Ford Expedition problems by year
Expedition and Expedition EL: the EL is Ford's extended-length Expedition (renamed Expedition MAX for 2018; Ford's 2018 Expedition product information calls the MAX "formerly the Expedition EL"). NHTSA lists EXPEDITION separately from EXPEDITION EXTENDED (2010) and EXPEDITION EL (2015-2017); for 2011-2014 it lists only EXPEDITION. These pages combine NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for all of them. CarComplaints.com has a single Expedition listing. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Sources: Ford: 2018 Expedition Product Information Book (PDF, dealer-hosted), NHTSA model list, 2010 Ford, NHTSA model list, 2015 Ford.
Expedition vs. Expedition MAX: the MAX is the extended-length Expedition that replaced the EL for 2018 (Ford lists a 131.6-inch wheelbase and 221.9-inch length for the 2018-2019 Expedition MAX vs. 122.5 and 210.0 inches for the standard Expedition). NHTSA still lists it as EXPEDITION EL for 2018-2024 and as EXPEDITION MAX for 2025; these pages combine NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the standard and long models. CarComplaints.com has a single Expedition listing. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Sources: Ford: 2018 Expedition Product Information Book (PDF, dealer-hosted), Ford: 2019 Expedition + MAX specifications (PDF), Car and Driver: 2018 Ford Expedition Max 4x4 test, NHTSA model list, 2018 Ford, NHTSA model list, 2025 Ford.
| Year | Common issues | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2021 | 3 | 3 |
| 2020 | 3 | 3 |
| 2019 | 3 | 3 |
| 2018 | 3 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 | 3 |
| 2016 | 3 | 3 |
| 2015 | 4 | 2 |
| 2014 | 6 | 0 |
| 2013 | 6 | 0 |
| 2012 | 4 | 2 |
| 2011 | 6 | 0 |
| 2010 | 5 | 0 |
Top NHTSA complaint areas (2010–2025)
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 1079 |
| Engine | 496 |
| Electrical System | 399 |
| Unknown Or Other | 340 |
| Service Brakes | 221 |
| Seat Belts | 194 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 173 |
| Structure | 144 |
Source: NHTSA complaints API, per model year (linked on each year’s issue pages).
Ford Expedition problems by system (all years)
Systems with sourced problem pages in two or more model years. Pages list NHTSA owner complaints and CarComplaints.com reports for that year.
Transmission (11 model years)
- 2023: Power Train complaints (11 NHTSA reports)
- 2022: Power Train complaints (16 NHTSA reports)
- 2021: Power Train complaints (113 NHTSA reports)
- 2020: Shifting issues
- 2020: Transmission drops into first gear at high speed
- 2020: Transmission goes into neutral when in high gear
- 2019: Loses power while accelerating
- 2018: Downshifts suddenly at highway speeds
- 2014: Power Train complaints (34 NHTSA reports)
- 2013: Power Train complaints (43 NHTSA reports)
- 2012: Power Train complaints (64 NHTSA reports)
- 2011: Power Train complaints (21 NHTSA reports)
- 2010: Power Train complaints (10 NHTSA reports)
- 2010: Slips and jerks
Electrical (10 model years)
- 2025: Electrical System complaints (6 NHTSA reports)
- 2024: Electrical System complaints (15 NHTSA reports)
- 2023: Electrical System complaints (17 NHTSA reports)
- 2022: Electrical System complaints (20 NHTSA reports)
- 2021: Electrical System complaints (24 NHTSA reports)
- 2015: Electrical System complaints (45 NHTSA reports)
- 2014: Electrical System complaints (13 NHTSA reports)
- 2013: Electrical System complaints (10 NHTSA reports)
- 2012: Electrical System complaints (20 NHTSA reports)
- 2010: Electrical System complaints (10 NHTSA reports)
Engine (10 model years)
- 2023: Engine complaints (7 NHTSA reports)
- 2021: Engine complaints (61 NHTSA reports)
- 2019: Cam phaser rattle
- 2017: Throttle body faulty
- 2016: Dies while driving
- 2015: Complete loss of power while driving
- 2015: Engine complaints (32 NHTSA reports)
- 2014: Engine complaints (10 NHTSA reports)
- 2013: Engine complaints (11 NHTSA reports)
- 2012: Throttle body failure
- 2011: Engine complaints (13 NHTSA reports)
- 2011: Tapping sound coming from engine
Brakes (4 model years)
- 2024: Service Brakes complaints (9 NHTSA reports)
- 2016: Low brake fluid light on brakes failed
- 2016: Service Brakes complaints (48 NHTSA reports)
- 2014: Warped rotors
- 2013: Warped rotors
Suspension (4 model years)
- 2019: MacPherson struts failed
- 2018: All 4 struts shocks found leaking
- 2018: All four shock absorbers leaking oil
- 2013: Check air suspension warning light on
- 2011: Very bumpy in rear
Forward Collision Avoidance (3 model years)
- 2025: Forward Collision Avoidance complaints (8 NHTSA reports)
- 2024: Forward Collision Avoidance complaints (13 NHTSA reports)
- 2022: Forward Collision Avoidance complaints (17 NHTSA reports)
Cooling system (2 model years)
Seats (2 model years)
Structure (2 model years)
Vehicle Speed Control (2 model years)
- 2013: Vehicle Speed Control complaints (7 NHTSA reports)
- 2012: Vehicle Speed Control complaints (18 NHTSA reports)
Page last updated .