VIN Vehicle Report

1997 Ford Expedition

1FMFU18L1VLC30635

Vehicle record for the 1997 Ford Expedition (VIN 1FMFU18L1VLC30635). Black, wagon / suv, gasoline / lpg. Registered in Kyiv. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.

9 recall campaigns → Gasoline / LPG
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No photo of this model yet1997 Ford Expedition · Black on the registration record

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Full vehicle history report

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Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1FMFU18L1VLC30635, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 9 recall campaigns for this model year are shown free further down.

Title & Salvage Check · $4.99 Full report · $9.95 (everything)

📜 Title & ownership

  • Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)
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  • Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means
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  • Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace
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  • Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign
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🛞 Odometer

  • Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline
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  • Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards
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  • Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average
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💥 Damage, loss & theft

  • Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date
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  • Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags
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  • Theft screenActive and recovered theft records
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  • Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)
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  • Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane
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💰 Liens & value

  • Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records
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  • Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition
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  • DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection
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  • Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid
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🧰 Factory warranty & equipment

  • Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer
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  • Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in
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🚨 Recalls on this VIN

  • Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time
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History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.

At a glance

LocationKyiv, UKRAINE
ColorBlack
Recall campaigns9

Vehicle identity & specifications

Make
Ford
Model
Expedition
Year
1997
Body style
Wagon / SUV
Vehicle type
Passenger car
Displacement
5.4 L
Fuel type
Gasoline / LPG
Country of origin
United States

🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1997 Ford Expedition data →

📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)

🏭 Manufacturing & other

sourceua_mvs
Registration regionkyiv
Last operation date2026-04-22
Last operation540 - ЗНЯТТЯ З ОБЛІКУ У ЗВ`ЯЗКУ З ВИБРАКОВКОЮ
PurposeЗагальний
Engine cc5400
Own weight kg2564
Total weight kg3450

Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.

What's a 1997 Ford Expedition worth?

What comparable 1997 Ford Expedition vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,314
High
$4,488

Most 1997 Ford Expedition listings fall between $700 and $4,488, from 10 comparable cars.

Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.

Exact-VIN valuations are part of the history report, available for US-titled vehicles.

MPG & running costs

U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1997 Ford Expedition.

Combined13–15 mpg
City12 mpg
Highway17 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,800
FuelRegular
EPA size classSpecial Purpose Vehicles
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$12,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.

Crash-test safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Ford Expedition.

Frontal crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1997 Ford Expedition 4-DR. 4x4. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Ford Expedition costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$24,000
Fuel only$24,000
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
204.7 in
Width
78.7 in
Height
76.4 in
Wheelbase
119.3 in
Curb weight
4,800–4,899 lb
Front track
45.7–65.4 in
Rear track
45.7–65.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Ford Expedition — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 7

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD Closed

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES. ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECT…

NHTSA #DP05005 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Sep 2005 · closed Jan 2006

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD¿S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS). THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE. FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1…

NHTSA #EA05005 · Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control · opened Mar 2005 · closed Aug 2006

STEERING SHAFT SEPARATION Closed

SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY FOR TECHNICAL DETAILS

NHTSA #EA02001 · Steering · opened Feb 2002 · closed May 2003

FRONT STABILIZER LINK Closed

NHTSA #PE01022 · Suspension · opened Jul 2001 · closed Nov 2001

FACTORY INSTALLED TOWING HITCH SEPARATIO Closed

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT SOME OF THE EIGHT HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS EITHER BECAME LOOSE OR CAME COMPLETELY OUT OF ITS RETAINING PLATE. ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATED THAT WHILE TOWIG A TRAILER THE HITCH ACTUALLY SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FOUR MOUNTING BOLTS ON THAT SIDE CAME COMPLETELY OUT. THIS ALLOWED…

NHTSA #PE99060 · Equipment · opened Sep 1999 · closed Mar 2000

TIE ROD END FAILURES Closed

NHTSA #PE98024 · Steering · opened Apr 1998 · closed Jul 1998

INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION TORSION BAR Closed

THREE CONSUMERS HAVE REPORTED FAILURE OF ONE OF THE TWO FRONT SUSPENSION TORSION BARS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. IN ONE CASE THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, AND THE VEHICLES WERE PARKED WHEN THE OTHER TWO FAILURES OCCURRED. NO CRASHES HAVE BEEN REPORTED. TORSION BAR FAILURES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE FAIRLY UNCOMMON AND IN EACH OF THE REPORTED CASES, THE FAILURES OCCURRED AT RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGES.…

NHTSA #PE98009 · Suspension · opened Feb 1998 · closed Jun 1998

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 408

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 408.

SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE

Bulletin 07212 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2007

WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT

Bulletin 041601 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2005

REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *TT

Bulletin 05618 · Power Train · Apr 2005

USE OF STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST STUDS IN SERVICE FOR 5.4L 2V ENGINE. *TT

Bulletin 0554 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2005

REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *SC

Bulletin 050618 · Suspension · Jan 2005

GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

Bulletin 042107 · Power Train · Dec 2004

CUSTOMER MAINTENANCE REMINDER - LITERATURE PROGRAM 04L19 - TIE ROD INSPECTION PROCEDURE. *TT

Bulletin 04L19 · Steering · Sep 2004

ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04.

Bulletin 031404 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2004

AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR NOISE. *TT

Bulletin 0454 · Suspension · Mar 2004

POP/THUMP NOISE AT END OF WINDOW MOVEMENT AND/OR DRIVER'S WINDOW BOUNCE BACK AND REVERSE TO MID-POSITION. *TT

Bulletin 0457 · Visibility · Mar 2004

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the EXPEDITION. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 8

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Ford Expedition. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch dis…

Transport Canada #2005028 · Feb 2005

Steering

On certain vehicles, Ford has issued a scheduled maintenance guide update which specifies that every 20 000 kms, the steering linkage, which includes tie-rod ends, should be inspected. The vehicle owner is asked to place the tie-rod end inspection procedure supplied with this maintenance guide update in the vehicle's glove box for reference and safekeeping. The vehicle owner is…

Transport Canada #2004164 · May 2004

Steering

On certain vehicles, the intermediate steering shaft yoke may not have been properly seated onto the steering gear input shaft during installation. In this condition, the yoke may not be properly clamped to the input shaft. This may result in separation of the yoke from the steering gear input shaft and a loss of steering control, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash. Corre…

Transport Canada #2003141 · May 2003

Structure

On certain vehicles, the trailer hitch assembly attachment bolts may lose clamp load. If the operator does not notice the condition due to rattle or other looseness of the trailer hitch assembly, there is a potential for the trailer hitch to separate from the vehicle. Correction: Trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates will be replaced with higher strength mounting bolts an…

Transport Canada #2000079 · Mar 2000

Suspension

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOOSENING OF THE LUG NUTS, STUD FATIGUE FAILURE, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. CORRECTION: WHEEL STUDS WILL BE INSPECTED AND WHEEL LUG NUTS WILL BE REPLACED WITH REVISED…

Transport Canada #1998095 · May 1998

Structure

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE OPERATOR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITION INTO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE "PARK". THIS COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT IF THE…

Transport Canada #1997180 · Oct 1997

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV produced by Ford Motor Company since the 1997 model year. Introduced as the replacement for the 1978–1996 Ford Bronco, the Expedition again maintained commonality with the F-150, shifting its form factor to a truck-based five-door station wagon. Initially competing between the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban, the Expedition also serves a competitor against the Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada, and the Jeep (Grand) Wagoneer. From 2000 to 2006, the Expedition was slotted below the Ford Excursion in size. Currently in its fifth generation, the Expedition is produced in two wheelbases, with both versions offering seating for up to eight passengers.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

Safety recall campaigns 9

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Remedy: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

NHTSA Campaign #06E067000 · 01/08/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

NHTSA Campaign #06E060000 · 29/06/2006

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Remedy: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO R

NHTSA Campaign #05V388000 · manufacturer #05S28 · 07/09/2005

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. IF THE YOKE IS NOT FULLY SEATED AND BOLT GROOVE AND SPLINE IS VISIBLE, THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND BOLT WILL BE REPL

NHTSA Campaign #03V196000 · manufacturer #03S02 · 27/05/2003

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.

NHTSA Campaign #00V168000 · manufacturer #00S14 · 19/06/2000

TRAILER HITCHES

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS COULD LOSE THE CLAMP LOAD.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES.

NHTSA Campaign #00V073000 · manufacturer #00S05 · 07/03/2000

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE.

Remedy: OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE RECEIVING TWO NOTIFICATIONS. THE FIRST NOTIFICATION, WHICH BEGAN IN MAY 1998, WILL PROVIDE AN INTERIM REPAIR PROCEDURE UNTIL PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THIS INTERIM PROCEDURE CAN BE COMPLETED BY OWNERS OR THEIR DEALERS. IT SPECIFIES THAT THE LUG NUT TORQUE MUST BE VERIF

NHTSA Campaign #98V095000 · 13/05/1998

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. THE VEHICLE OPERATOR 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…

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.

NHTSA Campaign #97V171000 · 07/10/1997

SUSPENSION:REAR

THE REAR AXLE TRACK BAR BRACKET CAN SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME DUE TO MISSING WELDS OR INADEQUATE WELD PENETRATION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TRACK BAR BRACKET REINFORCEMENT KIT AND INSPECTION OF THE AXLE TUBES. THE SUSPECT AXLE TUBES DO NOT HAVE A STAMPED DATE CODE ON THE TUBE. AXLES WITHOUT DATE CODES ON THE TUBES WILL BE REPLACED.

NHTSA Campaign #96V252000 · 18/12/1996

Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.

These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

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Common problems & what to inspect

Based on all 906 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Ford Expedition, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.

💥 53 involved a crash 🔥 76 involved a fire 🚑 53 reported injuries

Suspension 141 reports

🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Service Brakes 108 reports

🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Hydraulic 100 reports

🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Steering 99 reports

🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Electrical System 97 reports

🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Engine And Engine Cooling 93 reports

🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Pre-purchase checklist

Owner complaints 906

Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Ford Expedition.

STEERING,VISIBILITY

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…

NHTSA ODI #11591275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Vehicle will speed up or slow down in certain times for certain speeds without notice smell of smok and looked hurt wiring

NHTSA ODI #11458221

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

WHILE COMING TO A STOP AND THE INTERSECTION OF LONGSTREET AND HIGHWAY 82. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND I SLED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION INTO A DITCH. I WAS TRAVELING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 50 MPH. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVERS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE A BROKEN NOSE FROM HITTING STEERING WHEEL. SEAT BELTS WERE ON FRONT …

Crash · 2 injured · NHTSA ODI #11383877

ENGINE

MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION XLT BEIGE IN COLOR SINCE I HAVE OWN THIS VEHICLE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE FIVE (5) SPARK PLUGS AND COIL FOR THEY HAVE BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER AND I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED INTO A REPAIR FACILITY WHICH HAVE BEEN COSTLY TO ME. THE ENGINE ON THIS VEHICLE IS A 5.4. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME OF THE PROBLEM …

NHTSA ODI #11365980

STEERING

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 F…

Crash · NHTSA ODI #11343190

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHEN EXAMINING MY VEHICLE WHICH SUPPOSEDLY HAD A RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL SENSOR ON BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, FOUND THAT FORD ONLY ADDED A FUSABLE LINK TO PREVENT FIRE AS THE SENSOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN LEAKING AT THE TIME. IT HAS SINCE LEAKED AND THE ADDED BIT OF WIRE WITH THE BLUE TAG HAS BLOWN IT'S FUSES BUT I BELIEVE THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS NOW DISABLED MY …

NHTSA ODI #11325759

STEERING,SUSPENSION

TAKATA RECALL, MY STEERING IS BAD LIKE IM FISHTAILING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN I HIT A BUMP IT PULLS TO ONE SIDE. THERES ALOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ODI #11156712

STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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 F…

NHTSA ODI #11140296

+ 898 more complaints on record.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?

No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.

Is the VIN 1FMFU18L1VLC30635 valid?

1FMFU18L1VLC30635 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in United States. It decodes to the 1997 Ford Expedition.

Are there safety recalls on the 1997 Ford Expedition?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 1997 Ford Expedition model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What is a fair price for a 1997 Ford Expedition?

Comparable 1997 Ford Expedition listings run roughly $700–$4,488, typically around $1,314 (from 10 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.

What is the 1997 Ford Expedition safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1997 Ford Expedition crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What fuel economy does the 1997 Ford Expedition get?

The 1997 Ford Expedition has U.S. EPA estimates of 13–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.