1997 Ford Expedition Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 3%of 853 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 122,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Ford Expedition, 3% of the 853 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 122,000 miles. 18 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While coming to a stop and the intersection of longstreet and highway 82. I pressed on the brake peddle and the brakes locked up and I sled through the intersection into a ditch. I was traveling the speed limit of 50 MPH. The passenger air bag deployed but the drivers did not deploy. I have a broken nose from hitting steering wheel. Seat belts were on front seat driver and passenger.”
NHTSA complaint #11383877, filed 2020-12, 3 miles“While parked and idling, the vehicle was impacted on the driver's side. The driver and passenger side air bags exploded upon impact. As a result, the driver sustained neck burns, collar bone/ rib injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10040390, filed 2003-10, 58,000 miles“Dt:consumer stated that since t she bought vehicle it had electrical problems. Dealer told consumer had consumer to take vehicle to a special shop, they would try to figure out the problem. Consumer said that within the first three months vehicle had two ignition switches installedt hat consumer did not have to pay for. Vehicle had several other electrical problems. Consumer said that without the key in ignition the windshield wipers /radio came on, and the air bag deployed. Sometimesm the windows would not role back up after being rolled down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10125957, filed 2005-06, 119,000 miles“Rear ended while sittng still and was hit at 45 MPH. Air bags didn't deploy when he ran me into the car in front of me and shoved my bump[er under 3 inches. Also the front seat broke backward on impact this was second time.”
NHTSA complaint #746580, filed 2001-06“I own 1997 Ford Expedition 4.6l 2wd and have had a few instances where I think water has leaked through the windshield. The water is leaking somewhere on the driver side. It is causing the radio to turn on and stay on without the keys in the ignition. It also causes the airbag light to come on so I do not know if there is a real problem or not. The windshield washer fluid light comes on also. I am afraid this might trigger some extremely dangerous reaction while driving if the wrong thing gets wet. I would have it fixed but I do not know what is wrong with it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10062563, filed 2004-03Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 9 | 2% |
| 2019 | 25 | 5% |
| 2018 | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 | 11 | 3% |
| 2016 | 5 | 2% |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% |
| 2014 | 7 | 10% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 16 | 5% |
| 2005 | 9 | 3% |
| 2004 | 46 | 15% |
| 2003 | 59 | 10% |
| 2002 | 16 | 5% |
| 2001 | 19 | 3% |
| 2000 | 35 | 4% |
| 1999 | 19 | 2% |
| 1998 | 20 | 2% |
| 1997 | 26 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Expedition
138 complaintsBrakes
110 complaintsElectrical system
95 complaintsSteering
94 complaintsEngine cooling
89 complaintsVehicle speed control
79 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
76 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaintsWheels
41 complaintsBody and structure
38 complaintsTires
36 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
26 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Expedition
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology