Expedition (4th)
Verdict The Expedition scores 3.6, on 922 powertrain complaints against about 270 for similar full-size SUVs of the same age, and every one uses the 3.5L EcoBoost. Check open campaigns at NHTSA, since a Carfax recall-complete entry misses the re-recalls.
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cyl / 370 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
GTDI-Standard
3.5L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
GTDI
3.5L 6-cyl Turbo / 365 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Ford Expedition Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
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 46 recalls across eight model years and lands three "incorrectly repaired" re-recalls within 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 1,831 NHTSA complaints, 46 recalls, 44 crashes, 22 fires, 124 injuries, and 0 deaths.
The 3.5L EcoBoost appears under three VIN-decoded entries in the data, totaling 1,803 of 1,831 complaints. The dominant entry (2018-2022) posts 1,534 complaints at 306.8 complaints per year and 14 of the 22 fires. Transmission complaints lead the file at 714 (47% 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 354 and "other" at 164. The post-refresh 2023-2025 entry (163 complaints, 49.7 cpy) reads cleaner, though the generation's last three years still run above similar SUVs, suggesting the refresh did not fully resolve the powertrain pattern.
The recall log contains three 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 2024 Expedition 3.5L GTDI engine cup plug misalignment) was followed within months by 25V198, which adds 2025 Expedition trucks. The EBB (Electronic Brake Booster) recall pair 25V488 then 25V823 affects 2025 cars and was issued four 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 four back-over-prevention campaigns (20V575, 25V048, 25V315, 25V442) 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 46 recalls across the generation, three of them "incorrectly repaired" re-recalls. 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 (FCA reliability profile applies), and the Nissan Armada (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.
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.
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 714 transmission complaints and the bulk of the 46-recall stack, including most of the 22 fires across the generation. The 2023-2025 refresh-era cars read cleaner per-year, 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.
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), and 25V132 (covers 2021-2022 cars previously serviced under 22V193), plus 25V198 (extends the 24V851 engine cup plug recall to 2025 Expedition trucks); 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 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 (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.
What to check on a used 2018-2025 Ford Expedition
On a used 2018-2025 Ford Expedition, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (778), the engine (392) and the seats, seat belts and interior (180). 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.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 778 owner complaints on the 2018-2025 Ford Expedition about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 392 owner complaints on the 2018-2025 Ford Expedition about the engine, all engines combined.
- Latch and tug every seat belt, move every seat through its full travel and lock each seatback.Safety. NHTSA has 180 owner complaints on the 2018-2025 Ford Expedition about the seats, seat belts and interior.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 164 owner complaints on the 2018-2025 Ford Expedition about the electrical system.
- 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 130 owner complaints on the 2018-2025 Ford Expedition about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (46)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Expedition, 2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD vehicles. The headlight assemblies may contain a contaminated LED chip, which can result in a loss of daytime running lights, parking lights, high beams or low beams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Expedition vehicles. The chrome plating on the center console may bubble and peel, resulting in sharp edges.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 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 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
Show 41 older recalls
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 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 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 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 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 2021-2023 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 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 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 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 2021-2024 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 complaints?
Owners have filed 1,831 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2025 Ford Expedition. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the engine and the interior.
Is the 2018-2025 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 1,831 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2025 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 2018-2025 Ford Expedition have?
NHTSA has 1,831 owner complaints on file for the 2018-2025 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 2018-2025 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA lists 46 recalls covering some 2018-2025 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 engine and the interior, 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 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. 1,831 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.