NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 868 owner complaints for the 1997 Ford Expedition. Most complaints involve suspension (136) and service brakes, hydraulic (97). The EPA rates it 13–15 mpg combined.
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Expedition model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 868 |
| 1998 | 851 |
| 1999 | 970 |
| 2000 | 942 |
| 2001 | 609 |
| 2002 | 383 |
| 2003 | 655 |
| 2004 | 297 |
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 215 |
| 2008 | 146 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 71 |
| 2012 | 118 |
| 2013 | 92 |
| 2014 | 72 |
| 2015 | 164 |
| 2016 | 217 |
| 2017 | 358 |
| 2018 | 383 |
| 2019 | 521 |
| 2020 | 426 |
| 2021 | 241 |
| 2022 | 116 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 79 |
| 2025 | 38 |
| 2026 | 10 |
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AS SOON AS I GO FASTER THAN 55MPH THE VEHICLE DOWN BY THE WHEELS, STARTS SHAKING. I CAN FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I SUSPECT IT'S THE BALL JOINTS BUT NOT SURE. IT ALSO WOBBLES WHEN TURNING GOING AS SLOW AS 25 MPH.”
“WHILE DRIVING ON A EXPRESSWAY TRAVELING AT 55MPH, MY WIFE FELT A THUMPING AND HEARD NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE TRUCK. WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH, I NOTICED 2 HOLES PUNCHED THROUGH THE BACKING PLATE OF THE REAR BRAKES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I PULLED THE WHEEL AND THE ROTOR OFF AND THE PARKING BRAKE SHOES AND HARDWARE FELL OUT ONTO THE GROUND. AFTER TALKING TO A FORD DEALERSHIP I LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH EXPEDITIONS. I RESEARCHED IT ON LINE AND FOUND OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME ISSUE INCLUDING SOME INSTANCES OF WHEELS LOCKING UP. THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. WHY HAS FORD NOT ISSUED A RECALL? I HAVE ALSO HAD 2 LEAKING EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKETS THAT I AM TOLD IS ALSO COMMON. *TR”
“WHEN EXAMINING MY VEHICLE WHICH SUPPOSEDLY HAD A RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL SENSOR ON BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, FOUND THAT FORD ONLY ADDED A FUSABLE LINK TO PREVENT FIRE AS THE SENSOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN LEAKING AT THE TIME. IT HAS SINCE LEAKED AND THE ADDED BIT OF WIRE WITH THE BLUE TAG HAS BLOWN IT'S FUSES BUT I BELIEVE THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS NOW DISABLED MY HORN DURRING OPERATION. I AM REQUESTING MY VEHICLE BE SERVICED PROPERLY AS THE RECALL WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY TO MY UNDERSTANDING. I WAS LOOKING ONLINE AND JUST REALIZED THIS SO I LOOKED AT MY VEHICLE AND SAW IT IS THE OLD DESIGN.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| Expedition 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| Expedition 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| Expedition 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | $4,950 | 684 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
9 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 868 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (136), service brakes, hydraulic (97), electrical system (96). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1997 Ford Expedition at 13–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).