1997 Ford Expedition Complaint Log

MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION CAUGHT FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT EVIDENTLY TO A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL AND I NEVER GOT A NOTICE ON IT FROM FORD. I LOST MY CAR AND IF I HAD PARKED IT INTO THE GARAGE LIKE I NORMALLY DUE MY WHOLE FAMILY WOULD BE DEAD! *TR

THE CHILD SAFETY DOOR LOCKS ON THE REAR DOORS OF OUR 1997 FORD EXPEDITION WILL GRADUALLY MOVE THEMSELVES FROM THE OFF TO THE ON POSITION, PREVENTING THE REAR PASSENGERS FROM BEING ABLE TO EXIT WITHOUT SOMEONE OPENING THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. HAVE ATTEMPTED TO TAPE THE LOCKS IN THE OFF POSITION, BUT THIS HAS NOT WORKED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT IN HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE SERVICED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AFTER THE REPAIR WORK WAS PERFORMED, THE CRUISE CONTROL DEVICE DID NOT OPERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS OPERATING NORMALLY PRIOR TO THE REPAIR. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED ABOUT THE ADDITIONAL COSTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 29,000.

MY TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN I WAS TAKING MY GRANDCHILDREN HOME I LATER FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS THE FUEL RAIL THAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING THE NIGHT IT HAPPEN I HAD IT TOWED HOME. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL NEARLY TOUCHED THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE STOPPING DISTANCE HAD DOUBLED. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED AND HAD A PINHOLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 113,000.

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT, REGARDING A SAFETY DEFECT WITH CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ON THE REAR DOOR OF HIS 1997 AND 2000 FORD EXPEDITIONS. *NJ THE CONSUMER OWNS THE 1997 FORD EXPEDITION AND HIS WIFE OWNS THE 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONSUMER STATED ON BOTH VEHICLES, AFTER 3 OR 4 OPERATIONS OF THE REAR DOOR INSIDE INSIDE HANDLES, THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS WILL GRADUALLY MOVE THEMSELVES FROM THE OFF POSITION TO THE ON POSITION. THE NEXT PASSENGER THAT OCCPIES THE REAR SEAT, WHO ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR WILL BE LOCKED INSIDE UNTIL SOMEONE OPENS THE REAR DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. *JB

VIOLENT SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT FROM ENGINE BLOCK, A REGULAR, YET IGNORED, PROBLEM WITH FORD ENGINES. *TR

THERE IS A SAFETY DEFECT WITH THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS OF MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS WILL GRADUALLY MOVE THEMSELVES FROM THE OFF POSITION TO THE ON POSITION AS VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AND DOORS ARE OPENED AND CLOSED. THE PASSENGER(S) OCCUPYING THE REAR SEAT WILL BE UNABLE TO OPEN THEIR DOORS WITHOUT HELP FROM SOMEONE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO AND IS USUALLY NOTICED MORE OFTEN WHILE WE ARE TRAVELING AND OUR TEENAGE SONS ARE GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE FOR REST STOPS, ETC. *TR

WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION XLT 5.4L V8 TRUCK A SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD OF THE ENGINE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT IS HAPPENED, THE FIRST BEING IN AUGUST, 2007. THIS SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED ON 2 DIFFERENT SPARK PLUGS. EACH TIME, THE PLUG BLEW OUT AND THE ENGINE MADE A POPPING SOUNDS LIKE A BADLY TUNED LAWNMOWER. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO A DEALER THE SECOND TIME, THE FIRST TIME I HAD TO BE TOWED. THROUGHOUT THE TIME I HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR THIS WAY, GAS VAPORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE CYLINDER AT EACH TURN OF THE PISTON. THIS SOUNDS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 5.4L ENGINES FROM FORD. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT AWAKENED TO FIND HIS VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES AT HIS RESIDENCE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. AN INVESTIGATOR FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE APPEARED TO HAVE ORIGINATED FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL, BUT MORE CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE WAS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THAT HYPOTHESIS. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND THE CONTACT'S HOME SUSTAINED SEVERE PROPERTY DAMAGE IN EXCESS OF $100,000. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. THE VIN WAS VERIFIED, BUT APPEARS TO BE INVALID. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 160,000.

START MY TRUCK AS USUAL EVERY MORNING TO LET IDLE BEFORE I GO TO WORK. 5 TO 10 MIN. *TR

IN A MATTER OF 9 MONTHS, MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION HAS MISFIRED AND BLOWN OUT SPARK PLUG 4 TIMES NOW. HAS COST ME OVER $3,000 IN REPAIRS. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED MY TRUCK SMELLED LIKE FIRE, BUT NEVER IGNITED. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON FOR A 5TH TIME, THE TRUCK IS MISFIRING AGAIN AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE ANOTHER BLOWOUT OCCURS. *TR

SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER #6 WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS RESULTED IN A LOUD NOISE AND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. DUE TO OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES OF -10 DEG F CAR WAS DRIVEN TO NEAREST EXIT, LUCKY THERE WAS NO FIRE. *TR

AFTER RAIN, WATER LEAKED THROUGH WINDSHIELD ON 1997 FORD EXPEDITION RESULTING IN ELECTRICAL ANOMALIES. THIS COULD POSE A FIRE HAZARD. *TR

SPARK PLUG FAILURE AND DAMAGE ON 97 EXPEDITION.*CN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 70 MPH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 175,000. UPDATED 01-29-08. *KB UPDATED 01/29/08 *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE IT WAS RAINING, WATER BEGAN TO DRIP ON THE DRIVER'S LEG. THE WATER CAME FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE WATER ENTERED THROUGH THE AIR VENT DUCT LOCATED OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE BY THE WINDSHIELD. THE STEREO AND INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VENT DUCT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS ARE BEING BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD. THE SPARK PLUGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. ALL THE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN PERFORMED BY THE CONTACT BECAUSE THE DEALER COULD NOT GUARANTEE SUCCESSFUL RESULTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 239,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.

FIRST COMPLAIN: REAR END DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM - FORD SAFETY RECALL NO. 96S60 EXPLAINS THAT 1997 FORD EXPEDITIONS REAR AXLE TRACK BAR CAN SEPERATE FROM THE FRAME DUE TO MISSING WELDS OR A WELD PATTERN THAT IS NOT FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE DESIGN LEVEL OF THE BRACKET. THIS RECALL STATES THAT FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR OF THIS DEFECT FROM 12/1996 FORWARD, REGARDLESS OF THE AGE, MILEAGE, OR OWNERSHIP. THIS DID HAPPEN TO MY VEHICLE AND I DID CONTACT FORD, AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THIS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE OFF POSITION AND THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY BEEN DRIVEN ONE MILE. THE SIDING ON THE NEIGHBORING HOME WAS BURNED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE MANUFACTURER IS EXPECTED TO SEND HIM INFORMATION IN THE NEXT FEW BUSINESS DAYS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE ENGINE AND HOOD BURNING WERE ABLE TO CONTROL THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THERE ARE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE. THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE INSURANCE COMPANY PERFORM AN INVESTIGATION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT. SHE REMOVED HER DAUGHTERS FROM THE REAR SEATS AND WHEN SHE RETURNED, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN SMOKE AND THE FRONT SEAT WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE SAME LOCATION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS FRACTURED AND DESTROYED THE MOTOR. THE MOTOR AND SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAD SINCE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR CLOSED ABRUPTLY WITHOUT INTENTION. CONSEQUENTLY THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURY TO THE HEAD, AND THE EYE AREA WAS ALSO HEAVILY BRUISED. THE AMBULANCE WAS NOT CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE MALFUNCTION AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE DISENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CURB. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LUGS WERE STRIPPED AND COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE WHEELS: LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 98V095000) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, SHE HEARD A CLINKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE TRACK BAR BRACKET SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SUSPENSION: REAR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 96V252000) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DISENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. AS OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOR THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 03-11-08 *BF UPDATED 03/11/08 *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT WAS DISSATISFIED THAT THE PARTS TO REPAIR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL 2008. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE REPAIR PERFORMED. HE HAS BAD KNEES AND CANNOT DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. SHE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND HOOD. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO A DISCONNECTED SPARK PLUG IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES, BUT THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

SPARK PLUG ON MY 97 FORD EXPEDITION BLOW OUT. THE ENGINE IS A TRITON 5.4L. IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON RESIDENTIAL STREET AT 30 MILES PER HOUR. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE PARKED HE HEARD THE SMOKE ALARM AND NOTICED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE LATER NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE HOWEVER; THE FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE, OFFICE FURNITURE AND PERSONAL ITEMS. AS OF AUGUST 3, 2007, THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS AND MILEAGE INFORMATION WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED ON AUGUST 30TH A FORENSICS EXPERT DETERMINED THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE TO BE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE CONSUMER STATED THE OWNER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYL. # 3 DUE TO LACK OF THREADS IN CYLINDER HEAD, OR LACK OF MATERIAL IN THAT LOCATION. THE TRITON V SERIES ENGINES HAVE AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH BLOWING THE PLUGS OUT, IT WILL COST BETWEEN 2500- 4000 TO FIX ONE PLUG BLOW OUT, PUTTING IN INSERTS ONLY CAUSES THE REPAIR AGAIN AT A LATER DATE. WHEN IS THE GOVERNMENT GOING TO STEP IN AND SAY ENOUGH, THE PUBLIC HAS ALREADY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. ON JULY 23, 2007, THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO TURN AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE WAS NOT INFORMED OF ANY RECALLS AT THAT TIME. UPON RETURNING HOME, THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT SHE HAD TWO DIFFERENT INVOICES; ONE STATED THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON THE VEHICLE AND THE OTHER CHARGED HER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 88,695.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUFFERED INJURIES TO HIS HEAD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 155,000. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR UPDATED VIN. 09/05/07. *JB

OUR 1997 FORD EXPEDITION EJECTED A SPARKPLUG, MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. WAS HELICOILED AND STILL DAMAGED MOTOR TO THE POINT OF REBUILD OR REPLACING MOTOR. HAPPENED DURING A HOLIDAY TOWING OUR BOAT, VERY LUCKY IT DIDN'T HURT ANYONE. WE HAD TO HAVE BOAT AND FORD TOWED, RUINED OUR VACATION, THANKS TO HAVING A CLASS A DRIVER BEHIND THE WHEEL MINIMIZED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING BECAME RESISTANT. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE STEERING GEAR BOX SHAFT FAILED. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN CONTINUOUS AND IS BECOMING WORSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V196000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 230,796. THE CONSUMER STATED FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL PREVIOUSLY LISTED. UPDATED 11/06/07 *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY IS IMPAIRED BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT SHINE BRIGHTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06E060000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). HE HAS NOT MADE ANY REPAIRS TO THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 174,000.

INCIDENT LIKE MANY OTHERS I HAVE HAD MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION XLT BLOW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE AND TROUBLE FREE WHEN A POP FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE ENGINE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP ; WHO IN TURN CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE REPLY WAS THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. MY LOCAL SERVICE TECH SAID THE REPAIR KIT ALONE WOULD COST $1,000,00. TO REPAIR IT HE SAID THAT FORD HAD ONLY USED 3 THREADS IN THE HEAD THAT FAILED, BUT ARE NOW REPLACING THEM WITH A 7 THREAD HEAD., THIS TELLS ME THAT THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT ARE WILLING TO LEAVE THEIR CUSTOMERS OUT TO DRY.. I GUESS THE SCARY PART ABOUT THAT IS I STILL HAVE 4 MORE 3 THREAD SPARK PLUG HOLES TO WORRY ABOUT BLOWING OUT,.I ABSOLUTELY FEEL THIS SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO IS LOOKING FOR THE AMERICAN PUBLIC TO BUY IT'S TRUCKS. DAMAGE RESULTING IT WILL COST ME AS LITTLE AS $2,500.00 TO REPAIR THE CURRENT PROBLEM ( AND NO GUARANTY IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN). OR UP TO $5,500.00 TO REPLACE THE BUILT TOUGH 5.4 TRITON ENGINE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE MANIFOLD BOLTS HAVE RUSTED OUT AND NEED TO BE REBUILT AND RE-DRILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE CONTACT HEARD A TICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE MOTOR DUE TO THE MANIFOLD RUSTING. THE NOISE CEASES WHEN THE VEHICLE HEATS UP. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 190,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM THE CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE THEN MAKE A LOUD NOISE AND SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD ONLY ADVANCE APPROXIMATELY FIVE MILES AFTERWARDS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANTED TO REPLACE THE HEAD AT THE COST OF $2,000. HE CONSULTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BUT HAS NOT YET RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 172,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 6/2/08 *CN UPDATED

IN 1998, MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION BEGAN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WINDOW LOCKS GOING UP AND DOWN ON THEIR OWN, RADIO PLAYING WHEN NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR, CLICKING FROM UNDER THE DASH, SEATBELT LIGHTS COMING ON WHEN SEATBELTS WERE BEING WORN, WIPERS WORKING ON THEIR OWN. I HAD THIS VEHICLE IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THESE ISSUES. AFTER HAVING HIS VEHICLE IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES TO NO AVAIL, I THREATENED A LAW SUIT IF SOMETHING WASN'T DONE. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED IN A CREW THAT THEY REFERRED TO AS THE RAIN DOCTORS. COME TO FIND OUT, THE WINDSHIELD WAS LEAKING ON THE GEM MODULE AND SHORTING OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AT THAT TIME. NOW, IN 2007, I AM STILL DRIVING THE SAME 1997 EXPED. IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS, ALL THESE PROBLEMS HAVE STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE 4X4 CLUSTER LIGHTS COMING ON AND GOING OFF, CLICKING UNDER THE DASH AGAIN, HEATER COMING ON BY ITSELF WHEN CAR ISN'T RUNNING AND RUNNING THE BATTERY DOWN, BEEPING UNDER THE DASH ON PASSENGER SIDE, RADIO PLAYING ON ITS OWN. THE WHOLE SCENARIO HAPPENING ALL OVER AGAIN. I AM CURRENTLY PARKING THE VEHICLE 100 YARDS FROM MY HOUSE FOR FEAR IT MAY CATCH ON FIRE BY ITSELF AS I HAVE READ MANY, MANY INSTANCES IN WHICH THE 1997 EXPED. CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BY NOW. SEVERAL RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE BUT ALL THESE WERE CHECKED OUT. HOWEVER, I CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME UNDERSTAND WHY THIS LEAKY WINDSHIELD PROBLEM IS NOT BEING RECALLED. NOW TEN YEARS LATER, WHEN THIS PROBLEM IS DISCUSSED AT GARAGES AND PARTS STORE IN MY COMMUNITY, THE TECHNICIANS IMMEDIATELY ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. AGAIN, I CANNOT IMAGINE WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ISSUE. THE FIRST TIME I WENT THROUGH THIS NIGHTMARE, IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THIS TIME, I GUESS IT IS COMPLETELY UP TO ME TO REPAIR THIS FAULTY WINDSHIELD PROBLEM. I SINCERELY HOPE NO ONE DIES OR HAS DIED DUE TO ONE OF THESE EXPEDITIONS CATCHING FIRE. RECALL WHERE ARE YOU???!!!!! *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE SUPERVISOR NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO THE CRUISE CONTROL FIRING OFF AND SPREADING TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 200,000. *AK

I'M HAVING SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. DURING HEAVY RAINS THE TRUCK WILL NOT START, WHEN I DO GET IT RUNNING THE DASH LIGHTS FLASH OFF AND ON. THE TRUCK STOPS RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. CLICKING NOISES ARE COMING FROM THE DASH, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES OFF AND ON THE DOORS WANT LOCK. I'M CONCERNED FOR MY FAMILIES SAFETY. A POSSIBILITY OF THE TRUCK CATCHING ON FIRE. FORD NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THE VEHICLES. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE,THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING UNDER THE HOOD. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL # 05V388000. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 100,003.*AK

CAR BURNED DOWN AT 2:15 AM IN GARAGE BECAUSE OF CRUISE CONTROL ON 21 MARCH 2007 AND SET CAR NEXT TO IT LINCOLN TOWN CAR AND GARAGE AND ROOMS ABOVE ON FIRE, DAMAGE ROUGHLY 380,000.-$, RECALLS ONLY WAS OFFICIAL IN AUG 2007 SINCE CNN REPORT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD PANEL OCCASIONALLY FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

MY 1977 FORD EXPEDITION WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE OFF FOR AN HOUR.IT THEN STARTED ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND QUICKLY ENGULFED THE FRONT OF THE CAR IN FLAMES DESTROYING THE CAR.THE FIRE WAS SO INTENSE THAT I COULDNT PUT IT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTIGUISHER THE FIRE DEPT HAD TO PUT IT OUT.

MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE PARKING STRUCTURE AT MY OFFICE. THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM PREVENTED THE FIRE FROM SPREADING TO THE OTHER CARS. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *JB

ELECTRICAL DEVICES IN THE CAR HAVE TURNED ON WITHOUT KEYS EVEN IN THE IGNITION. CONCERNED WITH FIRE HAZARD IF SUCH THINGS AS LIGHTS AND BLOWER MOTORS TURN ON ON THEIR OWN, PERHAPS FOR EXTENDED PERIODS. ALSO CONCERNED AS TO WHAT OTHER ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS WILL PRESENT THEMSELVES IN UNATTENDED VEHICLE. FAILURE IS APPARENTLY DUE TO LEAKING WINDSHIELD SEALS DRAINING WATER ONTO GEM (ELECTRONIC MODULE) AND THE FUSE PANEL FOR THE VEHICLE, SHORTING ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AND CORRODING THE UNITS OVER THE LONG TERM. THE FUSE BOX AND GEM WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED TO ELIMINATE THE DANGEROUS CONDITION (AFTER HAVING RE-SEALED THE FAULTY SEAL). *NM

TIE ROD THREADS STRIPPED LEADS TO COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING AND NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE. *NM

MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION HAS BEEN HAVING SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD THE GEM MOD REPLACED AS WELL AS THE FUSE BOX. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH WATER IS LEAKING INTO THESE PARTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD. I AM STILL HAVING THESE PROBLEMS WITH A FAMILY OF SIX, I AM CONCERNED WITH THE PROSPECTS OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OR SOMETHING ELSE. WE HAVE HAD INSTANCES WHERE THE CAR LOST POWER WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PLEASE TALK TO FORD. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM! *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILS TO START WHEN HE TURNS THE IGNITION AND THE POWER LOCKS FAIL TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN JUMP-STARTED AND TESTED AND ALL OF THE COMPONENTS APPEARED TO BE WORKING NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FEATURE FAILS TO ENGAGE, ALTHOUGH THE INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATES. HE HAS NOT NOTIFIED A LOCAL DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THE FAILURES ARE INTERMITTENT. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 114,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.