1999 Ford Expedition: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Sep 2, 2010 · Suspension · 138,000 miles · NJ

My lower rear control arms that attach to the rear axle frame rusted and failed on both sides, causing me to lose control of vehicle. No injuries. It was a catastrophic failure. My neighbors 97 expedition had the same problem 2 months earlier. His friends 98 expedition also had this problem, resulting in damage to his vehicle. Junk yards and ford dealership said this is a very common problem, but no recall as of yet.

Filed Sep 23, 2009 · Suspension · 101,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford expedition. She stated that while driving 45 MPH the drive shaft fell from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. The technician concluded that there was corrosion in the suspension system, including the control arms. No repairs have been made. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. She has pictures of the failed component. The vehicle identification was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 101,000. Updated 10/21/09. *lj updated 10/20/09

Filed Aug 8, 2006 · Suspension · MI

Dt*: the contact stated the air suspension seized because the ball joints were detaching. After the suspension seized the check suspension light illuminated.

Filed Dec 5, 2005 · Steering · 77,959 miles · OH

When turning into parking lot entrance after complete stop, the steering suddenly became loose and I felt a vibration and heard a skidding noise from one tire. The steering was loose but responsive while I turned into a parking spot. After that, the right front wheel would not turn with the steering wheel. The ball joint on the passenger side tie rod had separated. I had the car towed to a local ford dealership where the tie rod was replaced. The dealer discarded the old parts.

Filed Mar 9, 2005 · Steering · 47,271 miles · NC

I received an unusual safety bulletin from ford with a discription of how mechanics should inspect ball joints (steering linkage). I said to myself then, when I have this inspection performed, the car will have defective parts that will have to be replaced. I was right. $594.45 for ball joint replacements at 47,271 miles! Ball joints should last 100,000 miles or more. I believe ford should replace for free since they installed defective parts on new vehicles. Defective steering linkage is a critical safety issue. I would suggest they do a recall. Thank you.

Filed Mar 5, 2005 · Steering · NJ

Was pulling out of a parking spot in shopping center when the front drivers side of the car collapsed to the ground. Before pulling into the shopping center had been on the major highway at 65 MPH with children in the car. The car was stuck in middle of traffic at shopping center until a tow truck could come and tow the car away to causeway ford in manahawkin new jersey. Upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced on side of car that collapsed and on the other side when dealership stated that the other side was bad also. Also need wheel alignment cam adjusters and spindle clip replaced and found inner tie rod failed on driver side. Old parts would be at causeway ford in manahawkin, nj.

Filed Jan 19, 2005 · Steering · 67,000 miles · OH

In june I purchased my expedition and noticed that there was a rumbling noise and pulling to one side at a speed of 55 about two weeks later. I had taken it back to the dealer he said they checked it out can not find anything wrong. While turning in to a parking lot in sept. I heard a crack and my steering was not good. I thought nothing serious ,well when I went to leave I could not back up my front wheel was dragging results was a broken tie rod. Very lucky to not be driving down the road with my 3 children. The front end is still making the noise in which dealer said front wheel bearings now that my warranty is expired ! Is there a recall ?

Filed Dec 15, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · 78,000 miles · IN

I have a 1999 ford expedition eddie bauer, on monday, december 13,2004 I was having brakes and rotors replaced on my truck. The mechanic notified me that there was a major problem with the tie rod end. He said that the bolts were broken on one side and missing on the other. He also stated that he was surprised that the vehicle was still upright and that I had not been in an accident. My vehicle has now been in the shop for 3 days due to this problem. The mechanic who is fixing the problem stated that I needed to find out if there are any recalls on this vehicle for the tie rod end.

Filed Nov 4, 2004 · Steering · 81,000 miles · MI · crash

While driving front tie rod snapped. This caused a minor vehicle collison, and the vehicle was towed. Dealership will be notified.

Filed Oct 26, 2004 · Steering · 36,200 miles · OH

While driving 20 MPH consumer heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle, and lost steering control. A tow truck was called in. Tow truck driver informed consumer that the tie rod broke. Vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. Dealer was not notified.

Filed Oct 12, 2004 · Steering · 98,070 miles · MI

The consumer was making a right turn when the passenger side wheel turned outward and failed to move. *jb it was determined that the tie rod end failed.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Suspension · 100,500 miles · NY

The lower ball joint on the passenger side snapped in half without warning. As a result the vehicle collapsed to the ground. The mechanic replaced the ball joints.