general problems of the 1999 Ford Expedition

Spare tire fell off. The tiny (1/8") steel cable that held spare in place under the truck body failed allowing huge spare tire to drop to road. Fortunately, this happen as I was pulling into driveway after a 2000 mile trip. Had this occurred on i95 in 75mph / bumper-to-bumper traffic, it would have been a disaster for the following vehicles. A web search shows that this is not uncommon and should the subject of a safety recall.

1999 Expedition XLT 4wd w/17" steel wheels. While traveling on a well graded gravel road, about 35mph the ride suddenly became shuddering, like a tire was going flat. As I was slowing to stop & check it, but while still travelling about 20-25 mph, there was a sudden thumping thud, and the right rear corner of the vehicle dropped, as if the tire had failed, accompanied by immediate loss of speed. Upon stopping & exiting to change the tire, I found that the right rear tire & wheel were completely missing, and the vehicle was resting on the brake rotor. Upon closer inspection, there were no lug bolts upon which to mount the spare. I found the tire & wheel off the side of the road, fully inflated; and also found the hubcap & all of the lug nuts strewn along the roadway. The nuts had the sheared off/broken stubs of the lug studs still attached to them. No injuries resulted, nor was there any other property damage; no other vehicles or persons were affected by the incident. When the wheel came off of the hub, it did extensive body damage to the wheel well area and to the quarter panel/fender area. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and my insurance company notified for a possible damage claim. I subsequently heard of a recall of newer Ford vehicles with 17" steel wheels exhibiting this same problem, so decided to file a report.

While driving at 20 mph rear wheel fell off without warning.

Recall (99v-009) should also include the 17" aluminum wheels as well as the 17" chrome wheels. Consumer's 17" aluminum wheels cracked and caused vibration as stated in recall.

Dealer replaced all recalled tires including spare. A few months later I pulled off the highway into my driveway and felt the vehicle "jump up" and move to the right. I looked back and the spare tire had fallen out from under it. The tire was brand new but had rub marks all the way around like it had been spinning. The cable holding it was sliced straight across. I'm assuming the tire wasn't tight and it had spun until it snapped the cable. This was not reported. My husband lowered the cable and put another clamp to hold it on. The spare needs to be securely tightened. I traded this vehicle in for a 2002 f150. Dt.