FaultScore

1998 Ford Expedition body problems

26 of the 1,022 complaints about the 1998 Ford Expedition are about the body and structure — 3% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 120,000 miles.

D

26

Complaints

1

Crashes

3

Fires

2

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Door 8 30.8%
Structure 5 19.2%
Frame AND Members 4 15.4%
Body 4 15.4%
Trunk LID 2 7.7%
Bumpers 2 7.7%
Hood 1 3.8%

Body & Structure across every Ford Expedition year

1997 38 9.6%
1998 26 6.6%
1999 22 5.6%
2000 48 12.1%
2001 25 6.3%
2002 14 3.5%
2003 32 8.1%
2004 25 6.3%
2005 15 3.8%
2006 19 4.8%
2008 34 8.6%
2010 10 2.5%
2011 10 2.5%
2012 15 3.8%
2018 13 3.3%
2019 11 2.8%
2020 17 4.3%
2021 10 2.5%
2022 12 3.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Charlotte, NC

STRUCTURE

WHEN IT RAINS EVERYTHING INSIDE GOES DEAD AND IT WILL NOT CRANK. CAN BE GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT SHUTS OFF ON YOU . THIS WILL CONTINUE FOR A FEW DAYS UNTIL EVERYTHING DRIES OUT OR ITS NOT DAMP OUTSIDE ANYMORE.I HAVE LOOKED THIS UP ON COMPUTER AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS COMING BACK TO THE FUSE PANEL GETTING WET BECAUSE OF POOR DRAINAGE COMING FROM WINDSHIELD , SOME PEOPLE ARE SAYING THAT IT HAS CAUSED FIRES. IHAVE ONLY OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 11/2 YEARS AND DON'T KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY RECALLS OR ANYTHING FIXED ON IT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW . THANKS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10638720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles East Berlin, CT

STRUCTURE

UPON INSPECTION OF THE UNDERSIDE OF MY VEHICLE WHILE CHANGING MY OIL, I OBSERVED THAT THE REAR STRAP OF MY FUEL TANK HAD RUSTED THROUGH ON ONE SIDE AND WAS NO LONGER SECURING MY FUEL TANK IN PLACE. I HAVE SINCE PURCHASED REPLACEMENT FUEL TANK STRAPS AND UPON RESEARCHING GUIDANCE FOR REPLACING THE STRAPS, I FOUND MANY ARTICLES ONLINE REGARDING A FUEL TANK STRAP RECALL FOR 1997-2001 F150'S, HOWEVER IT APPEARS THAT THE EXPEDITIONS, WHICH ARE VERY SIMILAR TO THE F-150'S, WERE NOT COVERED BY THIS RECALL. I'M VERY LUCKY THAT I FOUND THE RUSTED STRAP BEFORE THE TANK DROPPED AND POTENTIALLY RUPTURED, CAUSING INJURY TO ME, MY WIFE AND OUR INFANT SON. IF THE GAS TANK STRAP RECALL CANNOT BE EXTENDED TO COVER EXPEDITIONS, I WOULD AT LEAST LIKE TO KNOW THE REASON WHY THE EXPEDITIONS ARE NOT COVERED. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10607291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Fords, NJ Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

FORD EXPEDITION CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AT WALMART STORE, IT STARTED AT DRIVER SIDE ON ENGINE AND IT TOOK A FEW MINUTES TO BURN WHOLE SUV.

NHTSA complaint #10585018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Ameilia, OH

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THE BUMPER AND REAR AXLE WAS COVERED WITH RUST AND SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE ALSO COVERED WITH RUST AS WELL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10435454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Louieville, KY

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRAILING ARM THAT CONNECTED THE REAR END TO THE FRAME FRACTURED IN HALF WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #10355518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Helena, MT

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE WHITE PLASTIC PIECE ON THE FRONT OF BUMPER RIPPED OFF AND WAS COMING UP ON WINDSHIELD, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. CONTACT HEARD SOME FLAPPING COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE GOT OUT AND CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND DID NOT SEE ANYTHING. ABOUT 20 MILES FURTHER OF THE BUMPER CAME OFF.

NHTSA complaint #10127316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kingwood, TX

STRUCTURE

THE WINDOWS OF THE CONSUMER'S 1998 FORD EXPEDITION LEAKED DAMAGING THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. *NM

NHTSA complaint #10113777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles Bryan, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY

WHEN ENTERING THE TRAVEL TRAILER INTERIOR WAS MADE OF AES , A GAS OR CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE THAT CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HAVE RED EYES AND A BURNING SENSATION IN THE LUNGS.

NHTSA complaint #10034115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brooklyn, OH Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

WHILE IN MOTION, THE PASSENGER DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP ACCUSED CONSUMER OF STARTING THE FIRE. THE BROOKLYN FIRE DEPT INFORMED CONSUMER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE AND THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE FORD DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THEY WOULD REPLACE THE DOOR AT THE CONSUMERS EXPENSE AND NOT UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY.

NHTSA complaint #566655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brooklyn, OH Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

PASSENGER DOOR PANEL CAUGHT FIRE. VEHICLE HAS POWER DOORS AND LOCKS. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT INNER PANEL. ALSO, THERE WAS A GLOW FROM OUTSIDE. DRIVER AND 2 CHILDREN GOT OUT. A FIREMEN THAT ARRIVED MOVED VEHICLE BEFORE PARTIALLY CATCHING FIRE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #8011284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ANN Arbor, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DOOR BELT MOLDING WAS WORN.

NHTSA complaint #563693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kathleen, GA

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

REAR WIPER HAS NEVER PERFORMED AS EXPECTED, IT HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND REPAIRED TWICE. IT DOESNT WORK AT ALL CURRENTLY.

NHTSA complaint #759448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ANN Arbor, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DOOR BELT MOLDING WAS WORN.

NHTSA complaint #563693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dracut, MA

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

LOCAL FORD REPRESENTATIVE CONTACT BY DEALER AND MYSELF IN WRITING AS WELL AS FORD MOTORE CO IN WRITING.F.M.C. CONTACTED ME BY PHONE ON 8/16/2001 AND WILL NOT AUTHORIZE FURTHER REPAIRS UNTIL A PENCIL CAN BE PASSED THROUGH RUSTED DOOR PANELS (4).WILL NOT COVER ANY ISSUES ONCE THE 5 YR UNLIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY BUMPER TO BUMPER CORROSION COVERAGE HAS EXPIRED.COPIES OF DOCUMENTATION TO FORD REP AND F.M.C. ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

NHTSA complaint #750679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksville, TN

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS MY BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPPED WORKING, ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS TO INCLUDE RIGHT NOW, MY BACK WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP HAS STOPPED WORKING.... ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS TO INCLUDE RIGHT NOW MY FRONT WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP HAS STOPPED WORKING

NHTSA complaint #750754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brunswick', MI

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

VEHICLE WILL NOT START. ALSO, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN AND CLOSE DOORS OR WINDOWS.

NHTSA complaint #894727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woodstock, GA 1 injured

STRUCTURE

RUNNING BOARDS ARE VERY SLICK WHEN WET. I DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS POSSIBLE TO SAFELY USE THEM WHEN WET. MY WIFE, TWO OF MY SONS, AND I HAVE ALL FALLEN GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SLIPPERY RUNNING BOARD. MY FALL RESULTED IN A BADLY BROKEN ARM AND HEAD TRAUMA. FORD AND THE DEALER HAVE BEEN UNINTERESTED IN FIXING THIS PROBLEM IN MY CONTACTS WITH THEM.

NHTSA complaint #741218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Maud, TX Crash 2 injured

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

LOW SPEED DRIVER SIDE IMPACT BY DODGE MINIVAN RESULTED IN ROLLOVER ACCIDENT. DRIVER SIDE ROOF CRUSH AND SEAT BELT FAILURE RESULTED IN BROKEN NECK FOR DRIVER. NOW C-6 QUADRAPLEGIC

NHTSA complaint #731894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cape Coral, FL

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

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.

NHTSA complaint #726015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saginaw, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #863639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leesburg, GA

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

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.

NHTSA complaint #862288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houghton Lake, MI

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

NHTSA complaint #861371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sparks, NV

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

IN HIGH/ WINDY CLIMATE, VEHICLE IS BLOWEN AROUND WHICH MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #837215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anaheim, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #608067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Worth, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

FRONT BUMPER LOOSE.

NHTSA complaint #544197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brookline, NH

STRUCTURE

RUNNING BOARDS ON EARLY 1998 EXPEDITIONS DO NOT EXTEND OUT FAR ENOUGH TO BE SAFE. ESPECIALLY IN ICY/SNOWY CONDITIONS, THE NARROW AREA TO PLACE YOUR FEET CAN CAUSE YOU TO SLIP OFF. THE NEWER 1998 EXPEDITIONS APPEAR TO HAVE THE RUNNING BOARDS MOVED OUT APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES.

NHTSA complaint #700122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 1998 Ford Expedition problems

← Full 1998 Ford Expedition report