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 1998 Ford Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving my 1998 Ford Expedition at about a 35 MPH speed, on a smooth dry paved road, a sudden load bang noise with tire squealing and a loss of controll of the steering occured. Inspection of vehicle steering revealed the rh inner tie rod joint had fallen apart. The ball and socket of the tie rod had broken and no sterring controll of the rh frt tire resulted. No vehicle damage resulted (other than the tierod), no personal or property damage occured. Ford had sent me a letter of concern with the steering and suspension. It contained a brief note on how to check for defective or worn parts. When I called the dealership they informed me their would be a charge for the service. I checked the vehicle myself using their recomendation and noticed no worn parts. I have informed Ford and the dealership of the concern, they said bring it in to the dealer to inspect. Again the wanted $$. …
Years ago when purchased the Expedition I noticed the shift gear out of alignment. I try to contact the dealer as I heard that this was a recall; I was told that the recall is not for my vehicle. It has know been a few years since I bought the truck and I'm now experiencing what I've noticed many others with an Expedition which is truck is not engaging into parking position and rolls. This is a concern to me as my drive way is on a slight up hill. This is an endangering to the public, the issue happens unexpectedly. I would not like to see someone hurt because of a roll back or forward due to what is supposed to be a manufacture defect from the many cases I've read up on so far. Ford dealer needs to address this issue as well as the coil and spark plug which blows out of engine and air suspension problems. …
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Expedition. When the key was turned in the ignition, the vehicle would not start. The gear indicator was not in park and the contact was unable to shift into park. He noticed a screw on the floor. The contact, a mechanic, took the dashboard apart and noticed that the screw fell from the steering column. The screw was replaced, but it continued to fall out. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 97V171000 (power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (PRNDL). The passenger side headlight would fail every three months and was replaced. The failure mileage was 115,000 and current mileage was 126,000.
Dt: consumer was driving on highway and prepared to exit on off ramp when left driver's side tie rod separated from vehicle and entered the wheel well which caused vehicle to come to a violent halt. Vehicle was towed to dealer, and dealer confirmed tie rod broke. Inspected right side, and said that tie rod was near failure as well. Repairs were made. That was second time in 3 years that tie rods were replaced. The first time it was under warranty, and the second incident was not covered under warranty. Consumer was upset that these parts t failed. Had not occurred under normal wear and tear circumstances. This was street and highway driving, no rough wear on the vehicle.
Dt: the consumer stated that the 1998 Ford Expedition was having a problem with the steering and was making a loud noise. There is a clanking sound. The problem is intermittent. When turning the steering wheel at a slow speed one can hear the noise. The speed is 5 MPH. The consumer had the vehicle in the shop three times over the noise problem. No one can find the cause of the problem. The only thing that they know is that is coming from the front end. The consumer has not contacted Ford about this problem. The mechanic suggested that it May be the steering column or around that area.
Dt: the consumer stated the driver's side outer tie rod broke on her vehicle as she was driving on the expressway at 50-60 MPH. This happened on 8-30-05. She reports having no problems prior to this. There was not an accident. She had received a letter from Ford on 9-04 to have the tie rods inspected every 15,000 miles. She had the vehicle inspected immediately after receiving the letter. The car had 90,000 miles at that time. Both outer tie rods were replaced.
While driving 35 MPH on a sheet of ice vehicle lost control and slid into a guardrail. Upon a frontal impact, driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, whichnot protecting the occupants. Also, driver's seatbelt did not retract, which did not hold the occupant in seat, and causing occupant to sustain injuries. Please provide further information.
Ford motor company contacted--they deny liability--dealer contacted-ignored eye witness statement. Tire snapped off tie rod assembly and caused vehicle to go off road-- no help from the dealership-- accident occured as result of tire snapping off the tie road right at the lock nut joint. There is no evidnece of steel bending. It just shattered.
While driving at 60 MPH the front end tie rod broke without warning. As a result the driver lost control of the vehicle but was able to recover and pulled to the side of the road. The front left side of the vehicle had collapsed. Please provide additional information .
Consumer heard a sound while steering the vehicle. It was a thumping sound. Dealer stated that it sounded like tie rod failure . Dealer advised consumer that tie rod was defective and would need to be replaced.
NHTSA investigations
Tie rod end failures
There is no summary currently available
Steering complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Ford Expedition, 6% of the model year's 836 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Expedition steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1998 Ford Expedition, though it has 5 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 1998 Ford Expedition steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries and 1 death 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.