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Last updated: 2026-07-17

2018 Ford Expedition Reliability Report
The 2018 Ford Expedition scores 52/100 ("Mixed"). With 12 recalls and 358 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
12
Complaints
358
Complaint Rate
65.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$861
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,100–$3,450
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (133)
- ENGINE (58)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (25)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is the first model year of the Fourth generation (U553).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- 4th generation Expedition (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2018 pricing and recall counts against 2019+ before deciding.
2018: Fourth generation (U553) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
Should You Buy the 2018 Ford Expedition?
A 52/100 score puts the 2018 Ford Expedition in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Complaint volume sits above average at 358 owner complaints alongside 12 recalls. Issues in power train (133) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train (133) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2019 Ford Expedition, which scored 1 points higher.
Pros
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (15%)
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −POWER TRAIN: 10-speed automatic transmission (133 complaints)
Compare 2018 Ford Expedition With

2018 Toyota Sequoia
Reliability: 69/100

2018 Nissan Armada
Reliability: 70/100

2018 Chevrolet Suburban
Reliability: 68/100

2018 GMC Yukon
Reliability: 68/100

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
Reliability: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 12 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (133)
- ENGINE (58)
Recall Overview
12
recalls on record
The 2018 Ford Expedition has 12 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
65.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 27.1
Safety Incidents
7
Crashes
2
Fires
21
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Ford Expedition Recall Details
12 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ford Expedition. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
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.
Consequence
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 risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
STRUCTURE
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.
Consequence
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, were mailed June 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S38. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 10, 2026.
SEAT BELTS
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.
Consequence
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, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
Showing 10 of 12 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2018 Ford Expedition? Check its history first
Every 2018 Ford Expedition has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Ford Expedition NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 20.8%
Safety Technologies
Ford ExpeditionRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$861
vs $784 avg for fullsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
15%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Ford Expedition Resale Value
The Ford Expedition is estimated to retain about 52% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Ford Expedition model overall and is not specific to the 2018 model year.
- Value Retained
- 52%
- Depreciation
- 48%
- Listings Analyzed
- 172
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Ford Expedition depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
18–20 MPG
Running cost: $3,950–$4,300/yr
Fuel + repair
16–17 city / 21–24 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 |
| Expedition 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,300 |
| Expedition MAX 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 |
| Expedition MAX 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,450 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Ford Expedition.
Inspect for transmission slipping or erratic shifting
Check for cam phaser noise during cold starts
Verify struts and shocks for leaks or excessive wear
Test sunroof for leaks and proper operation
Ensure brake pads are not excessively worn
Confirm all electrical systems function without error
Check for any unresolved recalls or service bulletins
2018 Ford Expedition Common Problems by Component
358 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
133 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent transmission issues with the 2018 Ford Expedition, particularly involving the 10-speed automatic transmission. Common symptoms include erratic shifting, slipping, and unexpected shifts into neutral, sometimes accompanied by a loss of power or throttle response. These problems often occur at highway speeds or during acceleration, posing a risk of crashes or loss of control, with two incidents resulting in crashes and one reported injury. Complaints often arise after 50,000 miles, with some owners noting unresolved issues despite multiple dealer visits. Potential buyers should be aware of these transmission issues, as they may impact safety and vehicle performance.
ENGINE
58 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the cam phasers, part of the engine's variable valve timing system. Common symptoms include a loud rattling noise during cold starts, knocking sounds, and reduced engine performance. These problems often emerge around 70,000 to 140,000 miles. Some owners also describe engine hesitation and decreased acceleration, which could pose safety risks, especially at highway speeds. Buyers considering this vehicle should be aware of these recurring cam phaser issues, as they may require significant repairs or replacements.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
25 complaintsOwners report that the 2018 Ford Expedition frequently experiences issues with the cam phasers, leading to abnormal rattling or clanking sounds, especially on startup. These symptoms are noted at various mileages, commonly around 25,000 to 130,000 miles. Some owners also describe engine power loss and overheating, with few mentioning coolant or oil leaks. While no direct safety incidents like crashes or fires are reported, the recurring mechanical failures and engine warnings could potentially impact vehicle reliability. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these patterns and verify if any related repairs or campaigns have been addressed.
SUSPENSION (24 complaints)
SUSPENSION
24 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the suspension system of the 2018 Ford Expedition, particularly involving leaking struts. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as excessive bouncing, rough rides, and loss of control, especially when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces. These problems often appear at relatively low mileage, with several owners noting issues as early as 7,000 to 46,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as some owners describe near-loss of vehicle control and the need for immediate repairs to avoid potential hazards. This information is crucial for prospective buyers considering a used model, as it indicates a pattern of premature suspension failures that may require attention.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (22 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
22 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Ford Expedition. The most common problems include backup camera failures, often described as screens going black or freezing, and intermittent electrical faults affecting systems like cross traffic alerts and blind spot monitoring. Complaints frequently mention issues with the sunroof, such as leaks and inoperability, which may lead to water intrusion affecting electrical components. Mileage at the time of these issues varies, with some reports around 98,000 to 109,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with two complaints involving fires and one detailing unintended vehicle movement after being put in park, resulting in six injuries.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (22 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
22 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2018 Ford Expedition's exterior lighting, particularly with the daytime running lights (DRL) on the passenger side. Complaints commonly describe the DRL as dimming, partially illuminating, or turning purple, with no dashboard warnings provided. Repairing this issue typically requires replacing the entire headlamp assembly, which can be costly. Additionally, multiple owners describe inadequate illumination from the standard halogen headlights, noting they are too dim and angled too low, compromising nighttime visibility. These lighting issues are often reported shortly after purchase, and while no crashes are directly mentioned, the poor visibility is cited as a potential safety concern.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (19 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
19 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the transmission, including slipping gears, harsh shifting, and stalling, often occurring at approximately 44,000 to 67,318 miles. These transmission problems lead to inhibited acceleration, unexpected stopping, and difficulty shifting into gear, which can cause hazardous situations such as stalling in intersections. Additionally, multiple owners describe interior trim defects, specifically chrome trim peeling and creating sharp edges, which have caused injuries. Safety implications include risks of collisions due to transmission failures and physical injuries from interior trim. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering this model.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Ford Expedition frequently report issues related to vehicle speed control, including transmission delays, unresponsive accelerators, and incorrect speedometer readings. Typical symptoms include sluggish acceleration, engines racing unexpectedly, and the vehicle losing power or shifting as if in neutral. These issues are often noted around 60,000 to 85,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one report involving a crash due to a stuck accelerator and another describing a speedometer discrepancy leading to a speeding violation. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential safety issues, particularly the risk of sudden acceleration or loss of control.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with air bags failing to deploy during crashes, with three incidents involving collisions and a total of six injuries. Complaints highlight that the air bags did not activate in frontal and rear-end collisions, even when significant damage occurred. Additionally, one owner mentions a driver-side seat belt air bag unexpectedly deploying while driving, leading to a malfunctioning seat belt. Another owner notes the air bag warning light activates without prior accidents, indicating a potential malfunction. These issues typically arise around 88,000 miles, with safety implications including increased risk of injury due to non-deployment of air bags during accidents.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the 2018 Ford Expedition's braking system, including rapid brake pad deterioration and complete brake failure. Complaints frequently mention brake pedals failing to build pressure, with one incident leading to a crash at low speed when the vehicle could not stop, despite the ABS warning light being illuminated. These problems appear at mileage as low as 10,000 to 14,299 miles. Safety implications include the potential for crashes due to brake failure, as well as concerns about towing capabilities without a trailer brake controller, which could pose risks when towing heavy trailers. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly regarding the condition of the brakes and any necessary towing equipment.
When Do 2018 Ford Expedition Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Expedition Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Expedition Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Ford Expedition year is 2026 with a reliability score of 71/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (71/100) and 2024 (68/100).
Ford Expedition Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Expedition year is 2020 with a score of 52/100, primarily due to power train (233) issues. Also avoid 2018 (52/100).
2020
2018
(Current Model)
Ford Expedition Reliability Score Trend
Ford Expedition reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 68/100 compared to 54/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 52/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 53/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 52/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 71/100 | Good |
Ford Expedition Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Ford Expedition reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Expedition?
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Expedition have?
Is the 2018 Ford Expedition expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Ford Expedition without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Ford Expedition.
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