2001 Ford Excursion: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Apr 25, 2023 · Steering · VA

Tie rod end broke in half. Tie rod fell to the ground

Filed Aug 5, 2011 · Steering · 120,000 miles · TX

Right side tie rod end came out of coupler due to worn threads. Happened immediately upon leaving house, so very low speed. Vehicle had to be towed and repaired. Could have caused a serious accident if speed had been higher. Right front wheel was completely disconnected from the steering linkage.

Filed Nov 29, 2004 · Steering · 69,000 miles · LA

While driving at 50 MPH tie rod fell off. Steering wheel became defective. Vehicle had to be towed.

Filed Mar 26, 2003 · Brakes · 23,000 miles · OK

Panic stop and vehicle pulled left so hard that it almost went through the center safety barriers on interstate. Pulled so hard that it felt like someone had grabbed the steering wheel and yanked it. Anytime you brake hard it progressively pulls harder to the left the more you apply the brakes. Also power-steering will disappear at slow speeds making it almost impossible to turn into parking lots. Dealer had vehicle for over 4 weeks. The ford hot line had the dealer replace the front springs, tie rod ends, steering box, power steering pump, check alignment,try different alignment specs, balance & rotate tires, swapped calipers from side to side, put new calipers and pads on. Dealer drove two other excursion's one new one & another customer's and they both did the same thing. Ford hot line has admitted to dealership they know of problem but don't know what else to try.

Filed Feb 5, 2003 · Steering · 36,000 miles · GA · crash · 2 injuries

While driving to a book store, a steering input was made to avoid a tractor in the road. At this point the vehicle became completely uncontrollable, unresponsive to any and all further inputs.the vehicle departed the road crossing a median, two northbound lanes of traffic, up a bank and rolled at least 2 times before stopping. Inspection of the steering linkage indicated failure of the steering box shaft where the control arm attaches to the steering box. This failure may have occurred during the initial steering input. Additionally, the control arm was bent toward the rear of the vehicle, possibly indicating it had been dragged for most if not all of the mishap.

Filed Jun 19, 2002 · Brakes · CO

When applying brakes hard, vehicle swerves left or right making control very difficult. On two occasions could not stay in lane. Have had it in dealer for this problem at least 5 times. Dealer has changed discs, rotors, pads, calipers, and have swapped parts from side to side. They have also changed tie rod. I have also changed shocks and tires. Dealer says they all do this. My wife will not drive this vehicle, and had there been cars in next lane I would have not been able to avoid an accident. To make it worse two people have just died in an excursion when she lost control on highway in similar circumstances.