FaultScore

1998 Ford Expedition acceleration problems

79 of the 1,022 complaints about the 1998 Ford Expedition are about the throttle and cruise control — 8% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 111,500 miles.

F

79

Complaints

10

Crashes

31

Fires

5

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Vehicle Speed Control 43 54.4%
Cruise Control 28 35.4%
Accelerator Pedal 6 7.6%
Linkages 2 2.5%

Acceleration & Cruise Control across every Ford Expedition year

1997 81 10.4%
1998 79 10.1%
1999 59 7.5%
2000 127 16.2%
2001 100 12.8%
2002 58 7.4%
2003 20 2.6%
2004 21 2.7%
2005 66 8.4%
2006 29 3.7%
2007 12 1.5%
2008 13 1.7%
2012 18 2.3%
2015 15 1.9%
2016 22 2.8%
2017 21 2.7%
2018 15 1.9%
2019 13 1.7%
2020 13 1.7%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Fairway, KS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND SURGED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #11209744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Seattle, WA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

HE BRAKE PEDAL IS LOATED TOO CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR AND WHEN DEPRESSED GOES DOWN BELOW THE ACCELERATOR SO WHEN THE EXTREME RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED BY A BRUAD SHOE THE ACCELERATOR IS ALSO DEPRESSED CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE RATHER THAN BRAKING. THIS CAN AND DID RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH I REAR ENDED THE CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. THIS OCCURRED ON A CITY STREET WHEN I WAS MOVING IN TRAFFIC BELOW THE POSTED 30MPH LIMIT.

NHTSA complaint #10910620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Belmont, CA Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY HUSBAND WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY. HE SWITCHED THE TRUCK FROM PARK TO REVERSE AS HE DOES TO SLOWLY BACK UP, WITHOUT ACCELERATING, THE TRUCK ACCELERATED AT FULL FORCE IN REVERSE AND HE WENT CLEAR THROUGH OUR GARAGE DOOR WHICH BENT, CRUSHED AND DE-HINGED, THE GARAGE DOOR WAS THEN PUSHED BACK INTO HIS MOTORCYCLES AND INTO THE FRAMING OF THE HOUSE CAUSING MASS DESTRUCTION. THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, THE GEAR WOULD NOT SWITCH INTO PARK AND THE BREAKS WOULD NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STOPPED FROM ACCELERATING AT TOP SPEED IN REVERSE INTO MY HOME. THERE IS BURN OUT MARKS IN MY GARAGE FROM WHERE THE WHEELS WERE SPINNING FULL SPEED, THERE IS A TAILPIPE BURN MARK WHERE THE TRUCK WAS LAUNCHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE VEHICLE CLEARLY FAILED MECHANICALLY AND IN THE PROCESS OF THAT THERE IS MASS DESTRUCTION TO MY HOME, OUR VEHICLE, OUR BIKES AND A TON OF STUFF IN THE GARAGE. THANK GOD MY HUSBANDS INJURIES DID NOT RESULT IN DEATH AND THANK GOD MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE GARAGE AS THEY USUALLY ARE WHEN WE ARE OUTSIDE. THERE IS NO WAY MY LITTLE 3 YEAR OLD WOULD HAVE SURVIVED THIS. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE AND WILL NEVER DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #10711796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 225,000 miles Brownsville, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE I WAS DIVING AROUND 35 MPH TO 45 MPH A HORRIBLE VIOLENT SHAKE STARTS TO OCCUR. AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE ESPECIALLY ONCE YOU HIT THE FREEWAY VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT SUCH SPEEDS. IT STARTS WITH A VIOLENT SHAKE WITH LOUD NOISES COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. IT HAS BLOWN 2 COILS ALREADY.

NHTSA complaint #10662626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 202,000 miles LOS Angeles, CA Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,000.

NHTSA complaint #10455784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 185,467 miles Southaven, MS Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OVERNIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS AWAKENED BY A LOUD EXPLOSION WHEN SHE DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO ASSIST AND ADVISED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND STATED THAT SHE WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL BUT HAD NOT RECEIVED RECALL REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 185,467.

NHTSA complaint #10395583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 163,200 miles Summerville, GA Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE IGNITED FROM UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL. THERE WAS ALSO AN UNKNOWN LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 163,200.

NHTSA complaint #10336188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,100 miles Hialeah, FL Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT HAD BEEN IDLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS BEFORE INCIDENT OCCURRED. TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOST.

NHTSA complaint #10318323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Bend, OR Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CAR CAUGHT FIRE FOR PROBLEM WITH SPEED CONTROL DEVICE , I WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT PROBLEM WITH THIS AND THE RECALL THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PROVIDE A CARFAX AND OR VEHICLE HISTORY WHEN REQUESTED . BELOW I WILL PASTE THE INFO ABOUT THE RECALL. MAKE: FORD MODEL: EXPEDITION MODEL YEAR: 1998 MANUFACTURER: FORD MOTOR COMPANY MFR'S REPORT DATE: SEP 07, 2005 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V388000 EA05005 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA05005 COMPONENT: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 4500000 SUMMARY: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN. CONSEQUENCE: 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) NOTES: FORD RECALL NO. 05S28. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

NHTSA complaint #10315336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 181,000 miles Monroe, NC Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A CARPORT. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ERUPTED UNCONTROLLABLY IN FLAMES AND EXPLODED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE TWO PET DOGS THAT WERE OUTSIDE WHEN THE MASSIVE FIRE ERUPTED SUSTAINED SEVERE BURNS. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE PROPERTY DAMAGE CONSISTED OF THE CARPORT AND PORTIONS OF THE HOUSE, SUCH AS THE ROOF, SIDING, AND A COUPLE OF ROOMS INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND CURRENTLY REMAINS AT THE SCENE FOR INVESTIGATION PURPOSES. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 181,000. UPDATED 05/08/09 *BF UPDATED 05/12/09.*JB UPDATED 06/09/09.

NHTSA complaint #10262901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 102,000 miles Crestline, OH Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE SMELLED SMOKE. HE TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE CONTACT PULLED THE CABLES FROM THE BATTERY AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND NEEDS TO BE TOWED; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR THE TOWING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 102,000.

NHTSA complaint #10230147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Indianapolis, IN

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. HE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 07V336000) IN JANUARY OF 2007. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. AS OF APRIL 1, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE WAIT TIME FOR THIS RECALL WAS EXCESSIVE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. UPDATED 4/21/08 *CN UPDATED 04/21/08

NHTSA complaint #10223090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Porter, OK

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER STATED THAT IF THE RECALL WAS FROM 2005, THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THE MOST THEY COULD DO WAS DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #10220951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Minneapolis, MN Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IDLING AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. AN INVESTIGATOR FROM FIRE FORENSICS STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. FORD STATED THAT THEY SENT THE RECALL NOTICE TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND COULD NOT PROVIDE HER WITH ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. SHE STILL HAS POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. THE POWERTRAIN AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #10220408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksville, TN

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT IS DISPLEASED BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN UNABLE TO HAVE HIS VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL REPLACED OR REMOVED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #10220406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 159,000 miles Henrietta, OK Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. AN INVESTIGATION IS CURRENTLY ONGOING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06E060000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 159,000.

NHTSA complaint #10215367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 136,000 miles Denver, CO Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED DUE TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. FORD REFUSED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE, EVEN THOUGH THE FIRE WAS DUE TO THEIR VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 136,000. UPDATED 01/0308.*LJ RECALL #05V388000. UPDATED 12/12/07

NHTSA complaint #10209555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Riverside, CA Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR STATED THAT A CRUISE CONTROL DEVICE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 00V422000). THE CONTACT FELT THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED. AS OF OCTOBER 9, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,000.

NHTSA complaint #10205243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kissimmee, FL Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

I LEFT WORK ON TUESDAY AUGUST THE 21ST AND WENT TO A LOCAL RESTAURANT ABOUT 4 MINUTES AWAY FOR MY JOB. I PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE AND AFTER JUST ABOUT 5 MINUTES I SEE A BIG SMOKE COME OUT THE ENGINE OF MY CAR. THE FRONT MIRROR SPLASHED ALL INSIDE THE CAR. THE THE WHOLE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP.

NHTSA complaint #10200450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Valkaria, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH IN MY 1997 EXPEDITION SHORTED OUT AND FAILED EARLIER THIS YEAR, CAUSING MY WIFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS AND FURTHER CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME UNDRIVABLE DUE TO THE INABILITY TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR. I DISCOVERED TODAY THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO A SAFETY RECALL 05V-388 ON THIS ISSUE IN SEPTEMBER 2005. I RECEIVED NO NOTIFICATION FROM FORD ON THIS RECALL. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY TODAY TO CHECK ON THIS RECALL, AND THEY REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OR EVEN CONFIRM THAT MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I OWN TWO OTHER FORD VEHICLES THAT MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE RECALL, A 1995 F150 AND A 1998 CROWN VICTORIA AND I AM NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE SUBJECT TO THE RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10199765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 134,000 miles Winston Salem, NC Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE HOOD AND ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE INSPECTOR STATED THAT HE WAS AWARE OF RECALL # 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND FOUND THAT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT HE IS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 134,000. UPDATED 12/30/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED FORD HIRED A CONSULTANT TO INVESTIGATE THE FIRE, BUT IT COULD NOT BE DETERMINED WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONSUMER CLAIM WAS DENIED BY FORD. UPDATED 01/05/08.

NHTSA complaint #10190656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 126,030 miles Brighton, MI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

APPROXIMATELY 2.5 HRS. INTO A 3 HR. TRIP WITH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IN THE SINGLE DIGIT RANGE, AND WITH CONSTANT HIGHWAY DRIVING (NO STOPPING) MY THROTTLE BECAME STUCK WHILE TRAVELING APPROX. 70 MPH. WHILE TRYING TO AVOID THE TRAFFIC THAT HAD SLOWED IN FRONT OF ME I REACHED FOR THE IGNITION KEY AND TURNED THE TRUCK OFF WHILE I SEARCHED FOR A PLACE TO PULL-OVER TO. AFTER THE TRUCK WAS STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY I RESTARTED THE ENGINE ONLY TO HAVE IT RACE IN RPM'S. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE TRUCK HOME THE REMAINING PART OF THE TRIP AFTER I REMOVED THE THROTTLE BODY COVER AND JUST LIGHTLY TOUCHED THE THROTTLE LINKAGE (JUST LEFT OF THROTTLE PLATE) WHICH RETURNED THE THROTTLE TO IDLE POSITION. TRUCK HAS BEEN TAKEN TO FORD DEALER WHERE AN UPGRADE OF THE PCV SYSTEM HAS BEEN PERFORMED (TSB 01-21-12). TRUCK INFORMATION: 1998 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4 ENGINE 126000 MILES.

NHTSA complaint #10181978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Brooklyn, NY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

TL*- THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL 05V38800) IN THE MAIL. REGARDING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL. THE RECALL WAS HONORED AT THE DEALER. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT IT WAS FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY TO WARN THE CONSUMERS THAT THE BRAKE FLUID COULD BE LOST THROUGH A DEFECTIVE SWITCH, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS NEVER REPLACED UNDER RECALL, ONLY A FUSE LINE WAS ADDED TO THE SWITCH. THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER TOLD THAT THE BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAK THROUGH THE DEFECTIVE SWITCH. UPDATED 03/19/07.

NHTSA complaint #10181247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cypress, TX Fire 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY 1998 FORD EXPEDITION CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN I WAS IN THE BANK,THE FIRE TOTALED THE VEHICLE , I WAS INJURED TRYING TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE FIRE DEPT CHIEF AND STAFF HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO STOP FIRE FROM CONTINUING. THEY INDICATED THE INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY FACTORY RECALL(SPEED CONTROL RECALL-DEFECT) MY EXPEDITION WAS TOTALLY DAMAGED AND WAS PICKED UP BY APPEL FORD IN SEP-06-2006 I AM NOT HAPPY WITH APPEL FORD'S REACTION, AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM FORD????????

NHTSA complaint #10170695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Medford, OR Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED DOWN THEIR HOUSE, GARAGE, CAR AND OTHER BELONGINGS. THERE WAS A RECALL REMEDY #05V388000 PERFORMED FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL LAST YEAR. THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH CAUSED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN THE GARAGE FOR TEN MINUTES BEFORE CATCHING ON FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10167721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Mountain View, CA Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED WHILE PARKED. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE STARTED DUE TO AN OVERHEATED SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 05V388000 WHICH PERTAINED TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED.

NHTSA complaint #10165941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL, IT COULD NOT BE DEACTIVATED BY BRAKE PEDAL. THIS OCCURRED AFTER THE "CRUISE CONTROL" RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE LAMP LIGHTS ARE NOW OUT AND THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. (THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME DEFECT AS THE RECALL FOR THE 2001 FORD TAURUS, BUT DOES NOT SEEM TO APPLY TO THE 1998 FORD EXPEDITION).

NHTSA complaint #10165635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Dimondale, MI Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AREA. THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE GARAGE AND DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# 05V388000. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT THE CONTACT WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. THE FORD MANUFACTURER HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED.

NHTSA complaint #10153658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles SAN Mateo, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

1998 EXPEDITION CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED. WHEN IT WAS RECONNECTED THERE WAS A SUDDEN VIBRATION. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL IN SEPTEMBER 2005 AND HAD IT DISCONNECTED WHILE WAITING TO HAVE IT FIXED. ON DECEMBER 28, 2005 THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS RECONNECTED BUT WASN'T USE UNTIL JANUARY 2006. WHEN IT WAS FINALLY USED THERE WAS A VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONSUMER OBSERVED FLUID LEAKING ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WAS THAT THE VIBRATION WAS CONNECTED TO THE RECALL WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONSUMER'S REGULAR MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE BUSHING WAS DAMAGED ALONG WITH THE DRIVELINE AND TRANSFER CASE. ALL PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10153024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,812 miles Gadsden, AL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS CURRENTLY NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #05V388000 ON THE VEHICLE REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CRUISE CONTROL. THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THEIR VEHICLE ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THEIR LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

NHTSA complaint #10151638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 1998 Ford Expedition problems

← Full 1998 Ford Expedition report