42 of the
1,065 complaints about the 1997 Ford Expedition are about the
wheels — 4% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
139,000 miles.
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.
Washington, DC
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
RECALL 98V095 FOR WHEEL LUG NUTS PROBLEMS ON 1997 EXPEDITION. *BF WHILE DRIVING ONE OF THE VEHICLE'S WHEELS CAME OFF THE TRUCK. WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT ALL THE LUG NUTS HAD BROKEN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE WHERE THEY DETERMINED THAT THE TRUCK HAD THE WRONG LUG NUTS ON IT. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN TOLD THAT THE YEAR BEFORE A RECALL WAS ISSUED AND THE LUG NUTS HAD BEEN CHANGED.
NHTSA complaint #10098928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CONSUMER FELT THE VEHICLE WOBBLE AND THUMP TO THE GROUND. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH DID A THREE HUNDRED SIXTY DEGREE TURN ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE LUG NUTS HAD SIMPLY SHEARED OFF OF THE WHEEL. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED TWICE ON THIS VEHICLE. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS ON THE SECOND TIME ONE LUG NUT WAS SAVED FROM BEING SHEARED OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10083424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Taylorsville, GA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
WAS TRAVELING 65MPH, WHEN RIGHT REAR WHEEL JUST CAME OFF. VEHICLE HIT GROUND, HARD. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. VEHICLE HAD REAR END DAMAGE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT BOLTS ON WHEEL HAD BEEN SHEARED OFF. WOULD NEED TO REPLACE HUB ASSEMBLY/ WHEEL AND TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #897059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellevue, WA
WHEELS
VEHICLE WAS GOING 10-12MPH AND WHEN PULLING INTO HOME DRIVEWAY BOLT FROM CALIPER ASSEMBLY DROPPED OUT. THIS CAUSED ALUMINUM WHEEL TO EXPLODE. DEALER WAS CONCERNED REGARDING THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #896512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cowlesville, NY
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
LUGS: NUTS KEEP LOOSENING AND CAUSING WHEELS TO ALMOST FALL OFF. STUDS: LUGS: NUTS LOOSEN UP JUST BY DRIVING VEHICLE. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TIME FOR THE SAME REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #895891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbury, CO
WHEELS:RIM
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY AND NOTICED THAT REAR DRIVING SIDE WHEEL AND RIM CAME OFF. HE WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC ASKED CONSUMER IF A RECALL WAS DONE ON THIS VEHICLE. DEFECT STILL THERE.
NHTSA complaint #888443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kettering, OH
WHEELS
A HIGH-END AFTER MARKET WHEEL SPLIT OPEN -WITH NO ABUSE. CO. SAYS NOT COVERED BY 2ND OWNER/SEEK KNOWLEDGE OF OTHER FAILURES OF THIS MFGR. TOO IMPORTANT OF A PIECE OF EQUIP. TO IGNORE. HOW MANY OTHER DEFECTS?
NHTSA complaint #743483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sandston, VA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 55MPH IN MIDDLE LANE AND MOVED TO RIGHT AFTER HEARING SOMETHING BUCKLING FROM PASSENGER'S FRONT TIRE. CONSUMER WAS TURNING ON TO EXIT RAMP AND TIRE CAME OFF. VEHICLE WAS TOWED, AND THEY FOUND THAT NUTS: BOLTS HAD BROKEN OFF. CONSUMER'S INSURANCE ADJUSTER HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. CONSUMER WILL CHECK TO SEE IF THE RECALL ID# 98V095000 MANUFACTRER RECALL 98S14 WILL APPLY.
NHTSA complaint #884551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH TRIED TO CHANGE TO FREEWAY AND RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER HAD FOUND OUT THAT BOLTS WERE RUSTED IN BACK OF IT, AND REST OF TIRES WERE IN SAME CONDITION.
NHTSA complaint #880572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hermosa Beach, CA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
IN DECEMBER 1998, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL CAME OFF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE LUGS: NUTS NOT BEING TIGHTENED PROPERLY BY MARINA FORD (MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA). THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO MAGIC FORD FOR REPAIR. IN APRIL/MAY OF 2000, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE PEELED LIKE AN ONION AND DID EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE REAR PANEL OF THE TRUCK. AT THAT TIME, THE AAA TOWING SERVICE SAID THAT THE STEMS AND LUG NUTS WERE STRIPPED. WE TOOK THE CAR TO MANHATTAN BEACH FORD FOR REPAIR AND INVESTIGATION. THEY WERE TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER THE WHEELS, TIRES AND LUG NUTS WERE PROPER FOR THIS VEHICLE. THEY FIXED IT AND ASSURED ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. ON JUNE 2, 2000, WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN THE CARPOOL LANE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL CAME COMPLETELTY OFF THE VEHICLE (YES - FOR THE 2ND TIME - DIFFERENT WHEEL). I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO FORD AS OF THIS MORNING. THE PROBLEM IS THAT APPARENTLY, THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE (FORD OF UPLAND) HAD PUT ON AFTERMARKET WHEELS, TIRES, AND LUG NUTS ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE THEY SOLD IT TO ME. FORD IS CLAIMING THAT THEY DO NOT APPROVE OF SUCH AFTERMARKET ASSEMBLIES. MY CONCERN IS THAT WE HAVE NOW PUT OUR LIFE IN FORD'S HANDS IN WHICH WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THREE LIFE THREATENING INCIDENTS ON THE FREEWAYS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. NO ONE APPEARS TO WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND EVERYONE IS POINTING A FINGER AT SOMEONE ELSE. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. I BOUGHT A FORD PRODUCT AND EXPECT THE WHEELS AND TIRES TO REMAIN ON THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #723590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upper Marlboro, MD1 injured
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED REAR WHEEL ON PASSENGER'S SIDE COMPLETELY CAME OFF, CAUSING DISTRESS TO THE DRIVER WHO WAS EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT, AND SEVERE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS NOT AWARE OF RECALL 98V095000, AND RECEIVED NO PRIOR NOTIFICATION FROM FORD. CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATION ON MAY 6, 2000.
NHTSA complaint #861778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elizabeth, CO
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 98V095000 IN THE MAIL. CALLED DEALER, AND WAS INFORMED NO PARTS AVAILABLE. DEALER RECEIVED ONLY LIMITED SUPPLY OF PARTS. LUGS: NUTS SENT ACCORDING TO VEHICLES SOLD.
NHTSA complaint #832072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Endwell, NY1 injured
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
LUG NUTS LOOSENED CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN SLIGHT INJURY TO PASSENGER SHOULDER AND ARM. YH
NHTSA complaint #605801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ventura, CA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
LUG NUTS EXPERIENCING FAILURE, PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE (98V095000).
NHTSA complaint #607187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomfield, NMCrash2 injured
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF VEHICLE. RIGHT AFTERWARDS THE LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF DUE TO LUGS:NUTS: BOLTS SHEARING OFF. THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED BY DEALERSHIP. ON APRIL 24TH, WHILE DRIVING RIGHT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF, SENDING VEHICLE INTO A GUARDRAIL AND DITCH. THE LUGS: NUTS AND BOLTS SHEARED OFF. *AK THERE WAS A RECALL, 98V095, HOWEVER CONSUMER'S FAILURES HAPPENED PRIOR TO THIS RECALL, ON THE SECOND INCIDENT THERE WERE 2 INJURED PEOPLE, DEALER PAID FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT'S REPAIRS. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #840253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH ON. THEN THERE WAS SLIGHT VIBRATION. CONSUMER LOOKED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF HIM, AND NOTICED THAT LEFT SIDE TIRE CAME OFF DUE TO LUGS: NUTS AND BOLTS SHEARING OFF.
NHTSA complaint #838331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cockeysville, MD
WHEELS
UNABLE TO REMOVE WHEELS.
NHTSA complaint #706349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Hampton, NY
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
RECALL NOTICE #98S-14 WAS ISSUED, AND CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT DEALER WOULD HAVE THESE REPLACEMENT LUG: NUTS AT THE 3RD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, BUT NO LUGS: NUTS ARE AVAILABLE. WHEN CONSUMER TRIED TO CONTACT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ASKED FOR HELP, THE REPRESENTATIVE WAS RUDE AND TOLD CONSUMER THAT WILL GET IT, WHEN THEY WILL GIVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #828885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murrysville, PA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH LUGS: NUTS. LUGS: NUTS WERE LOOSE. THIS HAPPENED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS WORKED ON FOR RECALL REPAIRS. RECALL98V096000. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #833279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocklyn, CA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
CONSUMER EXPERIENCEED PROBLEM WITH DEALER HONORING RECALL # 98S14 CONCERNING CHECKING VEHICLE FOR LOOSE LUGS: NUTS. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NO RECALL 98S14 WAS FOUND.
NHTSA complaint #826479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lodi, NJ
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
REAR WHEEL CAME LOOSE DUE TO BROKEN STUDS.
NHTSA complaint #543180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lodi, NJ
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
REAR WHEEL CAME LOOSE DUE TO BROKEN STUDS.
NHTSA complaint #543180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Mated, CA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
RECALL # 98V095000 FORD/LUG NUTS; OWNER RECEIVED FIRST NOTIFICAITON LETTER IN JUNE OF 1998. STILL WAITING FOR THE SECOND NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER. FIRST NOTIFICATION STATED THAT A SECOND NOTIFICATION WOULD BE SENT IN THE FALL OF 1998.
NHTSA complaint #834036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, GA
WHEELS
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL FELL OFF, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SKID APPROX. 400 YARDS DOWN HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #529632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, GA
WHEELS
RIGHT WHEEL FELL OFF OF VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING DRIVER TO CRASH. HAPPENED 5 DAYS AFTER TIRES WERE ROTATED.
NHTSA complaint #529695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lodi, NJ
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
REAR WHEEL CAME LOOSE DUE TO BROKEN STUDS.
NHTSA complaint #542992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellesley, MA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER CONCERNING LUGS: NUTS, RECALL NUMBER 98V095000 IN JUNE 1998. CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED SECOND NOTIFCATION BEFORE TAKING THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER FOR COMPLETE REMEDY, WHICH HAS NOT ARRIVED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #832336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletwon, OH
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
CONSUMER HAS RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN JUNE OF 1998, FOR THE WHEEL LUGS: NUTS: BOLTS, MANUFACTURER RECALL #98S14 NHTSA RECALL #98V095000. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THEY HAVE NO PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #832234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Central, CA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
RECALL # 98V095000 FORD/LUGS: NUTS. OWNER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR REPAIR OVER 5 MONTHS. DEALER NEVER HAS PARTS TO CORRECT RECALL, AND NOT ABLE TO TELL CONSUMER WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #831945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.