Vehicle recall 96V252000 · December 18, 1996

1997 Ford Expedition

The rear axle track bar bracket can separate from the frame due to missing welds or inadequate weld penetration.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: The rear axle track bar bracket can separate from the frame due to missing welds or inadequate weld penetration.
Consequence: If both brackets separate, the rear axle can move laterally until the tires contact either the frame or the wheelhouse resulting in either tire damage or a significant reduction in vehicle handling performance.
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.
Notes: Owner notification:owner notification will begin January 20, 1997. Note:owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.ALSO contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 96V252000
Reported to NHTSA: December 18, 1996
Filed by: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Owner notification: February 26, 1997
Vehicles potentially affected: 25,000
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Suspension › Rear

Recall 96V252000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Ford Expedition (1997): 1997

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