1997 Ford EXPEDITION: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
591 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
120,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1997 model year. Data snapshot: . 238 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 49 of 591 complaints (8.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 77 | 13.0% |
| Steering behavior | 62 | 10.5% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 39 | 6.6% |
| Transmission and shifting | 27 | 4.6% |
| Engine operation | 12 | 2.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 9 | 1.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 49 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 30 |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control | 28 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 26 |
| Suspension:Front:Stabilizer Bar | 25 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 24 |
| Suspension:Rear | 21 |
| Suspension:Front | 19 |
Electrical System: 49; Vehicle Speed Control: 30; Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control: 28; Engine And Engine Cooling: 26; Suspension:Front:Stabilizer Bar: 25; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 24; Suspension:Rear: 21; Suspension:Front: 19
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 8 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 11 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 19 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 35 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 87 |
| 150,000 and above | 78 |
Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 11; 50,000 to 74,999: 19; 75,000 to 99,999: 35; 100,000 to 149,999: 87; 150,000 and above: 78
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (87). 353 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 103 |
| 2001 | 123 |
| 2002 | 45 |
| 2003 | 46 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 66 |
| 2006 | 22 |
| 2007 | 26 |
| 2008 | 34 |
| 2009 | 17 |
| 2010 | 14 |
| 2011 | 18 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
2000: 103; 2001: 123; 2002: 45; 2003: 46; 2004: 28; 2005: 66; 2006: 22; 2007: 26; 2008: 34; 2009: 17; 2010: 14; 2011: 18; 2012: 9; 2013: 4; 2014: 8; 2015: 12; 2016: 3; 2017: 3; 2018: 4; 2020: 4; 2022: 1; 2024: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 77 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 62 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 39 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10002279 · 2003-01-07 (January 7, 2003)
REPLACED FRONT SWAY BAR AND STABILIZER. FRONT END SQUEALS WHEN HOLDING STEERING WHEEL. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002279 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10002486 · 2003-01-10 (January 10, 2003)
CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT TORSION BAR BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002486 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10003974 · 2003-01-15 (January 15, 2003)
DEFECTIVE STABILIZER BAR, IT COULD BREAK. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003974 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10004649 · 2003-01-27 (January 27, 2003)
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING SPARE TIRE FELL OFF FROM BACK OF VEHICLE. *AK *TT
Owner-reported narrative. 150,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10004649 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10006609 · 2003-02-05 (February 5, 2003)
WHILE DRIVING THE SWAY BAR BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. PH
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10006609 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10006926 · 2002-11-15 (November 15, 2002)
I HAVE A VERY NICE LETTER FOR YOU, BUT HOW DO I ATTACH IT. THERE ISN'T ENOUGH SPACE HERE! *PH *JB **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**769768
Owner-reported narrative. 104,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10006926 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10007633 · 2003-02-17 (February 17, 2003)
TORSION BAR
Owner-reported narrative. 62,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10007633 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10009107 · 2003-02-24 (February 24, 2003)
WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED IN REVERSE, WHICH CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10009107 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
00V073000 · Trailer Hitches
Reported: 2000-03-07 (March 7, 2000)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS COULD LOSE THE CLAMP LOAD.
Consequence: THE TRAILER HITCH COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES.
NHTSA campaign record ↗00V168000 · Exterior Lighting
Reported: 2000-06-19 (June 19, 2000)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.
Consequence: THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA campaign record ↗03V196000 · Steering:Gear Box:Shaft Sector
Reported: 2003-05-27 (May 27, 2003)
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT YOKE SEPARATES FROM THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT, THE STEERING SYSTEM BECOMES DISCONNECTED.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT YOKE TO DETERMINE IF THE YOKE IS FULLY SEATED ON THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT. IF THE YOKE IS FULLY SEATED NO SERVICE IS REQUIRED. IF THE YOKE IS NOT FULLY SEATED AND BOLT GROOVE AND SPLINE IS VISIBLE, THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND BOLT WILL BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE BOLT AT THE STEERING COLUMN CONNECTION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA campaign record ↗05V388000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Reported: 2005-09-07 (September 7, 2005)
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)
NHTSA campaign record ↗96V252000 · Suspension:Rear
Reported: 1996-12-18 (December 18, 1996)
THE REAR AXLE TRACK BAR BRACKET CAN SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME DUE TO MISSING WELDS OR INADEQUATE WELD PENETRATION.
Consequence: IF BOTH BRACKETS SEPARATE, THE REAR AXLE CAN MOVE LATERALLY UNTIL THE TIRES CONTACT EITHER THE FRAME OR THE WHEELHOUSE RESULTING IN EITHER TIRE DAMAGE OR A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN VEHICLE HANDLING PERFORMANCE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TRACK BAR BRACKET REINFORCEMENT KIT AND INSPECTION OF THE AXLE TUBES. THE SUSPECT AXLE TUBES DO NOT HAVE A STAMPED DATE CODE ON THE TUBE. AXLES WITHOUT DATE CODES ON THE TUBES WILL BE REPLACED.
NHTSA campaign record ↗97V171000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)
Reported: 1997-10-07 (October 7, 1997)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS NOT FULLY ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET, THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY CAN COME OUT OF THE BRACKET. THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WOULD THEN NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITIONS INTO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE "PARK."
Consequence: THE CONDITION WOULD NOT ALLOW A DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE PARK POSITION OR AFFECT PROPER NEUTRAL START SWITCH OPERATION. UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR IF THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT SET.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAKE THE PROPER ATTACHMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL CABLE TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET AND ADD A TIE STRAP TO THAT CONNECTION.
NHTSA campaign record ↗98V095000 · Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Reported: 1998-05-13 (May 13, 1998)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE.
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN THE LOOSENING OF LUG NUTS, STUD FATIGUE FAILURE, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A WHEEL SEPARATION FROM THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE RECEIVING TWO NOTIFICATIONS. THE FIRST NOTIFICATION, WHICH BEGAN IN MAY 1998, WILL PROVIDE AN INTERIM REPAIR PROCEDURE UNTIL PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THIS INTERIM PROCEDURE CAN BE COMPLETED BY OWNERS OR THEIR DEALERS. IT SPECIFIES THAT THE LUG NUT TORQUE MUST BE VERIFIED TO BE 100 LBS. THEN THE LUG NUTS NEED TO BE TIGHTENED AN ADDITIONAL 1/8 TO 1/4 TURN MORE. THERE WILL BE A SECOND OWNER NOTIFICATION, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JULY 20, 1998, UNDER WHICH DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEEL STUDS AND REPLACE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗