Expedition (4th)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The Expedition 4th gen is the closest Ford parallel to the Explorer 6th gen (2020-2025) reliability story: high recall count, dominant single engine, and a stack of sequential re-recalls where the fix itself was performed incorrectly. The 2018-2025 file carries 41 recalls across eight model years and lands four "incorrectly repaired" re-recalls on top of that base. The 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (370 hp through 2022, post-refresh code for 2023+) covers the entire generation with no alternative powertrain. Across 2018-2025, the Expedition accumulates 1,496 NHTSA complaints, 41 recalls, 38 crashes, 17 fires, 87 injuries, and 0 deaths.
The 3.5L EcoBoost appears under three VIN-decoded entries in the data, totaling 1,472 of 1,496 complaints. The dominant entry (2018-2022) posts 1,276 complaints at 255.2 complaints per year and 12 of the 17 fires. The rating algorithm grades it "avoid" at 1.4. Transmission complaints lead the file at 591 (40% of the dominant-entry total), reflecting the well-documented 10R80 10-speed automatic shift-quality issues that Ford addressed via TSBs and recall actions during the same period. Engine complaints sit at 328 and "other" at 134. The post-refresh 2023-2025 entry (122 complaints, 37.3 cpy, avoid 1.7) reads cleaner but still rates avoid, suggesting the refresh did not fully resolve the powertrain pattern.
The recall log contains four sequential "incorrectly repaired" re-recall arcs. 20V263 (2019 Expedition transmission-not-in-park warning chime) was re-recalled as 25V886 in 2025 because the original repair was performed incorrectly. 20V262 (2020 Pre-Collision Assist camera) was re-recalled as 25V346 for the same reason. 22V193 (2021-2022 F-150 plus Expedition trailer software) was re-recalled as 25V132. 24V851 (2024-2025 F-150 plus Expedition 3.5L GTDI engine misalignment) was re-recalled as 25V198 within months. The EBB (Electronic Brake Booster) recall pair 25V488 then 25V823 affects 2025 cars and was issued five months apart on the same defect. This is the "incorrectly repaired" pattern: Ford issues a recall, dealers perform the fix, the fix itself is wrong, and Ford issues another recall to repair the repair.
Other recall clusters cover seats (17V775, 18V805, 19V633 multi-Ford, 20V366), seat belts (24V099, 25V197 re-recall on 2018-2020 cars, 20V574 child classification, 20V217 BTS), fuel system (18V392 high-pressure fuel pump on 3.5L GTDI), powertrain transmission (18V213 10-speed, 20V197 park-by-pressing-brake), engine fires (22V346 engine compartment fire on 2021 Expedition plus Navigator with ignition off, 25V628 battery junction box short circuit), suspension (19V773 rear toe link fasteners), windshield (22V250 multi-Ford), and three back-over-prevention campaigns (20V575, 25V048, 25V315) covering rearview camera issues across multi-year multi-Ford fleets.
For shoppers, the Expedition is a difficult full-size three-row buy. The 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo is the only engine and carries 41 recalls plus four "incorrectly repaired" re-recalls across the generation. Cross-shoppers should compare against the Toyota Sequoia (hybrid powertrain available, cleaner record), the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon (different platform with separate reliability profile), the Jeep Wagoneer (lower-volume, FCA reliability profile applies), and the Nissan Armada (lowest-volume of the segment but cleaner per-year complaint figures). The Lincoln Navigator is mechanically identical to the Expedition and is not a meaningful alternative on reliability grounds; the comparison reduces to interior quality and price.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Ford Expedition Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.5L GTDI
3.5L 6-cyl Turbo / 310 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
GTDI-Standard
3.5L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cyl / 370 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Ford Expedition regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
Used-Expedition shopping breaks roughly into pre- and post-refresh halves. The 2018-2022 cars with the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo and the 10R80 10-speed transmission carry 591 transmission complaints and the bulk of the 41-recall stack, including most of the 17 fires across the generation. The 2023-2025 refresh-era cars read cleaner per-year but still rate "avoid" on the algorithmic scale, and the 2024 model year alone added the 24V851 then 25V198 engine misalignment recall pair on the 3.5L GTDI plus the new 25V628 engine fire recall on 2020 Expedition and Navigator vehicles. For buyers willing to absorb the engine-and-transmission risk, the 2022-2023 transition years are the cleanest within the 4th gen.
Inspection priorities before buying any Expedition: verify all open "incorrectly repaired" re-recalls per VIN, including 25V886 (covers 2019 cars previously serviced under 20V263), 25V346 (covers 2020 cars previously serviced under 20V262), 25V132 (covers 2021-2022 cars previously serviced under 22V193), and 25V198 (covers 2024-2025 cars previously serviced under 24V851); check the 18V392 high-pressure fuel pump recall on 2018 cars equipped with the 3.5L GTDI; confirm the 18V213 10-speed transmission recall on 2018 cars; verify 25V236 brake master cylinder leak fix on 2017-2018 cars; check the 19V773 rear toe link fasteners on 2019 cars; confirm 22V346 engine compartment fire fix on 2021 cars; and verify 25V488 and 25V823 EBB module recalls on 2025 cars. The "incorrectly repaired" re-recall pattern means a Carfax recall-complete entry is not sufficient; cross-check the VIN against open campaigns at NHTSA.
Cross-shop the Toyota Sequoia (V6 hybrid available, cleaner record), Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon (different GM full-size SUV platform), Jeep Wagoneer (FCA reliability profile), and Nissan Armada (lowest-volume but cleaner per-year). The Lincoln Navigator is mechanically identical to the Expedition and is not a meaningful alternative on reliability; comparison reduces to interior quality and price.
Recalls (41)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-193. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The passenger side air bag may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag to deploy with excessive force during a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Navigator vehicles that were repaired incorrectly under recall 20V262. The Pre-Collision Assist features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, are not functional due to a software error.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V263. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition vehicles. The seat belt tension sensor may incorrectly classify a child occupant as an adult.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The attachment bracket for the driver's side second-row seat headrest may not have been sufficiently welded to the seat frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition vehicles. The front passenger seatbelt buckle's Belt Tension Sensor (BTS) may malfunction and may result in the seat occupant being misclassified.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with camera-only Pre-Collision Assist feature. Vehicles built with the optional radar-plus-camera Pre-Collision Assist system are not affected. Due to incorrect coding of interfacing modules, the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, and the driver cannot access the menu functions necessary to enable the Pre-Collision Assist feature.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The rear suspension toe link fasteners may not have been properly tightened to the frame, possibly allowing separation from the frame.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The second row window control modules may intermittently stop the movement of the power window. If something, such as a finger, is pinched by the window glass, the stopped window control module may prevent the window from automatically reversing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition vehicles. The second row center seat track assemblies may be missing one or both of the J-Channel reinforcement brackets, possibly allowing the seat to move in the event of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI V6 engines. These vehicles have high pressure fuel pump assemblies with welds that can fracture, which may cause an oil or fuel leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions and 2018 Ford F-150 and Expedition vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions (excluding Expedition vehicles with a Rotary Gear Shift Dial on the console). The gear shift cable clip may not be properly seated, allowing the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated by the gear shift lever position.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Expedition vehicles. The second row outboard seats may have excessive forward adjustment capability and/or may have an improperly installed bolt that secures the seat back to the seat base. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints", number 207, "Seating Systems", and number 210, "Seat Belt Anchorage System."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2025 Ford Expedition problems?
The 2018-2025 Ford Expedition has accumulated 1,496 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Engine, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Ford Expedition engine is most reliable?
The 2018-2025 Ford Expedition was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L Turbo 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2018-2025 Ford Expedition a good used car?
The 2018-2025 Ford Expedition can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,496 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2025 Ford Expedition have?
The 2018-2025 Ford Expedition has 1,496 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2018-2025 Ford Expedition?
There are 41 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2018-2025 Ford Expedition vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Expedition?
Before buying a used Ford Expedition, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Engine, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Expedition?
The 2025 Ford Expedition received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (20.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,496 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.