Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!!
Tl 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
Related recalls
Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the intermediate shaft yoke separates from the steering gear input shaft, the steering system becomes disconnected.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering intermediate shaft yoke to determine if the yoke is fully seated on the steering gear input shaft. If the yoke is fully seated no service is required.
NHTSA investigations
Tie rod end failures
There is no summary currently available
Steering shaft separation
See attached summary for technical details
Steering complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 94 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford Expedition, 11% of the model year's 853 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Expedition steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-196 (shaft sector, May 27, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Expedition steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 134,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.