES IN THEM I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS WOULD BE COVERED AS WELL. THIS VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED, I HAVE DRIVEN A LOT OF DIFFERENT VEHICLES AND NEVER SEEN STEERING AND SUSPENSION PARTS WEAR OUT LIKE THIS BEFORE. THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE THEY USED TO. I LIKE MY TRUCK THOUGH,I WILL BUY ANOTHER FORD IN THE FUTURE, BUT FOR RIGHT NOW I GOT TO KEEP THIS ONE ROLLING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THANKYOU
NHTSA complaint #10295369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
MY BRAKES STARTED SQUIKING, AND THAT WENT ON FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THEN IT BECAME HARD FOR ME TO STOP. SO NOW I HAVE A LOT OF SQUIKING AND I HAVE TO STOP WAY BEFORE I AM SUPPOSE TO. I BOUGHT SOME BRAKE PADS THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10281669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
MY BRAKES STARTED SQUIKING, AND THAT WENT ON FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THEN IT BECAME HARD FOR ME TO STOP. SO NOW I HAVE A LOT OF SQUIKING AND I HAVE TO STOP WAY BEFORE I AM SUPPOSE TO. I BOUGHT SOME BRAKE PADS THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10281669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
FIRST COMPLAIN: REAR END DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM - FORD SAFETY RECALL NO. 96S60 EXPLAINS THAT 1997 FORD EXPEDITIONS REAR AXLE TRACK BAR CAN SEPERATE FROM THE FRAME DUE TO MISSING WELDS OR A WELD PATTERN THAT IS NOT FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE DESIGN LEVEL OF THE BRACKET. THIS RECALL STATES THAT FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR OF THIS DEFECT FROM 12/1996 FORWARD, REGARDLESS OF THE AGE, MILEAGE, OR OWNERSHIP. THIS DID HAPPEN TO MY VEHICLE AND I DID CONTACT FORD, AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10217673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE DISENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CURB. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LUGS WERE STRIPPED AND COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE WHEELS: LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 98V095000) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, SHE HEARD A CLINKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE TRACK BAR BRACKET SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SUSPENSION: REAR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 96V252000) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DISENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. AS OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOR THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 03-11-08 *BF UPDATED 03/11/08
NHTSA complaint #10217733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION, AND FOUND THAT THE FRONT SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. *AK THE TRUCK WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. FORD RECALLED THE TAURUS AND THE SABLE FOR THEIR FRONT COIL SPRINGS. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10083201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
TORSON BAR BROKE IN HALF AND FELL OFF AFTER GOING OVER A MODERATE SPEED BUMP AT 5-8MPH. METAL WAS SHEARED IN HALF. VEHICLE LEANED SEVERELY TO THE RIGHT. COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC - 8 OCCUPANTS WERE IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10060807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THE TRUCK ABRUPTLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH. ALSO, WHEN THIS OCCURRED THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE FROM THE FRONT WHEEL. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE. THE TRUCK PULLED TO THE RIGHT WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT RESULTED IN THE TRUCK HITTING A CURB AND DAMAGING THE TIRE AND RIM. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THIS COULD OF BEEN CAUSED BY A FAILURE IN THE SWAY BAR.
NHTSA complaint #10054105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION XLT REAR AIR SUSPENSION AT TIMES WILL "LOWER" TO AN EXTREMELY SHALLOW HEIGHT. THIS IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR OVERNIGHT; ALTHOUGH IT DOES NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN. IN FACT, IT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING FOR AS LITTLE AS AN HOUR AND A HALF. ON OTHER OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT APPEAR TO LOWER AT ALL, EVEN AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT SEEM TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. ANOTHER MECHANIC BELIEVES THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH EITHER THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER SYSTEM, WHICH APPEARS TO BE SIGNALING THE VALVES ON THE AIR BAGS TO RELEASE AIR BUT NOT SIGNALING THE VALVES TO CLOSE AT THE PROPER POINT. HE FURTHER SUGGESTED (EITHER ALTERNATIVELY OR PERHAPS ADDITIONALLY) THAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT LIE WITH THE AIR COMPRESSOR WHICH IS NOT PROPERLY REGULATING THE RELEASE OF AIR FROM THESE VALVES. HE DISCOUNTED ANY SUSPICION THAT THIS WAS ANY TYPE OF A LEAK IN EITHER THE AIR BAGS OR AIR LINES, SINCE NO LEAK HAD BEEN DETECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND SINCE THE VEHICLE DID NOT REGULARLY LOWER AFTER EXTENDED PERIODS OF IDLE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10047256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE. WAS HARD TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR HAD SNAPPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10044851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10026802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHEN I TAKE OFF THE GAS IS STICKY AND TAKES ALOT TO GET IT GOING, WHEN TURNING FROM STOP MY REAR END VIBRATES LIKE IT'S GOING TO FALL OFF. AREADY HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED BY THE DEALER SHIP I GOT THE CAR FROM. DRIVER SIDE WINDOW CLUNKS WHEN ROLLING DOWN, MOTOR MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN COLD. I JUST DON'T EXPECT THIS KIND OF PROBLEMS WHEN YOU PAY ALOT OF MONEY FOR A NICE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10021395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
THE FRONT SUSPENSION WORE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE HARD TO CONTROL. DEALER NOTIFIED. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10011961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR
TORSION BAR
NHTSA complaint #10007633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
DEFECTIVE STABILIZER BAR, IT COULD BREAK.
NHTSA complaint #10003974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR
CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT TORSION BAR BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10002486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
REPLACED FRONT SWAY BAR AND STABILIZER. FRONT END SQUEALS WHEN HOLDING STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10002279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET
PULLING THROUGH A PARKING LOT I FELT A BUMP. AFTER PASSING OVER THE "BUMP" I LOOKED BACK TO SEE MY SPARE TIRE SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT. THE END OF THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THE BRACKET FOR THE TIRE TO BE HELD IN PLACE WAS FRAYED. THE PEICE WHICH HOLDS THE BRACKET WAS GONE. AFTER CALLING MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP I WAS ADVISED THIS WOULD COST ME $200.00 TO REPLACE THE CABLE. A FIVE YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE A CABLE FRAY UNDER IT. IF I HAD BEEN GOING 70 MPH THIS WOULD HAVE CAUSED A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT. DT
NHTSA complaint #769897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE REAR AXLE TRAC BAR BRACKET SEPARATED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8019666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
DURING A VEHICLE STATE INSPECTION CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT LOWER BALL JOINT HAD WORN OUT.
NHTSA complaint #8014543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.