Ford Expedition problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Expedition issues are mostly recall-driven. The 2015–2017 models with the first 3.5L EcoBoost carry a brake master cylinder recall; 2018–2024 models add 10-speed shift complaints, a park-pawl recall, seat belt pretensioner recalls and a 2024 oil-leak recall. Early 2025 models have a brake-booster recall. Check every VIN.

CarWhere lists 9 documented Expedition issues, including 8 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, engines, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Expedition generations at a glance

Ford Expedition generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
2015–2017 Expedition2015–2017Brake master cylinder can leak fluid into the booster (3.5L EcoBoost) · Front HVAC blower motor can fail (fire risk)
2018–2024 Expedition2018–2024Harsh or delayed shifts from the 10-speed automatic · Transmission park pawl can engage while moving · Front seat belt pretensioners can lock the belt · Battery junction box short can cause an engine fire (2020) · Misaligned engine cup plug can cause a rapid oil leak (3.5L EcoBoost) · Front brake lines can rub against the air intake pipe
2025+ Expedition2025–presentElectronic brake booster can lose power assist (2025)

2015–2017 Expedition problems

Brake master cylinder can leak fluid into the booster (3.5L EcoBoost) (2016–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
2015–2017 Expedition
Years:
2016–2017

Ford recalled certain 2016–2017 Expeditions (and related F-150s and Navigators) because the brake master cylinder can let fluid leak from the front-wheel circuit into the brake booster, reducing front braking and lengthening stopping distances. A later campaign (25V-236) extended the same condition to some 2017–2018 vehicles.

Symptoms

  • Brake-fluid warning light
  • Longer pedal travel or softer pedal
  • Brake fluid level dropping with no external leak

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 22V-150 and 25V-236
  • Check the brake-fluid level and pedal feel on the test drive

NHTSA recall: 22V-150 (2022-03)

Sources: [1]

Front HVAC blower motor can fail (fire risk) (2015–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
2015–2017 Expedition
Years:
2015–2017
Engine:
All engines

Ford recalled certain 2015–2017 Expeditions and Navigators because the front blower motor behind the glove box can fail, and NHTSA's recall notice says a failed motor raises the risk of an interior fire. The remedy is a replacement blower motor assembly.

Symptoms

  • No airflow from the dash vents
  • Burning smell or noise from behind the glove box

Check before buying

  • Run the fan through every speed and the defrost setting
  • Check the VIN for 22V-648

NHTSA recall: 22V-648 (2022-08)

Sources: [2]

2018–2024 Expedition problems

Harsh or delayed shifts from the 10-speed automatic (2018–2021)

Moderate
Generation:
2018–2024 Expedition
Years:
2018–2021

Ford bulletin 23-2350 lists 2018–2021 Expeditions among the 10R80 vehicles that may show harsh or delayed engagement and shifts with a check-engine light. Fixes range from module software to valve-body or clutch-cylinder repairs.

Symptoms

  • Clunky upshifts or downshifts, especially when cold
  • Delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse

Check before buying

  • Test-drive from a cold start in stop-and-go traffic
  • Scan the transmission module for stored codes
  • Ask for transmission software or repair records

Sources: [3]

Transmission park pawl can engage while moving (2018–2021)

Safety recall
Generation:
2018–2024 Expedition
Years:
2018–2021

Ford recalled certain 2018–2021 Expeditions, Navigators and some 2020–2021 Explorers, Aviators and 2021 F-150s because the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is moving, damaging the park system.

Symptoms

  • Sudden grinding or lurch while driving
  • Vehicle not holding in Park afterwards

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 26V-402 and whether the remedy is available or complete
  • Confirm the vehicle holds firmly in Park on a slope

NHTSA recall: 26V-402 (2026-06)

Sources: [4]

Front seat belt pretensioners can lock the belt (2018–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
2018–2024 Expedition
Years:
2018–2022
Engine:
All engines

Several recalls cover the driver and front-passenger seat belt pretensioners on 2018–2022 Expeditions and Navigators, which can deploy or lock the belt so it no longer extends or retracts. The latest campaign is 26V-344; earlier ones include 24V-099 and 25V-197.

Symptoms

  • Front seat belt stuck and won't pull out or retract
  • Seat-belt or airbag warning light

Check before buying

  • Pull both front belts fully out and let them retract
  • Check the VIN for 24V-099, 25V-197 and 26V-344

NHTSA recall: 26V-344 (2026-05)

Sources: [4]

Battery junction box short can cause an engine fire (2020) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
2018–2024 Expedition
Years:
2020
Engine:
All engines

Ford recalled certain 2020 Expeditions and Navigators because a short circuit inside the battery junction box can start an engine-compartment fire while driving or parked; owners were told to park outside until repaired. A separate campaign (22V-346) covered an underhood fire risk on some 2021 models.

Symptoms

  • Burning smell or smoke from under the hood
  • Electrical faults or warning lights

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 25V-628 (2020) or 22V-346 (2021)
  • Look for melted or discolored wiring near the battery

NHTSA recall: 25V-628 (2025-09)

Sources: [5]

Misaligned engine cup plug can cause a rapid oil leak (3.5L EcoBoost) (2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
2018–2024 Expedition
Years:
2024

Ford recalled certain 2024 Expeditions, Navigators and 2024–2025 F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost because a misaligned engine cup plug can let oil escape quickly, risking engine damage or a fire if oil reaches hot parts. A follow-up campaign (25V-198) widened the population.

Symptoms

  • Low oil pressure warning
  • Oil on the engine or ground under the vehicle

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 24V-851 and 25V-198
  • Look for fresh oil on the engine and underbody

NHTSA recall: 24V-851 (2024-12)

Sources: [6]

Front brake lines can rub against the air intake pipe (2022–2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
2018–2024 Expedition
Years:
2022–2024
Engine:
All engines

Ford recalled certain 2022–2024 Expeditions and Navigators because the front brake lines can contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and wear through, causing a brake fluid leak and reduced braking.

Symptoms

  • Brake-fluid warning or soft pedal
  • Fluid weeping around the front of the engine bay

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 25V-314
  • Inspect the brake lines near the air intake tube for wear marks

NHTSA recall: 25V-314 (2025-05)

Sources: [7]

2025+ Expedition problems (2025–present)

Electronic brake booster can lose power assist (2025) (2025)

Safety recall
Generation:
2025+ Expedition
Years:
2025
Engine:
All engines

Ford recalled certain 2025 Expeditions, Navigators, F-150s, Broncos and Rangers because the electronic brake booster module can malfunction while driving or while a driver-assist feature is active, removing power brake assist. A later campaign (25V-823) covers additional vehicles.

Symptoms

  • Very hard brake pedal
  • Brake system warning message

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 25V-488 and 25V-823
  • Confirm normal pedal feel with the engine running

NHTSA recall: 25V-488 (2025-07)

Sources: [8]

Related Expedition research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm exactly how a Expedition was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and equipment decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Ford Expedition VIN into its factory record — powertrain, equipment groups and options as built. $9.99, instant.

Ford build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Ford Expedition problems?

The best-documented Ford Expedition issues are harsh or delayed shifts from the 10-speed automatic (2018–2024 Expedition, 2018–2021). Which ones matter depends on the generation and engine, so check the section for the exact truck or car you are looking at.

Has the Ford Expedition had any recalls?

Yes. Recalls covered on this page include brake master cylinder can leak fluid into the booster (3.5L EcoBoost) (NHTSA 22V-150), front HVAC blower motor can fail (fire risk) (NHTSA 22V-648), transmission park pawl can engage while moving (NHTSA 26V-402) and front seat belt pretensioners can lock the belt (NHTSA 26V-344). Recall repairs are free at a Ford dealer; check any specific vehicle’s VIN with NHTSA to see whether the work was completed.

What should I check before buying a used Expedition?

Test-drive from a cold start in stop-and-go traffic. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic covers these and should include a scan for stored fault codes.

Is the Ford Expedition reliable?

Most well-known Expedition problems are tied to a specific generation, engine or transmission rather than the model as a whole, and many have a published fix, updated part or recall remedy. Owner-complaint volume by model year is tracked separately in CarWhere’s years-to-avoid research.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recalls: 2016 Ford Expedition — NHTSA
  2. NHTSA recalls: 2017 Ford Expedition — NHTSA
  3. TSB 23-2350: 10R80 harsh or delayed engagement/shifts (F-150, Expedition, Ranger) — CarComplaints.com (TSB summary) (secondary reference)
  4. NHTSA recalls: 2018 Ford Expedition — NHTSA
  5. NHTSA recalls: 2020 Ford Expedition — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recalls: 2024 Ford Expedition — NHTSA
  7. NHTSA recalls: 2023 Ford Expedition — NHTSA
  8. NHTSA recalls: 2025 Ford Expedition — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company. Ford, Power Stroke, EcoBoost, Coyote and the model names are trademarks of their owner.