Head-to-head reliability
FORD Escape vs FORD Expedition
How the FORD Escape and FORD Expedition compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
FORD Escape vs FORD Expedition: The Escape has 722.5 complaints per year, while the Expedition has 207.9. Escape owners report engine and powertrain failures, including turbocharger and coolant issues, while Expedition owners face engine fires and electrical problems. Both have recalls, but the Expedition's issues are more severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Escape or FORD Expedition more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Escape
The Ford Escape, with over 7,000 complaints in a decade, shows a heavy concentration of engine troubles, particularly turbocharger and coolant issues that can lead to toxic fumes inside the cabin. Owners also report powertrain failures affecting braking and acceleration, and structural problems like door components detaching. This suggests a vehicle that may demand frequent repairs and could pose safety concerns, making it a risky choice for a first-time buyer.
FORD Expedition
The Ford Expedition, with about 2,000 complaints over the same period, has fewer issues per year but still shows significant powertrain problems, including vibrations at highway speeds and sudden loss of acceleration. Engine fires and electrical system failures, such as trailer brake module communication loss, add to the concerns. While less frequent, these issues are serious and could affect safety and reliability, especially for a large SUV.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Escape | FORD Expedition |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,225 | 2,079 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 92 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 130 | 62 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 722.5 | 207.9 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 161 | 138 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
FORD Escape
- 01ENGINE3,190
- 02POWER TRAIN1,098
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING964
- 04STRUCTURE814
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER702
Owners report sudden turbocharger failures that leak coolant into the HVAC system, causing toxic fumes inside the cabin. Engine misfires and check engine lights are also common, indicating potential fuel or ignition system problems.
There are reports of powertrain failures that affect the vacuum system, leading to firm brakes and reduced stopping power, as well as acceleration issues. This can be dangerous in emergency situations.
The driver's side door limiting bar can detach, making the door difficult to open or close properly. This is a structural integrity issue that could affect occupant safety in a crash.
“On January [Insert Date], 2026, my 2024 Ford Escape suffered a sudden turbocharger failure that saturated the vehicle’s internal HVAC system with toxic ethylene glycol coolant. The vehicle’s ventilation system subsequently pumped these toxic chemical vapors d…”
“The contact owns a 2024 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the engine misfired, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store, where a handheld diagnostic machine provided informati…”
FORD Expedition
- 01POWER TRAIN781
- 02ENGINE367
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM252
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER245
- 05SERVICE BRAKES135
Owners experience strong vibrations at speeds over 60 mph, making highway driving uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. There are also reports of the vehicle suddenly acting like it's in neutral, failing to accelerate, which can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
There are reports of engine fires, with smoke coming through the vents, which is a severe safety hazard. Additionally, some owners mention incomplete recalls for connecting rod and cup plug inspections, indicating potential engine integrity issues.
The trailer module can lose communication, causing trailer brake lights and turn signals to fail, which is a safety risk when towing. There are also reports of brake failure and all warning lights going off, leading to near-wrecks.
“I purchased a new 2025 Ford Expedition Max. Since I left the dealer’s lot, the vehicle has had a strong vibration at any speed over 60 miles per hour, which makes highway driving and longer distance trips very challenging or impossible. Since I bought the veh…”
“Driving on highway, tried to accelerate, the car was acting like it was in neutral and would not accelerate. Checked to ensure I was not. the car began decelerating and I started to pull over. As I entered the brake down lane - the car automatically switched…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
FORD Escape — 102 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Escape two-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
The risk: Misalignment of the radar module can result in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) misclassifying an overhead object as an object in the vehicle's path, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow and/or stop. Other safety systems that depend o…
The fix: Dealers will adjust the angle of the radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall i…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Escape vehicles. The passenger side instrument panel cover may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Sa…
The risk: During air bag deployment, the air bag cover may break and project fragments into the vehicle, or the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side instrument panel cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C38.
FORD Expedition — 92 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may los…
The risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The passenger side air bag may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag to deploy with excessive force during a crash.
The risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S51.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of…
The risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expec…
The fix: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall…
Buyer analysis
FORD Escape or FORD Expedition: which should you buy?
The Ford Expedition has fewer complaints per year (about 208) compared to the Ford Escape (about 723), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Expedition's problems, such as engine fires and sudden loss of acceleration, are more severe in nature. In practice, the Escape may require more frequent repairs, but the Expedition's issues could be more dangerous.
Key differences
- The Escape has a much higher complaint rate (722.5 per year) than the Expedition (207.9 per year), indicating more frequent issues.
- Escape owners report engine problems like turbocharger failures and coolant leaks into the cabin, while Expedition owners report engine fires and acceleration loss.
- The Expedition has more electrical system issues, such as trailer brake module failures, while the Escape has more structural problems like door component detachment.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Expedition's recalls include engine inspections, while the Escape's recalls cover adaptive cruise control and fuel injectors.
- Check for any signs of coolant leaks or turbocharger issues, as these can lead to toxic fumes inside the cabin.
- Inspect the driver's side door mechanism for proper operation, as the door limiting bar can detach.
- Test the vehicle at highway speeds to ensure there are no vibrations, and check for any signs of engine smoke or fire risk.
- Verify that all electrical systems, especially the trailer brake module, are functioning correctly, and check for any open recalls.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls and prior complaints.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds to feel for vibrations or acceleration issues.
- Check the cabin for any unusual odors, especially coolant or smoke smells.
- Verify that all safety features, such as brakes and airbags, are working properly.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | FORD Escape | FORD Expedition |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7 |
| 2025 | 24 | 27 |
| 2024 | 76 | 71 |
| 2023 | 94 | 64 |
| 2022 | 226 | 108 |
| 2021 | 330 | 226 |
| 2020 | 1502 | 383 |
| 2019 | 570 | 471 |
| 2018 | 1753 | 368 |
| 2017 | 2647 | 354 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific FORD Escape or FORD Expedition in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Escape vs FORD Expedition
- FORD Escape total complaints
- 7,225
- FORD Expedition total complaints
- 2,079
- FORD Escape total recalls
- 102
- FORD Expedition total recalls
- 92
- FORD Escape avg complaints/year
- 722.5
- FORD Expedition avg complaints/year
- 207.9
- More reliable overall
- FORD Expedition
- FORD Escape top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD Expedition top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN