1997 Ford Expedition Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 5%of 853 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Ford Expedition, 5% of the 853 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 1 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.
“Rear windshield wiper will not to turn on most times. If wiper assembly is jarred hard enought (either by bump or banging on it) will cause it to work for a while. This problem was orginally fixed by dealer, but warranty has passed and the problem has returned. I have taken the unit apart, but believe the unit was never changed and beleive the contacts were cleaned. I believe the wiring is being corroded causing for good contact of the wires.”
NHTSA complaint #10114417, filed 2005-03, 48,000 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“When I take off the gas is sticky and takes alot to get it going, when turning from stop my rear end vibrates like it's going to fall off. Aready had the transmission replaced by the dealer ship I got the car from. Driver side window clunks when rolling down, motor makes a knocking noise when cold. I just don't expect this kind of problems when you pay alot of money for a nice car.”
NHTSA complaint #10021395, filed 2003-06“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“Both exterior mirrors are not usable. These are replacements the first set failed after a year and a half. It seems that the mirrors designed for my model Expedition have a maximum two year life. Ford says no defect, come take a look at my second set of mirrors on a four year old vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #744189, filed 2001-04Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2025 | 3 | 8% |
| 2024 | 7 | 9% |
| 2023 | 6 | 9% |
| 2022 | 9 | 8% |
| 2021 | 23 | 10% |
| 2020 | 13 | 3% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 9 | 2% |
| 2017 | 34 | 10% |
| 2016 | 12 | 6% |
| 2015 | 19 | 12% |
| 2014 | 3 | 4% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 9% |
| 2009 | 4 | 14% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 16 | 7% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 11 | 3% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 38 | 6% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 44 | 8% |
| 2000 | 72 | 8% |
| 1999 | 123 | 13% |
| 1998 | 61 | 7% |
| 1997 | 44 | 5% |
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 complaintsWheels
41 complaintsBody and structure
38 complaintsTires
36 complaintsAir bags
26 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 29, 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