Ford Expedition owners filed 2,537 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 49 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2019 Ford Expedition drew the most complaints (499); across all years, owners complain most about transmission / powertrain (35% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2019, with 499 complaints, led by transmission / powertrain (218) and 11 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Transmission / powertrain drew 886 complaints and 6 recalls.
- Stop-driving recalls: 2 recalls told owners to park outside until repaired (25V628000, 22V346000).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2017 (1.7 times as many complaints), 2018 (1.7 times as many complaints), 2019 (2.3 times as many complaints), 2020 (1.9 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: body structure complaints came at a median 39k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 43 complaints mention a fire and 80 a crash, with 158 injuries reported.
Ford Expedition complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 3 recalls | 164 | Electrical system (45), Engine (31), Transmission / powertrain (29) median 68k mi · 8 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2016 3 recalls | 216 | Engine (37), Transmission / powertrain (36), Brakes (35) median 67k mi · 8 crashes · 8 fires |
| 2017 4 recalls | 357 | Electrical system (92), Transmission / powertrain (51), Brakes (43) median 77k mi · 21 crashes · 7 fires |
| 2018 14 recalls | 374 | Transmission / powertrain (146), Engine (98), Electrical system (33) median 55k mi · 8 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2019 11 recalls | 499 | Transmission / powertrain (218), Engine (107), Seat belts (98) median 72k mi · 8 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2020 18 recalls | 412 | Transmission / powertrain (260), Engine (51), Seat belts (36) median 63k mi · 5 crashes · 7 fires |
| 2021 12 recalls | 232 | Transmission / powertrain (110), Engine (55), Electrical system (23) median 43k mi · 3 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2022 12 recalls | 113 | Electrical system (19), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (16), Transmission / powertrain (15) median 30k mi · 4 crashes |
| 2023 8 recalls | 64 | Electrical system (16), Transmission / powertrain (11), Speed control / acceleration (6) median 38k mi · 5 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2024 7 recalls | 73 | Electrical system (14), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (12), Brakes (8) median 15k mi · 6 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2025 5 recalls | 33 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (8), Steering (6), Brakes (5) median 7k mi · 4 crashes · 1 fire |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 97, more than the 49 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Ford Expedition problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / powertrain | 886 | 35% | 6 | 70k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Engine | 440 | 17% | 4 | 66k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Electrical system | 332 | 13% | 6 | 71k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Seat belts | 165 | 7% | 5 | 80k mi | — |
| Brakes | 140 | 6% | 5 | 60k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Speed control / acceleration | 128 | 5% | 0 | 50k mi | — |
| Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | 100 | 4% | 5 | 96k mi | — |
| Body structure | 98 | 4% | 1 | 39k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Ford Expedition owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Transmission / powertrain
Transmission has completely failed at 68,000 miles and 4 years old. Ford is willing to cover cost of the tramission with a “partial good faith” agreement but the dealership who provides the service is charging $5,656 to put in new transmission. This is a widely known transmission problem with safety issues with multiple service bulletins. They are passing the issue onto the consumer instead of recalling. Shameful.
2021 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11675832
10 speed transmission slipped out of gear twice while driving vehicle has 39,000 miles but 5.5 years old. Dealership and Ford acknowledge the transmission is a problem but is out of warranty and I need to spend $10,000 for repair. I believe they are selling defective cars to consumers and will not help to resolve the issue especially with such low mileage. They should be placed on recall.
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11656582
Related recalls: 26V402000 (2018–2021): Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. 20V263000 (2019): If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash. 23V128000 (2023): A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash.
886 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Engine
Engine light came on so we took the company car into the Ford dealership. Just received a phone call that the cam phasers need to be replaced and it will cost around $4000 to fix. Seems like of the research I have done this is a common problem for this years Model but cant find any recalls for this issue.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11571650
This is the 3 rd time the wrench trouble light came on. The car losses all power and can only idle ( roughly ). Shut engine off for a few minutes and car starts up and goes just fine. Brought it back to dealer and they said no code is stored. Nothing they can do about it. I was told that the problem is usually a throttle body but since no code they can't replace it even though I have a Ford extended warranty.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11171561
Related recalls: 25V628000 (2020): A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. 25V198000 (2024–2025): 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. 24V851000 (2024): 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.
440 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
Rear camera blurry and unable to view. One has to get out and open and close the rear liftgate in order for the camera to work correctly. This may have to be done a number of times before camera is returned to normal operation. Dealer stated it may take $1000.00 dollars to repair.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11657868
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 VIN is not included in the recall.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11725633
Related recalls: 26V104000 (2022–2025): 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. 25V886000 (2019): If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash. 25V346000 (2020): Inoperative pre-collision assist features that fail to perform as expected can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
332 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Ford Expedition recalls
Check these first: 25V628000 (2020, engine: park outside); 22V346000 (2021, engine: park outside).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V402000 | 2026-06-24 | 2018–2021 | Transmission / powertrain | Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V368000 | 2026-06-09 | 2018–2024 | Body structure | Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 26V344000 | 2026-05-27 | 2018–2022 | Seat belts | Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 26V204000 | 2026-03-31 | 2021–2023 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V104000 | 2026-02-20 | 2022–2025 | Electrical system | 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. |
| 25V886000 | 2025-12-18 | 2019 | Electrical system | If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 25V823000 | 2025-12-01 | 2025 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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 expected, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V729000 | 2025-10-24 | 2021–2022 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V628000 | 2025-09-19 | 2020 | Engine | A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 25V572000 | 2025-09-04 | 2015–2017 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V488000 | 2025-07-25 | 2025 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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 expected, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V455000 | 2025-07-07 | 2022 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V442000 | 2025-06-27 | 2020–2021 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V439000 | 2025-06-27 | 2025 | Air bags | An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 25V197000 | 2025-05-23 | 2018–2020 | Seat belts | Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 25V346000 | 2025-05-23 | 2020 | Electrical system | Inoperative pre-collision assist features that fail to perform as expected can increase the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 25V314000 | 2025-05-09 | 2022–2024 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V315000 | 2025-05-09 | 2022–2024 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V270000 | 2025-04-23 | 2015 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A blank or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V236000 | 2025-04-11 | 2017–2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V198000 | 2025-03-28 | 2024–2025 | Engine and cooling | 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. |
| 25V132000 | 2025-02-28 | 2022 | Electrical system | Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V048000 | 2025-01-31 | 2021 | Backup camera / rear sensors | Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V851000 | 2024-12-20 | 2024 | Engine and cooling | 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. |
| 24V852000 | 2024-11-08 | 2018–2024 | Equipment / accessories | 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. |
| 24V099000 | 2024-02-09 | 2018–2020 | Seat belts | Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 23V420000 | 2023-06-09 | 2018–2023 | Equipment / accessories | Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 23V128000 | 2023-02-24 | 2023 | Transmission / powertrain | A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash. |
| 22V648000 | 2022-08-26 | 2015–2017 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire. |
| 22V346000 | 2022-05-17 | 2021 | Engine | A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 22V250000 | 2022-04-14 | 2020–2021 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V193000 | 2022-03-25 | 2022 | Electrical system | Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V150000 | 2022-03-11 | 2016–2017 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 21V805000 | 2021-10-15 | 2021 | Air bags | An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury. |
| 20V575000 | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V574000 | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | Seat belts | In the event of a crash, the incorrect classification would enable the passenger air bag to deploy instead of disabling it, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. |
| 20V366000 | 2020-06-23 | 2020 | Seats | An improperly welded headrest bracket may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 20V263000 | 2020-05-08 | 2019 | Transmission / powertrain | If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 20V262000 | 2020-05-08 | 2020 | Electrical system | If the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 20V217000 | 2020-04-16 | 2020 | Seat belts | In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide the intended level of protection, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 20V197000 | 2020-04-03 | 2020 | Transmission / powertrain | If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 19V773000 | 2019-10-28 | 2019 | Suspension | A disconnected toe link can cause a sudden change to vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V633000 | 2019-08-28 | 2019–2020 | Seats | A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 18V805000 | 2018-11-14 | 2018 | Seats | In the event of a crash, a seat that moves may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 18V392000 | 2018-06-12 | 2018 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. |
| 18V213000 | 2018-04-04 | 2018 | Transmission / powertrain | Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. |
| 18V214000 | 2018-04-04 | 2018 | Transmission / powertrain | If the gear shift cable clip becomes unseated or dislodged, the gear shift lever position may indicate that the transmission is in 'Park' when it may be in a different gear. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied before the vehicle is exited, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash. |
| 18V058000 | 2018-01-16 | 2018 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | If the window does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is found, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 17V775000 | 2017-12-01 | 2018 | Seats | If the seat back is not adequately secured, and/or the seat occupant is improperly positioned, there can be an increased risk of injury in a crash. |
What this data can and can't tell you
2,537 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Ford models in the index
- Ford F-150 (11,842)
- Ford Escape (9,632)
- Ford Explorer (9,079)
- Ford Edge (5,190)
- Ford Fusion (4,656)
- Ford F-250 SD (3,942)
- Ford Focus (3,929)
- Ford F-350 SD (2,147)
- Ford EcoSport (1,850)
- Ford Mustang (1,750)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.