2018 Ford Expedition: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Ford Expedition? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 346 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2018 Ford Expedition Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2018 Ford Expedition trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2018 Ford Expedition Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2018 Ford Expedition 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.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Ford Expedition has 346 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Expedition
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 346
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- 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
Most Common 2018 Ford Expedition Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Ford Expedition?
The 2018 Ford Expedition shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Ford Expedition
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for known issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, suspension, and headlight/taillight repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on powertrain and electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for known issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, suspension, and headlight/taillight repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on powertrain and electrical systems.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Ford Expedition, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
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
Complaints for the 2018 Ford Expedition are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine, with over 100 reports each. Electrical faults, suspension failures, and headlight/taillight issues also appear frequently. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 7 out of 346 total complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reports.
- Engine problems are the second most common complaint category.
- Unintended acceleration was reported 14 times, though crash-related complaints are few.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most reported concern.
- Engine Problems are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Electrical Faults, Suspension Failures, and Headlight/Taillight Failures each have over 20 complaints.
All 2018 Ford Expedition Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Expedition. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 132 | 2 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 117 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 28 | β | 2 | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 25 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 24 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 23 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 14 | 1 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 12 | 3 | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 1 | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | β | 1 | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 3 | β | β | |
| Visibility | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Expedition. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Back up camera does not display or turn on. There has been no damage to the vehicle but radio which includes the back up camera do not turn on or function. This is a safety hazard for this car when backing up.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft phaser and timing chain failures. The vehicβ¦
The transmission was shifting into neutral while driving, causing hesitation with oncoming traffic approaching, at one point it actually shifted into park or reverse while driving in forward gear. We could easily been stalled or lost forward motion with the intent of thinking we β¦
Vehicle experienced catastrophic timing system failure causing engine to jump time and stall at idle, creating a safety hazard due to risk of sudden loss of power. This is a repeat issue originally documented under warranty (2020) and again during recall/service program 21N03 (2β¦
"Verified internal hydraulic cross leak due to CDF drum bushing movement. Transmission has delayed engagement in 4th, 5th, and 6th gears. This is a known manufacturing defect in the 10R80 transmission."
I am writing to express concern regarding a significant engine issue with my 2018 Ford Expedition. At approximately 122,000 miles, the vehicle developed a cylinder 4 misfire accompanied by low compression, indicating an internal engine failure. This type of issue seems premature β¦
The CDF drum is starting to fail and it will shift from a low gear to a high gear at certain speeds. Itβs definitely not safe and is extremely expensive to repair.
My 2018 Ford Expedition had an open recall for back up screens not working at all. I have a 2018 Ford Expedition Limited, purchased new for $72,000 in April 2018. The issues that have been repaired are endless however this one is a HUGE safety issue. It is a known issue and my VIβ¦
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, another vehicle drove through a stop sign, causing the contact to T-bone the other vehicle, causing damage to the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that no air bags did not deployβ¦
While driving at approximately 55 mph, the vehicle intermittently loses throttle response. Pressing the accelerator results in no increase in RPM or vehicle speed, even when the pedal is fully depressed. After 3β5 seconds, power suddenly returns. The issue consistently occurs aftβ¦
Front passenger DRL fail in lower 2/3 of LED strip. Im afraid other cars won't see me as well. No warnings on the inside dash display. A car flagged me down to tell me.
The vehicle often feels like it is slipping when it is changing gears at lower speeds. When trying to accelerate quickly getting on the highway, it fails to increase speed. The gas pedal is pressed and the engine revs and it does not increase speed. This has happened more thanβ¦
My cam phasers failed. I had a 6 year, 72k mile warranty. All maintenance was done at the dealership at the correct time. The parts failed at 7 years, 75,600 miles. Had to replace the engine. Dealer wanted to charge me $19000. Found a local shop to do it with new Ford engine for β¦
At approximately 100,500 miles, my 2018 Ford Expedition XLT 3.5L EcoBoost developed loud rattling noises consistent with cam phaser failure. Zeigler Ford confirmed the failed cam phasers on October 20, 2025. These phasers were previously replaced on the vehicle at 51,000 miles onβ¦
While driving on to a rough area such as a bridge crossing the vehicle exhibited excessive bouncing and caused the direction of travel toward the next lane. Repairs to the front struts were made at the dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased. The repair part was desβ¦
Passenger side DRL (daytime running light) has dimmed and turned purple. Upon further research, this is happening to thousands of Ford Expeditions specifically on the passenger side. The only repair is to replace entire housing.
When attempting to pass a slow moving vehicle on a 2 lane highway when driving up a hill the transmission failed to properly shift instead making a loud clunking and grinding sound before eventually managing to shift into a gear. This failure to shift properly meant that the vehiβ¦
DRL failure is widespread across ford vehicles and should be addressed by the manufacturer.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving over 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled on two occasions. The contact stated that while driving a roundabout, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle jerked and wasβ¦
My vehicle has started to have problems shifting in some gears(3rd & 7th). I have been doing research, and this seems to be a recurring problem for vehicles with the 10r80 transmission. Where this has caused a big safety risk, is that a few times, the vehicle wouldn't move when β¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Ford Expedition.
2018 Ford Expedition Recalls
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Expedition. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Ford Expedition Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Ford Expedition reliable?βΎ
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 346 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Ford Expedition shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. 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?βΎ
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (132 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (117 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (28 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Ford Expedition?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Ford Expedition?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Ford Expedition, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 346 total complaints. 21 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Ford Expedition have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Ford Expedition. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Ford Expedition?βΎ
The 2018 Ford Expedition shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. 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 VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Expedition reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Ford Expedition based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
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.