Ford Expedition years to avoid and best years
Newer Ford Expedition years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2021 has the most complaints per year, at 28 (232 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 2 (from 72 complaints), 2012 at 5 (from 118 complaints), and 2013 at 5 (from 92 complaints). The Ford Expedition 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2021 Ford Expedition, 85 of 232 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2014
2012
2013
2025–26
Ford Expedition reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Ford Expedition. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 → Too early | 9 | 9 | 1 | Adaptive cruise control | 18.5 |
| 2025 → Too early | 17 | 33 | 5 | Seats | 18.5 |
| 2024 → | 25 | 74 | 7 | Electrical system | 18 |
| 2023 → | 16 | 64 | 8 | Electrical system | 18 |
| 2022 → | 16 | 113 | 12 | Powertrain | 18 |
| 2021 → Most | 28 | 232 | 12 | Powertrain | 18.8 |
| 2020 → | 14 | 414 | 18 | Powertrain | 18.8 |
| 2019 → | 9 | 500 | 11 | Powertrain | 19 |
| 2018 → | 18 | 374 | 14 | Powertrain | 19 |
| 2017 → | 14 | 357 | 4 | Electrical system | 17 |
| 2016 → | 12 | 216 | 3 | Service brakes | 17 |
| 2015 → | 13 | 164 | 3 | Powertrain | 17 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 2 | 72 | 0 | Powertrain | 15.5 |
| 2013 → Fewest | 5 | 92 | 0 | Powertrain | 15.5 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 5 | 118 | 3 | Powertrain | 15.5 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV, Extended-length SUV (EL)
- Oil
- 5W-20 conventional/synthetic blend (5.4L V8) · 7 qt capacity
- Tire size
- P265/70R17 (XLT) to P275/70R20 (Limited)
Known issues for this generation
Certain 2012 Expeditions built at the Kentucky Truck Plant between August and December 2011 were recalled along with related F-150, Mustang, and Navigator models after an output speed sensor issue in the 6R80 transmission's lead frame could force a temporary downshift into first gear at speed, causing the rear tires to slide or lock up and increasing the risk of loss of vehicle control (NHTSA campaign 16V248). Ford's remedy updated the powertrain control module software and offered a one-time lead-frame replacement within 10 years or 150,000 miles.
- Body styles
- SUV, Extended-length SUV (EL)
- Oil
- 5W-30 synthetic blend (3.5L EcoBoost) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 275/65R18 (XLT) to 285/45R22 (Limited/King Ranch/Platinum)
Known issues for this generation
Ford recalled 2015-2017 Expeditions and Navigators built between January 2014 and June 2017 (roughly 163,000 Expeditions) after finding the front blower motor, located behind the glovebox, can fail and pose a risk of interior fire while the vehicle is on; drivers reported an inoperative fan, a burning smell, or smoke from the instrument panel vents (NHTSA campaign 22V648). Ford has not identified the cause of the failures. Ford's remedy replaces the blower motor with a redesigned component.
- Body styles
- SUV, Extended-length SUV (MAX)
- Oil
- 5W-30 synthetic blend (3.5L EcoBoost) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 275/65R18 (XL/XLT) to 285/45R22 (King Ranch/Platinum)
Known issues for this generation
Ford service message SSM 49914 covers 2018-2021 Expeditions and Navigators on which the power liftgate becomes inoperative; the repair is a rear gate trunk module software update rather than a hardware replacement. A separate 2020 bulletin, 20-2421, addresses 2018-2019 vehicles whose doors become difficult to latch, lock, or unlock after water intrudes into the door handle cables, corrected by replacing the mini latch module.
- Body styles
- SUV, Extended-length SUV (MAX)
- Oil
- 5W-30 synthetic blend (3.5L EcoBoost) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- P275/60R20 (Platinum/MAX)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 25V-488 covers certain 2025 Expeditions, and also the Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Bronco, and Ranger: the electronic brake booster module may malfunction while driving or while a driver-assistance feature is in use, which removes power brake assist and can lengthen the stopping distance. The campaign covers 312,120 vehicles across those models. The module software is updated over the air or by a dealer. Recall 25V-198 covers certain 2024-2025 Expeditions, F-150s, and 2024 Navigators with a 3.5L GTDI engine: a misaligned engine cup plug can cause a rapid oil leak, which can stall the engine or, near hot exhaust parts, start a fire. The campaign covers 4,356 vehicles across those models. Dealers inspect the plug and replace it if needed. Recall 25V-439 covers certain 2025 Expedition and Navigator vehicles whose passenger airbag may have been built incorrectly and can deploy with excessive force. That campaign covers 171 vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Expedition years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 2 (from 72 complaints), 2012 at 5 (from 118 complaints), and 2013 at 5 (from 92 complaints).
Which Ford Expedition year has the most owner complaints?
2021 has the most complaints per year, at 28 (232 complaints). On the 2021 Ford Expedition, 85 of 232 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Ford Expedition owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Ford Expedition years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Ford Expedition years are too early to compare?
The Ford Expedition 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is the 2016 Ford Expedition?
3rd generation, EcoBoost V6 refresh (2015-2017).
Does the Ford Expedition have power liftgate problems?
On some 2018-2021 Expeditions the power liftgate stops working; Ford's service message SSM 49914 fixes it with a rear gate trunk module software update.