1997 Ford Expedition Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 1997 Ford Expedition. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Expedition 1997–2002, F-150 1994–2002, F-250 1994–1999 +3 more
Reported issue: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Possible consequence: A fire at the switch could occur.
Remedy: By letter dated september 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to reconnect the speed…
- Steering › Gear box › Shaft sectorCovers: Ford Expedition 1997, F-150 1997, F-250 1997
Reported issue: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the intermediate shaft yoke separates from the steering gear input shaft, the steering system becomes disconnected.
Possible consequence: This could result in loss of steering control, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering intermediate shaft yoke to determine if the yoke is fully seated on the steering gear input shaft. If the yoke is fully seated no service is required. If the yoke is not fully seated and bolt groove and spline is visible, the intermediate shaft and bolt will be replaced as well as…
- Exterior lightingCovers: Ford Expedition 1997–1998, Windstar 1996–1998, F-150 1997–1998 +2 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Possible consequence: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
- Trailer hitchesCovers: Ford Expedition 1997–2000, Lincoln Navigator 1997–2000
Reported issue: Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly to the frame attaching bolts could lose the clamp load.
Possible consequence: The trailer hitch could then separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates.
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studsCovers: Ford Expedition 1997–1998, F-150 1997–1998, F-250 1997–1998 +1 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles and light duty pickup trucks. The lug nuts on these vehicles may not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor mounting surface.
Possible consequence: This can result in the loosening of lug nuts, stud fatigue failure, and the potential for a wheel separation from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Owners of these vehicles will be receiving two notifications. The first notification, which began in may 1998, will provide an interim repair procedure until parts become available. This interim procedure can be completed by owners or their dealers. It specifies that the lug nut torque must be verified to be 100 lbs…
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)Covers: Ford Expedition 1997–1998, F-150 1997–1998, F-250 1997–1998 +1 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. If the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached to the steering column bracket, the shift cable assembly can come out of the bracket. The vehicle operator would then not be able to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position even though the gear shift selector would…
Possible consequence: The condition would not allow a disengagement of the transmission from the park position or affect proper neutral start switch operation. Unintended vehicle movement could occur if the parking brake was not set.
Remedy: Dealers will make the proper attachment of the transmission shift control cable to the steering column bracket and add a tie strap to that connection.
- Suspension › RearCovers: Ford Expedition 1997
Reported issue: The rear axle track bar bracket can separate from the frame due to missing welds or inadequate weld penetration.
Possible consequence: If both brackets separate, the rear axle can move laterally until the tires contact either the frame or the wheelhouse resulting in either tire damage or a significant reduction in vehicle handling performance.
Remedy: Dealers will install a track bar bracket reinforcement kit and inspection of the axle tubes. The suspect axle tubes do not have a stamped date code on the tube. Axles without date codes on the tubes will be replaced.
NHTSA investigations
- EA02001Steering shaft separationClosed · Feb 6, 2002
- PE01022Front stabilizer linkClosed · Jul 2, 2001
- PE99060Factory installed towing hitch separatioClosed · Sep 27, 1999
- PE98024Tie rod end failuresClosed · Apr 21, 1998
- PE98009Independent front suspension torsion barClosed · Feb 13, 1998
← 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.