Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 1
Average Mileage:
5,417 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford Expedition drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Ford Expedition:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1997 Ford Expedition Owner Comments

problem #12

May 132002

Expedition 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Paint and finish on roof of vehicle peeling, cracking, flaking off - oxidation from rust, ruining entire outer car surface - have been advised that primer coat was either missed or skimped during the production process... Ford will not address this issue - one male rep from Ford stated: "the paint job is only supposed to last 2 years" not an acceptable answer...also, child safety locks engage themselves, thus preventing occupants in rear seats to exit vehicle, can cause injury or death in an emergency situation... also, vehicle rear wheels and or axels "chatter" at low speed turns... also, an audible hum in vehicle at normal highway speeds...also, audible squeaking from interior side panels...Ford dealer states: Cause cannot be located...also, leather seats have cracked and show signs of abnormal wear - this is apparant in all leather seat coverings but especially in the front "bucket" or "captain" seats...Ford states warranty for vehicle no longer covers -engine has had several episodes of "misfiring" of "revving" on it's own - has been explained away as a "computer" problem or a "sensor" problem - always at cost to consumer..."check engine" light has come on on numerous occasions, using previous explanations as stated previously. Have numerous invoices for replacements of sensors, computer chips, etc.

- Massapequa, NY, USA

problem #11

Mar 162000

Expedition 4WD

  • miles
The first time we took the Expedition on the road, 180 miles into the trip we pulled into a gas station and noticed liquid on the ground by the front axle and found it had pumped app. 1/2 of the front axles grease out. I contacted the company and they have a technical bulletin out about that and it was suppose to be fixed under warranty. They said since it was not fixed under warranty and I did not buy it from a Ford dealer it was up to me to fix it. I called the local Ford dealer(rozum motor co - 605-996-5614) and talked to brian per Ford's instructions and he told me it would cost me about $500. If it pumps out all the grease while travelling down the road what happens if it ruins the front axle or even worse would lock up? I don't see how they can have a design problem and tell me I have to fix it especially when they admit they know of the problem! they say it only happens in about 1 out of a 1000 vehicles then why don't they fix those that spew grease out inadvertently as they say.

- Mitchell, SD, USA

problem #10

Nov 011999

Expedition 4WD

  • miles
Axle-front- lubricant leaking from front axle tube vent hose--issue oil is forced out the vent tube and sprayed oil all over right/front tire and disc brake and rotor. I paid to repaired it. Ford had no concern about the safety problem. Ford knows about the problem. There is a tsb (97-10-10). Oil on the brake pads rotor and tire would cause a stopping problem. Also oil based lubricants cause rubber parts (seals) to swell up on anti-lock brake system. Ford would not pay to repair the factory built- in defect and would not acknowledge any safety problem. A new design axle tube is needed to correct the origional design flaw. Oil coated tires and brakes do not stop well, and should be looked into before someone gets into an auto wreck.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #9

Nov 291999

Expedition 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The transmission failed at 28169 miles(1/19/99 - 18 months after delivery), and the rear at 42407 miles(11/19/99 - 28 months after delivery). In my 41 years of driving, I have never heard of this kind of failures that fast. Usually these failures occur after 10 or 15 years. I suggest it was a part failure, but Ford will not honor the repairs, because I have gone beyond the 36,000 warrenty. I think Ford should shoulder some of the $1700 cost, as a good will gesture. They have declined.

- Feasterville, PA, USA

problem #8

Oct 231999

(reported on)

Expedition 4WD

  • miles
Hood light connection faulty.'clunk' going over moderate bumps due to suspension concern-dealer said it was because my gas tank was 3/4 full and it was 'sloshing' around.technician described a 'transmission chatter' but was unable to determine cause.steering wheel has 1/2 inch of play.** vehicle has had 42 repairs, 38 repair days, 36 pages of warranty work and over $10,000(cdn) in warranty costs. It has 6 warranty repairs pending (plus a repeated request to address the documented 'piston slap'). we are currently slated for arbitration with camvap October 27, 1999. Feel free to contact us. We are simply fed up! regarding the signature card, if it is applicable for Canada please forward us a card. If we can be of any assistance please let me know.

- Vancouver, AK, USA

problem #7

May 011999

Expedition 4WD

  • miles
Panhard bar bracket has large crack on drivers side. I have talked to many other Expedition owners and many have had the same problem. However, I see nothing on your website about a recall on this from Ford. If this bracket would fail, say, in a corner, it could certainly cause a loss of control, as the panhard bar helps locate the rear axle assembly under the truck in cornering. Is there a recall on this by Ford? if not, there should be as this appears to not be an isolated incident. Thank you for any help you can give me in getting Ford to fix this problem.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #6

Jan 241998

Expedition

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Right rear axle broke, causing the front wheel to come off. Vehicle lost control, resulting in an accident.

- Escondido, CA, USA

problem #5

Jul 211998

(reported on)

Expedition

  • miles
Rear axle sheared off, causing wheel to fall off. Vehicle lost control, resulting in a crash and a fatality.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #4

Jan 261997

Expedition 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Truck was parked in 4-wheel drive and when the emergeny brake was let up the truck would not move. Then the brakes got ripped off the rear axle, and the brake fluid went all over the ground.

- St. Cahrles, IL, USA

problem #3

May 301997

Expedition

  • miles
The truck is brand new and the axle and the whole underside of the vehicle was rusted.

- Valencia, CA, USA

problem #2

Feb 151997

Expedition

  • miles
Vehicle's rear axle failed.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #1

Feb 251997

(reported on)

Expedition

  • miles
Owner received recall notice, contacted manufacturer and was told they had no knowledge of recall. Recall#96V252000.

- Redwood City, CA, USA

Not what you are looking for?