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3.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,419 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.

1998 Ford Expedition suspension problems

suspension problem

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1998 Ford Expedition Owner Comments

problem #13

May 122011

Expedition

  • 160,000 miles

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

It has come to my attention that the trailing arms on the rear axle are failing on the early model Ford Expedition. Upon inspection of my vehicle, I see where the failure is going to occur. The trailing arms are rotting out and will allow for the rear axle to twist out of place causing the drive shaft to become dislodged and become a large run away component. These components on my vehicle will have to be replaced prior to this vehicle being placed back in service as this is a large safety concern. I am writing due to this defect being a safety issue and is one which is virtually unknown by the consumer as it is not an inspectable item on any annual inspection. My internet research has shown there are many of these vehicles where the issue is coming to light. There has not been a recall on these components at this point but should be examined very quickly due to the nature of the problem. I also find that Ford has updated the components on later vehicles in materials as well as overall dimensions. My feeling is that something is known on some level and the information is not being passed along to the consumer.

- Jamesville, NY, USA

problem #12

Jun 272010

Expedition 8-cyl

  • 180,000 miles
I had a catastrophic failure of the rear suspension arms on my 1998 Ford Expedition. I was traveling at a slow speed when the arm snapped without warning. Had this suspension arm broken at highway speed, the result would have been a life threatening wreck. The rear end rolled up causing the vehicle to be immovable, requiring a tow for repairs. An inspection revealed, the upper support arm for rear the suspension rusted completely through, causing the arm to break. The other upper arm is rusted through badly, and both lower arms are rusted through badly. All the arms were ready to break. I am sure this failure is the fault of (1) poor engineering and design by Ford (2) poor selection of grade of steel used in making these arms (3) poor quality checks, if these arms did not meet specification. There is no way a part as robust as this needs be, should ever be able to rust through! I wrote to Ford and have not gotten a satisfactory response at this time. I had repairs made by a highly qualified mechanic. While he was obtaining parts he found this failure was becoming more common. Both upper and lower arms were replaced. One air bag had to be replaced as it was pierced by the broken arm. I have the old parts in my possession. This was a frightening and very expensive repair, that Ford is responsible for ! my Ford Expedition is in good shape and has been well maintained, it is not a "beater". updated 07/30/10 updated IVOQ 08/03/10.

- Shelby, IN, USA

problem #11

Oct 212007

Expedition

  • miles
I took truck to napleton Lincoln/Mercury for repair because suspension airbags went down they checked the truck out told me it would be $1100 total because of bad pump and censors... about a year later the same airbags went down again I brought the truck back and it was determined that I need a another pump that was under warranty by them it went out again with no charge to me. Less than a year's time the airbags went down again took it back to same shop they checked car out and charged an additional $800 for an airbag pump and labor. With the above warranty I feel that there should not have been a charge to me because all charges should been covered by them.

- Calumet Park, IL, USA

problem #10

May 072008

Expedition 6-cyl

  • 133,450 miles

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

I noticed that my truck was leaning to the right side. I took it in to the dealership and they replace a connector in the lift system on April 30,2008. The lift system failed while driving. 05/06/08. Since I purchased my 98, Ford Expedition back in 2000, the lift system has been a problem. It has been repaired several times since I 've had this truck. The truck was flatbed to the dealership. The suspension system on the truck never coded until the 8th of may at the shop. When the lift/suspension failed no indicator light never came on. The rear started to drop as I was driving it home. Now I have to pay to get it convert to a coil system.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #9

May 052002

Expedition 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While changing the oil sway bar didn't have any rubber seals attached. Rubber seal was attached to the a frame but not the sway bar. Dealer was not notified. Please add more information.

- St. Charles, MO, USA

problem #8

Apr 262002

Expedition 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving, heard a noise under the truck as if vehicle ran over something. Took vehicle to dealership, mechanic stated it was sway bar link that broke off. Check engine light is illuminated; dealer found hego sensors were not responding; bank 1 and 2 hego sensors were replaced.

- Rodchester Hills, MI, USA

problem #7

Apr 032002

Expedition 4WD

  • miles

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

Sway bar links broken. Vehicle difficult to control, especially at highway speeds and in strong winds. This vehicle has not been off-road, nor has it been subjected to any unusual impacts. There are other similar incident reports on this site, and many reports of the same problem on web forums on the internet. Given mileage and use, this does not seem like a normal failure, and the number of incidents seems to be growing.

- Bolton, MA, USA

problem #6

Jan 082002

Expedition 4WD

  • miles
Sway bar connectors were broken on both sides.

- Maryland Heights, MO, USA

problem #5

Sep 042001

Expedition

  • miles
Upon looking under vehicle noticed sway bar links broke, and vehicle swayed alot. Consumer has contacted Ford.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #4

Nov 232000

Expedition 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Bolt in sway bar/ stablizer bar feel off, causing consumer to lose control when making sharp turns. The left stabilizer link which broke while in motion, and the right stabilizer which was worn out were both replaced.

- Greenville, IN, USA

problem #3

Nov 191999

(reported on)

Expedition

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Rearend is making a grinding noise when decelerating. Manufacturer refuses to replace rearend assembly.

- San Angelo, TX, USA

problem #2

Apr 071999

(reported on)

Expedition

  • miles
The vehicle was bought to pull a horse trailer and weighed in at approximately 5500 pounds, owner's manual states it should be able to pull up to 7500 pounds. But when consumer was pulling the horse trailer, it fishtailed and almost flipped over because vehicle was too light in the back, and wobbled.this vehicle cannot pull horse trailer weighing about 5500 pounds.

- Cumming, GA, USA

problem #1

Mar 021998

(reported on)

Expedition

  • miles
Owner states while drivng vehicle, there is noise in the rear end. Dealers cannot duplicate problem. Owner is very concerned of possible safety hazard.

- Linden, NJ, USA

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