Reliability
Ford

Expedition (3rd)

2007-2017 · Full-Size SUV · 4 engines
1,528 NHTSA Complaints
14 Recalls
37 Fire Reports
102 Crash Reports
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
EXPEDITIONEXPEDITION ELEXPEDITION EXTENDED
View all 6 generations of the Ford Expedition → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

7.1 / 10

Reliability score

About as many owner complaints as similar full-size SUVs

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 559 powertrain complaints. A typical full-size SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 588.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 0.8 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall559 complaints against about 588 for similar vehicles
7.1
Last three years125 complaints against about 86 for similar vehicles
6.0
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced59 complaints against about 129 for similar vehicles
8.7
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating14 complaints against about 37 for similar vehicles
8.9

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20077.3
  • 20088.9
  • 20098.6
  • 20108.8
  • 20118.0
  • 20125.9
  • 20136.8
  • 20147.5
  • 20155.9
  • 20165.5
  • 20176.4

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

By engine · 2007 to 2011, 2015 model years only

5.4L 8-cyl 8.3/10
About 61% fewer powertrain complaints than the 3.5L 6-cyl (turbo and non-turbo together), per vehicle built. (141 complaints, about 260,000 built)
3.5L 6-cyl (turbo and non-turbo together) 6.0/10
About 2.5 times as many powertrain complaints as the 5.4L 8-cyl, per vehicle built. (227 complaints, about 168,000 built)

A complaint counts toward an engine only when its VIN names the engine. Each score is that engine on its own against similar vehicles, worked out the same way as the score above.

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl / 370 hp
692 complaints 230.7 per year Gasoline
20 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
166
brakes
124
transmission
105
engine
104
safety systems
90

Same engine used in

+73 more
MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class (2012-2015)CHRYSLER LHS (2000-2001)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)CHRYSLER Concorde (2000-2004)MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class (2007-2012)KIA Amanti (2004-2009)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class (2006-2013)LEXUS IS (2014-2025)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)NISSAN Murano (2009-2014)LINCOLN MKX (2007-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)FORD Transit (2015-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)CHRYSLER Town & Country (2008-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)CHRYSLER Sebring (2007-2010)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD Edge (2015-2024)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Flex (2009-2019)INFINITI QX50 (2008-2017)INFINITI Q70 (2006-2010)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2005-2010)INFINITI QX60 (2013-2020)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class (2000-2005)DODGE Journey (2009-2020)CHRYSLER Sebring (2001-2006)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2001-2006)KIA Sorento (2011-2015)DODGE Charger (2006-2010)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)NISSAN Altima (2013-2018)INFINITI QX4 (2000-2003)MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class (2006-2011)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2007-2012)NISSAN Maxima (2004-2008)NISSAN Pathfinder (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)DODGE Stratus (2001-2006)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)NISSAN Murano (2015-2025)NISSAN Pathfinder (2005-2012)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)HYUNDAI XG350 (2001-2005)NISSAN Maxima (2009-2014)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)NISSAN Altima (2007-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2013-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2024-2026)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2016-2019)DODGE Challenger (2008-2023)RAM 2500 (2010-2018)KIA Sorento (2003-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)DODGE Avenger (2008-2014)LEXUS RX (2016-2022)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)

Ford Expedition Unidentified Engine

121 complaints 11.0 per year
1 fire report 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
23
transmission
20
other
17
body
16
brakes
15
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Expedition, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Transmission: 329 owner complaints
Electrical System: 284 owner complaints
Brakes: 213 owner complaints
Engine: 204 owner complaints
Safety Systems: 123 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2007-2017 Ford Expedition

On a used 2007-2017 Ford Expedition, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (329), the electrical system (284) and the brakes (213). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 329 owner complaints on the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
  2. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 284 owner complaints on the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition about the electrical system.
  3. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 213 owner complaints on the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition about the brakes.
  4. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 204 owner complaints on the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition about the engine, all engines combined.
  5. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 123 owner complaints on the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition

Recalls (14)

25V572000Sep 4, 2025serious
Back Over Prevention

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

25V270000Apr 23, 2025serious
Back Over Prevention

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 F-250, F-350, F-450, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and MKC vehicles. The rearview camera printed circuit board terminal header connector may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image.

25V236000Apr 11, 2025serious
Service Brakes

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

22V648000Aug 26, 2022serious
Visibility

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.

22V150000Mar 11, 2022serious
Service Brakes

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

Show 9 older recalls
16V248000Apr 27, 2016serious
Powertrain

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

12V190000May 3, 2012serious
Powertrain

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.

12V034000Feb 2, 2012serious
Seats

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.

09V232000Jun 24, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

FORD IS RECALLING 1,357 MY 2009 EXPEDITION AND NAVIGATOR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY BE IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED. THIS MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN BRAKE STOPLAMP ILLUMINATION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. IN SITUATIONS OF VERY MILD BRAKE APPLICATION, THE BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE.

08V166000Apr 11, 2008cosmetic
Tires

FORD IS RECALLING 158 MY 2008 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) AND THE LIMO BUILDERS PACKAGE FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, Z"TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS." THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS INCREASED FROM 35 PSI TO 40 PSI WITHOUT A COMMENSURATE UPDATE TO THE TPMS CALIBRATIONS.

08V058000Feb 5, 2008serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

FORD IS RECALLING 123,632 MY 2007-2008 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES. THE DOOR HANDLE HOUSING EMBOSSMENT RETAINING THE BOTTOM OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SPRING ON ALL SIDE DOORS MAY FRACTURE DURING NORMAL CUSTOMER USAGE. THIS CAN RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT SPRING FORCE TO RETURN THE HANDLE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THE HANDLE MAY BE LOOSE CAUSING A RATTLE OR NOISE AND THE HANDLE MAY NOT RETURN TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO PROVIDE A DELAYED RESISTANCE WHEN ACTUATING THE HANDLE PRIOR TO OPENING THE DOOR.

08V057000Feb 5, 2008serious
Fuel System

FORD IS RECALLING 57,199 MY 2006-2007 E-150, E-250, E-350, AND MY 2007 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L ENGINES. THE FUEL RAIL CROSS-OVER HOSE MAY CONTAIN WEAK AREAS. AS A RESULT, THE HOSE MAY CRACK, WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL ODOR AND/OR FUEL LEAK.

07E105000Dec 13, 2007cosmetic
Service Brakes, Air

CERTAIN CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE ABS AND ESC CONTROL MODULES SOLD FOR INSTALLATION ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME OF THE HYDRAULIC VALVES IN THE ESC MODULE WERE BUILT WITH EXTRA CHECK BALLS.

07V541000Nov 21, 2007serious
Air Bags

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ASSEMBLED.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Alternatives in Full-Size SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2007-2017 Ford Expedition complaints?

Owners have filed 1,528 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the electrical system and the brakes.

Is the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,528 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition have?

NHTSA has 1,528 owner complaints on file for the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2007-2017 Ford Expedition?

NHTSA lists 14 recalls covering some 2007-2017 Ford Expedition vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Expedition?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the electrical system and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Expedition?

The 2017 Ford Expedition received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (19.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,528 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver