Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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.
Dt:consumer stated that since t she bought vehicle it had electrical problems. Dealer told consumer had consumer to take vehicle to a special shop, they would try to figure out the problem. Consumer said that within the first three months vehicle had two ignition switches installedt hat consumer did not have to pay for. Vehicle had several other electrical problems. Consumer said that without the key in ignition the windshield wipers /radio came on, and the air bag deployed. Sometimesm the windows would not role back up after being rolled down. Consumer arrived home after driving vehicle all day. Consumer parked and went inside the house. About five minutes later, found out that vehicle was on fire. Firemen stated they could not tell what caused the fire.
Rear windshield wiper will not to turn on most times. If wiper assembly is jarred hard enought (either by bump or banging on it) will cause it to work for a while. This problem was orginally fixed by dealer, but warranty has passed and the problem has returned. I have taken the unit apart, but believe the unit was never changed and beleive the contacts were cleaned. I believe the wiring is being corroded causing for good contact of the wires.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the finish on the rear of both exterior side mirrors is peeling. He can see the printed circuit board as a result of the failure. The dealer stated that they will repair the mirrors at the contacts expense. The current and failure mileages were 80,034. Updated 09/26/07
Was driving vehicle & applied brakes to slowdown. Brakes fail to catch & hit a moped. Was plenty of distance for stopping. Was third set of brakes on vehicle. Windshield wipers are not working like they should. Problem is intermitten. Took vehicle to dealer & mechanic indicated the ABS brakes are okay. Wipers can be repaired.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 MPH in reverse, both brackets detached off the back window, causing the window to fall outward. The glass did not break, and the vehicle was not taken in for service.
Windshield wipers fail to clean the windshield on both sides of the vehicle and primarily in the center vision area of the wiper area. The wiper blades have been replaced several times but the problem continues. The dealer just replaces the blades. It appears that the height of the windshield is preventing the blade assembly from being able to make full contact on the windshield either do to the shape of the glass or the wiper mechanism is insufficent to provide the necessary pressure throughout wipers range. I have owned many vehicles over 45 years and never had this problem with a vehicle. It is very dangerous in rainy or snowy conditions.
Windshield washer switch repeatedly fails to operate washer. First failure was within the first 1000 miles of ownership. Dealer replaced the switch one time. Failure reoccured within hours. Dealer claimed the switch was OK next two times I asked for it to be fixed. Switch can be made to work by switching to high beams (wiper control is on same stalk). After you switch to high beams the switch May work for hours, minutes, days or seconds. It can be hazardous to switch to high beams when driving at night in traffic. Ford know these switches are defective and has done nothing.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, he began to roll the front passenger side window down. While rolling the window down, it dropped down into the door panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was informed that the window detached from its track, allowing it to drop down into the door panel. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 08/01/11 updated 09/19/11
Vehicle drifts to the right, aligned repeatedly and re-checked, continues to drift, created outside wear on drive tires. Rear wiper failed during rain storm. Power mirror works intermittenly. Power windows do not operate when key is out making it dangerous to exit in an emergency. Windshield wiper worked sporadically, replaced multi-function switch as per recall. Driver's power seat 'clunks' with medium to hard stop or acceleration, making it difficult to steer.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Ford Expedition, 5% of the model year's 853 complaints. The component named most often is glass, side/rear (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Expedition window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1997 Ford Expedition, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Expedition window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.