2019 Ford Expedition Reliability Report

Most of these reports are again about cold-start rattle from failing cam phasers, often with rough idle, shaking, or hesitation at startup. Several engines stall or lose power while accelerating on the highway. Warning lights often stay off, so the noise is the main clue. Reported failures range from about 42,000 to 121,000 miles. Owners say a computer reflash did not stop the rattle and that dealers quote phaser replacement instead. A few separate reports describe failed catalytic converters along with rough shifting, plus coolant leaks from heater hoses.

Chrome trim around the center console cupholders and shifter peels up into razor-sharp edges that cut hands. Most of the injuries in this category come from that trim, and one owner noticed lifting around 36,000 miles. Other reports cover a rear camera that drops out or shows a distorted picture, a clogged moonroof drain that soaks the passenger floor, a sunroof shattering at highway speed, and oil leaks at the timing cover. In one crash report, the vehicle rolled downhill after being parked. Another says the airbags did not deploy in a highway rear-end collision.

Most of these complaints are really seat belt pretensioner failures. The pretensioner fires with no collision, with a loud bang and smoke. Afterward the airbag warning light stays on, and the restraint system may be disabled. Some owners see the airbag light first, with codes pointing to an open pretensioner circuit. A few report an airbag deploying with no impact. Dealers often say parts are on back order and offer no loaner, so owners keep driving with the fault light on. Four injuries and one crash are logged.

Struts and shocks start leaking oil early and stop controlling the ride, sometimes on all four corners at once. The rear end bounces at highway speed, handling gets erratic on rough roads, and steering can feel light. Owners spot oil on the garage floor or hear about the leaks during routine service. One failure came as early as 10,300 miles, but most cluster between about 30,000 and 45,000 miles. Owners also mention faster rear brake wear and uneven wear on the inside edges of the rear tires. No warning lights come on.

These complaints are scattered across different problems. The most common is a touchscreen that freezes or goes blank, which takes out the radio, climate controls, navigation, and backup camera. Other owners report sudden loss of electrical power while driving. That includes one full shutdown at highway speed and door latches that stopped working. One vehicle caught fire after the factory remote starter was used, days after cruise control quit and stability control warnings appeared. Single reports describe a burned horn and doors locking on their own with the key inside.

Sharp chrome trim on the center console cuts fingers, and one severe cut caused a crash. Power liftgates close unexpectedly on people loading cargo or open at random. One owner got a concussion from a closing liftgate. Door latches fail in cold weather, and some owners report rear doors that don't stay shut and swing open while driving. Other reports describe the rear fixed roof glass shattering on the freeway and roof rack trim blowing off at 70 mph.

Only three reports exist, but two involve crashes. In one, the brake pedal went to the floor at low speed without stopping the vehicle, causing a front-end collision. Another describes a red brake warning light and a dash message, followed by a brake pedal that got heavy. The third was filed by another driver whose car was rear-ended by an Expedition traveling about 60 mph. It gives no cause for the crash.