1998 Ford Expedition Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 2%of 836 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Ford Expedition, 2% of the 836 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have our Expedition for a while and we know the people who owned it before us. While it is raining and days after the power to the truck does not turn off. The radio will turn on, the blower for heat or air will keep blowing, the lights will turn on, the four wheel drive will stop, ABS will stop, and the wiper blades will not work. So because the electrical items will turn on at random, they drain the battery and the truck will not start the next day. We found out that due to manufacturing error, the windshield leaks water into the general electric module. …”
NHTSA complaint #10572858, filed 2014-03, 100,000 miles“First, the interior lights and running lights would not power off while all doors were closed, door ajar indicator was on. Took to dealer problem resolved for a month or so. Now need to spray wd40 on latches religiously. Dealer also replaced cruise control harness at this time. Then came the radio and heater running with the key out of the ignition. Beeps and clicks and bad smells coming from under dash. Again to the dealer, no codes found for the issues I was having. Battery draining occurring frequently now and no resolution. I now have to disconnect the battery everynight. …”
NHTSA complaint #10303088, filed 2010-01, 169,000 miles“The fuse for the passenger side head light keeps melting. It appears where the fuse goes is melting as well if not causing it. From time to time the passenger side head light blinks and then goes out. If you wiggle the fuse it lights back up.”
NHTSA complaint #10261104, filed 2009-03, 86,000 miles“Turn signal control malfunctions. Right signal not working unless stalk is pulled slightly back and lane change feature is used. Emergency flashers fail to operate. Problem was intermittent and is now constant.”
NHTSA complaint #10056519, filed 2004-02, 50,000 miles“The turn signal indicators failed. A recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The vehicle's wiper also failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10090299, filed 2004-09, 100,000 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 1998 Ford Expedition
144 complaintsEngine cooling
127 complaintsElectrical system
115 complaintsVehicle speed control
78 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
70 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
61 complaintsBrakes
57 complaintsSteering
52 complaintsTires
38 complaintsWheels
37 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsSeat belts
25 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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