2000 Ford Expedition suspension problems

SUSPENSION

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED MY MECHANIC TOLD ME AND IT LEAKS ANTI

NHTSA complaint #10968228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, AN UNKNOWN NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRAILING ARMS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

NHTSA complaint #10658869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TAKING OFF FROM A STOP IN THE SUBDIVISION, MY SON WITH A FRIEND IN THE VEHICLE HEARD A SLIGHT CLUNK, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. HE KEPT DRIVING, BUT THE VEHICLE "FELT A LITTLE STRANGE" HE REPORTED. HE PULLED OUT ONTO A MAJOR ROADWAY AND HEARD ANOTHER LOUD NOISE, BUT THE CAR KEPT GOING, SO HE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AS SOON AS HE COULD, TO DISCOVER THAT THE REAR END ALMOST FELL OFF THE CAR. THE CAR HAS 4 WHEEL DRIVE WITH AWD. THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT GOT PULLED OUT OF THE TRANSFER CASE, DROPPED TO THE GROUND STARTED TO DRAG. IT SNAPPED OFF, BREAKING THE PINION SHAFT, WHEN PULLING OFF THE ROAD. THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAD RUSTED AWAY AND SNAPPED OFF. I LIVE IN THE RUST BELT IN THE CHICAGO SUBURBS, AND EXPECT THINGS LIKE DOORS AND FENDERS TO RUST, BUT A MAJOR PIECE OF THE SUSPENSION THAT HOLDS THE WHOLE CAR TOGETHER? REALLY? DOESN'T THAT DESERVE AT LEAST A HEADS UP MENTION IN THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE MANUAL, OTHER THAN AT INTERVALS HAVE THE SUSPENSION CHECKED? THE MANUAL PRETTY CLEARLY DESCRIBES CHECKING THINGS AT RECOMMENDED INTERVALS, AND I'VE ALWAYS HAD IT SERVICED AT THE LOCAL (NOW CLOSED MERCURY DEALER NEARBY). THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, AND I'VE OWNED IT FOR 12 YEARS. I'M EXTREMELY THANKFUL NOBODY WAS INJURED. FORD CURRENTLY DOES NOT HAVE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED ON THIS ISSUE. IF IT HAD 200,000 MILES AND WASN'T EVER CARED FOR OR GARAGE KEPT, THEN I'D BE A LITTLE LESS SURPRISED!! AS OF THIS WRITING I STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN THE CAR FIXED YET BECAUSE IT WILL INVOLVE GETTING THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL REBUILT. I HAD PLANNED ON KEEPING THIS VEHICLE FOR A WHOLE LOT LONGER THAN 70,000 MILES. I'M BEING FORCED TO SHOP FOR ANOTHER FAMILY BUS DUE TO POOR ENGINEERING ON FORDS PART. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE TO HAVE THEM SEND AT LEAST A NOTICE TO GET THESE $100 CONTROL ARMS REPLACED BEFORE; IT NOW WILL COST $2000 TO MAKE THE VEHICLE DRIVABLE AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #10592116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

BRAKE LINE ABOVE FUEL LINE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. LUCKILY I WAS STOPPED FOR FUEL AND LOST BRAKE PRESSURE. UPON INSPECTION AT MY LOCAL GARAGE, ALL BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED TO THE POINT ALL WERE REPLACED. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, THE REAR SUSPENSION PARTS ARE RUSTING UNDERNEATH THE COATING THAT COVERED THE SUSPENSION PARTS. I REALIZE THE VEHICLE IS 14 YEARS OLD, BUT I HAVE MUCH OLDER VEHICLES THAT HAVE ZERO RUST. JUST FOR THE RECORD, WE HAVE YEARS THAT WE HAVE NO SNOW, SO MY EXPOSURE TO SALT ROADS IS VERY LIMITED. ITEMS SUCH AS BRAKE LINES AND SUSPENSION PARTS SHOULD BE MADE OF A BETTER QUALITY MATERIAL. AFTER ALL, THIS VEHICLE STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL EXHAUST SYSTEM! REGARDLESS OF AGE, WITH JUST OVER 77K MILES THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10585005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN BOUNCING ABNORMALLY WHILE REVERSING FROM A DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT SOON DISCOVERED THAT THE LARGE, UNKNOWN POLE WAS LYING UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #10584419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, AN ABNORMAL BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED INTO THE RIGHT LANE AND NEARLY CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MOVED TO THE SHOULDER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE OF THE DRIVE SHAFT ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TRANSFER CASE, SHAFT LINKAGE AND OXYGEN SENSORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

NHTSA complaint #10565703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND SHE NOTICED SOMETHING DRAGGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE TRAILING ARMS FAILED AND CAUSED THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION TO FAIL. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

NHTSA complaint #10521483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A HIGH-TRAFFIC, FOUR-LANE SURFACE STREET, BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS FAILED UNDER ACCELERATION. THIS FAILURE CAUSED THE REAR AXLE TO TWIST, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL TO SHIFT POSITION, AND FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT U-JOINTS TO BIND. THE RESULT WAS AN EFFECTIVE LOSS OF POWER AND AN IN INABILITY TO ACCELERATE TO MATCH TRAFFIC FLOW. SEVERAL VEHICLES HAD TO BRAKE HARD OR SWERVE INTO THE ADJACENT LANE TO AVOID THE OBSTRUCTION MY VEHICLE CREATED.

NHTSA complaint #10474342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DETECTED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 290,000.

NHTSA complaint #10453216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I THOUGHT WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR THAT I WOULD HAVE A VEHICLE TO TAKE MY SON TO GET HIS CHEMOTHERAPY BUT I THOUGHT WRONG! IT STARTED WITH THE AIR SUSPENSION THAT DROPPED TO THE GROUND WHEN MY SHOCKS GAVE OUT AND THE REAR AIRBAGS COULDN'T HOLD THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE BUT I WAS SITTING IN THE CAR RIDER LINE AT MY SON'S SCHOOL AT A DEAD STOP WHEN THEY DECIDED TO GO. (SO MUCH EASIER TO LOOK THE FOOL) WE THEN FOUND HOSES THAT HAD CORRODED APART THAT WERE VACUUM HOSES AND THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM WE FIXED THEM. IT WASN'T THE PROBLEM. I DIDN'T KNOW THEN THAT MY SHOCKS WERE COMPLETELY GONE UNTIL WE WERE JACKING UP THE CAR AND REMOVING THE BACK TIRES TO INSPECT THE AIRBAGS BETTER WHEN WE SAW THAT THE RUST HAD COMPLETELY TAKEN OVER THE WHOLE UNDER CARRIAGE. NOW I HAVE FRONT & REAR TRAILING ARMS THAT HAVE NUMEROUS HOLES FROM THE RUST EATING THROUGH THEM, ALONG WITH THE FUEL TANK STRAPS THAT HAVE ALMOST ROTTED THEMSELVES LOOSE, AND ALMOST COMPLETELY BROKEN BALL JOINTS. I WANT TO KNOW WHO IS COMING TO TAKE MY SON TO GET HIS CHEMO SINCE I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO RUN OUT AND BUY A NEW CAR? I GIVE MY CASH TO FORD TO KEEP MY CAR AFLOAT. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 10 MONTHS AND I OWE $2800 BUT THE THING IS THAT IT COST MORE FOR ME TO FIX EVERYTHING AND REPLACE ALL DRY ROTTED LINES, RUST, ECT AND BUY COIL SPRINGS WHICH I HEAR NOW HAVE AS MANY PROBLEMS. IS FORD GOING TO PAY FOR MY SON A NEW CAR SINCE IT IS LIKE THIS ONE WOULD BE TOTALED SINCE IT COST MORE TO FIX THAN IT'S WORTH? NO, THEY DON'T CARE AND I HOPE WHEN THEY GO HOME AFTER READING THIS THEY CAN LOOK THEIR OWN CHILD IN THE FACE KNOWING THAT MY SON DOESN'T HAVE A RIDE TO CHEMO 30 MILES AWAY! I GUESS IT WILL TAKE WRECKING MY CAR ACCIDENTALLY AND KILLING THE CHILD I FOUGHT FOR 10 YRS TO KEEP ALIVE FOR INSURANCE TO PAY FOR IT OR IS FORD GOING TO HAVE HEART DOING THE RIGHT THING BY RECALLING THE THINGS THEY KNOW IS THEIR FAULTS?

NHTSA complaint #10426559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR

WE HAVE A 2000 FORD EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION WITH 111,000 MILES. WE PURCHASED NEW &IT HAS BEEN GARAGED KEPT & ALWAYS WASHED AT THE CAR WASH AFTER A SNOW STORM. TOOK THE TRUCK FOR INSPECTION ON 8/15/11 AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC TO STOP DRIVING THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY DUE TO FAILURE OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. WE WHERE ADVISED IF THE CONTROL ARMS BROKE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR, ESPECIALLY @ HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS ARE BEGINNING TO SHOW SIGNS OF CHIPPING OF THE POWDER COATING WHICH WILL MORE THAN LIKELY LEAD TO PREMATURE FAILURE. WE HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ON LINE & FOUND THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WHO ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE RUSTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THE TRUCK IS NOW SITTING IN OUR GARAGE & WE ARE WAITING FOR DELIVERY OF THE BOTH THE LOWER & UPPER CONTROL ARMS. SEEMS LIKE THERE IS SOME SORT OF RUST ISSUES W/ THEM FOR THOSE OF US WHO LIVE IN THE SNOW BELT REGION.

NHTSA complaint #10420778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 15 MPH HEARD A CLUNK UNDER THE VEHICLE. STOPPED AND WHEN TRYING TO MOVE HEARD A LOUD POPPING/GRINDING SOUND. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FORD REPAIR SHOP. MECHANIC DOCUMENTED THAT BOTH REAR LOWER TRAILING ARMS HAD RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH AND WERE BROKEN. MECHANIC ALSO NOTED THAT BOTH REAR UPPER TRAILING ARMS WERE VERY RUSTY. BOTH UPPER AND LOWER REAR TRAILING ARMS WERE REPLACED. OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10380766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR

THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON THE REAR SUSPENSION HAVE EXCESSIVE RUST AND THEY BREAK OFF WITH ENGINE TORQUE OR THROTTLE. THE DRIVE SHAFT BREAKS OFF WHEN THE REAR AXLE ROTATES AND THIS LOCKS UP THE REAR AXLE, AND ALSO SNAPS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE. THE DAMAGES ARE UP TO 3500.00 DOLLARS AND CLIMBING. THIS IS HAPPENING ON ALL VEHICLES WHERE THE NEW ROAD SALT IS USED IN EXCESS. THIS SHOULD BE A MAJOR RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10378791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR

2000 FORD EXPEDITION 4X4. REAR LOWER TRAILING ARMS OR ( CONTROL ARMS ). PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE POWDER COATING FLAKES OFF EXPOSING THE BARE METAL. CONTROL ARMS RUST THROUGH AND BREAK IN HALF. WHEN THIS HAPPENS TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL CAN HAPPEN. FORD STATES THEY NEVER HAD ANY COMPLAINTS.

NHTSA complaint #10358943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR

THE TRAILING ARMS/LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION HAD RUSTED THROUGH & HAD TO BE REPLACED. I COULD NOT WAIT FOR THEM TO FAIL GIVEN THE HAZARDOUS NATURE OF THIS DEFECT. THESE PARTS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MADE SO POORLY.

NHTSA complaint #10356319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A PART OF THE VEHICLE HAD BROKEN OFF THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE TRAILING ARM WAS REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE CONTACT HEARD A CLANKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103000.

NHTSA complaint #10355952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY STALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COIL PACK LOCATED NEAR THE AIR COMPRESSOR, COULD DEVELOP MOISTURE, WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE COIL SPRINGS TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE TO STALL. SECONDLY, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IN RAINY CONDITIONS, CONDENSATION UNDER THE HOOD COULD CAUSE THE COIL SPRINGS TO FAIL SPONTANEOUSLY. AS A RESULT, THE RISK OF A CRASH IS INCREASED. THREE COIL SPRINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $500. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #10240111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RIDE VERY HARD OVER ROUGH TERRAIN. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE SUSPENSION FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO LOWER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD PERFORM A FREE DIAGNOSTIC. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #10202200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM:SPRINGS/BAGS

EVER SINCE WE PURCHASED A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION AND DROVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT, A FAN HAS BEEN TURNING OFF AND ON WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS ON OR OFF. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT NOTHING WAS FOUND. NOW, THE FAN IS TURNING ON MORE OFTEN AND IT IS LOUDER THAN BEFORE. WE ARE AFRAID THAT IT MAY SHORT OUT AND CAUSE A FIRE. WE HAVE NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE RAISES EVERY TIME THE FAN TURNS ON AND VEHICLE LOWERS THROUGHOUT THE DAY. WE ARE ALSO AFRAID THAT WE MAY HAVE AN ACCIDENT WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint #10175426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR SUSPENSION DID NOT ACTIVATE THE SHOCKS ACCORDINGLY AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SAT LOW ON THE GROUND. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED AND SUGGESTED PERFORMING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETECT ANY POSSIBLE FAILURE CODES.

NHTSA complaint #10167871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT, IT ALSO RATTLED ON BUMPY ROADS AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THE SHOCKS WERE ALSO LOOSE. UPDATED ON 05/30/06.

NHTSA complaint #10157652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT, IT ALSO RATTLED ON BUMPY ROADS AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THE SHOCKS WERE ALSO LOOSE. UPDATED ON 05/30/06.

NHTSA complaint #10157652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

IN EARLY JAN 2006, WE HAVE A POPPING SOUND AND MOVEMENT IN THE STEERING WHEEL OF OUR 2000 EXPEDITION. WE COULD FEEL IT MOVING IN THE STEERING WHEN DRIVING AND WERE CONCERNED. WE HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON OUR EXPEDITION SO WE TOOK IT TO GERMAIN FORD IN COLUMBUS, OHIO. THEY SAID THE LEFT FRONT STABILIZER LINK BOLT HAD BROKE IN HALF AND THE STABILIZER BAR WAS SLIPPING ON AND OFF CAUSING THE MOVEMENT AND SOUND. THEY TOLD ME THIS WAS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM. MY EXPEDITION HAS ONLY 51,000 MILES AND IS DRIVEN BY MY WIFE TO WORK. AT THE SAME TIME THE DEALER TOLD ME BY BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I SAID HOW CAN A STEEL BOLT IN THE STEERING LINKAGE ACTUALLY BRAKE AND NOT BE COVERED? I ASKED FOR THE SERVICE MGR AND HE ACTUALLY SAID TO ME "THEY DON'T MAKE THINGS LIKE THEY USE TO". I THEN RECALLED A SERVICE NOTICE SOME TIME BACK ABOUT SOMETHING IN THE FRONT END OF EXPEDITIONS SO I LOOKED THROUGH MY FILES. SURE ENOUGH, FORD SENT OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN IN 6-04 "TITLED TIE ROD INSPECTION PROCEDURE". WHILE THE SERVICE BULLETIN COVERS A COUPLE ITEMS IT BELIEVE IT SHOWS FORD KNEW THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT ENDS AND SENT OUT A SERVICE NOTICE TO EXCUSE THEMSELVES AND TO AVOID PAYING FOR REPAIRS. WHEN THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT COVER, I CALLED THE WARRANTY HOTLINE. THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME "BALL JOINTS ARE WEARING OUT SOONER THEN THEY WOULD EXPECT" BUT IT WAS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM SO I HAD TO GET THOSE REPAIRED AS WELL. IN SUMMARY, I BELIEVE THE BOLT BREAKING COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT FOR A CUSTOMER TO SPEND $800 TO REPLACE A BROKEN BOLT IN THE FRONT LINKAGE AND BALL JOINTS ON AN EXCELLENT CONDITION VEHICLE WITH ONLY 51,000 MILES IS OUTRAGEOUS. I AM GUESSING OTHER EXPEDITION OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT FOR GETTING FORD TO REIMBURSE THE $800 I HAD TO SPEND IN REPAIR.

NHTSA complaint #10149195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

LTR FM PATRICIA BLUE-BILAL (NC) REQUEST RECALL OF THE 2000 FORD EXPEDITION AIR RIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM, ALSO REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *TS THE REAR AIR RIDE SUSPENSION HAS BEEN REPLACED ON 8 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.

NHTSA complaint #10143215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR

ON MAY 28TH, 2005 I WAS PERFORMING A PRE-VACATION SAFETY INSPECTION OF MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE FRONT ANTI SWAY BAR ENDS WERE NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING ON MY VEHICLE. I CALLED SHAWNEE MISSION FORD IN SHAWNEE, KS FOR ADVICE. THEY DIRECTED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR IMMEDIATE REPAIR. AFTER ARRIVAL AT THE DEALER, I STAYED WITH THE MECHANIC TO OBSERVE REPAIRS. HE SHOWED ME TWO RUSTED AND BROKEN HALVES OF LINK THAT HAD SNAPPED IN TWO FROM CORROSION AND METAL FATIGUE. HE SAID THAT HE GETS SEVERAL OF THESE EACH WEEK ON F150S, EXPEDITIONS AND EXPLORERS. HE REFERRED TO IT AS A DESIGN FLAW THAT HAS BEEN RECTIFIED BY A RECALL ON THE EXPLORER WITH A LARGER OR REINFORCED LINK, BUT NOT ON THE EXPEDITION OR THE F150. I DECIDED THIS SHOULD BE REPORTED FOR TWO REASONS. FIRST, SOMEONE COULD BE INJURED OR HAVE THEIR VEHICLE DAMAGED BY THE BOTTOM HALF OF THESE LINKS FALLING OF ONTO THE ROADWAY. SECOND, I SUSPECT THE PREMATURE AND CHOPPY WEAR OF MY FRONT TIRES IS DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THIS DEFECT. SOMEONE EQUIPPED THIS VEHICLE WITH THAT ITEM FOR A REASON. IT ISN'T PERFORMING ITS INTENDED PURPOSE. IT SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED WITH AN ACCEPTABLE AND SAFE PART.1

NHTSA complaint #10135761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT

CONSUMER STATES THE SUSPENSION ON THE FRONT END PASSENGERS SIDE FAILED. THE TIE ROD END BROKE AND THE WHEELS WERE UNCONTROLLABLE. WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED THERE WEREN'T ANY LIGHTS OR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED 800 MILES AGO AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A FUTURE PROBLEM. *JB THE OUTER RIGHT TIE ROD CAME APART. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE RIGHT INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD. THE BROKEN PART OF THE ROD DID NOT SHOW ANY SIGNS OF RUST/CORROSION OR LACK OF LUBRICANT.*SB

NHTSA complaint #10121205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR

UPON LOOKING UNDER MY TRUCK I NOTICES THE ANTI SWAY BAR WAS NOT CONNECTED ON EITHER END OF THE BAR TO ANYTHING. I HAVE THE TRUCK AT MILLER FORD WHERE THEY HAVE TOLD ME THEY SEE SEVERAL OF THESE WEEKLY. I ASKED HOW COULD IT BE? THE REPLY WAS THEY SIMPLY BREAK OFF. I ASKED WOULDN'T THEY BE ANY REMNANTS OF THE CONNECTION LEFT? THE REPLY WAS "NO" THEY SIMPLY FALL OFF ONTO THE ROAD. COULD THIS BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR NOT ONLY A ROLLOVER BUT A PROJECTILE BEING LAUNCHED ONTO THE HYWAY? SEEING AS THEY SEE "AT LEAST SIX CASES A WEEK.

NHTSA complaint #10093635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

PRIOR TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ORIGINAL TIRES PURCHASED ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY RECALL OF TIRES, I HAD NO APPARENT PROBLEMS WITH MY TRANSMISSION OR REAR SUSPENSION. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE TIRE REPLACEMENT I NOTICED A SCRUBBING OR DRAGGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND QUESTIONED AS TO WHY THE VEHICLE WAS NOW MAKING A NOISE THAT WAS NOT THERE BEFORE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRES WERE A LITTLE LARGER THAN THE ORIGINAL ONES AND THAT THE NOISE WOULD SUBSIDE. THE NOISE DID NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK AGAIN AND I ASKED WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE EXPEDITION BECAUSE THE NOISE WAS VERY ANNOYING AND APPEARED TO GET WORST. I WAS WORRIED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. THE EXPEDITION WAS PLACED ON THE RACK AND EXAMINED BY THE SAME FORD DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE NOISE CONTINUED AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS. WE TOOK THE TRANSMISSION TO HAVE IT FLUSHED AND THEN STARTED EXPERIENCING INCREASED PROBLEMS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER HAVING IT FLUSHED. SO MUCH SO THAT IT WAS RETURNED TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE SAME DAY BECAUSE WE THOUGHT MAYBE THEY HAD FORGOTTEN TO PUT SOMETHING BACK TOGETHER. WE WERE REFERRED TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP TO CHECK. AT THAT TIME, THE TRANSMISSION SERVICE REPAIR MAN SAID THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT ON HIS MACHINE. WHEN WE RETURNED HOME, WE NOTICED THAT THE PROBLEM APPEARED TO WORSEN SO WE DID NOT DRIVE THE EXP FOR ABOUT A MONTH HOPING THAT WE WOULD BE ABLE TO RESEARCH THE PROBLEM AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO HAD EXPERIENCED AND FIXED IT. TO NO AVAIL, WE DID NOT. THE EXP WILL NOT EVEN MOVE ANYMORE. THESE PROBLEMS DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL THE TIRES WERE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10088922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR

THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKAGE BOLTS RUSTED AND BROKE ON BOTH SIDES. I ONLY HAD 47K MILES ON MY VEHICLE. I NOTICED THE VEHICLE JERKED AFTER HITTING POT HOLES ALMOST BEING UNCONTROLLABLE IF I WAS NOT HOLDING ON THE STEERING WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS.

NHTSA complaint #10080952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN IT FELT LIKE THE TRUCK WAS SKIPPING. CONSUMER THEN PULLED OF THE ROAD. UPON EXITING THE TRUCK CONSUMER NOTICED THAT 3 OF THE WHEELS WERE FACING FORWARD, AND THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS TURNED INWARDS. THE TRUCK WAS THEN TOWED TO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WAS NOT DRIVABLE. DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE STEERING LINKAGE, AND INDICATED THAT A TIE ROD HAD FALLEN OFF, AND THE OTHERS WERE LOOSE, ALL 4 TIE RODS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO HAD TO REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS.

NHTSA complaint #10081688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.