1997 Ford Expedition Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 2%of 853 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Ford Expedition, 2% of the 853 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10231911, filed 2008-06, 130,000 miles“I have owened a 1997 Ford Expedition for 1 year. In this time I have had the same problem twice. The spark plugs come loose from the piston head and are blown out and damage the coil pack. There is then un-burnt fuel coming from the piston chamber and the spark plug is still firing with the possiblity of a fire. The dealership has told me that this is a known and addressed issue by Ford motor company, but Ford will only pay for repairs upto 75,000 miles. This last time this happened it damaged the head and will require major repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10058287, filed 2004-02, 105,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the fuel tank strap separated from the vehicle due to rusting of the sub frame area. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 260.000. Updated 9/4/14”
NHTSA complaint #10615972, filed 2014-07, 260,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the fuel tank strap became separated from the vehicle due to rusting of the sub frame area. The area that was attached to the strap to the secure the fuel tank was the affected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 260,000. Updated 09/05/14”
NHTSA complaint #10615968, filed 2014-07, 260,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the fuel tank straps fractured as a result of corrosion. The contact mentioned that the frame on the driver side was also affected by corrosion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who verified the failure and advised that the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10430545, filed 2011-10, 45,000 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 14 | 12% |
| 2021 | 14 | 6% |
| 2020 | 5 | 1% |
| 2019 | 10 | 2% |
| 2018 | 9 | 2% |
| 2017 | 20 | 6% |
| 2016 | 17 | 8% |
| 2015 | 22 | 13% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 4 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 7% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 37 | 17% |
| 2006 | 24 | 8% |
| 2005 | 65 | 21% |
| 2004 | 23 | 8% |
| 2003 | 38 | 6% |
| 2002 | 21 | 6% |
| 2001 | 22 | 4% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 27 | 3% |
| 1998 | 28 | 3% |
| 1997 | 19 | 2% |
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 30, 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