Before you buy
This 2018 Ford Expedition El has 307 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2018 Ford Expedition El Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Ford Expedition EL EXTENDED SUV 4x4Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
FORD EXPEDITION EL 2018 has 307 NHTSA complaints, with 111 for transmission/drivetrain and 110 for engine problems. There are no recalls. Buyers should inspect these systems thoroughly. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Expedition El
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 307
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2018 Ford Expedition El problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2018 Ford Expedition El?
The 2018 Ford Expedition EL is a risky choice due to the high volume of transmission and engine complaints. Without any recalls, the burden falls on the buyer to verify vehicle history and condition. Consider alternative model years with fewer complaints.
Transmission and engine problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, making pre-purchase inspection critical for this model year.
May Suit
This year may suit a buyer who is mechanically inclined and willing to invest in potential repairs, or one who can secure an extended warranty.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable, low-maintenance full-size SUV should avoid the 2018 Expedition EL due to its high complaint volume.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2018 Ford Expedition El
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for slipping, harsh shifting, or failure.
- Check engine for stalling, loss of power, or unusual noises.
- Examine electrical system for malfunctioning components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic perform a transmission inspection and test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Ford Expedition El, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Ford Expedition EL shows a high number of complaints concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine systems, totaling 111 and 110 complaints respectively. With no recalls and a low confidence level due to limited data, buyers should be cautious and prioritize thorough inspections. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2018 Expedition EL has a notably high complaint count, but data for adjacent years is not provided.
Recall context: With zero recalls, buyers must rely on service records and independent inspections to identify potential issues not covered by a recall.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 111, the highest among all components.
- Engine problems account for 110 complaints, nearly equal to transmission issues.
- There are 6 crash-related complaints, indicating some safety concerns.
- Transmission / Drivetrain failures, with 111 complaints.
- Engine Problems, with 110 complaints.
- Electrical Faults, with 24 complaints.
Full breakdown
All 2018 Ford Expedition El complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Expedition El. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 111 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 110 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 24 | — | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 12 | 3 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Expedition El. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 20 MPH, the front driver's side seat belt exploded, making a loud popping sound, and the seat belt tightened and pulled the driver back into the seat. Additionally, the automatic eme…
On [XXX] my AC stopped working and there was a major burning smell. I took the vehicle in to determine the issue. The service advisor advised me that the motor blower had overheated and burned the wires completely causes a fire hazard. Later to find out there was the same recall …
Drl not workingg
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the transmission shuddered abnormally and unexpectedly downshifted. No warning lights…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the sunroof made a grinding sound while retracting and failed to close properly. Additionally, the slide cover was unable to close as designed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. Th…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. the contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH uphill, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering, and the wrench symbol was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was take…
2 instances have occured while driving. Stored codes are P0562 Charging system voltage low and P07E6 Stuck in Park (6/6/2025) and P07E6 Stuck in Park (7/12/2025). I believe the issue may be related to TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - Momentary Neutral-Out Condition In Drive - 23-2120…
The problem is with the cam phasers on the Ford Eco Boost 3.5 V6 Engine. Every morning when the vehicle has been sitting overnight and the engine is cool; the truck makes a loud rattle noise when starting. The rattle goes away within 2 seconds. There are tons of information onlin…
There was a recall for cam phasers etc under 21N03. My car was fixed in 2021 but the parts they put it in were not the updated parts. I was told it was the same recalled parts that they used to replace. Now I am having the same issue again . I am not currently driving my vehicle …
Just purchased a certified used vehicle. 1) passenger DTRL is half way burnt out. Upon reading tons of forums online, I’m seeing this is a VERY COMMON issue. 2) the back up guide lines on the back up camera does not show. After master reset of the sync system , the lines …
The passenger DRL is only lit at at the top strip and not the rest of the strip.
Recall 24E13 was issued for my vehicle on 4/16/2025 and i had repairs done on my vehicle in march. this recall states that catalytic converters may be replaced unnecessarily and the dealership has agreed with me on this. Ford continues to deny me reimbursement for this issue and …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the power train warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the ro…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact had not contacted dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not taken a dealer or an independent mecha…
Component/System That Failed: The 10R80 automatic transmission is malfunctioning. It causes harsh shifting, delayed acceleration, hesitation, and unpredictable surging. These issues have been confirmed as part of Ford’s internal TSB 23-2250, which directly references this transmi…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal cranking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact related the failure to Customer …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The d…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. While contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact's son drove the vehicle to the intended destination. The contact's son inspected the tires and determined that the front …
See attached document for complaint.
My 2018 Ford Expedition previously underwent a recall repair for a known cam phaser defect at Fremont Ford in Lander, Wyoming. The cam phasers are part of the engine’s variable valve timing system and are critical for proper performance and safety. Despite the initial recall repa…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Ford Expedition El.
Safety recalls
2018 Ford Expedition El recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Expedition El. With zero recalls, buyers must rely on service records and independent inspections to identify potential issues not covered by a recall. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2018 Ford Expedition El buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Ford Expedition El reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 307 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Ford Expedition EL is a risky choice due to the high volume of transmission and engine complaints. Without any recalls, the burden falls on the buyer to verify vehicle history and condition. Consider alternative model years with fewer complaints. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Expedition El?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (111 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (110 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (24 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Ford Expedition El?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Ford Expedition El?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Ford Expedition El, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 307 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Ford Expedition El have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2018 Ford Expedition El in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2018 Ford Expedition El?▾
The 2018 Ford Expedition EL is a risky choice due to the high volume of transmission and engine complaints. Without any recalls, the burden falls on the buyer to verify vehicle history and condition. Consider alternative model years with fewer complaints. Transmission and engine problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, making pre-purchase inspection critical for this model year. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Expedition El reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.