1997 Ford Expedition Interior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 853 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the interior lighting of the 1997 Ford Expedition, 1% of the 853 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles.
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.
“Interior and running board lights come on and stay on, from 10 minutes to over 1 hour. Varies. Intermittent problem. Seems to happen more in wet weather. A real hazard as driving at night with interior lights on is dangerous. They might time out after a few minutes or it may take an hour or more, you never know. Ford should take care of this regardless of warranty as it is very obviously a defect on their part. This has happened the entire life of this vehicle and continues to occur.”
NHTSA complaint #10049293, filed 2003-12, 36,000 miles“Car was dead when I woke up. Jumped it, speedometer didn't work afterward. Lights in right hand corner blink on and off I was told by the Ford dealer it is a gem module is getting water in it but I do not have a leak in my windshield. I researched online and several people have had this same problem. It becomes dangerous because the car won't move sometimes in the middle of driving on the freeway. I seems to happen when it rains (which is everyday in seattle) I have almost been hit 3 times because of this problem and I just bought the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10336549, filed 2010-06“The door ajar signal keeps coming up on my display panel - when this happens, the interior lights come on and won't go off for 30-45 seconds. At night this is a serious hazard because neither I or my teenage children who drive it can see safely. I'm having the part replaced tomorrow but would like to be reimbursed. The service man at my local Ford dealer told me they are seeing this problem a lot. It seems to me that an investigation needs to be made. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #717318, filed 2000-01“Door ajar and overhead lights come on and stay on approximately 10 minutes after vehicle has started without any doors being opened. The light is illuminated all the time and consumers daughter nearly fell out of the car when the door wasn't shut. The light was ignored because it is on all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #8012495, filed 2002-06“The door jam switch failed to work properly. The switch sensors thinks door is open when it's not. Also, dome light in front would remain on & would run the battery down. Took vehicle to dealership & mechanic indicated the problem was repairable, but not under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #855639, filed 2000-01Interior lighting: other model years
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 28, 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