2018 Ford Expedition
The Verdict
The 2018 Ford Expedition has 356 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (119 complaints) and transmission (113 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 38/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford Expedition, consider the 2025 model year which has 92% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2025 has 92% fewer complaints
View the 2025 Ford Expedition dashboard →
Klunk Score: Check Engine
More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 9
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
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.
Risk
Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the center consoles as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed June 29, 2026. Additional letters ...
Reported Sep 6, 2026
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...
Risk
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety...
Reported Jul 1, 2026
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 s...
Risk
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed June 8, 2026. Additional lett...
Reported Jun 4, 2026
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 ...
Risk
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor date codes and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contac...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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. ...
Risk
If the window does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is found, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row window electronic control modules, and replace them as necessary based on their build date codes, free of charge. The recall began ...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 reinfor...
Risk
In the event of a crash, a seat that moves may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row center seat for any missing J-channel reinforcement brackets, replacing the center seat frame assembly as necessary, free of charge...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 an...
Risk
Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. O...
Reported Sep 2, 2024
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 SuperCa...
Risk
Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July...
Reported Sep 6, 2023
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...
Risk
If the seat back is not adequately secured, and/or the seat occupant is improperly positioned, there can be an increased risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row outboard seats for proper seat adjustment travel, replacing the seat frame assembly if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the bol...
Reported Jan 12, 2017
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 480 | 30 | 244 | 163 | 39 |
| 2001 | 254 | 22 | 133 | 159 | 41 |
| 2002 | 135 | 23 | 62 | 143 | 25 |
| 2003 | 177 | 84 | 135 | 205 | 51 |
| 2004 | 94 | 39 | 70 | 70 | 23 |
| 2005 | 62 | 13 | 51 | 158 | 31 |
| 2006 | 68 | 13 | 24 | 180 | 14 |
| 2007 | 84 | 28 | 20 | 63 | 20 |
| 2008 | 74 | 31 | 12 | 17 | 12 |
| 2009 | 13 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| 2010 | 27 | 2 | 12 | 7 | 10 |
| 2011 | 29 | 1 | 7 | 16 | 18 |
| 2012 | 28 | 5 | 8 | 14 | 61 |
| 2013 | 27 | 3 | 10 | 11 | 39 |
| 2014 | 15 | 1 | 17 | 10 | 28 |
| 2015 | 41 | 7 | 45 | 49 | 22 |
| 2016 | 56 | 47 | 32 | 48 | 27 |
| 2017 | 94 | 71 | 87 | 61 | 40 |
| 2018 | 76 | 8 | 40 | 119 | 113 |
| 2019 | 121 | 5 | 33 | 137 | 158 |
| 2020 | 80 | 4 | 28 | 55 | 200 |
| 2021 | 48 | 4 | 14 | 63 | 82 |
| 2022 | 48 | 6 | 20 | 19 | 11 |
| 2023 | 30 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| 2024 | 39 | 8 | 12 | 6 | 3 |
| 2025 | 15 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Complaints
Suspected Safety Defect – Windshield Wiper System Effected Vehicle Information Vehicle 1 - 2018 Ford Expedition MAX Vehicle 2 - 2017 Ford F-350 SuperCrew 4x4 Description of Defect Both vehicles experienced the same windshield wiper failure. The wipers gradually slowed, became sluggish, and eventually stopped working during normal use. Available repair information and owner reports indicate the likely cause is corrosion and seizure of the wiper pivot shafts and linkage, which overloads the motor and leads to failure. Safety Hazard Loss of wiper function in rain or poor weather severely reduces visibility and creates a serious crash risk, leaving drivers unable to operate safely. Evidence of a Broader Pattern This issue appears widespread. Many Ford owners report similar symptoms, including slowing wipers, increased resistance, seized pivots, and complete failure requiring linkage replacement. Technicians commonly identify seized pivot shafts as the cause. Ford has issued recalls on other models for wiper-related defects, recognizing the safety risk of sudden failure. Request for Investigation Because two separate vehicles experienced the same failure, I request that NHTSA investigate whether corrosion-related seizure of wiper components in 2017–2018 Ford Expedition and Super Duty vehicles is a broader safety defect. If confirmed, I request an appropriate remedy, such as a recall or extended warranty. I can provide supporting documentation if needed.
While driving on the interstate and merging to the next lane, my transmission shifted from 9th gear to 1st gear multiple times. My safety and others safety was put at risk due to the car suddenly slowing with no brake lights to indicate I would be slowing. During the incident, I lost approximately 5-10 miles per hour forward speed. The problem has not been looked at or replicated by a dealer at this time. This happened today, 7/2/2026. There have been no warning lamps or other symptoms to indicate a 9th gear to 1st gear change at highway speeds.
Transmission stalled out in heavy traffic. We had our repair person check the vehicle and they confirmed there has been damage to the transmission due to this. It has not been inspected by police, manufacturer or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages.
Engine light stays on along with manual light and charging system service now. Battery, alternator changed out, 3 mechanic repair shops can not find what is wrong. Vehicle bogs down and does not run right when the Manuel light comes one which is about 2 times a week.
Ford performed Emission Recall 24E13 on my vehicle. The corporate software update bricked the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), rendering the vehicle completely inoperable 30 miles later. Ford corporate is refusing to repair the damage caused by their mandatory safety campaign, leaving me stranded. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership the recall was performed. They ran a full diagnostics and confirmed the PCM is bricked.
We have and continue to experience severe transmission slipping in our 2018 expedition limited. It can create a dangerous loss of control situation when it slips severely or upshifts or downshifts rough.
The trim moulding and roof rack.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ford Expedition. The vehicle was purchased through a dealer sale. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy per a Carfax report. At the time of purchase per the title, the vehicle mileage was 56,562., However, the Carfax report stated that the mileage was 195, 253 on 3/2/26. The contact stated that the current approximate mileage was unknown.
After Fords most recent recall for a PCM software update at the dealer the car immediately runs different and after full engine temperatures sounds like marbles or valve train issues including low rpm noise and transmission shutter between shifts. Dealer says there is no problem they can find and that I need new turbos. Very suspicious that after a PCM flash the car is now unable to drive. The car had NO issues prior to recall service and only has 70,000mi
Transmission will randomly over shift or down shift when driving. When turning left I have had the transmission over shift from 2nd to 8th causing the car to bog down and could not accelerate in the intersection. I was almost hit from behind on one occasion and had hit on the side another time. I do not feel comfortable making turns without having a protected right away. Ford have changed the transmission, reset the programming for the transmission and ford technician said it needed to be replaced by again and Ford denied even though it was under warranty and just reset again. If reset it does go away for a bit but just event returns and only gets worse
my car is a 2018 we bought it used in 2020 we had to had the transmission flushed and coils replaced . that didn't work . we had drum issues and gear slippage . now i. have to put a new transmission in the car
Back up camera does not display or turn on. There has been no damage to the vehicle but radio which includes the back up camera do not turn on or function. This is a safety hazard for this car when backing up.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft phaser and timing chain failures. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,540.
The transmission was shifting into neutral while driving, causing hesitation with oncoming traffic approaching, at one point it actually shifted into park or reverse while driving in forward gear. We could easily been stalled or lost forward motion with the intent of thinking we were OK to proceed thru oncoming traffic, which would result in collision or accident, jeopardizing our safety or our grand children in car seats safety. The car was taken to Ford dealership and they said there were no codes on the autos computer and that the car would not reproduce the failure, however up on bringing the vehicle home it continued to slip into neutral while driving. The first failure started in October 2025 and was taken to the Ford dealer for repair in November 2025. I contacted Ford Regional Management and they gave me a case #CXH-07154008-P4F3D0 in February 25, 2026
Vehicle experienced catastrophic timing system failure causing engine to jump time and stall at idle, creating a safety hazard due to risk of sudden loss of power. This is a repeat issue originally documented under warranty (2020) and again during recall/service program 21N03 (2021), where repair was declined as “not severe enough.” Recall 24E13 (software update intended to prevent timing chain failure) was completed in 2025, but failed to prevent this exact condition. Vehicle is now inoperable and unsafe. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the recall remedy and prior service handling. We've also submitted a case to Ford: CXH07545978W9W1D2
"Verified internal hydraulic cross leak due to CDF drum bushing movement. Transmission has delayed engagement in 4th, 5th, and 6th gears. This is a known manufacturing defect in the 10R80 transmission."
I am writing to express concern regarding a significant engine issue with my 2018 Ford Expedition. At approximately 122,000 miles, the vehicle developed a cylinder 4 misfire accompanied by low compression, indicating an internal engine failure. This type of issue seems premature for a well-maintained vehicle and has resulted in major repair considerations, including potential engine replacement. Given Ford’s reputation for durability and reliability, I find this failure both unexpected and concerning. I have kept up with regular maintenance and did not anticipate facing a major engine issue at this mileage. I am requesting that Ford review this situation and consider a recall. I have seen and heard of a lot of folks having this same issue at such an early mileage
The CDF drum is starting to fail and it will shift from a low gear to a high gear at certain speeds. It’s definitely not safe and is extremely expensive to repair.
My 2018 Ford Expedition had an open recall for back up screens not working at all. I have a 2018 Ford Expedition Limited, purchased new for $72,000 in April 2018. The issues that have been repaired are endless however this one is a HUGE safety issue. It is a known issue and my VIN is not included in the recall. I called dealership and they will do a $285 “free” software fix as they did to the VIN included in recall: this is a known 2018 Ford Expedition recall and my VIN is not included but has the issue.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, another vehicle drove through a stop sign, causing the contact to T-bone the other vehicle, causing damage to the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that no air bags did not deploy in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained whiplash to the neck and upper back. No medical attention was required. The contact mentioned the vehicle was towed to a collision center. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed him to take the vehicle to the dealership. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
356 total