FORD Expedition Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used FORD Expedition options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD Expedition has 2,127 owner complaints and 92 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2019 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- Expedition
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 2,127
- Safety recall campaigns
- 92
- Crash-related complaints
- 63
- Fire-related complaints
- 29
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2019 (484 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (30 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
FORD Expedition: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe FORD EXPEDITION has 2,127 NHTSA complaints and 92 recalls on record. 63 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 2,127 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 92 federal recall campaigns
- 63 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
92 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:CENTER CONSOLE
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:CENTER CONSOLE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 2,127 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
2,127 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Relating to NHTSA ID Number 11027142 (Ford SSM 5446 and purported remedy SSM 54692). Experience a left turn signal that is automatically erroneously activated after a sharp right hand turn with right turn signal activated. There are two other complaints filed with NHTSA regarding this problem. In my case the left turn signal DOES NOT CANCEL AFTER RETURN TO CENTER. This is a potentially dangerous situation, since other drivers don't know what moves you might be intending to make. Ford claims SSM 54692 is a remedy with part number SL1Z-13K359-AA installation. This part was installed on 8/5/26 and did NOT remedy the problem. Since then have been awaiting contact from dealer re Ford engineers solution. Dealer's communications have been quite lacking.
On August 11, 2026 at approximately 5:17 PM, the vehicle was traveling about 25–30 MPH and approaching a stop sign. The driver began braking normally, but the vehicle did not adequately slow despite repeatedly pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle continued completely through the stop sign and intersection. Fortunately, no cross traffic was present and no collision occurred. After passing through the intersection, the vehicle slowed while traveling uphill. At approximately 5 MPH, the electronic parking brake automatically applied by the vehicle and brought the vehicle to a stop. After being placed in Park, the vehicle would not shift out of Park and displayed multiple fault messages. FordPass recorded simultaneous faults for Antilock Brakes, Electronic Parking Brake, Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power, Pre-Collision Assist, and Blind Spot/Cross Traffic systems. One message specifically stated that the anti-lock brake system had detected a fault and was disabled. After several power cycles, the vehicle could be moved, but an orange wrench remained illuminated and cruise control was unavailable. After being shut down for approximately one hour, the warnings cleared and the vehicle appeared to operate normally. There were no warning lamps, messages, or braking symptoms before the failure occurred. Because the vehicle failed to respond normally to braking and traveled through an intersection, the incident created a serious risk of collision, injury, or death. The vehicle was subsequently towed to an authorized Ford dealership and is currently available for inspection. Dealer diagnosis is pending. The dealer has been asked to preserve the diagnostic trouble code/fault history and investigate the brake, electronic brake booster/ABS, electrical, and related control systems.
The rear suspension oscillates and bounces violently over bumps, expansion joints, broken or uneven pavement, and washboard surfaces. It occurs at highway speed, at normal neighborhood speeds, and while slowing or coming to a stop over rough pavement. The rear suspension does not recover after a bump: it continues bouncing, the rear of the vehicle steps sideways, and steering correction is required to keep the vehicle in its lane. The condition is highly unpredictable. It does not occur on every bump and the driver cannot anticipate it, so there is no way to drive around it. Because it is intermittent, a short test drive may not reproduce it. On a recent drive on [XXX] south of Salt Lake City it occurred approximately 20 to 40 times over a seven mile stretch, with my wife driving. She has had to slow well below the posted 70 mph limit to maintain control. She will no longer drive the vehicle or transport our children in it. The vehicle was previously presented to an authorized Ford dealer for this concern and the condition was not corrected. It has worsened since. We have stopped driving it and had it towed to the dealer on August 11, 2026 because we do not consider it safe to drive. The vehicle is at the dealer now and is available for inspection. The manufacturer has opened a case and a repurchase review. No warning lamps or messages have appeared. The vehicle is completely stock with no aftermarket suspension, wheels, or tires. This is a loss of control risk at highway speed to my family and to other road users. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The pre collision avoidance system doesn’t activate at all even though the adaptive cruise control works properly. Has been seen and evaluated by Dealership technician as well as having a Ford engineer remotely logged into the vehicle. All modules have been updated and the issue still isn’t resolved. I was told by the dealership to take it to a different dealer or figure it out on my own.
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the parking brake activated, the contact’s wife returned to the vehicle and became aware that the vehicle had rolled away and crashed into a parked vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated prior to failure. There was no injury sustained. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact mentioned the vehicle was serviced prior to the failure for a tailgate issue, where the vehicle was reprogrammed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
While parked overnight, the panoramic sunroof shattered upwards. There is zero evidence of an impact. While opening door to stand on retractable running boards to take a picture, the center area of glass collapsed into the SUV. Rain storms in area and had to immediately tarp roof. Was on vacation 13 hours from home. Had to drive home at 60 MPH and re-tarp the sunroof in excess of 5 times. If this happened while driving there would have been dramatic impact to driver distraction and family sitting underneath the sunroof.
Read 14 more owner reports
I bought a new 2025 Ford Expedition Max King Ranch back in February. After driving it for awhile.....it was noticed that the front windshield is defective (star shape or spackling) and have been reported to the dealership that I bought from and another dealership way closer to me (West Hills Ford). This is making it hard to drive and it a safety issue also. You only see it at sunrise and sunset. West Hills said they see it no one, even myself can get a picture of it. With that FORD is denying the replacement, even tho it is still under warranty. They're basically telling to go pack sand because they need a picture, instead of taking the word of myself and even the service department at West Hills. I paid almost $100, 000 for this vehicle and I'm being treated like [XXX].....sorry for the language. r/ [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This was a rental vehicle hybrid, while driving on a highway, the vehicle first developed a flat tire. Afterward, while the vehicle was in motion, smoke appeared and the vehicle caught fire spontaneously. There was no collision or impact of any kind. The driver pulled over and all passengers exited safely. The fire spread very rapidly and it's a total loss. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The fire appears to have originated in the hybrid battery area. The were no warnings. Safety risk: the fire occurred while vehicle was moving on a public highway with occupants inside, and spread very quickly after stopping. The Highway Patrol attended the scene and a police report was filled, incident documented. I'm reporting this as a serious safety concern.
The metal emblem on the driver and passenger seats continuously pulls my hair. I believe it is the emblem itself (sharp lettering) and not how it is adhered to the seat. I am unable to drive the vehicle with hair down.
While driving in heavy traffic on Interstate 10 west bound, I made a right blinker lane change. Right after complete lane change, vehicle emergency brake applied putting me into a spin and steering was fighting me trying to correct thus causing 2 impacts to a vehicle on side of me. It was light drizzle and dash cam footage is available of vehicle taking control.
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 vehicle, I have had to return it for dealership warranty service a total of three times. Despite the three warranty service repairs at Ford authorized dealers, I am still having the strong vibration at any speed over 60 miles per hour in my vehicle at this time. The strong vibration makes the driver feel fatigued, light-headed and dizzy after 30 minutes of highway driving at any speed over 60 mph, impacting driving the vehicle safely, increasing the risk of road accidents and potentially resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The vehicle does not feel safe to drive at highway speed or for longer distances. Driving at 60 miles per hour or more becomes extremely uncomfortable, as a strong vibration is felt in the seat shaking the back, in the steering wheel, shaking hands and arms and in the floor shaking the legs. It makes highway driving very unpleasant and longer distance trips very challenging or impossible, which is one of the main purposes of the intended use of the vehicle.
The moon roof shattered. No debris on road and I was on an exit ramp with no cars headed toward me.
My vehicle continues to experience "unintended left turn signal activation" after making a right hand turn and the left turn signal activates spontaneously. Ford documented in writing that they considered this "a great safety risk". They recently indicated a fix was available, but upon receipt of my vehicle from this completed repair, the repair immediately failed and the issue persisted upon my first right hand turn out of the dealership parking lot (occurred on 4/8). I immediately returned the vehicle to the dealership where no new fix is available. I followed up on 4/14, I was told a software update went out on 4/9 and now they were unable to duplicate the issue. I agreed to take the vehicle again, where the issue immediately persisted upon exit of the parking lot; I immediately returned and was able to recreate the issue with a Ford employee in the vehicle. I do have video of the issue happening on 4/14. I also have video from the Ford chat stating this is a safety issue however I have been unable to upload them to the complaint.
When using the turn signal, the blind-spot camera view is blocked by an on-screen steering wheel control popup, which cannot be minimized and only disappears after an extended amount of time. This popup automatically appears after a door has been opened as well as if/when the control button on the steering wheel is engaged intentionally and/or unintentionally. This obstructs my view of the blind-spot camera at a critical time when I am attempting a lane change, creating a potential safety risk. I have checked vehicle settings and consulted the dealer, but there is no current remedy or setting to disable the popup; this was communicated from the dealer to be "standard" and "not defective". I am unaware of any acknowledgement from Ford that this issue is a known defect in this model’s infotainment interface.
The vehicle is experiencing "unintended left turn signal activation". When a right hand turn signal is activated, and the steering wheel is corrected after completing the turn, the left turn signal activates spontaneously. This miscommunicates intent to other drivers, causes dangerous assumptions on the road and increases collision risk. Ford has acknowledged this is a known issue and a "great safety risk" but has no resolution. This has been ongoing since purchase in late summer 2025, however initially I thought it was perhaps a user error. It has since been identified as a known issue.
I began to brake because there was a parked car at the stop sign i was approaching. My vehicle was not stopping even though the brake pedal was pressed all the way down to the floor. 2025 Ford Expedition crashed into a parked car is a malfunctioning Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module. Crucially, this malfunction can occur while Advanced Driver Assistance Svstems ADAS), such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), are active, preventing the vehicle from braking as expected to avoid a collision.
While driving down the road, the sunroof spontaneously exploded. The loud bang (sounded like a gun shot) and tiny pieces of glass, that luckily were caught in the sunshade, could have been disastrous for my wife and our three small children that were in the car. The glass is bowed outwards. It has been taken back to Mullinax Ford Dealership for repair. They tell me it will not be covered under any warranty. There were no warning signs before now that there could be a problem with this sunroof, we only have 5k miles on the vehicle.
In June 2025, I bought a new 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch. While washing my SUV by hand, I discovered a manufacturing defect on the roof—Ford Manufacturing had left exposed welding and rivets. The issue is quite noticeable, with depressions around the rivets and welds so deep they could hold golf balls. More than two dozen of these rivet welds are visible and exposed. I contacted my local dealership in Sioux Falls, SD to file a warranty claim, but it was denied. During this process, the dealership informed me that their lot was filled with Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators showing the same problem, indicating that it's a widespread concern among all dealers. After my claim was denied, I reached out to Ford's nationwide customer support at [XXX] and was given case number CXh-XXX. After two conversations, it became clear that Ford's organization was not effectively communicating internally. My dealership thanked me for bringing the issue to Ford Corporate, as resolving it is financially important to them. Sioux Falls Ford contacted the local Ford Factory Representative, but no solution has been provided so far. The presence of these divots allows water to accumulate in the crevices, potentially leading to severe corrosion in southern regions exposed to salty ocean air. In northern areas, freezing and thawing cycles may cause further structural Integrity deterioration, both overtimes causing catastrophic failure. At no time did Ford disclose these defects to their dealership network, and had it been, proper disclaimers would have been required on vehicle window stickers. Nor was I informed about the exposed rivets, welds, or dents on the roof prior to purchase. Ford Manufacturing failed to disclose material information regarding this issue. Ignorance is not an excuse—Ford Manufacturing misled me by failing to reveal the roof defect. The manufacturer date of my Ford Expedition was May of 2025. See attached pictures. HELP!! Kind regards [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving at 35mph, downhill with no traffic in front, behind, or oncoming, the dash flashed red and immediately the brakes were instantly applied harshly causing occupants to lunge forward into seat belt restraint. Vehicle deceleration almost to a stop. Brakes then released . Driver continued home and was afraid to continue operating the vehicle. Dealer was called and picked up the vehicle. Dealer inspected vehicle and could not find a problem. Per the service writer no recall or TSB found on this issue. Vehicle has been returned 1/26/2026. Collision avoidance system has been turned off per our request. Mileage 2458. In service date 07/26/2025.
Since new the vehicle has had a vibration/shake while driving at all speeds. Initially the issue was only at highway speed but is still present after dealer 'fix'. New car spent 3 days at dealer with 1,000 miles on the odometer. At the time shake was so bad over 65mph it felt unsafe to drive at highway speed. The Dealer tried balance and rotate wheels. No fix. Then the driveshaft was re indexed. That was a temporary as the issue is still present
Showing 20 of 2,127 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact FORD Expedition
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used FORD Expedition, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD Expedition has 2,127 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD Expedition has 92 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 63 of the FORD Expedition's 2,127 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD Expedition vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD Expedition vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD Expedition has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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FORD Expedition reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the FORD Expedition reliable?
Poor. The FORD Expedition has 2,127 NHTSA owner complaints and 92 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which FORD Expedition years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2019 (484 complaints), 2020 (400 complaints), 2018 (372 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common FORD Expedition problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (804 complaints); ENGINE (369 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (254 complaints).
Does the FORD Expedition have recalls?
Yes — 92 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FORD Expedition. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.