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Ford Expedition - Miscellaneous Problems

Ford Expedition • Engine problems • Spark plug blow-out • Torque converter • Transfer case • Transmission • Gas cap leaks • Spontaneous combustion • Premature rust • Speedometer • Window track • Spare tire hazard • Windshield seals • Rear view mirrors • Cracks in the floor • Miscellaneous

David of Charlotte NC (10/4/02):
The odometer, GEM Module, rear end, air suspension and transmission are malfunctioning caused by interrelated electrical circuitry. I have replaced the GEM Module; the rear end speed sensor, serviced the transmission and the odometer continues to go off for extended periods and the transmission an/or rear end is straining. The air suspension bladders continue to fill up despite no towing at all. The dealership cannot fix the problems.

The car only had 40,000 miles and I have spent $1,000 so far with no sign of any changes. The transmission and suspension air bladders are about to give out.

Kim of Douglasville, GA, writes:
I purchased a Ford Expedition (1999) last year in August. I have returned this truck in the past two months for service. It will go dead while parked on a hill. Last time the dealership replaced some parts and last night 8/3/00 my husband had to push the truck on the sidewalk at the post office to get it to start. We had to try for level ground so the gas was where it needed to be.

Ford says this is normal. Last night I had half a tank of gas when this happened. I consider this very dangerous. I paid $40,000 for this truck.

James of Lancaster NY (6/20/01):
I purchased a 2000 Ford Eddie Bauer Expedition. The quality of this vehicle is extremely poor, as is my treatment at the dealership. I have had numerous problems with the truck. Each time I need service the parts are not available and usually on back order. I have contacted Ford and they are not interested in my complaints. The person at Ford told me I would be lucky if anybody even contacts me.

My dealer has performed poor service and they are only interested in doing anything that will benifit them. Since the purchase of this vehicle I have had the following: leather seats replaced 3 times, pitted and rusty rims, numerous rattles, a power mirrior fell off, defective trailer hitch, manifold gaskets replaced, I still have a transmission problem, tapping lifters, and many other issues related to extremely poor quality, considering the price of this vehicle.

it is very tiring to keep leaving the vehicle at the dealership and have to keep returning for the same problems over and over because either it was not fixed correctly or parts are on back-order, besides cancelling vacations because vehicle was not repaired in time.

Robert of Rockwell, NC, writes:
My 1998 Expedition is a complete joke. I've had the lugs replaced, the windshield washer fluid control replaced, they want $250 to replace the fluids, $100 to replace the anti-freeze, now I find out my 4-wheel drive motor is shot, and my pinnon rod is needing to be replaced., and I have not even used the four-wheel drive. Yes, I take very good care of my vehicles. Will I ever own another Ford? I don't think so.

Craig of Maple Grove, MN:
I leased a 1998 Ford Expedition in September of 1998. In the next few months I had several problems. I had the rear wiper replaced 3 times before it was correct. the Transfer case replaced, and the engine in the vehicle has a horrible "flat spot" at 3,000 rpm at which time the engine will actually lose rpm's while the accelerator is to the floor. I have been told by the dealer that that is just the way it is, and to deal with it.

I have made several calls to Ford customer service number and I can never get past a operator. I am told by the probably teenage girl answering the phones "your complaint will be noted."

Yeah, but who reads the notes? I want my $36,000 vehicle to run the way it should. Perform like a truck, not like an escort. Who do I talk to that will listen?

Gary of Concord, NC, writes:
SUV has developed a vibration within last 1,500 miles. Vehicle has just over 37,000 miles. Dealership has made a valid attempt to resolve problem to no avail. Ford engineers can't nor Borg Warner (mfg of transfer case) have an answer. Now waiting for 2nd Ford engineeer and have waited patiently for some time. This is the third week of troubleshooting efforts.

Looking at other complaints on the web, it seems that I am not the only one with this problem and yet I have been told that the warranty expired at 36,000 and the financial burden would more than likely be mine.

Jeff Page, of the Hilbish Ford Service Dept., said that only a Ford Rep could authorize payment. This vehicle has not been abused in the least. I am 50 years old and have never taken this SUV "4-Wheelin", not even through a mud puddle. It has only been in 4 wheel drive during snowy and icy weather. That's why we picked this vehicle. My wife drives it most of the time. NO TEENAGE OR YOUNG ADULT DRIVERS. My wife and I are the only ones.

We have it serviced religously every 5,000 miles. Still has the original tires and they are in excellent shape. Not sure what my lease agreement says, but I am about ready to terminate my agreement, even though I have never missed a payment. The lease term is 50 months, beginning Dec 98. I was told that end of leases charges (including excess mileage) would be waived if I leased another Ford product or purchased the vehicle.

We are very skeptical that you can terminate your lease early. End-of-lease charges refer to the charges you pay at the end of the 50 months when you turn your big hunk of metal back in, including penalties for excess mileage and wear-and-tear.

Robert of Rockwell NC (1/4/00):
My 1998 Ford Expedition is a complete joke. I've had the lugs replaced, the windshield washer fluid control replaced, they want $250 to replace the fluids, $100 to replace the anti-freeze, now i find out my 4-wheel drive motor is shot, and my pinnon rod is needing to be replaced., and i have not even used the 4- wheel drive. Yes, I take very good care of my vehicles will I ever own another Ford? I don't think so.

Tom of Clemmons NC (12/19/00):
I have owned a new 2001 Eddie Bauer for two months. From the day I took it home it has had a vibration/moan at highway speeds, becoming very annoying at speed from 68 to 75 MPH. The engine also has a buzz at idle, in-gear, brake on, that the dealer says cannot be fixed. It has had four sets of tires (Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin), two sets of wheels, modified engine mounts, similar to the Navigator and an exhaust vibration damper.

Ford acknowledges the problem, but they cannot fix the problem. At this point, I feel like Ford is just happy to let my car stay at the dealership, while they claim the engineers have not gotten back to them regarding any further fixes.

I am going to ask for my money back, or a new Expedition. There is certainly allot of information on the Internet about this problem and also a NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Report that references this problem as Service Bulletin Number: 13725. I gave the Dealer a copy and he said it means nothing to him. Check it out if you have this problem. .

In the event Ford cannot or will not fix this problem, my attorney will address the Lemon Law.

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