1997 Ford Expedition: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Ford Expedition: 7 recalls, 853 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #96V252000 · 1996 · 25,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear axle track bar bracket can separate from the frame due to missing welds or inadequate weld penetration.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #97V171000 · 1997 · 866,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Wheels Vehicle recall #98V095000 · 1998 · 1,520,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The lug nuts on these vehicles May not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor mounting surface.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #00V073000 · 2000 · 565,800 vehicles
What's wrong: The trailer hitch assembly to the frame attaching bolts could lose the clamp load.
Why it matters: The trailer hitch could then separate from the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #00V168000 · 2000 · 20,637 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
The fix: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Steering Vehicle recall #03V196000 · 2003 · 171,446 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This could result in loss of steering control, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: 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…
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #05V388000 · 2005 · 4,500,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat, smoke, or burn.
Why it matters: A fire at the switch could occur.
The fix: 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…
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E067000 · 2006 · 19,413 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain maxzone headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/nos. 331-1129l-asn and 331-1129r-asn, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the photometric requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on July 28, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 74 mention a fire, 48 injuries and 11 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (138): the most common themes are noise or vibration (31), steering problems (17).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (96): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (34), noise or vibration (15).
- Electrical (95): the most common themes are electrical failure (41), fire / smoke (36), leaks (18).
- Steering (94): the most common themes are steering problems (71), noise or vibration (18).
The 1997 Ford Expedition has 853 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 36 Expedition model years for complaints (3.3× the average Expedition year). Complaints peaked in 2001 (124 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 120,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (3 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (836 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Ford Expedition.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Ford Expedition have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Ford Expedition, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Ford Expedition problems?
Owners have filed 853 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (138), brakes (hydraulic) (96), electrical (95).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Ford Expedition get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Ford Expedition repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.