The contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became loosened while making a left turn. The contact stated that the "Check Suspension" and "Check ABS" messages were displayed on the instrument panel along with the oil, brake, and battery warning lights being illuminated. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the part needed to repair the steering wheel was no longer in stock. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as from the dealer. The contact also stated that moisture had begun to leak from the sunroof. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
1997 Ford Expedition steering problems
93 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 134,000. 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 93
- of this car's complaints
- 11%
- typical mileage
- 134,000
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Linkages: tie rod assembly23
- Linkages11
- Gear box (other than rack and pinion)9
- Steering wheel/handle bar7
- Hydraulic power assist system6
- Gear box: shaft sector5
- Linkages: arm: idler and attachment2
- Hydraulic power assist: pump2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Ford Expedition steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Ford Expedition steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Steering: gear box: shaft sector
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the intermediate shaft yoke separates from the steering gear input shaft, the steering system becomes disconnected.
- Risk
- This could result in loss of steering control, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering intermediate shaft yoke to determine if the yoke is fully seated on the steering gear input shaft. If the yoke is fully seated no service is required. If the yoke is not fully seated and bolt groove and spline is visible, the intermediate shaft and bolt will be replaced as well as the bolt at the steering column connection. Owner notification began on may 30, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 03V196000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Steering shaft separation
See attached summary for technical details
EA02001
Tie rod end failures
There is no summary currently available
PE98024
What 1997 Ford Expedition owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Steering is extremely overactive and seems twitching, meaning at low speed or at high rate of travel very slight movements of the steering wheel cause the vehicle to move suddenly, and uncontrollably, previous owner went off highway and felt unsafe in vehicle because of this issue. I imagine this has to do with the variable assist power steering but cannot find any diagnostic aide in resolution of issue.
Takata recall, my steering is bad like im fishtailing on the freeway, when I hit a bump it pulls to one side. Theres alot of play in the steering wheel.
The steering is very loose and hard to keep on road, I called ford headquarters to see if it was under recall and they said not my VIN was included. I also have a problem with the o/d light blinking. My transmission shift great until the light starts blinking.I think it is a bad cruise control sensor. I read where a lot of those shorted out and started fires.
The steering on the vehicle is loose and wonders all over the road contacted a mechanic and he told me where steering shaft slides together is really loos and steering shaft needs replaced
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford expedition. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to remain in position. The contact had to steer the vehicle in excess to keep the vehicle in position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v196000 (steering), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford expedition. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 35 MPH, there was a knocking noise coming from the steering wheel and noticed the steering wheel was becoming loose. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the intermediate shaft was loose. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v196000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford expedition. While driving 20 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the steering column needed to be replaced and noticed corrosion underneath the undercarriage. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford expedition. While turning the steering wheel to the left, the tires turned to the right without warning. While driving over a speed bump, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 192,000.
Steering gets hard then cuts loose, steering column moves up and down, seems like a serious shaft problem or steering box issue, saw recall and dealer says it was not included, same problem as others, places people at risk and should be covered.
Questions about the 1997 Ford Expedition steering
Does the 1997 Ford Expedition have steering problems?
Owners have filed 93 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford Expedition, 11% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Expedition steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 134,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford Expedition steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 03V196000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Expedition have bad steering?
The Ford Expedition model years with the most steering complaints are 1997 (93 complaints), 1998 (52 complaints) and 1999 (32 complaints).
Other 1997 Ford Expedition problems
Suspension 138Brakes 108Engine 100Electrical 95Acceleration 79Transmission 76Visibility 44Wheels 41Body 38Tires 36Airbags 26Locks 26Lights 20Fuel system 19Seat belts 15Seats 8Driver assistance 2
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