Caused loss of controll of SUV.
1998 Ford Expedition suspension complaints
Page 4 of 6: complaints 71 to 100 of 144, newest first, as owners wrote them.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Cost for repair $366.83 excluding tax. No safety defec tlisted.
I am writing in response to a news article I saw regarding the federal safety agency investigations of 1997 and 1998 ford expeditions, in particular failures of the front stabilizer bar links. I am creating this defect report because I believe my 1998 ford expedition may also suffer from a defect with the front stabilizer bar link. The stabilizer bar connects the left and right front wheel control arms and is supposed to help in controlling the pitch of the vehicle in turns. When driving, if I drive over the slightest of imperfections in a paved road, the front wheels start to vibrate and I have to slow down to regain control and to make the wheels ride correctly. Also when exiting off a ramp from a highway (meaning a very gradually right exit, not a sharp right turn), there is a loud thumping sound and the wheels again seem to lose control and start to vibrate. Likewise, when making a sharp left or right turn, there is a loud thumping sound and the wheel seem to lose control and start vibrating. I have to press the brakes to slow the vehicle in order to regain control. This is more than just a matter of getting my 'alignment fixed.' please note: I think this is a serious problem which needs more investigation by the federal safety agency. This behavior started about april 2001. This has gradually gotten worse and worse. It now occurs every time I drive this ford expedition. This vehicle has never been in any type of accident to my knowledge. I believe this vehicle to be unsafe, yet I have no alternative mode of transportation to get to and from work. I now have to drive slowly to avoid any problems with losing control of the wheels. Fyi - I called your office at 1-888-dash-2-dot and filed a complaint. But I wasn't quite sure the service representative got all my information. So I am opening this report as a follow-on. The previous dot image number is 715727, and I spoke to carol. You may contact me for further information. Thank you.*ak (tiresize: p265/70r17)
If vehicle hits a slight bump in road it will vibrate. Consumer is responding to a current investigation concerning stabilizer bar. Consumer has to slow down to get control of vehicle.
The support bolt on the left side has broken and the right side is bent and ready to break. I do have photos. The seat belts are ripping in half at a point where the belt is inside the reel. Both shoulder belts on the 3rd seat have ripped and the left side 2nd seat shoulder belt has ripped aprox. 3/4 of the way through. Ford will not commit to replacement, will only evaluate.
When making a sharp left turn stabilizer would go out. Not able to control vehicle. Would immediately need to straigten wheels when this happens. Would not do it when making right turns.
Stabilizer light comes on intermittently, and there is a clicking sound from front of vehicle when making turns. Vehicle taken to dealer 4-5 times, cannot find a problem.
There was no accident involved with this part failure as our mechanic caught the problem before we had an accident. Our mechanic felt since this is the exact same part used in the explorer and mountaineer and has since been recalled, this one for the expedition should be recalled as well. This is the exact same part! Ford was of no help and frankly ford nor the dealership cared about this problem. No safety defec tmentioned.
There was a "clanking" noise coming from the front of vehicle. Upon examination, dealership found that front lower control arm was missing. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
Pe 01 022; front stabilizer link failure: front stabalizer bar broke during an oil change. Vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection. Dealer informed consumer that stabilizer bar was broken. Repairs were made by the dealer. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Vehicle did a 180 degree turn on the right wing of an intersection, consumer loss control and vehicle crashed into a curb, the rear axle was broken with impact on the rear left wheel, the roads were wet at the time of occurance.
The vehicle easily loses contact with the road. Rearend frequently breaks loose and causes the vehicle to fishtail or spin around. Occurs at low speeds with passangers and gear. Occurs most frequesntly on wet or snowy pavement, but also in gravel. Occurs at speeds well below those of other vehicles that are driving on the same conditions with no problems. Resulted in sever single car accident (reported above) on a freeway. Luckily no injuries. Does not corner well and rides extrmely rough, even for a truck. Have reported problem to dealer with no positive outcome or response. Dealer evasive when asked questions about why handling is so poor. Felt they were hiding information about the suspension and handling of the vehicle. Tires are in excellent conditon with less than 3/4 tread wear.
Upon looking under vehicle noticed sway bar links broke, and vehicle swayed alot. Consumer has contacted ford. Please provide any further information.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Broken stabilizer link. Appears to be corrosion related.
Vehicle was in garage when I opened drivers door and stood on running board to gain entry. When I put pressure down there was a pop noise and the left front corner of the vehicle dropped down. It was towed to the dealer and diagnosed as a left torsion bar failure. I had the dealer give me the broken part and it is obvious even to my untrained eye that it had a manufacturing flaw. The end of the torsion bar had a hole init where moisture collcted causing it to corrode and eventually fail by snaping in two. I called ford customer service and they didn't seem too concerned. Their only response was a customer comment card in the mail. I think this could have been a catasrophic accident as this vehicle is designed to carry eight people and pull recreational vehicles. It worries me and my wife that it could happen again and I think some research on where this part was made and if it is made with inferior meterial or workmanship. How many more expeditions are out there with torsion bars that could snap at any time?.
Vehicle does not handle the way it should, it acts like it's out of alignment at all times. Does not go where consumer steers it, and does not handle well. Vehicle not taken to dealer yet.
While driving over speed bump at 2 MPH right front of vehicle dropped. Dealer replaced broken right front torsion bar. *ak
Engine would have severe vibration. Its very noticeable when vehicle is idling. Problem is intermittent. Took to dealership, and was informed that vibration was normal.
While driving vehicle seemed to wander, vehicle was taken into dealer and consumer was informed that the front torsion bar broke, this has since happened again the second time consumer noticed that vehicle was leaning to the left, vehicle was taken back to dealer and consumer was informed that front torsion bar had broke again.
Front torsion bar snapped under normal usage, dealer claims its not a warranty item.
Front left side torsion bar, (part # f75a-ama) snapped, while traveling at 40 MPH, which had I been traveling at a greater speed, may have resulted in a roll over.
Front torsion bar broke while vehicle was parked , causing suspension to collapse. Ford has not been contacted.
Bolt in sway bar/ stablizer bar feel off, causing consumer to lose control when making sharp turns. *ak the left stabilizer link which broke while in motion, and the right stabilizer which was worn out were both replaced.
While pulling up into driveway left front torsion bar sheared off. Dealer notifed, and made repairs at consumer's cost. Please feel free to provide any further details.
Connector between sway bar and lower control arm broke, causing handling of vehicle to become diffcult.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Torsion bar broke in half while car was sitting still. Loud explosion noise rthen the car shifted to the right. Car was disabled and need to be towed. Notified ford and they would not pay for the repair due to out of warrenty condition.
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