1997 FORD EXPEDITION Steering Problems

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became loosened while making a left turn. The contact stated that the "Check Suspension" and "Check ABS" messages were displayed on the instrument panel along with the oil, brake, and battery warning lights being illuminated. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the part needed to repair the steering wheel was no longer in stock. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as from the dealer. The contact also stated that moisture had begun to leak from the sunroof. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

Mileage: 171,000

STEERING IS EXTREMELY OVERACTIVE AND SEEMS TWITCHING, MEANING AT LOW SPEED OR AT HIGH RATE OF TRAVEL VERY SLIGHT MOVEMENTS OF THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE SUDDENLY, AND UNCONTROLLABLY, PREVIOUS OWNER WENT OFF HIGHWAY AND FELT UNSAFE IN VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I IMAGINE THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE VARIABLE ASSIST POWER STEERING BUT CANNOT FIND ANY DIAGNOSTIC AIDE IN RESOLUTION OF ISSUE.

Mileage: 261,900

TAKATA RECALL, MY STEERING IS BAD LIKE IM FISHTAILING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN I HIT A BUMP IT PULLS TO ONE SIDE. THERES ALOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL.

Mileage: 190,000

THE STEERING IS VERY LOOSE AND HARD TO KEEP ON ROAD, I CALLED FORD HEADQUARTERS TO SEE IF IT WAS UNDER RECALL AND THEY SAID NOT MY VIN WAS INCLUDED. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE O/D LIGHT BLINKING. MY TRANSMISSION SHIFT GREAT UNTIL THE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING.I THINK IT IS A BAD CRUISE CONTROL SENSOR. I READ WHERE A LOT OF THOSE SHORTED OUT AND STARTED FIRES.

Mileage: 180,000

THE STEERING ON THE VEHICLE IS LOOSE AND WONDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD CONTACTED A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME WHERE STEERING SHAFT SLIDES TOGETHER IS REALLY LOOS AND STEERING SHAFT NEEDS REPLACED

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO REMAIN IN POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V196000 (STEERING), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Mileage: 170,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS BECOMING LOOSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V196000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

Mileage: 134,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND NOTICED CORROSION UNDERNEATH THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

Mileage: 63,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, THE TIRES TURNED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.

Mileage: 192,000

STEERING GETS HARD THEN CUTS LOOSE, STEERING COLUMN MOVES UP AND DOWN, SEEMS LIKE A SERIOUS SHAFT PROBLEM OR STEERING BOX ISSUE, SAW RECALL AND DEALER SAYS IT WAS NOT INCLUDED, SAME PROBLEM AS OTHERS, PLACES PEOPLE AT RISK AND SHOULD BE COVERED. *TR

Mileage: 127,416

TL* THE CONTACT 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING BOLT ON THE VEHICLE BROKE. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN IN NUMBER: 03V196000 (STEERING: GEAR BOX: SHAFT SECTOR), BUT WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 105,000.

Mileage: 105,000

THERE IS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL, IT ROCKS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I AM A MECHANIC SO I REPLACED BOTH SHAFT BEARINGS BUT THIS DID NOT CURE THE PROBLEM. THE UPPER STEERING SHAFT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE YOKE IS WEARING OUT CAUSING THIS CONDITION. IF THE YOKE SHOULD SNAP THE ABILITY TO STEER WILL BE LOST AND CAN CAUSE DEATH. THIS IS A CRUCIAL AND CRITICAL STEERING COMPONENT THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. CAN YOU LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS THIS REPAIR WILL HAVE TO BE DONE ASAP. ALSO THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTED OUT THEY ACTUALLY HAVE HOLES IN THEM I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS WOULD BE COVERED AS WELL. THIS VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED, I HAVE DRIVEN A LOT OF DIFFERENT VEHICLES AND NEVER SEEN STEERING AND SUSPENSION PARTS WEAR OUT LIKE THIS BEFORE. THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE THEY USED TO. I LIKE MY TRUCK THOUGH,I WILL BUY ANOTHER FORD IN THE FUTURE, BUT FOR RIGHT NOW I GOT TO KEEP THIS ONE ROLLING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THANKYOU *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING BECAME RESISTANT. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE STEERING GEAR BOX SHAFT FAILED. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN CONTINUOUS AND IS BECOMING WORSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V196000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 230,796. THE CONSUMER STATED FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL PREVIOUSLY LISTED. UPDATED 11/06/07 *TR

Mileage: 230,796

TIE ROD THREADS STRIPPED LEADS TO COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING AND NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE. *NM

Mileage: 106,000

MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION 4X4 WITH 95,000 MILES JUST EXPERIENCED A FAILURE IN THE DRIVERS SIDE TIE-ROD. THE INNER TIE-ROD END SHREDDED WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE CENTER LINK. *JB

Mileage: 95,000

THE STEERING SHAFT WAS LOOSE AT THE GEAR BOX , THE TECHNICIAN SAID THERE WAS ALMOST NO CONTACT AND WOULD NOT LET ME DRIVE IT HOME SAYING IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS AND WAS ABOUT TO COME UNDONE AT ANY TIME. THE WHEEL COULD BE TURNED 1/3 AROUND AND THERE WAS NO MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF THE DEGREE OF SEPARATION MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE GROUP THAT WAS RECALLED IN RECALL NUMBER 03S02 DATED MAY 2003, THEREFORE I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS MYSELF. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THEY CANNOT HELP ME BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T RECALL MINE. THERE COULD ALSO BE OTHERS THAT WERE NOT RECALLED. I HAVE THE RECEIPT TOTALING ABOUT $340. THE PAPERWORK FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIP READS: FOUND STEERING SHAFT LOOSE AT BOX. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY I HAD TO PAY FOR WHAT OTHER OWNERS GOT FREE BECAUSE IT WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *JB

Mileage: 95,685

CONSUMER STATED THAT STEERING MADE A CLICKING SOUND,AND HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. ALSO, HIGH BEAM LIGHTS DID NOT WORK UNLESS CONSUMER HELD THEM . CONSUMER WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR IT TO BE CHECKED OUT.*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE STEEL LINE RUSTED AND WAS ALLOWING BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK. *AK THE FIRST INCIDENT,THE BRAKE LINE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER RUSTED THROUGH AND THEN ON THE THIRD OCCASION THE POWER STEERING LINE FROM PUMP TO RESERVOIR RUSTED THROUGH. *SCC *JB

Mileage: 120,000

WHILE TRYING TO PARK LOST POWER STEERING . DEALER REPLACED PITMAN ARM/STEERING ASSEMBLY/ INTERMEDIATE ARM/POWER STEERING GEAR BOX, AND RACK AND PINION. *AK

WHILE TRYING TO PARK LOST POWER STEERING . DEALER REPLACED PITMAN ARM/STEERING ASSEMBLY/ INTERMEDIATE ARM/POWER STEERING GEAR BOX, AND RACK AND PINION. *AK

WHILE TRYING TO PARK LOST POWER STEERING . DEALER REPLACED PITMAN ARM/STEERING ASSEMBLY/ INTERMEDIATE ARM/POWER STEERING GEAR BOX, AND RACK AND PINION. *AK

WHILE TRYING TO PARK LOST POWER STEERING . DEALER REPLACED PITMAN ARM/STEERING ASSEMBLY/ INTERMEDIATE ARM/POWER STEERING GEAR BOX, AND RACK AND PINION. *AK

WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF, AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. *JB

PURCHASED USED EXPEDITION IN LATE FEB, 2003. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED EXTREMELY SENSITIVE STEERING. SLIGHT INPUT, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED IN RAIN OR WIND, CAUSED LARGE CHANGES IN VEHICLE DIRECTION. LOWER FRONT TIRE PRESSURE, NECONNECTING REAR STAB BAR, FE ALIGNMENT, AND NEW SHOCKS HAVE HELPED THE PROBLEM BUT IT IS STILL WAY TOUCHIER THAN IT SHOULD BE. FORD DEFINITELY HAS A PROBLEM BUILT INTO THIS VEHICLE MODEL. I HAVE OVER 40 YEARS DRIVING EXPERIENCE IN ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES AND HAVE SEEN NOTHING LIKE THIS. I ASSUME IT IS INHERENT IN THE VARIABLE ASSIST POWER STEERING. *NLM

THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE STEERING ASSEMBLY 03 V 196 000. *JB

THE VEHICLE EMITS A RUBBING NOISE WHILE STEERING. *NLM

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STEERING ASSEMBLY ALSO STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING ASSEMBLY BROKE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE STEERING ASSEMBLY TEAR OFF. CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT HIS HORN, THE AIR BAG, CRUISE CONTROL AND THE AIR BAG ON THE PANEL IS ON. TS

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE WILL BOUNCE. CONTACTED DEALER. THIS WAS A RESULT OF THE TIE ROD HAVING TOO MUCH PLAY. *AK *SCC

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH ON HIGHWAY RIGHT FRONT STEERING ROD FELL OFF UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

DRIVING WITH FAMILY IN CAR ,DOING 35 MPH WHEN I LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF THE STEERING.YOU COULD SPIN THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY AROUND WITH NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHAT SO EVER. I WAS ABLE TO GRADUALLY STOP THE CAR , BUT IT STILL ROLL UP A CURB TO A COMPLETE STOP. NO ONE WAS HURT,I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED IN TO THE LOCAL DEALER. DEALER REPORTED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN HAD SLIPPED OUT OF THE GEAR BOX ,THUS STRIPPING THE GEAR ITSELF. I ASK THE DEALER IF IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRENTY ,HE SAID IT SHOULDN'T BE.I SENT A LETTER TO FORD ,THEY SAID IF THE DEALER DOESN'T THINK IT SHOULD BE COVERED ,THAN IT SHOULDN'T BE COVERED. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ,WHAT IF MY WIFE WERE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY LIKE SHE DOES EVERY DAY TO WORK OR IF MY SON WERE DRIVING IT ,HE IS A NEW DRIVER.I JUST GLAD NO ONE WAS HURT. FORD DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.COULD YOU PLEASE HELP.*AK

TIE ROD END SEPARATED AT THE KNUCKLE, CAUSING VIBRATION AND LEFT FRONT TIRE AND WHEEL TURNING IN AND MAKING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. *AK

AFTER MAKING A RIGHT TURN OFF A MAJOR PARKWAY IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY NY, WHERE WE HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT 60 MPH, I MADE A RIGHT TURN AT EXIT . AFTER PROCEEDING 25 FEET, A HORRIFIC NOISE WAS HEARD, THE CAR LOST STEERING ABILITY AND SHOOK AND BUCKED WILDLY. HIT A TREE ON ROADSIDE AND CAME TO REST. FOUND THAT THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL JOINT COMPLETELY SEPARATED AND THE LEFT WHEEL HAD NO STEERING AT ALL. THE INCIDENT WOULD HAVE KILLED MY ENTIRE FAMILY HAD IT HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS SHOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE. PRIOR TO THIS, LAST YEAR, BOTH SWAY BAR LINKS FRACTURED, ALSO RESULTING IN A NEAR CRASH SITUATION. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. IT IS A DEATH MACHINE ON WHEELS!!!!*AK

INNER TIE ROD HAD TO BE REPLACED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. FIVE MONTH AGO, OUT TIE ROD HAD TO BE REPLACED. PROBLEM WAS DUE TO NO GREASE FITTING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

LEFT AND RIGHT TIE RODS BROKE OFF WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, AND CONSUMER COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER FIXED THE PROBLEM.*AKBOTH TIE RODS BROKE OFF BETWEEN 75 AND 85 K MILES. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OFF RAOD OR IN AN ACCIDENT, THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF FAILURE PRIOR TO BOTH INCIDENTS. *JG

FAILURE WAS DUE TO DAMAGE ON LOCKING BOLT BETWEEN LINKAGE AND STEERING BOX.

WHILE DRIVING TIE ROD BROKE, PREVENTING ANY MOVEMENT OF STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

THE VEHICLE STARTED GROANING WHENEVER YOU TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, CONSUMER STATES HE LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THERE WAS GREASE SMEARED AROUND SEVERAL LINKAGES, IN WHICH HE BELIEVES WAS A TEMPORARY FIX TO SELL THE VEHICLE.*YH

THE VEHICLE STARTED GROANING WHENEVER YOU TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, CONSUMER STATES HE LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THERE WAS GREASE SMEARED AROUND SEVERAL LINKAGES, IN WHICH HE BELIEVES WAS A TEMPORARY FIX TO SELL THE VEHICLE.*YH

WHILE DRIVING INNER TIE ROD FAILED AND SNAPPED APART, PREVENTING ANY MOVEMENT OF STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY THE DEALERSHIP FOR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS AND NOISES. DEALERS DETERMINED THAT PITMAN ARM AND STABILIZER BAR HAD CRACKED. REPAIRS HAVE YET TO BE MADE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

STABILIZER BAR END LINKS WERE BROKEN IN HALF AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION AT APPROX. 60,000 MILES DURING 2000 C.Y. ALL BALL JOINTS AND TIE ROD ENDS HAD FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF OVER $1600.00. THE "LUBE-FOR-LIFE" DESIGN FOR THESE COMPONENTS IS A FARCE. THEY WERE RUSTED AND WARN OUT AND CREATED AN UNSTABLE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING SITUATION. THIS VEHICLE HAS SEEN NO OFF-ROAD DRIVING. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING STEERING GEAR BOX COMPLETELY MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWAY OR PULL TO LEFT OR RIGHT, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

THE VEHICLE CAN'T BE DRIVE FORWARD OR REVERSE BECAUSE THE LEFT INNER TIE ROD END HAD FALLEN OFF, IPON EXAMINATION OF THE TIE ROD END THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO BOLT OR ANY OTHER MECHANISM TO HOLD THE TWO PARTS TOGETHER, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN.

THE VEHICLE CAN'T BE DRIVE FORWARD OR REVERSE BECAUSE THE LEFT INNER TIE ROD END HAD FALLEN OFF, IPON EXAMINATION OF THE TIE ROD END THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO BOLT OR ANY OTHER MECHANISM TO HOLD THE TWO PARTS TOGETHER, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN.

I'VE HAD TWO TIE ROD BREAK SINCE I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE. (I WASN'T SURE OF THE DATE, SO I MADE ONE UP ON THE QUESTIONAIRE. I CAN FIND OUT IF NEEDED. IT WAS IN 1999 BUT I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DATE THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED)THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WE WERE DRIVING AROUND 60MPH DOWN THE ROAD, WITH LOTS OF CURVES, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED GOING OUT OF CONTROL. LIKE WHEN YOU GET A BLOWOUT. I'VE CONTACTED CUSTOMER SEVICE FOR FORD AND SHE WAS NO HELP. I'M GOING TO BRING THE PART THAT BROKE TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND SEE WHAT HE CAN DO. ALTHOUGH WHEN I SPOKE TO HIM ON THE PHONE, HE TOLD ME THERE PROBABLY WOULD BE NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. I DON'T USE THIS VEHICLE HARSHLY AND DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE TYRODS ARE BREAKING. THAT PUTS ANYONE IN A LIFE-THREATENING POSITION AND I FEEL SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS. THE FORD DEALER THAT I PUT ON THE QUESTIONAIRE MIGHT BE OUT OF BUSINESS NOW SO THE PHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS MIGHT BE INCORRECT. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER IS COPPER COUNTRY FORD LOCATED IN HOUGHTON MI.

EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER ASSIST AND STEERING WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH DUE TO FAILURE OF POWER STEERING PUMP. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TOTAL STEERING LOSS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND SAID THAT STEERING SHAFT HAD SHEARED. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK THE VEHICLE HAD A DESIGN DEFECT. IT COST THE CONSUMER OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR REPAIER, WHICH THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO REIMBURSE. *YH

WHILE DRIVING 20-30 MPH STEERING FROZE. CONSUMER HAD A VERY HARD TIME GETTING VEHICLE TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND CAUSE, STATED TO TAKE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER.*AK

CONSUMER HEARD LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED LACK OF STEERING CONTROL. DELAER FOUND PITMAN ARM HAD TO BE REPLACED. FORD WAS NOT CONCERNED THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, CLAIMED THAT THIS PART WAS ROUTINE MAINTENANCE.*AK

CONSUMER HEARD NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE, WENT TO DEALER WHO FOUND THAT TIE ROD END WAS BREAKING, REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING OUTER TIE ROD BROKE AND CAUSED TIRE TO TOW, AND OTHER TIRE IS JUST GOING STRIAGHT. *AK

HAD TAKEN VEHICLE AT LEAST 3 DIFFERENT TIMES TO DEALER FOR NON WORKING RADIO. AFTER 3RD TIME DASHBOARD STARTED SMOKING. COULD SMELL RUBBER & PLASTIC. WENT BACK TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC INDICATED WOULD NEED TO REWIRE & THEN REGROUND THE WIRES. HAD ALSO CLAIMED PENNY IN RADIO CAUSED ELECTRICAL SHORT. DUE TO ALARM GOING OFF, KEY COULD NOT BE USED. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. MECHANIC COULD NOT RESOLVE ISSUE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & INDICATED IT WAS DRIVER'S PROBLEM. *AK

WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING WENT OUT. CONSUMER SAID IT TOOK ALL HIS/HER STRENGTH TO TURN WHEEL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.

FIRST TIME I HEARD A LOAD NOISE ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER TO BE FIXED THEY SAID IT WAS THE TIE ROD AND REPLACED IT. NOW ITS MONTHS LATER AND I HAD TO HAVE MY STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY UPPER AND LOWER COLUMN UPPER SHAFT AND LOWER BEARINGS AND IN LOOKING UNDER CAR FIND THAT STEERING SHAFTS AND ASSEMBLY ARE STILL LOOSE AND WOBBLE AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE OF VEHICLE. *AK

FIRST TIME I HEARD A LOAD NOISE ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER TO BE FIXED THEY SAID IT WAS THE TIE ROD AND REPLACED IT. NOW ITS MONTHS LATER AND I HAD TO HAVE MY STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY UPPER AND LOWER COLUMN UPPER SHAFT AND LOWER BEARINGS AND IN LOOKING UNDER CAR FIND THAT STEERING SHAFTS AND ASSEMBLY ARE STILL LOOSE AND WOBBLE AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE OF VEHICLE. *AK

FIRST TIME I HEARD A LOAD NOISE ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER TO BE FIXED THEY SAID IT WAS THE TIE ROD AND REPLACED IT. NOW ITS MONTHS LATER AND I HAD TO HAVE MY STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY UPPER AND LOWER COLUMN UPPER SHAFT AND LOWER BEARINGS AND IN LOOKING UNDER CAR FIND THAT STEERING SHAFTS AND ASSEMBLY ARE STILL LOOSE AND WOBBLE AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE OF VEHICLE. *AK

WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND BECAME INOPERABLE DUE TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN POWER STEERING PUMP. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

THE LEFT TIE ROD DISCONNECTED FROM THE STEERING CONTROL MECHANISM ON A STRAIGHT CITY ROADWAY AT A SPEED OF 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE SEVERELY (AS ONLY ONE WHEEL HAD STEERING CONTROL), BUT I WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED AT 65 MPH, A ROLLOVER WOULD HAVE PROBABLY OCCURRED. THIS VEHICLE IS MOSTLY DRIVEN BY MY WIFE, AND HAS NEVER BEEN OFF-ROAD. THE STABILIZER LINKS WERE SEVERELY WORN, AND ONE OF THEM WAS MISSING ENTIRELY. THE INNER AND OUTER LEFT TIE RODS AND THE TWO STABILIZER LINKS WERE REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP (COON'S REPAIR OF HOUGHTON, MI) AT A COST OF $186. PLUS $40 TOWING. I DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER.

WHILE BACKING THE VEHICLE OUT OF A PARKING SPOT I BEGAN TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT, AND HEARD/FELT A GRINDING, THEN OBSERVED A 6" 3/8IN BOLT SHOOT OUT FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL. AFTER THAT THE STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND. UPON EXAMINATION OF THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL I FOUND ON THE GROUND THE 3 MOUNT BOLTS THAT HOLD THE STEERING BOX TO THE FRAME MEMBER. THE STEERING BOX WAS HANGING 4" FORWARD AND LOWER THEN IT'S NORMAL MOUNTING POSITION. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT SKYLINE FORD IN SALEM, OREGON AND SCHEDULED TO BE LOOKED AT FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING.

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY INTO TRAFFIC WITH FAMILY IN VEHICLE AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL STEERING CONTROL. TIE ROD END SNAPPED OUT (FAULTY DESIGN), REPLACED WITH MOOG BRAND PROPERLY DESIGNED OUTER TIE ROD. ALSO THE SWAY BAR SEPARATED FROM THE TRUCK. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT USED FOR ANY TYPE OF "OFF ROAD" DRIVING, THERE WAS NO WARNING BEFORE THE TIE ROD WENT. MORE THAN ONE AUTO MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THAT FORD IS THE ONLY AUTO COMPANY THAT MAKE THEIR TIE RODS IN THIS MANNER. THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ANY "SAFETY" FEATURE TO THE TIE ROD END TO KEEP IT FROM FALLING OUT. I HAD JUST BEEN TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH TWO MINUTES PRIOR TO THE TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. WE ARE CERTAINLY AWARE THAT THE MILEAGE ON OUR VEHICLE WARRANTS SOME WEAR AND TEAR, HOWEVER, THESE TIE RODS ARE JUST NOT MADE PROPERLY. PLEASE RESEARCH THE DESIGN USED AND COMPARE TO THE MORE APPROPRIATELY DESIGNED MOOG BRAND REPLACEMENTS. ALSO THE SWAY BAR IS COMPLETELY UNATTACHED FROM THE VEHICLE ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE. *AK

LOST CONTROL WHILE TURNING INTO AN INTERSECTION AT 5 MPH DUE TO DRIVER'S SIDE INNER TIE ROD DISCONNECTING. ALSO, BOTH SIDE SWAY BAR LINKS FELL OFF. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. *AK *ML

WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH LEFT FRONT INNER TIE ROD END BROKE, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. PART WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. FORD HAS PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. *AK *ML

HEARD A SQUEAKY NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING LINKAGES: PITMAN ARM. CONSUMER HEARD NOISES WHEN MAKING TURNS. DEALER SAID PITMAN ARM COULD NOT BE LUBRICATED, HAS TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONSUMER'S COST. *AK

THE STEERING SLIPS AND OVER STEERS, 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS HAVE CHECKED AND CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *ET

CONSUMER NOTICED A "SQUEAL/RUBBING" NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, DEALERS TECH DETERMINED IT WAS A BAD PITMAN ARM BUSHING, UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION DURING THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT, TECH NOTICED THE STEERING SHAFT WAS ALSO CRACKED IN SEVEN PLACES.*ET

CONSUMER NOTICED A "SQUEAL/RUBBING" NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, DEALERS TECH DETERMINED IT WAS A BAD PITMAN ARM BUSHING, UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION DURING THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT, TECH NOTICED THE STEERING SHAFT WAS ALSO CRACKED IN SEVEN PLACES.*ET

CONSUMER NOTICED A "SQUEAL/RUBBING" NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, DEALERS TECH DETERMINED IT WAS A BAD PITMAN ARM BUSHING, UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION DURING THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT, TECH NOTICED THE STEERING SHAFT WAS ALSO CRACKED IN SEVEN PLACES.*ET

CONSUMER NOTICED A "SQUEAL/RUBBING" NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, DEALERS TECH DETERMINED IT WAS A BAD PITMAN ARM BUSHING, UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION DURING THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT, TECH NOTICED THE STEERING SHAFT WAS ALSO CRACKED IN SEVEN PLACES.*ET

WHILE MAKING A TURN VEHICLE WAS MAKING A FUNNY NOISE. DEALER REPLACED TIE ROD END/T IDLER ARM, AND STEERING GEAR ARM. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

WHILE MAKING A TURN VEHICLE WAS MAKING A FUNNY NOISE. DEALER REPLACED TIE ROD END/T IDLER ARM, AND STEERING GEAR ARM. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

WHILE MAKING A TURN VEHICLE WAS MAKING A FUNNY NOISE. DEALER REPLACED TIE ROD END/T IDLER ARM, AND STEERING GEAR ARM. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

PITMAN ARM HAD TO BE REPLACED ON TWO OCCASIONS WITH 15,000 MILE OF WEAR DUE TO NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

CONSUMER VEERED RIGHT TO AVOID ANIMAL AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT STEER RACK DUE TO THE POWER STEERING GEAR SHAFT ASSEMBLY (SHEARED IN TWO) FAILURE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND COLLISION WITH PARKED VEHICLES. *MJS

HOOD LIGHT CONNECTION FAULTY.'CLUNK' GOING OVER MODERATE BUMPS DUE TO SUSPENSION CONCERN-DEALER SAID IT WAS BECAUSE MY GAS TANK WAS 3/4 FULL AND IT WAS 'SLOSHING' AROUND.TECHNICIAN DESCRIBED A 'TRANSMISSION CHATTER' BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE.STEERING WHEEL HAS 1/2 INCH OF PLAY.***OUR VEHICLE HAS HAD 42 REPAIRS, 38 REPAIR DAYS, 36 PAGES OF WARRANTY WORK AND OVER $10,000(CDN) IN WARRANTY COSTS. IT HAS 6 WARRANTY REPAIRS PENDING (PLUS A REPEATED REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE DOCUMENTED 'PISTON SLAP'). WE ARE CURRENTLY SLATED FOR ARBITRATION WITH CAMVAP OCTOBER 27, 1999. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US. WE ARE SIMPLY FED UP! REGARDING THE SIGNATURE CARD, IF IT IS APPLICABLE FOR CANADA PLEASE FORWARD US A CARD. IF WE CAN BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

THE STEERING BOX WAS COMPLETELY LOOSE WHICH RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. *YC

POWER STEERING SHAFT FELL OUT, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK COMSUMER STATES HE REPLACED THE POWERING STEERING PUMP HIMSELF. *JB

BOLTS WHIH HOLD THE STEERING GEAR TO FRAME BROKE. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REPAIRS WERE DONE UNDER WARRANTY. FOR NHTSA INFORMATION FILE. *AK

VEHICLE HAD TWO SETS OF FRONT TIE ROD REPLACEMENTS SINCE NOVEMBER, 1998, AND BELIEVED THAT THIS CONDITION WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT (ANTI-SWAY BAR LINK ARMS). DELAER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE 98 VEHICLE WAS CORRECTED FOR THAT SAME PROBLEM, BUT NOTHING WAS DONE FOR OWNER OF 1997 VEHICLE. CAN NHTSA PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK

COMPANY VEHICLE. IE98026; WHILE DRIVING ONE WHEEL POINTED TO RIGHT AND ONE TO LEFT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN VEHICLE. TIE ROD END BECAME SEPARATED FROM LINK PIECE. DEALER CONTACTED, AND STATED NO WARRANTY ON VEHICLE. REPAIRWORK DONE AT OWNERS EXPENSE. PROVIDED FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

WHILE EXITING A BUSY FREEWAY STEERING LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. ALSO ABS BRAKES FAILED, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON/OFF. *AK

STEERING WHEEL IS SENSITIVE WHENEVER TOUCHING IT OR TRYING TO STEER VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS TO FOLLOW STEERING WHEEL INORDER TO DRIVE. *AK

STEERING SECTOR BOLT SHEARED, STEERING BECAME INOPERATIVE AS PART OF SHEARED BOLT FELL INSIDE OF STEERING SECTOR. *MJS

SUSPENSION SYSTEM FEELS THAT IT DOES NOT HANDLE PROPERLY, BOLT FELL OUT OF THE FRONT END, AFTER REPAIR FRONT END FELL OUT OF THE TRUCK DUE TO TIE-ROD ENDS PULLING APART.

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S STEERING COLUMN VIBRATES AND TURNS MORE QUICKLY THAN NORMAL WHICH MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK

THREADS ON THE TIE ROD END THAT SCREW INTO THE ADJUSTING SLEEVE FAILED, THE THREADS WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT.

MADE LEFT TURN FROM STOP. AS WEEL WAS CORRECTING ITSELF, VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AND STEERING CONTROL WAS LOST. VEHICLE PULLED TO RIGHT THEN HIT AND JUMPED 9" CURB. STEERING ARM DOWN TO RIGHT FRONT TIRE IS BROKEN. STEERING MALFUNCTIONED BEFORE STRIKING CURB, BUT DAMAGE IS BEING BLAMED ON FACT THAT VEHICLE STRUCK CURB. BOTH TIRES HIT CURB AT VERY LOW SPEED.

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ENGINE SHUT DOWN . CAUSE OF PROBLEM DEFECTIVE CRANKSHAFT SEAL. ALSO TIE ROD END WAS NEVER CONNECTED TO VEHICLE AT THE FACTORY. *AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINED SINCE HE PURCHASED VEHICLE IT HAS A STRONG VIBRATION IN THE STEERING SYSTEM. *AK

STEERING IS VERY SENSITIVE, SLIGHTEST MOVEMENT CAUSES LOSS OF CONTROL.

STEERING IS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE THAT SLIGHT MOVEMENT IN STEERING WHEEL COULD RESULT IN OVERSTEERING AND VEHICLE SWERVING /LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK

TIE ROD AND ADJUSTER SLEEVE FAILED.

VEHICLE DESIGN IS TOP HEAVY WITH VERY SENSITIVE POWER STEERING, CREATING AN OVER STEERING PROBLEM, DUE TO DESIGN FLAWS THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL IN ICE AND ROLL OVER OCCURRED.

TOO MUCH MOTION IN STEERING,TO MUCH POWER IN STEERING. DEALER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. SAID HAS TO WITH THE DESIGN OF THE VEHCILE. *AK

SPEED SENSITIVE POWER STEERING SYSTEM, WHILE TOWING AND ENCOUNTERING CROSSWINDS AND SPEEDING TRUCKS, CAUSES SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE IN VEHICLE DIRECTION WHICH CAN EASILY DESTABILIZE THE TRAILER BEING TOWED.

SENSOR ON THE POWER STEERING WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STEER VERY HARD, THIS CREATED A PROBELM WITH KEEPING THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE.

POWER STEERING SENSOR FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STEER VERY HARD.

DRIVER EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHEN TIE ROD SEPARATED FROM SLEEVE CONNECTED TO STEERING. *AK

WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MPH AND PULLING A TRAILER ON TWO MAJOR HIGHWAYS, VEHICLE WAS SENT INTO VIOLENT FISHTAILING THAT CAUSED VEHICLE TO MOVE ACROSS THREE LANES BEFORE BEING ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL. DRIVER CLAIMS THIS WAS DUE TO A SERIOUS DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE POWER ASSIST STEERING. *AK

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT DRIVER STEPPED ON BRAKE AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, CRASHING INTO A BANK. DRIVER'S SHOULDER HARNESS DID NOT WORK, AND AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. *AK

DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE ON A DRY STRAIGHT ROAD. THE VEHICLE ROLLED TWICE COMING TO REST UPSIDE DOWN ON HIGHWAY.

POWER STEERING UNIT LEAKS FLUID. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALER SAID IT WAS A DEFECTIVE PART. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE UNIT. *AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES OVERSENSITIVE STEERING. CAN MOVE WHEEL ABOUT 1/4 INCH AND THE VEHICLE MOVES OVER 2 LANES TOO QUICK. CAUSE UNKNOWN. **AK

VEHICLES POWER STEERING IN HIGH/GUSTY WINDS WITH MINIMAL MOVEMENT HAS UNDESIRED AMOUNT OF MOVEMEN,T ESPECIALLY WHILE TOWING IN EXPRESS WAY SPEEDS. *AK

GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT END ON FULL TURNS.