Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 vehicle 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. Have accident, the car roll over to another car, I can"t park down hill is to dangers, is tot safety .
The vehicle 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. Have accident, the car roll over to another car, I can"t park down hill is to dangers, is not safety .
Vehicle was placed in park. While the vehicle was running it jumped out of park into reverse and rolled down a hill into some metal poles which stopped the vehicle. This occurred on private property and there was no other damage to property or person other than the rear door panel of the vehicle which was damaged by the impact. The shift lever of the vehicle will not go into park properly now and appears to be somewhat loose. I have an invoice that indicates work was done under warranty to correct a problem with the shifting cable on 12/29/1997, but the dealer and Ford claim no such work was ever done.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact bought the vehicle with a known shift cable assembly failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was repaired, but the details of the repair was unknown. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 097v171000 (power train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000.
Vehicle was idling in park on a slight incline when suddenly vehicle jumped in drive and rolled down an embankment. The vehicle collided with several trees, causing the vehicle to be totaled. Parking brake was not on at the time of the incident, nor was there any one in the vehicle.
Paint and finish on roof of vehicle peeling, cracking, flaking off - oxidation from rust, ruining entire outer car surface - have been advised that primer coat was either missed or skimped during the production process... Ford will not address this issue - one male rep from Ford stated: "the paint job is only supposed to last 2 years" not an acceptable answer...also, child safety locks engage themselves, thus preventing occupants in rear seats to exit vehicle, can cause injury or death in an emergency situation... Also, vehicle rear wheels and or axels "chatter" at low speed turns... …
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact viewed NHTSA campaign id number: 97V171000, power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (PRNDL) and stated the vehicle would not properly shift into park gear. When she tried to shift into park, the vehicle would roll. She had to apply the brake pedal, shift into neutral gear, get out of the vehicle and push it back into the driveway while forcing the gear into park. When she tried to start the vehicle it failed to start unless it was in neutral gear. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified and stated there were no recalls. The manufacturer was notified and stated they would document the call; otherwise, there was nothing they could do. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Problem with gear shift on 1997 Ford Expedition. The problem is a "sticking" shifter that won't allow the vehicle to placed in park. Therefore, the vehicle can't be properly secured and/or restarted since the vehicle can't be shifted to the start postion. The indicator indicates "p" for park but the transmission is still in reverse. Vehicle must be shifted to neutral for starting giving the opportunity for potential roll offs. Could be related to NHTSA campaign # 97v-171nsa-111 although local dealer states my vehicle id doesn't fall under this recall. Local certifed mechanic states the problem is in the actual cable that be the result of vehicle recall defect. He has personnally fixed 3-5 of these defects within the last 3 months in a small rural shop.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idled in the driveway, he noticed that the exterior and interior lights were flashing, the stereo would turn on and off, and the door locks would lock and unlock. The contact unplugged the battery and the vehicle operated as normal. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission completely failed and the contact noticed water leaking in from the windshield onto the dashboard. Both the dealer and manufacturer were notified, but denied any assistance with repairs of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000 and current mileage was 197,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that he is unable to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position. The failure occurred even though the gear shift selector would indicate park, which allows unintended vehicle movement. The manufacturer stated that they were not responsible for any repairs since the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 97V171000 (power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (PRNDL)). The vehicle has not been repaired according to the recall. The failure and current mileages were 166,000.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
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.
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.
Transmission complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 76 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Ford Expedition, 9% of the model year's 853 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Expedition transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-171 (gear position indication (prndl), Oct 7, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Expedition transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries and 2 deaths to transmission & drivetrain 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.