Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This issue was at night while driving the headlight to see at night had turned off at a 35 MPH speed no bumps no turn just driving straight. This is a serious issue, you use your lights for night and your are left with no lights, as a result for this huge problem I received a ticket that is how I found out my lights were not working. The headlights fuses, module components, wiring were checked no issues there, as for all other lights example emergency lights, rear lights interior lights are functioning. But as the electrician found the directional switch combo was burned left with a white shadow in one area it was replaced, and now functioning. As for the suspension not functioning properly is this an issue that has not been able to be resolved. I have taken it to different shops and there is no air leakage in the suspension pump and other areas that are linked with the suspension. …
Dt*: the contact stated the electrical connectors to the exterior lights melted causing the lights to become inoperable. This is the second time the connector has been replaced. The first time the connector for the low beams was replaced. As a result the vehicle only had day time running lights. The second time the connector for the blinkers and the hazards flashing warning lights were replaced. The dealership was alerted however they are unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer has been alerted.
Interior and running board lights come on and stay on, from 10 minutes to over 1 hour. Varies. Intermittent problem. Seems to happen more in wet weather. A real hazard as driving at night with interior lights on is dangerous. They might time out after a few minutes or it May take an hour or more, you never know. Ford should take care of this regardless of warranty as it is very obviously a defect on their part. This has happened the entire life of this vehicle and continues to occur.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. While driving at approximately at 35 MPH, the contact was pulled over by a police officer because the headlights were not functioning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact inspected the vehicle and did not notice a failure with the fuses or the relay. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. While driving various speeds at night, the contact's visibility is impaired because the headlights do not shine brightly. The dealer stated that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 06e060000 (exterior lighting). He has not made any repairs to the exterior lighting. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 170,000 and current mileage was 174,000.
Car was dead when I woke up. Jumped it, speedometer didn't work afterward. Lights in right hand corner blink on and off I was told by the Ford dealer it is a gem module is getting water in it but I do not have a leak in my windshield. I researched online and several people have had this same problem. It becomes dangerous because the car won't move sometimes in the middle of driving on the freeway. I seems to happen when it rains (which is everyday in seattle) I have almost been hit 3 times because of this problem and I just bought the car.
The "door ajar" signal keeps coming up on my display panel - when this happens, the interior lights come on and won't go off for 30-45 seconds. At night this is a serious hazard because neither I or my teenage children who drive it can see safely. I'm having the part replaced tomorrow but would like to be reimbursed. The service man at my local Ford dealer told me they are seeing this problem a lot. It seems to me that an investigation needs to be made. Thank you.
While driving 50 MPH, the driver noticed that the headlights were inoperative. This caused the driver poor visibility. The vehicle was taken to a body shop for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the multifunction switch needed to be replaced. Combo switch was replaced. Consumer was concerned that the deactivation switch, which was known to cause fires, was not recalled for her vehicle.
Multi-function switch which controls windsheild washers and wipers has failed 5 times in less than 5 years and the result of the failure is the inability to activate the washer system. At any given time, if the windsheild becomes fouled, I do not know if I will be able to clean it or if my vision will be seriously impaired.
While traveling on the interstate at night at approximately 65mph, I switch the headlights from high beam to low beam and the headlights went out completely. The only way I could see to drive was to hold the wiper, headlight dimmer arm fully to the rear. This item was replaced under warranty after it defected once before.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
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…
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Headlight complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1997 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the lights of the 1997 Ford Expedition, 2% of the model year's 853 complaints. The component named most often is turn signal › switch (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Expedition headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-168 (exterior lighting, Jun 19, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Expedition headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 113,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.