Problems with 1999 Ford Expedition VISIBILITY

Changed heater core in the front along with the blend door heat lasted for up to 3 days and got nothing but cold air in the front of my truck blowing out still have heat in the back this is crazy it is to cold for this and i spent my last on fixing my heat to only result in it going back out three days later people are telling me it might be the heater box motor i just want heat i'm tired of shivering while i drive . *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford expedition. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the dealer stated that the fuse box and gem module multi-function failed due to a water leak from the windshield. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the failure mileage was 99,084.

Our battery died because the air fan inside the car would not shut off. once i got car jump started noticed that many electrical devices were either not working or turning on and off by themselves. these problems continued after i replaced battery. i took it to the dealership and was told that the windshield in 1999 ford expedition leaked causing electrical shortages in most electrical components in the car. and would cost $1000.00 to fix and the windshield would need to be replaced for another $200.00. after researching this i have found that this is a well known problem in this model but no recall has been established. *tr

1999 ford expedition windshield leaks and shorts out electrical system. happens when unattended often and turns on lights and other systems so battery goes dead. had ford dealer repair one year ago and problem has returned. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford expedition. the contact stated that she previously experienced failures with the battery losing power and the vehicle shutting off without warning. the battery was replaced three times, but the failure was not corrected. on may 16, 2009, while driving approximately 30 mph, the battery lost power and the windshield wiper washer released fluid. within seconds, the vehicle shut off. the dealer stated that the gem module was corroded. the manufacturer filed report number 0481541389 and stated that there was no recall; therefore, they would not assist. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 130,000.

It started off with a beeping, that happened once and a while. i also noticed when the defroster was turned on black dust like stuff would blow out. then one day my husband and i heard the expedition trying to start. no keys in the ignition, no one in the truck! my husband had to disable the battery to get it to stop. we were going to take it to the ford dealer,but when we started it, it continued to try and turn over. therefore my husband had to disconnect the battery again and we had to pay for a truck hauler to take it to the ford dealer. while at the dealer we told them it couldn't be started, because of it trying to turn over, but apparently they did let it run and now we have starter problems. also they had the windshield seal replaced, but it still leaks. we will be taking it back to them to have their repairs repaired. it's a shame, i was so proud of my suv, now i just don't know. *tr

The reflective material for the door mirrors fails on 1999 ford expeditions. *jb

Events leading up to failure: (1) started with fog light switch not working. (3) took it in for service and was told the windshield was leaking and shorted the switch. service attempted to correct leak by leaving windshield in place and providing more sealant. (1) leak in windshield discovered to persist after battery drained due to radio and various electrical functions would continue even without the key in the ignition. most recently, the starter would repeatedly attempt to start the engine randomly after the engine was started and even while the key was out of the ignition! (2) with this uncontrolled electrical activity battery drain was causing stranding and the most recent occurrence the smell of an electrical fire was noted. (3) the car was taken immediately to a ford dealership for service, where currently the gem module and fuse box are getting replaced as well as the windshield to fix the leak - i was told that the original windshield cannot be re-sealed as it will break when removed. i don't have vin with me at this very moment, but can submit it later. what does oem mean next to the defective elements i've listed? *nm

Dt*: the contact stated the silver was coming off of the exterior mirrors. the dealership determined the mirrors needed to be replaced.

My ford expedition stopped being able to control the temperature. i am now going into winter, and i cannot guarantee that i will be able to defrost the windows which could cause a very significant safety issue. the "blend door" is plastic in my year, and ford changed it to nylon during the production run. i am left with a defective blend door, and vehicle and ford has informed me that the fix ($1,700) is my responsibility not theirs. my research on the web shows that this issue is a common issue with fords, and expeditions and i believe that ford has not resolved this issue because of the cost, not caring about the safety issues. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the passenger side mirror no longer has a reflective coat. the vehicle has not been seen by the dealership.

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford expedition. the rear view mirrors on the passenger and driver doors have deteriorated. the contact has poor visibility when driving in oncoming and incoming traffic. he has not yet notified the manufacturer to report the defect. he took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that he would need to notify the manufacturer. the current mileage was 79,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.

Consumer had 1999 ford expedition side mirrors replaced due to bubbles in mirror. *ts as a result the consumer visibility was reduced, especially at night. the consumer contacted the dealer and was told that the mirror was not covered under warranty. the consumer replaced it at his expense. *nm

I have a 1999 ford expedition eddie bauer 4x4 that has all the symptoms of your investigation #ea05015. i took my vehicle in while it was still under warranty and i was denied a claim for them to fix it at my local dealer because they said that the cause was due to moisture and it was not covered by under warranty. this sounded to me to be a manufacturing defect and felt it should have been fixed by them. during that time i had to replace my transmission and transfer case which are controlled in some way by the gem module so i am told. i have not been able to fix the gem and fuse box to this date due to the high cost that was presented to me. i am not certain of the actual date this took place but it was identified while the vehicle was still under warranty. *jb

Major electrical problems: air suspension stop working; interior and exterior lamps continually click on and off; rear windshield wipers stop working. abs warning clicks on an off, when off brakes tend to lock during braking. *jb

In june of 2004, the sunroof of our 1999 ford expedition stopped working. we had to replace the entire track and motor. now, just over a year later, the sunroof has stopped working. we are going to have to replace the entire track again. of course, the warranty is no longer good. *jb

dt: the consumer states whenever it rains or snows, the windshield leaks causing the windshield wipers to stop working, the lights flashed, the radio did not working, and then at times the vehicle will not start. the module has been replaced three times and the windshield has been repaired twice, now it is being replaced again

1999 ford expedition eddie bauer 4x4 the emergency brake was removed by the dealer when they sold it to me and never put one on it, also the /c blows out hot air up front and cold in the back, and the odomitter does not work, it goes in and out and the dealer refuses to fix it. several of my friends have the same truck and they have the same problem

Dt: 1999 ford expedition. the consumer stated the windshield wipers will not turn off until the vehicle was completely turned off. if they were turned all the way on the rear wipers would not work. the rear window broken at one time, and the dealership stated there was a short in the switch that operated the wipers. this has been happening since september 15, 2004. nothing has been done to fix the problems. *nm

My sideveiw mirrors keep losing the reflective mirror. i have replaced them before and after a while the new mirrors do the same thing over time. *kb

The silver backing was peel off the mirrors. the consumer was told that the mirrors were not covered under the vehicle's warranty *nm

I recently purchased a used 1999 ford expedition and have found that the signal mirrors are defective. the adhesive that ford used on the back side of the mirror glass is eating away the silver reflective surface. i first noticed this problem on our test drive and can tell you that with the right angle of the sun hitting those mirrors ,you cannot see out of them. ford offered to replace them for about $180.00ea. plus $30.00 to install. i feel that ford should be forced to correct this defect and not the consumer before someone is injured or killed in an accident. thanks for listening,rick. *ak

Moisture got behind the glass of the exterior 'rear view mirrors'; rear view mirrors and delaminated the glass. this reduced visibility, especially when driving at night. the dealership was contacted. *ak *tc

Vehicle: 1999 ford expedition. roblem nearly caused serious accident: loss of reflective surface (silver) on both exterior rear-view mirrors.*ak this vehicle purchased in aug 1999 has defective safety equipment. the rear view mirrors are losing the reflective surfaces, developing cracjs in the silver backing and are becoming unsafe. the vehicle has not experienced any unusal environmental exposure, in fact unlike my other cars (all older than 1999) the ford expedition has been garage-kept. while the local ford dealer indicated my experience was unique, i would be quite surprised if this condition is not affecting other vehicles of this type and wished to file a formal submission on the problem with you. thank you. charles mcbrearty

Driver side signal mirror's reflective surface has deteriorated - developing dark spots due to chrome plating delamination. ford doesn't want to fix it - however, this presents a significant safety issue. *ak mirrors are not wearable items like brake pads. having a mirrors surface deteriorate on it's own is a manufacturing/design failure. ford has noted this problem in their technical service bulletin list (noted below) so they are aware of the problem, yet refuse to replace the mirror - instead wanting to charge $310 for the part + installation. mirrors are a safety device, especially in a large vehicle like the the ford expedition - using defective parts - acknowledging said parts and than refusing to replace them is inexcusable. this exact problem is noted by ford via a tsb - text of tsb below: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- make : ford model : expedition year : 1999 service bulletin num : 00189 date of bulletin: sep 04, 2000 nhtsa item number: 618602 component: visibility:rearview mirrors/devices summary: concerns with the signal mirror reflective surface deteriorating over time, developing dark spots due to chrome plating delamination. *jb

The reflective material on the side view mirrors faded and caused poor visibility. dealer was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak five months after the vehicle was purchased (7-99)the mirror was replaced. in 2003 the mirrors were replaced again. this time the vehicle was out of warranty therefore the consumer had to pay to have them replaced. *nm

Both exterior mirrors are discolored and deteriorating, images are badly distorded. poor visibility. i have the extended warranty, which they say does not cover it. owners respondsibility.

The side view mirrors on the vehicle are becoming unusable. the reflective backing on the mirrors are slowly turning a mottled black for some reason. also , rear windshield wiper motor wore out. *ak

The mirrors on both sides of the vehicle were delaminating which made seeing in them impossible. the dealer insisted that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. the manufacturer has been informed of the problem. *ak *ph *nlm

Exterior mirrors both driver and passenger are turning black and nearly impossible to see out of.

The lamination on both exterior mirrors is turning black. this condition has been progressively getting worse in the last few weeks. consumer can barely see anything through these mirrors. *ak

Exterior mirrors both driver and passenger are turning black and nearly impossible to see out of. *jb

Both side view mirrors are faded so badly that you can't see. almost involved in a major accident with pregnant wife and 3 kids on board.*ak

The exterior rear view mirrors are blackened. i suspect the electric directional signal within is the culprit. the mirrors are useless. i am sure that ford is aware that this is a pervasive problem, yet they refuse to fix it at their expense, even though it is a safety hazard due to poor manufacturing. i purchased new mirrors which were obviously redesigned at a cost of nearly $400.00. *ak

Received recall notice for windshield wiper operating in off position. took to dealer, item continues to operator when in the off position. dry wipe has resulted in damaged windshield and continuous damage of wiper blades. *nlm

The right outside mirror material is flaking off making it nearly impossible to see down this side of the vehicle. after doing some research, i have found out that hundreds of people have complained to ford about the defective mirror and ford refuses to fix the quality problem. additionally, the wipers, come on an off for no apparent reason. in speaking with the dealer about both of these problems, they indicate ford will not remedy this situation even though many have complained

Over the past year or so, both my mirrors have been turning black and cracking on the inside, mwhere i cannot see out them, they are almost black without any viewing area. *ak

Both exterior mirrors had hair line cracks. this caused poor visibility. the dealer was notified. *ak the cracks were also black in color. *sc

I purchased a 1999 ford expedition eddie bauer 1 year ago last week. i have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. the latest problem is the one that concerns me the most. a few weeks ago the driver's side door lock would not operate. i could hear the motor trying to open the lock but nothing happened. a week after that i could not open my windows and the turn signals did not work. a week later my windshield wipers stopped working. we attributed the problem to a blown fuse which we replaced. the problem seemed to be fixed. the next day it rained and the fuse blew again, and again and again. the problem got worse as the brake lights went out. i brought the car into the dealership where i had purchased it. they discovered a leak in the windshield that seeped into the fuse box. the fuse box needed to be replaced and it was not covered under my warranty (that covers just about everything else. ford esp extracare) this in my opinion should not have had to be paid for out of my pocket. it is a safety problem that i understand that didn't just happen to me. me vehicle has not been in any accidents so i do not understand why the windshield is leaking. please contact me if you have any questions. *nlm

The side mirrors on my 1999 ford expedition are deteriorated to the point of not being able to see other vehicles through them. this is a manufacturing problem from ford and should be addressed before this causes a serious accident. i must try to find a way to fix this problem now before it becomes my accident. does any one have a remedy ?*jb

This vehicle has been repaired and new heater core 2 times within 2 months. this was a problem that has occurred again within one month of last repair(3rd). the flooring is ruined due to excessive anti freeze leaks inside vehicle. *jb

Side-view mirrors on driver and passenger side have delamination resulting in loss of complete effectiveness of viewing. i took the vehicle to the dealer while the vehicle was under warranty, but they did not replace the mirror citing that the mirror had not reached the replacement stage, now that the vehicle is out of warranty, the mirrors have reached a point that it is difficult at best to see out of them. my cost to replace is 230 per mirror, with no consideration of warranty extension.*jb

Dt: the vehicle does not start when there it rains, snows or any water relating issues. also, causes other electrical problems. dealer keeps replacing the computer, which never last. dealership replaced the windshield, and that did not fix the problem. ford has been contacted by the owner. ford recommended that the owner try another dealership. the owner has been to more than one dealership to try to fix the problem, and they could not figure out the problem either. the vehicle has been in the shop over these issues between 6-12 times, and now the dealership will not even give the owner an invoice. owner has spent about $4,000.00 over 8 months on trying to fix this problem. this owner is not satisfied with the dealership or ford. the water problems have been going on for two years. the wheel came off last year in july. the wheel started vibrating and the wheel just came off while driving. the wheel lugs: nuts and bolts brokenoff. 4 out of 5 lugs and nuts were missing. the odometer does not work. it blinks off and on. the odometer will stay off for months, when it comes back on the mileage may go forward or it may go backwards. the owner took the vehicle in and had the lug sand nuts a long with the rim and wheel repalced.*ak

Electrical motor controlling the air blend doors located inside the air plenum has failed, and the plastic door(s) itself is cracked and non-functioning. i have been unable to direct warm air to the front window to debug causing dangerously decreased vision. 1999 ford eddie bauer expedition. *jb

The side view mirrors lose their mirror coating. the mirror image is therefore dim and a potential safety hazard. a good mirror can't be found in a salvage yard because "that happens to all ford expeditions".

Consumer states his mirrors are getting dark stains on them, which impairs his vision. also the mirror part is flaking away. ts

Both mirrors were smoking. dealer notified.*ak

The outside mirrors on my 1999 ford expedition are turning black from the inside. the right mirror is almost totally unusable due to the discoloration. the left mirror is almost to that point and is becoming worse each day. i have been to two separate dealerships and while they agree that they have seen other expeditions with the same problem, ford does not have a recall for this. i contacted ford and they said they will not replace them since there is no current recall. the cost for replacing both mirrors is in excess of $600. even though the vehicle is no longer in warranty, mirrors are something that should last longer than 4-5 years. this is definitely a safety hazard and should be addressed by ford. the condition started occurring in the fall of 2002 when the vehicle had approximately 75,000 miles on the odometer. since that time, the mirrors have gotten progressively worse. *jb

The rear window shattered without warning.*jb

Side-view mirrors on driver and passenger side have become very dulled resulting in loss of complete effectiveness of viewing. it appears that something has caused the silver in the mirrors to disintegrate. this is a 1999 ford expedition. i have contacted ford and the local dealer and neither would offer to remedy at their expense since the warranty period had expired.