2001 Ford Expedition: water leaks into the cabin

Filed May 23, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 112,000 miles · MO

Wipers fail, came within inches of major crash several times, due to poor or no visibility from rain or snow because of wipers complete failure. Also, power windows fail, interior lights fail, radio fails, 4 wheel drive fail and it was stated on line that air bag failure is also a problem. Can not drive in rain or snow! When looking up the gem module part (generic electronic module) it was stated in several online parts sources that the 2001 ford expedition had a windshield improperley sealed at the factory on the assembly line. Thus water leaks on the gem module shorting it out; and it was stated that in several of the same vehicles that their entire fuse box fails which is located directly under the gem module which is mounted on top of the fuse box causing entire electrical failure. I feel it is the responsibility of ford to recall these vehicles and fix the problem. It is an assembly line failure, I can not renew my licence due to safety standards until this issue is addressed and ford corrects the problem.

Filed Feb 13, 2015 · Brakes, Electrical · 125,000 miles · OR

This has been an issue since acquiring this vehicle. The brakes are very soft, they will pump up but when a quicker slow down or stop is needed an individual doesn't have a lot of time to remember that. There have been no injuries or crashes as of this date. Master cylinder was replaced on mechanic's advice however this did not improve this issue. As well the vehicle seems to need the lower ball joints wear out quickly. Also please note that each time it rains there is water coming in from somewhere on the top driver's side of the windshield and post. It drips from that hand grip down to light switch and into vent on driver's side as well. There have been times where there is an electrical smell which causes concern of a vehicle fire possibility.

Filed Nov 8, 2013 · Engine · 212,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford expedition. The contact stated that there was an excessive water leak. Upon inspection, it was found that the intake was fractured. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 212,000.

Filed May 11, 2013 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 112,000 miles · CA

I am having various electrical issues ranging from check engine light going on periodically with codes not stored when checked, on, dome light in the car not turn on when driver door opened, radio not working when key is in on position, dash lights go off intermittently. One night during a very heavy rain storm the alarm went off and we were unable to disable for over 30 mins. Had to remove the battery for the beeping to stop. When we checked the next day, inside the vehicle was a puddle of water on the dashboard & droplets were coming from the top drivers side of the windshield. Also noticed that water was streaming down from inside a handle on the frame by side of the windshield on driver side. Unaware of global windshield/seal issues with ford we proceeded to have the windshield replaced. At the time we were unaware of any additional damage. Shortly after while driving we began to experience various episodes of the car revving itself up, as if it was in control of its own speed, making it difficult to control the car. During these episodes of acceleration the car temperature & oil gauges registered at overheated levels & many times the dash lights would go off. In this case I pulled over and turned the car off. After a couple of minutes when I turned the car on, the car was back to normal as if nothing had happened. Typically when this happened although the check engine light was lit, when I took the car in to be serviced by the dealer I was told no error codes were stored in the vehicle. This vehicle continues to self accelerate and rev up intermittently. At present I need to have the car smogged for renewal but the vehicle system readiness test register incomplete and there are no faulty codes listed. I have read that various owners experience these conditions which has been caused by water leak into the fuse box and the gem due to the windshield seal failure.

Filed Jan 3, 2011 · Body · 112,325 miles · WA

Windshield leaking due to faulty sealant. Have all kinds of safety issue with the vehicle now. Water leaks directly into gem module which is responsible for turning on and off all functions of my ford expedition. Things just randomly start and stop working by themselves, including cruise control, four wheel drive, wipers, and heater blower. Some stay on even after key is removed leaving you stranded. The only thing you can do is find someone for a jump start.

Filed Dec 15, 2010 · Electrical · 85,000 miles · VA

In the last 6 months, I have noticed that when it rains, my blower motor will run on high-speed and my lights will flicker after I turn the vehicle off. At first it would stop after a few seconds, however this last time, it ran for about 10 minutes and finally shut off. I called ford motor co to inquire about a recall. They have no record nor keep any data on anything . So I called the local dealer and they were 'familiar' with my problem and had a 'few' fixed. Well, after doing some research on the internet, it turns out there's more than just a 'few' incidents.. There are several!!! The problem appears too start with a water leak in the windshield, going to the fuse box and gemodule which in turn sends electrical currents to the ABS module which cause all sorts of problems. This is a ford manufacturers defect.

Filed Jun 13, 2010 · Electrical · 146,000 miles · NJ

For the past month I have been experience electrical issues with my 2001 ford expedition after heavy rainfalls. On two separate occasions I have had to get a jump to start my truck after it rains and once it starts the electrical system seems to go haywire. The radio turns on and off and there are clicking noises. The vent turns on and off by itself etc. The most important of these malfunctions includes the windshield wipers. On two occasions I have been driving on the highway during these electrical events (while raining) and my windshield wipers have stopped working. Each time I could not see a thing but was able to safely pull over to the shoulder of the road and eventually they start working again. To me this is a safety hazard and by doing research on the web I can see that I am not the only one that has had this issue with an expedition between 1998-2001. Many have experienced the same thing. Apparently water leaks through the windshield and into the fuse box or gem module. What does it take for a recall loss of life? I am really disappointed that so many safety issues have come up surrounding the electrical malfunctions on these trucks and nothing has been done about it. Please let me know if I can get assistance with getting this repaired as well as others who are going through the same things. If ford is willing to risk a life prior to helping fix a known issue I do not think I will be purchasing another ford again.

Filed Dec 12, 2009 · Electrical · 89,570 miles · CA

Ford expedition 2001 raining outside yesterday and today for first time this year. Yesterday, battery light on dashboard (indicating electrical problem) went on for first time. Tonight, went out with my wife and 3 young kids and as we were driving could tell something was definitely wrong with the electrical; radio shut off randomly, lights in cabin began slowly dimming, gauges went off then headlights, all in about a 3 minute period we were trying to get home as quickly as possible, but the expedition almost stalled, etc. We were able to make it home in the dark by the grace of god. Went on the computer and began to read at ford-forums.com and realized our electrical problem was not unique but was a widespread problem that other ford truck/SUV owners experienced. Here's a link to the problems similar to what we experienced [http://www.ford-forums.com/ford-expedition/594-expy-has-serious-electrical-problem-2.html] I believe I'm having the same problem as those who have a leaky/faulty windshield and/or wiper-motor seal. The water gets into the fuse box and/or the gem module causing electrical issues and/or failures. I'm grateful my family is safe but our situation could have been disastrous and even life-threatening had it happened farther from home or on the freeway. I'm not sure what I can do to correct the failure but will be checking with my mechanic and ford dealer.

Filed Mar 17, 2009 · Electrical, Visibility · 50,000 miles · VA

Windshield leaking water causing erratic and unpredictable intermittent electrical failures in a 2001 ford expedition. Windshield wiper operation is effected by water intrusion into the fuse panel and gem as stated in ford motor company advisory. When vehicle is placed into drive it operation of the windshield wipers is either non operational or only operational when vehicle is placed back into park. This a major safety issue which has been swept under the rug by ford motor company. This issue has been documented by numerous complaint on this web site alone. But until someone is injured or killed well this issue come to light and action to correct the problem which effect many families that use these vehicles everyday rain or shine. These incidents have been going on for more than three years.

Filed Dec 2, 2008 · Electrical · 91,000 miles · SC

On the morning of 12/1/08 my 2001 ford expedition would not start, battery was dead. I jumped it off and drove it to the dealer. The AC fan and radio remained on even with the key out of the ignition. I have also learned the ABS system could be affected. Also; due to the electrical system shorting out there is the potential for fire. It has been determined that the windshield leaked water onto the fuse box/gem. Ford issues a special service message #15773, in april of 2002. I bought this expedition from b&b ford at barnwell, sc 29812, 803‑259‑5524 on 2/21/2004. No one mentioned the ssm to me. Now my vehicle is sitting in the middle of the dealership with the under wheel dash removed. They are telling me the it will be over $600.00 for the repair. This includes resealing the windshield, replacing the fuse box and gem. I feel that I have been driving in a vehicle that is poised to cause my family harm or death. Purchasing from a dealer one would have to agree that these issues should be resolved before the vehicle was sold to me. Once again, I was never made aware of any issues now a possible $600.00 plus bill. They ordered the parts today. This is definitely a ford problem not an ed problem. How many others are riding around in these time bombs? Thanks for your time. Ed corley

Filed Oct 29, 2008 · Electrical, Visibility · 70,000 miles · NY

Windshield leaking water causing erratic and unpredictable intermittent electrical failures in a 2001 ford expedition. This is dangerous.

Filed Jul 24, 2008 · Electrical, Visibility · 89,000 miles · FL

Water leaked through windshield. Car stays on when key is out at times wasting all gas. Blower and dash lights stay on at times draining battery.