1998 Ford Expedition
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Suspension, Wheels & Tires leads by volume: 213 of 836 complaints (25%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Steering include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 853 in 1997 to 836 in 1998.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | vs. 1998 Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,150–4,800 | 4,150–4,800 | 4,450–5,200 | 4,150–4,800 | |
| Combined MPG | 13–15 | 13–15 | 12–14 | 13–15 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 11–14 / 16–18 | 11–13 / 15–18 | 11–12 / 15–17 | 11–13 / 15–18 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 592–684 | 592–684 | 635–741 | 592–684 | |
| Complaints filed | 853 | 836 | 946 | 890 | |
| Recalls issued | 9 | 7 | 9 | 11 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 52 | 43 | 52 | 55 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 74 | 73 | 77 | 199 | |
| Injuries reported | 48 | 37 | 62 | 43 | |
| Deaths reported | 11 | 1 | 5 | 2 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Expedition have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1998 Ford Expedition?
Suspension, Wheels & Tires: 213 of 836 NHTSA complaints (25%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Ford Expedition get?
EPA rates it 13–15 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1998 Ford Expedition?
EPA estimates $4,150–$4,800 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 13 mpg (high) | 18 mpg (high) | 15 mpg (high) | $4,150 (low) | 592 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 12 mpg | 16 mpg | 13 mpg (low) | $4,800 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.6L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 4WD | 12 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.4L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 4WD | 11 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | $4,800 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 143 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 70 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 28 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 120 | 2 | 31 | 3 | 0 |
| Brakes | 57 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 52 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 213 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 44 | 20 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 78 | 9 | 31 | 5 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 47 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 72 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 32 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 06E067000 · Aug 1, 2006
Defect: 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 CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 06E060000 · Jun 29, 2006
Defect: 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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Campaign 05V388000 · Sep 7, 2005
Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
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 CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 00V168000 · Jun 29, 2000
Defect: 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 PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.
Consequence: THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
TRAILER HITCHES · Campaign 00V073000 · Mar 13, 2000
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS COULD LOSE THE CLAMP LOAD.
Consequence: THE TRAILER HITCH COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS · Campaign 98V095000 · May 13, 1998
Defect: 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 MOUNTING SURFACE.
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN THE LOOSENING OF LUG NUTS, STUD FATIGUE FAILURE, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A WHEEL SEPARATION FROM THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
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 PROCEDURE CAN BE COMPLETED BY OWNERS OR THEIR DEALERS. IT SPECIFIES THAT THE LUG NUT TORQUE MUST BE VERIFIED TO BE 100 LBS. THEN THE LUG NUTS NEED TO BE TIGHTENED AN ADDITIONAL 1/8 TO 1/4 TURN MORE. THERE WILL BE A SECOND OWNER NOTIFICATION, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JULY 20, 1998, UNDER WHICH DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEEL STUDS AND REPLACE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) · Campaign 97V171000 · Oct 10, 1997
Defect: 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 SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY CAN COME OUT OF THE BRACKET. THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WOULD THEN NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITIONS INTO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE "PARK."
Consequence: THE CONDITION WOULD NOT ALLOW A DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE PARK POSITION OR AFFECT PROPER NEUTRAL START SWITCH OPERATION. UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR IF THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT SET.
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.