1997 Ford Expedition Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 1%of 853 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Ford Expedition, 1% of the 853 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This issue was at night while driving the headlight to see at night had turned off at a 35 MPH speed no bumps no turn just driving straight. This is a serious issue, you use your lights for night and your are left with no lights, as a result for this huge problem I received a ticket that is how I found out my lights were not working. The headlights fuses, module components, wiring were checked no issues there, as for all other lights example emergency lights, rear lights interior lights are functioning. …”
NHTSA complaint #10450242, filed 2012-03, 113,000 miles“Multi-function switch which controls windsheild washers and wipers has failed 5 times in less than 5 years and the result of the failure is the inability to activate the washer system. At any given time, if the windsheild becomes fouled, I do not know if I will be able to clean it or if my vision will be seriously impaired.”
NHTSA complaint #748400, filed 2001-07“While traveling on the interstate at night at approximately 65mph, I switch the headlights from high beam to low beam and the headlights went out completely. The only way I could see to drive was to hold the wiper, headlight dimmer arm fully to the rear. This item was replaced under warranty after it defected once before.”
NHTSA complaint #731195, filed 2000-09“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. While driving at approximately at 35 MPH, the contact was pulled over by a police officer because the headlights were not functioning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact inspected the vehicle and did not notice a failure with the fuses or the relay. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10449454, filed 2012-02, 113,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10211552, filed 2007-12, 170,000 milesRelated recalls
- 00V168000Jun 19, 2000Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet…Covers: Ford Expedition 1997–1998, Windstar 1996–1998, F-150 1997–1998 +2 more
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 1% |
| 2019 | 9 | 2% |
| 2018 | 25 | 7% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 8 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 8 | 1% |
| 2000 | 15 | 2% |
| 1999 | 7 | 1% |
| 1998 | 20 | 2% |
| 1997 | 12 | 1% |
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 complaintsAir bags
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