1998 Ford Expedition fuel system problems

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT THE DRIVE SHAFT DROPPED OUT. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THE REAR LOWER TRAILING SUPPORT ARMS ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE HAD RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THEM TO BREAK APART. THIS RESULTED IN THE REAR AXLE SHIFTING AND THE DRIVE SHAFT SNAPPING AWAY FROM THE REAR AXLE. IF THIS HAPPENED AT A HIGH SPEED THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF LIFE, SEVERE INJURIES AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

NHTSA complaint #10485012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SPARK PLUG KEEPS COMING OUT AND IF YOU DON'T STOP AND PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY IT CAN CAUSE A FIRE DUE TO GES COMING OUT OF THE HOLE AND GETTING ON A HOT ENGINE.

NHTSA complaint #10481231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE STRONG FUEL FUMES COMING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT COULD NOT LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL CAP AND THE FUEL FILTER BUT THE SMELL CONTINUED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #10463401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK RUPTURED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT BOTH FUEL STRAPS WAS ALSO RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA complaint #10426265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

REAR LOWER TRAILING ARMS RUSTED COMPLETELY THRU GAS TANK STRAPS RUSTED THRU.

NHTSA complaint #10424277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

I WAS DRIVING @ 70MPH DOWN INTERSTATE 10 IN SEGUINE TEXAS WHEN THE SPARKPLUG ON MY 1998 FORD EXPEDITION BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD, DESTROYING THE COIL, PLUG AND WIRE. THE VEHICLE INTERIOR FILLED WITH GAS FUMES AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO KNOCK VERY LOUDLY. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FUEL VAPORS IGNITING, HOWEVER THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. AFTER RESEARCHING I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH THE FORD 5.4 TRITON ENGINES. THE MECHANIC I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO EXPLAINED THAT THE ALUMINUM HEADS DO NOT MESH WITH THE STEEL SPARK PLUGS AND EVENTUALLY TEAR ALL THE THREADS OUT OF THE HEAD AND SHOOT THE PLUG OUT OF THE HOLE. THE HEAD OF THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REMOVED AND MACHINED AT A COST OF 1400$.

NHTSA complaint #10365947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

THE GAS TANK STRAPS ON MY 1998 FORD EXPEDITION RUSTED THROUGH. LUCKILY I NOTICED THE GAS TANK WAS HANGING DOWN FROM THE TRUCK BEFORE TAKING IT ON AN EXTENDED TRIP. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CROSS-FRAME SUPPORT RAIL THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK STRAP WAS ALSO RUSTED THROUGH.

NHTSA complaint #10357301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1998 FORD EXPEDITION #3 SPARK PLUG EXPLODED RESULTING IN VEHICLE REQUIRING $1,000.00 IN REPAIRS

NHTSA complaint #10313931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

WAS DRIVING THE 98 EXPEDITION WE JUST BOUGHT AND THE SPARK PLUG BLEW AND BROKE THE COIL OFF. WHICH COME TO FIND OUT COULD HAVE EVEN CAUGHT FIRE. WITH ME HAVING 7 KIDS TO PUT IN CAR THAT IS MORE THEN A LITTLE WORRY FOR ME AND I RISK MY KIDS LIFE PUTTING THEM IN THIS VEHICLE AND NOT AWARE THAT THIS MOTOR DOES THIS AND CAN CAUSE SUCH A BAD RISK. THERE FOR FORD SHOULD HAVE TO PAY SOME HOW FOR THE LIVES THEY COULD HAVE TAKING. BECAUSE OF THERE MOTORS AND THEY HAVEN'T EVEN RECALLED THIS PROBLEM THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE WITH THEM. WE BUY CARS TO PUT OUR FAMILY IN LOOKING AT ITS SAFETY RATING AND NO ONE THINKS THEY WOULD HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THERE MOTOR LITERALLY CATCHING FIRE. WHICH MINE COULD HAVE WITH MY KIDS IN SIDE. IM AM VERY UPSET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10258676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

DT: THE VALVE INSIDE THE GAS TANK THAT KEEPS THE GASOLINE FROM EVAPORTAING IN THE AIR BROKE. CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THIS PART VERY RARLEY BREAKS AND THERE WERE GOING TO CHARGE CONSUMER TO HAVE IT FIXED.

NHTSA complaint #10127177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK:SELECTOR DEVICES

CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL UNDER VEHICLE DUE TO FUEL TANK LEAKAGE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURHER INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #10031758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS MAKING A FUNNY NOISE. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND HE STATED THAT IT WAS ONGOING PROBLEM THAT FORD WAS HAVING WITH FUEL PUMP. CONSUMER STATED THAT 56000 MILES LATER PROBLEM WAS STILL OCCURRING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #898128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

THE FUEL TANK IS PLACED IN SUCH A MANNER THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UP HILL (OR IS PARKED FACING UP HILL) THE FUEL GAUGE WILL REGISTER UP TO A QUARTER TANK MORE THAN ON A FLAT SURFACE, AND WHEN TRAVELLING DOWN HILL (OR WHEN PARKED FACING DOWN HILL) THE GAS GAUGE WILL REGISTER UP TO A QUARTER TANK LESS THAN ON A FLAT SURFACE. THE RESULT IS THAT WHEN TRAVELLING OR BEING PARKED ON A DOWN HILL SURFACE THE VEHICLE WILL EITHER NOT START OR RUN OUT OF GAS, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A QUARTER TANK OF GASOLINE. I CONTACTED A FORD DEALER IN GLENDALE WHEN I FIRST EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY ONLY RESPONDED THAT THIS IS THE VEHICLE'S DESIGN. THE DEALER ALSO PROVIDED ME WITH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ACKNOWLEDGING FORD'S KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAS TANK FLUCTUATION PROBLEM. THE REASON I AM NOW, AND ONCE AGAIN, MAKING THIS AN ISSUE IS THAT I RECENTLY, DUE TO THE GAS TANK FLUCTUATION, RAN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL, DESPITE A QUARTER TANK READING ON THE GAS GAUGE WHILE TRAVELLING ON A LEVEL SURFACE. I STRONGLY URGE NHTSA TO PERFORM A SAFETY ANALYSIS ON THIS GAS TANK DEFECT. A VEHICLE WHICH BECOMES INOPERATIVE WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL IS TRULY AN UNSAFE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #726580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

GAS CAP FAILED. YH

NHTSA complaint #606575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THREE WEEKS AFTER SHE PURCHASED THE VECHICLE. SHE TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MECHANIC TOLD HER THA IT WAS HER GAS CAP. THEY REPLACED IT, AND SHE WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. ALSO, THEY REPLACED A HOSE RUNNING THOUGH THE FUEL TANK. BUT CONSUMER WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT FUEL TANK HAD A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PART WHEN IT ARRIVED. CONSUMER IS DRIVING A RENTAL CAR.

NHTSA complaint #847259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THREE WEEKS AFTER SHE PURCHASED THE VECHICLE. SHE TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MECHANIC TOLD HER THA IT WAS HER GAS CAP. THEY REPLACED IT, AND SHE WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. ALSO, THEY REPLACED A HOSE RUNNING THOUGH THE FUEL TANK. BUT CONSUMER WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT FUEL TANK HAD A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PART WHEN IT ARRIVED. CONSUMER IS DRIVING A RENTAL CAR.

NHTSA complaint #847259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THREE WEEKS AFTER SHE PURCHASED THE VECHICLE. SHE TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MECHANIC TOLD HER THA IT WAS HER GAS CAP. THEY REPLACED IT, AND SHE WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. ALSO, THEY REPLACED A HOSE RUNNING THOUGH THE FUEL TANK. BUT CONSUMER WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT FUEL TANK HAD A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PART WHEN IT ARRIVED. CONSUMER IS DRIVING A RENTAL CAR.

NHTSA complaint #847259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

GAS CAP WOULD NOT CLOSE/LOCK CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON.

NHTSA complaint #607280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

GAS CAP FAILED, CAUSING LEAK.

NHTSA complaint #607003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES CONTINUED STALLING AFTER REPLACEMENT OF FUEL TANK.

NHTSA complaint #543907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLING/CHARGING

AIRFLOW SENSOR REPLACED TWO TIMES DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING, HOWEVER CONTINUES TO STALL.

NHTSA complaint #543907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

RIGHT FRONT TORSION BAR BROKE WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. WAS TOLD THEY HAD SOME F-150 PICKUPS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT ON THE LEFT SIDE. I WAS TOLD THE PARTS WERE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER, MAKING ME BELEIVE THAT THIS WAS MORE THAN AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. TOOK 2 1/2 WEEKS TO GET PARTS IN. ASKED THE DEALER SINCE IT WAS OCCURING MOSTLY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLES, I WAS WONDERING IF THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE THE LEFT SIDE ON MINE. ALSO. I WAS TOLD ONLY IF IT BREAKS. DEALER FIXED THE VEHICLE ON FEB. 5, 1999. AFTER DRIVING FOR 2 DAYS IT BROKE AGAIN. DEALER HAD TO ORDER ANOTHER TORSION BAR AND THAT WAS REPLACED ON FEB. 17,1999. I HAVE NUMEROUS CONCERNS WITH THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE SINCE MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER AND TRANSPORTS OUR CHILDREN AGES 10 AND 3. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF SHE HAD BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE TORSION BAR FAILED. I'VE PLACED 3 CALLS TO FORD CONSUMER RELATIONS, AND RECEIVED NOTHING, NOT EVEN I'M VERY SORRY, AND NO CORESPONDENCE FROM THEM. AS TO THE PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP, EVERY TIME WE GOT DOWN TO 1/4 OF ATANK OF GAS OR LESS AND WOULD COME TO A STOP AND STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR TO PROCEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS, ONLY TO BE TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, AND THAT WE SHOULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH MORE THAN 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS. I ASKED THEM TO TEST THE FUEL PUMP TWICE. THEN FINALLY, ON THE THIRD VISIT THE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP BECAUSE THEY FOUND THE FUEL SOCK ON THE PUMP WAS TOO SHORT AND PUMPING FUEL WHEN THE TANK WAS BELOW 1/4 OF A TANK.

NHTSA complaint #703483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM

WHEN FUEL GAUGE READS AT 1/8TH OR LESS VEHICLE ENGINE STOPS WHILE TURNING LEFT.

NHTSA complaint #542102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

FUEL GAUGE READS 1/8 OF A TANK OR LESS AND VEHICLE RUNS OUT OF GAS.

NHTSA complaint #538870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE IF THE GAS GAUGE IS BELOW 1/4, THE VEHICLE STOPS. BEFORE THE LAST REPAIR, THIS HAPPEND IF THE GAUGE WAS BELOW 1/2 TANK. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS 4 TO 5 TIMES SINCE NOVEMBER 14, 1997. THREE DAYS AFTER CONSUMER BOUGHT VEHICLE . THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED GAS GAUGES, AND THE LAST TIME THEY REPLACED THE FUEL SENDING UNIT.

NHTSA complaint #825467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

POOR GAS MILEAGE. WINDOW STICKER WHEN PURCHASED CLAIMED (16) HIGHWAY. DRIVER CLAIMS VEHICLE ONLY GET 13 MILES TO THE GALLON. DEALER STATES THAT STICKER IS NOT TRUE.

NHTSA complaint #532822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

UPON MODERATE ACCELERATION, AFTER STOPPING, THE ENGINE HESITATES THEN ACCELERATES. PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS AT OR BELOW 1/4 FULL.

NHTSA complaint #532425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.