1998 Ford Expedition
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 836
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 1998
Opened by NHTSA
17% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 836 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 853 |
| 1998 | 836 |
| 1999 | 946 |
| 2000 | 890 |
| 2001 | 578 |
| 2002 | 340 |
| 2003 | 615 |
| 2004 | 296 |
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 215 |
| 2008 | 146 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 71 |
| 2012 | 118 |
| 2013 | 92 |
| 2014 | 71 |
| 2015 | 164 |
| 2016 | 216 |
| 2017 | 357 |
| 2018 | 376 |
| 2019 | 503 |
| 2020 | 410 |
| 2021 | 236 |
| 2022 | 112 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 37 |
| 2026 | 10 |
| 2027 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
17% · 145 reportsMost commonly citing torsion bar and stabilizer bar.
Show complaint excerpts
The right torsion bar of my 1998 Ford Expedition cracked in March 2001. No injuries were reported.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-06
Engine and engine cooling
15% · 128 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Electrical system
14% · 121 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
On June 21, 2003, I traveled to a grocery store just outside my subdivision. I was in the store about ten minutes when the store manager started to page the owner of a blue Expedition. At the time I thought I had left my lights on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-18
Takata recall my truck has a burning spell and was some smoke it was park I was about to pull off on my street where I live
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-01
Vehicle speed control
9% · 78 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Expedition. While parked, the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called and a report was filed. The fire department stated that the fire was caused by a short in the cruise control switch.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-19
Power train
9% · 76 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and gear position indication (prndl).
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1997-10-20Power train97V171000 Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. If the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached to the steering column bracket, the…
Remedy: Dealers will make the proper attachment of the transmission shift control cable to the steering column bracket and add a tie strap to that connection.
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1998Complaint volume 836 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
1998-04-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1998-07-21 Tie rod end failures
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R
1998-07-20Wheels98V095000 Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles and light duty pickup trucks. The lug nuts on these vehicles may not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor…
Remedy: Owners of these vehicles will be receiving two notifications. The first notification, which began in May 1998, will provide an interim repair procedure until parts become available. This interim…
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I
1999-09-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-03-08 Factory installed towing hitch separatio
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R
2000-05-15Trailer hitches00V073000 Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly to the frame attaching bolts could lose the clamp load.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates.
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2000-07-19Exterior lighting00V168000 Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the…
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
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I
2001-07-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2001-11-09 Front stabilizer link
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I
2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
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2005-09-12Vehicle speed control05V388000 On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Remedy: By letter dated September 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed…
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I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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2006-07-28Exterior lighting06E067000 Certain maxzone headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/nos. 331-1129L-asn and 331-1129R-asn, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on July 28, 2006. Owners may contact maxzone at 909-822-3288.
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2006-08-01Exterior lighting06E060000 Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the…
Remedy: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006. Owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Ford Expedition — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 145 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 128 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 121 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V171000 · Power train
- Recall 98V095000 · Wheels
- Recall 00V073000 · Trailer hitches
- Recall 00V168000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 05V388000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 06E067000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E060000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Ford Expedition reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Ford Expedition is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford Expedition?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Expedition have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.