1997 Ford Expedition Steering Problems

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became loosened while making a left turn. The contact stated that the "Check Suspension" and "Check ABS" messages were displayed on the instrument panel along with the oil, brake, and battery warning lights being illuminated. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the part needed to repair the steering wheel was no longer in stock. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as from the dealer. The contact also stated that moisture had begun to leak from the sunroof. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

NHTSA ID

11591275

Incident

May 28, 2024

Mileage

171,000 mi

STEERING IS EXTREMELY OVERACTIVE AND SEEMS TWITCHING, MEANING AT LOW SPEED OR AT HIGH RATE OF TRAVEL VERY SLIGHT MOVEMENTS OF THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE SUDDENLY, AND UNCONTROLLABLY, PREVIOUS OWNER WENT OFF HIGHWAY AND FELT UNSAFE IN VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I IMAGINE THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE VARIABLE ASSIST POWER STEERING BUT CANNOT FIND ANY DIAGNOSTIC AIDE IN RESOLUTION OF ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11343190

Incident

Jul 31, 2020

Mileage

261,900 mi

TAKATA RECALL, MY STEERING IS BAD LIKE IM FISHTAILING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN I HIT A BUMP IT PULLS TO ONE SIDE. THERES ALOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ID

11156712

Incident

Dec 1, 2018

Mileage

190,000 mi

THE STEERING IS VERY LOOSE AND HARD TO KEEP ON ROAD, I CALLED FORD HEADQUARTERS TO SEE IF IT WAS UNDER RECALL AND THEY SAID NOT MY VIN WAS INCLUDED. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE O/D LIGHT BLINKING. MY TRANSMISSION SHIFT GREAT UNTIL THE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING.I THINK IT IS A BAD CRUISE CONTROL SENSOR. I READ WHERE A LOT OF THOSE SHORTED OUT AND STARTED FIRES.

NHTSA ID

11140296

Incident

Oct 14, 2018

Mileage

180,000 mi

THE STEERING ON THE VEHICLE IS LOOSE AND WONDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD CONTACTED A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME WHERE STEERING SHAFT SLIDES TOGETHER IS REALLY LOOS AND STEERING SHAFT NEEDS REPLACED

NHTSA ID

11035550

Incident

Aug 28, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO REMAIN IN POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V196000 (STEERING), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA ID

10849692

Incident

Feb 1, 2015

Mileage

170,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS BECOMING LOOSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V196000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

NHTSA ID

10778718

Incident

Sep 10, 2015

Mileage

134,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND NOTICED CORROSION UNDERNEATH THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

NHTSA ID

10721634

Incident

May 13, 2015

Mileage

63,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, THE TIRES TURNED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.

NHTSA ID

10704376

Incident

Oct 31, 2014

Mileage

192,000 mi

STEERING GETS HARD THEN CUTS LOOSE, STEERING COLUMN MOVES UP AND DOWN, SEEMS LIKE A SERIOUS SHAFT PROBLEM OR STEERING BOX ISSUE, SAW RECALL AND DEALER SAYS IT WAS NOT INCLUDED, SAME PROBLEM AS OTHERS, PLACES PEOPLE AT RISK AND SHOULD BE COVERED. *TR

NHTSA ID

10511588

Incident

May 9, 2013

Mileage

127,416 mi

TL* THE CONTACT 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING BOLT ON THE VEHICLE BROKE. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN IN NUMBER: 03V196000 (STEERING: GEAR BOX: SHAFT SECTOR), BUT WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 105,000.

NHTSA ID

10409251

Incident

Jun 26, 2011

Mileage

105,000 mi

THERE IS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL, IT ROCKS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I AM A MECHANIC SO I REPLACED BOTH SHAFT BEARINGS BUT THIS DID NOT CURE THE PROBLEM. THE UPPER STEERING SHAFT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE YOKE IS WEARING OUT CAUSING THIS CONDITION. IF THE YOKE SHOULD SNAP THE ABILITY TO STEER WILL BE LOST AND CAN CAUSE DEATH. THIS IS A CRUCIAL AND CRITICAL STEERING COMPONENT THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. CAN YOU LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS THIS REPAIR WILL HAVE TO BE DONE ASAP. ALSO THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTED OUT THEY ACTUALLY HAVE HOLES IN THEM I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS WOULD BE COVERED AS WELL. THIS VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED, I HAVE DRIVEN A LOT OF DIFFERENT VEHICLES AND NEVER SEEN STEERING AND SUSPENSION PARTS WEAR OUT LIKE THIS BEFORE. THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE THEY USED TO. I LIKE MY TRUCK THOUGH,I WILL BUY ANOTHER FORD IN THE FUTURE, BUT FOR RIGHT NOW I GOT TO KEEP THIS ONE ROLLING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THANKYOU *TR

NHTSA ID

10295369

Incident

Jun 1, 2009

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

NHTSA ID

10206017

Incident

Jul 1, 2007

Mileage

230,796 mi

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

NHTSA ID

10177798

Incident

Jan 3, 2007

Mileage

106,000 mi

MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION 4X4 WITH 95,000 MILES JUST EXPERIENCED A FAILURE IN THE DRIVERS SIDE TIE-ROD. THE INNER TIE-ROD END SHREDDED WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE CENTER LINK. *JB

NHTSA ID

10139367

Incident

Oct 7, 2005

Mileage

95,000 mi

THE STEERING SHAFT WAS LOOSE AT THE GEAR BOX , THE TECHNICIAN SAID THERE WAS ALMOST NO CONTACT AND WOULD NOT LET ME DRIVE IT HOME SAYING IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS AND WAS ABOUT TO COME UNDONE AT ANY TIME. THE WHEEL COULD BE TURNED 1/3 AROUND AND THERE WAS NO MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF THE DEGREE OF SEPARATION MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE GROUP THAT WAS RECALLED IN RECALL NUMBER 03S02 DATED MAY 2003, THEREFORE I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS MYSELF. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THEY CANNOT HELP ME BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T RECALL MINE. THERE COULD ALSO BE OTHERS THAT WERE NOT RECALLED. I HAVE THE RECEIPT TOTALING ABOUT $340. THE PAPERWORK FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIP READS: FOUND STEERING SHAFT LOOSE AT BOX. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY I HAD TO PAY FOR WHAT OTHER OWNERS GOT FREE BECAUSE IT WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *JB

NHTSA ID

10115972

Incident

Dec 10, 2002

Mileage

95,685 mi

CONSUMER STATED THAT STEERING MADE A CLICKING SOUND,AND HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. ALSO, HIGH BEAM LIGHTS DID NOT WORK UNLESS CONSUMER HELD THEM . CONSUMER WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR IT TO BE CHECKED OUT.*AK

NHTSA ID

10045040

Incident

Oct 29, 2003

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE STEEL LINE RUSTED AND WAS ALLOWING BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK. *AK THE FIRST INCIDENT,THE BRAKE LINE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER RUSTED THROUGH AND THEN ON THE THIRD OCCASION THE POWER STEERING LINE FROM PUMP TO RESERVOIR RUSTED THROUGH. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID

10041960

Mileage

120,000 mi

WHILE TRYING TO PARK LOST POWER STEERING . DEALER REPLACED PITMAN ARM/STEERING ASSEMBLY/ INTERMEDIATE ARM/POWER STEERING GEAR BOX, AND RACK AND PINION. *AK

NHTSA ID

10042118

WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF, AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. *JB

NHTSA ID

10032504

PURCHASED USED EXPEDITION IN LATE FEB, 2003. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED EXTREMELY SENSITIVE STEERING. SLIGHT INPUT, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED IN RAIN OR WIND, CAUSED LARGE CHANGES IN VEHICLE DIRECTION. LOWER FRONT TIRE PRESSURE, NECONNECTING REAR STAB BAR, FE ALIGNMENT, AND NEW SHOCKS HAVE HELPED THE PROBLEM BUT IT IS STILL WAY TOUCHIER THAN IT SHOULD BE. FORD DEFINITELY HAS A PROBLEM BUILT INTO THIS VEHICLE MODEL. I HAVE OVER 40 YEARS DRIVING EXPERIENCE IN ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES AND HAVE SEEN NOTHING LIKE THIS. I ASSUME IT IS INHERENT IN THE VARIABLE ASSIST POWER STEERING. *NLM

NHTSA ID

10023305

Incident

Feb 28, 2003

THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE STEERING ASSEMBLY 03 V 196 000. *JB

NHTSA ID

10022396

THE VEHICLE EMITS A RUBBING NOISE WHILE STEERING. *NLM

NHTSA ID

10013722

Incident

Mar 31, 2003

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STEERING ASSEMBLY ALSO STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING ASSEMBLY BROKE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE STEERING ASSEMBLY TEAR OFF. CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT HIS HORN, THE AIR BAG, CRUISE CONTROL AND THE AIR BAG ON THE PANEL IS ON. TS

NHTSA ID

8022878

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE WILL BOUNCE. CONTACTED DEALER. THIS WAS A RESULT OF THE TIE ROD HAVING TOO MUCH PLAY. *AK *SCC

NHTSA ID

8014542

Incident

Jul 19, 2002