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1998 Ford Expedition

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1998 Expedition.

Body SUV

Defined as an SUV with an engine requiring 6.0 qt of 5W-20 API oil, the 1998 Ford Expedition recorded 901 total owner complaints and 7 recalls with suspension identified as the top complaint area. When contextualized within the model's complaint history from 1991 to 2027, this edition sits below the highest recorded count of 1007 complaints in 1999 but well above the lowest benchmark of 1 complaint in 1991. This placement defines the vehicle as a moderate reliability concern within the provided history, indicating a higher complaint volume than the 1991 benchmark while avoiding the peak issues of the following model year.

Model year2025 2024 2023 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 1998

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 650 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · 650 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP255-70R16OEM · verified

Wheel / rim7-, 7.5-J inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	204.7 in
Overall width	78.7 in
Overall height	76.4 in
Wheelbase	119.3 in
Curb weight	4806 lb
Track (front / rear)	65.4 / 65.4 in

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Expedition of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

9.5–10.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 9.50 sec — 2002 XLT

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
1997	Eddie Bauer 5.4L V8	9.90 sec	17.40 sec	230 hp	4x4
1997	XLT 5.4L V8	10.60 sec	18.00 sec	230 hp	4x4
2000	XLT 5.4L V8	9.90 sec	17.30 sec	260 hp	4x4
2002	XLT 5.4L V8	9.50 sec	17.10 sec	260 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	5.5 Pints Rear, 8.8 and 9.7
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.0 qt
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.0 qt
Power Steering Fluid	ATF

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	6-9 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	59 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	55-64 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	18 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	14-16 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	Upper: 15-
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	17-20 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	Lower: 1.5 ft-lbs; Upper: 15-

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	100 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	11.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	11.0 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	258 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	221 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	750 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	25 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	825 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	25 rpm
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Motorcraft
Spark Plug Gap	0.052-0.056 in
Spark Plug Torque	11.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	68
Oil Capacity	Less auxiliary A/C, 9.00. With auxiliary A/C, 13.00. oz
Standard BCI Group Number	65
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	650 cca
Optional BCI Group Number	65
Optional BCI Cranking Performance	750 cca

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	30-45
Injector Primary Resistance	11-18 na ohms
Injector Primary Resistance	11-18 na ohms
Engine Oil Pressure	20-45 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	1500 rpm
Engine Oil Pressure	20-45 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	1500 rpm
Intake Valve Lash	Hydraulic in

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket	20 ft-lbs / 21-26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	70 ft-lbs / 136 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.039; Rear: 0.039 in
Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0005 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.002 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	0.4 in / 1.09 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

33 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees, Step 3: 120

33 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

33 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees, Step 3: 120

33 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

66 ft. lbs., Step 2: loosen one turn, step 3: 37 ft. lbs., step 4: 90

66 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 5,000 mi	Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft Slip Yoke (lubricate) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Shift Linkage (lubricate) · Steering Linkage (lubricate)
Every 5,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 mi	Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft Slip Yoke (lubricate) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Shift Linkage (lubricate) · Steering Linkage (lubricate)
Every 12,000 mi	Battery (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Disc Brake Caliper Guide Pin (lubricate) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Transfer Case Shift Linkage (lubricate)
Every 20,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 50,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 mi	PCV Valve (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1998 Ford Expedition marks the second year of its first generation, emerging within a sharp escalation of federal complaints and recalls that began in 1997 and peaked in 1999. Compared to its predecessor, the 1998 model shows a slight decline in complaints (901 vs. 906) and recalls (7 vs. 9), yet remains significantly elevated relative to pre-1997 levels, reflecting early-generation teething issues rather than isolated defects. The data reveals a clear trend: complaints and recalls surge during the 1997–2001 window, with the 1998 model situated near the midpoint of this problematic arc, suggesting persistent, unresolved concerns—particularly in suspension (130 complaints), engine cooling (110), and electrical systems (91). Fire-related complaints (79) and crash incidents (45) further underscore reliability risks during this period. While later years see gradual improvements, the 1998 Expedition’s position in this high-complaint cycle implies higher-than-average risk of unresolved defects. **Concrete takeaway: this is a poor year to buy unless thorough service records and pre-purchase inspection confirm critical systems (suspension, cooling, electrical) have been addressed.**

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

327

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

901

Owner complaints

45 involved a crash · 79 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’91 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97’98’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25 ’26 ’27

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 901 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Suspension130

Engine & Engine Cooling110

Electrical System91

Vehicle Speed Control72

Power Train59

Visibility53

Service Brakes, Hydraulic41

Steering39

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 7 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

06E067000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 01/08/2006

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… 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.

05V388000Vehicle Speed ControlReported 07/09/2005

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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 327 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
07212	2007-10-01	Engine And Engine Cooling	SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG…
041601	2005-11-14	Engine And Engine Cooling	WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR…
05618	2005-04-01	Power Train	REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *TT
0554	2005-03-21	Engine And Engine Cooling	USE OF STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST STUDS IN SERVICE FOR 5.4L 2V ENGINE. *TT
05417	2005-03-07	Engine And Engine Cooling	INTERMITTENT ROUGH IDLE - NON-COMMANDED EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE) FLOW. *TT

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Expedition. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 65 battery Vehicles taking 6.0 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1998 Expedition take?

6.0 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1998 Expedition have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

1998 Ford Expedition

Quick specs

Fitment & sizes

Full specifications

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Performance & power Independent road tests

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Lubricants & capacities

Engine torques

Chassis torques

Ignition

Battery & A/C

Service checks

Brakes

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Common OBD-II trouble codes

VIN tools

Vehicles with shared specs

Reference guides

Related vehicles

Other years

Frequently asked