1996 Ford Expedition problems

General information about Ford-Expedition
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Ford Expedition is a full-size three-row SUV, manufactured by Ford. Introduced for the 1997 model year as the successor of the Ford Bronco, the Expedition was the first full-size Ford SUV sold with a four-door body. For its entire production life, the Ford Expedition has been derived from the corresponding generation of the Ford F-150 in production, sharing some body and mechanical components. The fourth-generation Ford Expedition began production for the 2018 model year. Similar to the configuration of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the Ford Expedition is sold in regular and extended lengths (the Ford Expedition EL/Max); sold since 2007, the latter functionally serves as the replacement for the Ford Excursion.

Since 1997, the Lincoln division has marketed the Ford Expedition as the Lincoln Navigator, the first full-size SUV sold by a luxury auto brand in North America (the Expedition was never sold as a Mercury). The third Ford vehicle to use the Expedition nameplate, the full-size SUV follows a 1992 F-150 Eddie Bauer concept vehicle and a 1995 trim level package on the two-door Ford Explorer Sport.

Prior to 2009, the Ford Expedition was assembled at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan (previously home to the Ford Bronco). After 2009, the Ford Expedition was moved to the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Common 1996 Ford Expedition problems

The Ford Expedition, introduced in 1996, is a powerful sports utility vehicle that offers ample space and luxury. However, like any vehicle, it has faced its share of problems over the years. This article will focus on common problems with the 1996 Ford Expedition based on complaints from owners.

Transmission Failure: Transmission failure has also been a problem for the 1996 Expedition, occurring around 76,000 miles and costing an average of $2,700 to repair.

Bubbling Paint: Owners of the 1996 Expedition have reported bubbling paint issues, which typically occur around 54,000 miles and can cost up to $4,200 to fix.

Spark Plug Issues: The 1996 Expedition has experienced issues with spark plugs, causing them to break and become stuck in the engine block when attempting to change them.

Electrical and Air Conditioning Issues: The 1996 Expedition has faced problems with its electrical system, including issues with the remote start feature, burnt wiring, malfunctioning heated seats, power liftgate problems, and touchscreen display issues.

Dashboard Rattling: Some owners of the 1996 Expedition have reported dashboard rattling, which can be a nuisance during operation.

Seat Belt Issues: Seat belt problems have also been reported by owners of the 1996 Expedition, potentially affecting the safety and functionality of the vehicle.

These common problems with the 1996 Ford Expedition can help potential buyers make informed decisions when considering purchasing this vehicle. Regular maintenance and inspections can help mitigate some of these issues, but it is essential to be aware of the potential problems that may arise with this model year.

What are the bad years for the Ford Expedition?

The Ford Expedition years to stay away from include:

2004.
2006.
2003.
2005.
1999.
2000.
2011.

What are the most common problem in a Ford Expedition?

What is the best year of the Ford Expedition?

Buy: 2002 Ford Expedition

The most reliable year of Ford Expedition in the first generation is the 2002 model year. According to CarComplaints, the 2002 Expedition has received only 400+ complaints and four recalls – a stark improvement over the previous models.

Is the Ford Expedition a reliable car?

J.D. Power gave the 2021 Ford Expedition a quality and reliability rating of 97/100.

What are the most common problem in a Ford Expedition?

Are older Ford Expeditions reliable?

The Ford Expedition, specifically the older models, is notorious for giving people a lot of issues. In fact, based on customer reviews, many people experience many of the same issues, regardless of the model or year.

What is the best year of the Ford Expedition?

2022 Ford Expedition

As one of the most recent editions to the lineup, the 2022 version is one of the best years for a used Ford Expedition. The 2022 Ford Expedition comes standard with an updated infotainment system, a 12-inch touchscreen equipped with SYNC® 4 technology, and a second-row three-seat bench.

Are Ford Expeditions good cars?

The Expedition is a great pick for a large three-row SUV. It has a spacious interior, comfortable seating, user-friendly technology, powerful turbocharged V6 engines and an easy-to-drive nature. A thirst for premium fuel is our only major complaint.

1996 Ford Expedition car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Expedition problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Electrical system problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Ford Expedition vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Ford Expedition complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Ford Expedition.

2016-05-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-05-16
VIN: 1FMFU18L4VL
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT REMAINED BLINKING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

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2007-10-22

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-10-20
Fire: 1
VIN: 1FMEU18W5VL
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPEDITION. LAST YEAR, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. SHE HAD THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. ONE YEAR LATER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IDLING. AN INSPECTOR FROM FORD STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH; HOWEVER,THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME LIABILITY BECAUSE THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ONCE ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE POWERTRAIN AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

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2002-09-26

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-07-27
Components: TIRES
Summary: THE CONSUMER'S COMPLETED STREET ADDRESS IS: 8535 RED HILL COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE AND HER SISTER WERE IN THE VEHICLE TALKING, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN THE CONSUMER ACCELERATED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE INTENSELY. THE CONSUMER STRUGGLED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SISTER VISUALLY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE TIRE SEEMED TO BE INFLATED. SO THEY PROCEEDED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL STILL VIBRATING, TRAVELING AT ABOUT 10-15 MPH TO A GAS STATION. (A SHORT DRIVING TEST WAS PERFORMED, AND THE CONSUMER WAS SHOWN THE INSIDE OF THE LEFT TIRE, THERE WAS BULDGING FROM THE SPLINTERED TREAD AND A HUGE BUBBLE)-THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS EVIDENCE OF A DEFCTIVE TIRE. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED ON THE FOLLOWING DAY OF THE REPAIRS. SEVERAL HOURS INTO THE TRIP, DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED OF TRAFFIC, THE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED AGAIN. WHEN THE CONSUMER AND SISTER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE THEY HAD SEEN THE INSIDE OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS BULDGING OUT FROM THE SPLIT TREAD AND SPLINTERING STEEL WAS A HUGE RUBBER BUBBLE. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED 5 NEW TIRES. BOTH CONTINENTAL AND FORD HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE INCIDENTS AND DECLINED TO FULLY REIMBURSE THE COST. THE CONSUMER STILL EXPECTS A FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE EXPENSES SHE HAD INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE NEGLIGENCE OF CONTINENTAL TIRE NORTH AMERICA AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *SCC

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1996 Ford Expedition problems:

1996/1997 xlt common problems? | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious ...

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/1996-1997-xlt-common-problems.65255/

Dec 16, 2002 ... On all V6 models, the trannies are weak. On 4x4 models, the front hub assemblies, and cv joints are prone to failure. On 2wd and 4wd, the ball ...

Ford Expedition Problems: Everything You Need to Know

https://www.caranddriver.com/research/a33235469/ford-expedition-problems/

Ford Expedition Model Year Comparison · Engine shutting off after the fail-safe engine light appears in 2006 Ford Expeditions. Average mileage when problem ...

Q&A: Common Problems with 2005 Ford Expedition Fuel Pump ...

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/7xpvl-ford-working-fuel-problems-2005-ford-expedition.html

Aug 14, 2013 ... I am working on fuel problems with a 2005 ford expedition. i have replaced the fuel pump, fuel rail sensor and tried a - Answered by a ...

What are common car problems for a used Ford Expedition? - Quora

https://www.quora.com/What-are-common-car-problems-for-a-used-Ford-Expedition

Nov 20, 2018 ... Former Auto Mechanic (1984–1996) · Author has 188 answers and 2.3M answer views. · 3y. Related. Should I buy a 2014 Ford Escape with 93k miles ...