1998 Ford Expedition Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 6%of 836 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Ford Expedition, 6% of the 836 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Years ago when purchased the Expedition I noticed the shift gear out of alignment. I try to contact the dealer as I heard that this was a recall; I was told that the recall is not for my vehicle. It has know been a few years since I bought the truck and I'm now experiencing what I've noticed many others with an Expedition which is truck is not engaging into parking position and rolls. This is a concern to me as my drive way is on a slight up hill. This is an endangering to the public, the issue happens unexpectedly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10453756, filed 2012-04, 174,000 miles“While driving my 1998 Ford Expedition at about a 35 MPH speed, on a smooth dry paved road, a sudden load bang noise with tire squealing and a loss of controll of the steering occured. Inspection of vehicle steering revealed the rh inner tie rod joint had fallen apart. The ball and socket of the tie rod had broken and no sterring controll of the rh frt tire resulted. No vehicle damage resulted (other than the tierod), no personal or property damage occured. Ford had sent me a letter of concern with the steering and suspension. …”
NHTSA complaint #10124352, filed 2005-06, 100,000 miles“While driving at 60 MPH the front end tie rod broke without warning. As a result the driver lost control of the vehicle but was able to recover and pulled to the side of the road. The front left side of the vehicle had collapsed. Please provide additional information .”
NHTSA complaint #10091439, filed 2004-09, 64,000 miles“Dt: the consumer stated the driver's side outer tie rod broke on her vehicle as she was driving on the expressway at 50-60 MPH. This happened on 8-30-05. She reports having no problems prior to this. There was not an accident. She had received a letter from Ford on 9-04 to have the tie rods inspected every 15,000 miles. She had the vehicle inspected immediately after receiving the letter. The car had 90,000 miles at that time. Both outer tie rods were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10135172, filed 2005-10, 99,165 miles“Dt: consumer was driving on highway and prepared to exit on off ramp when left driver's side tie rod separated from vehicle and entered the wheel well which caused vehicle to come to a violent halt. Vehicle was towed to dealer, and dealer confirmed tie rod broke. Inspected right side, and said that tie rod was near failure as well. Repairs were made. That was second time in 3 years that tie rods were replaced. The first time it was under warranty, and the second incident was not covered under warranty. Consumer was upset that these parts t failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10125107, filed 2005-06, 45,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 36% |
| 2025 | 7 | 18% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 11 | 3% |
| 2016 | 5 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 14 | 5% |
| 2005 | 10 | 3% |
| 2004 | 14 | 5% |
| 2003 | 20 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 8 | 1% |
| 2000 | 30 | 3% |
| 1999 | 32 | 3% |
| 1998 | 52 | 6% |
| 1997 | 94 | 11% |
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 complaintsTires
38 complaintsWheels
37 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsSeat belts
25 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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