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Last updated: 2026-07-17

2019 Ford Expedition Reliability Report
The 2019 Ford Expedition scores 53/100 ("Mixed"). With 11 recalls and 455 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
11
Complaints
455
Complaint Rate
52.6per 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 (192)
- ENGINE (65)
- SEAT BELTS (56)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (U553).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- 4th generation Expedition (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.
2018: Fourth generation (U553) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (U553).
Should You Buy the 2019 Ford Expedition?
A 53/100 score puts the 2019 Ford Expedition in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2019 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (U553).
Complaint volume sits above average at 455 owner complaints alongside 11 recalls. Issues in power train (192) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train (192) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2020 Ford Expedition, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2018 Ford Expedition for an earlier comparison.
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 issues reported (192 complaints)
Compare 2019 Ford Expedition With

2019 Nissan Armada
Reliability: 72/100

2019 Toyota Sequoia
Reliability: 70/100

2019 Chevrolet Tahoe
Reliability: 74/100

2019 GMC Yukon
Reliability: 71/100

2019 Chevrolet Suburban
Reliability: 68/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 11 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (192)
- ENGINE (65)
Recall Overview
11
recalls on record
The 2019 Ford Expedition has 11 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
52.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
7
Crashes
3
Fires
29
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Ford Expedition Recall Details
11 recalls have been issued for the 2019 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 11 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2019 Ford Expedition? Check its history first
Every 2019 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
2019 Ford Expedition NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.3%
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 2019 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 2019 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 2019 Ford Expedition.
Check for transmission harsh shifting or hesitation during a test drive
Listen for engine rattles during cold start indicating cam phaser issues
Inspect seat belts for proper function and check for any recall completion
Test all electrical systems, including infotainment and backup camera
Inspect suspension components for leaks or unusual wear
Verify roof rack and trim are secure and undamaged
2019 Ford Expedition Common Problems by Component
455 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
192 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2019 Ford Expedition's 10-speed transmission, including harsh shifting, gear slipping, and unexpected downshifts. Typical symptoms described include the vehicle getting stuck in gears, clunking sounds, and loss of propulsion, often occurring at highway speeds or during acceleration. Complaints often arise around 40,000 to 110,000 miles, with some owners experiencing repeated transmission rebuilds without resolution. Safety implications are noted, with reports of near-collisions due to sudden power loss and one incident involving a crash. These patterns suggest potential risks for buyers considering a used model with similar mileage.
ENGINE
65 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the cam phasers in the 2019 Ford Expedition's 3.5L EcoBoost engine, often describing a rattling noise upon start-up and while driving. Complaints commonly mention this problem occurring around 65,000 to 115,000 miles, with some reports noting engine timing issues and check engine lights. Symptoms include loud cold-start rattles, loss of power, and in some cases, the vehicle entering limp mode. These issues can lead to safety concerns as improper engine timing might cause stalling or sudden loss of power. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems, especially in vehicles with mileage within the reported range.
SEAT BELTS
56 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Expedition frequently report unexpected deployment of seat belt pretensioners, often accompanied by loud noises and smoke, with some incidents involving a burning smell or fire. These occurrences typically render the seat belts unusable and have resulted in injuries such as bruising and abrasions. Complaints commonly mention that these issues occur without any preceding impact or collision, with several owners noting problems around 90,000 to 135,000 miles. The safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control due to driver distraction, as well as the risk of injury from the forceful seat belt retraction. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reported issues and verify whether recall repairs have been completed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (31 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
31 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Ford Expedition frequently report issues related to engine rattling and rough idling, often attributed to faulty cam phasers. Symptoms commonly include abnormal sounds during engine start-up, hesitation while starting or idling, and engine misfires. These problems are typically noted around 40,000 to 130,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of transmission issues such as rough shifting and slipping out of gear. Some complaints also mention safety implications, including loss of motive power and visibility hazards due to defrosting failures. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
27 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the vehicle's rear-view camera, which often fails to connect or provides distorted images, with some noting this occurs 80-90% of the time. Complaints also describe problems with the transmission and timing chain, including a need for costly repairs or replacements, often around 60,000 to 77,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as two complaints involve crashes, with one detailing a collision where airbags did not deploy. Additionally, there are reports of injuries from sharp console trim, and unresolved recalls related to transmission and seatbelt failures pose potential safety risks. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly concerning unresolved safety recalls and potential high repair costs.
AIR BAGS (16 complaints)
AIR BAGS
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the airbag system, particularly involving the seatbelt pretensioners deploying unexpectedly and the airbag warning light illuminating. Common symptoms include a loud explosion sound, smoke filling the cabin, and seatbelts locking or retracting tightly, often rendering them unusable. These incidents are reported across a wide range of mileages, from approximately 40,000 to 135,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple owners describing near-loss of vehicle control due to the startling nature of the pretensioner deployment, and one report involving a crash with two injuries where the seatbelt failed to retract properly. Buyers should be aware that parts for recall repairs are reportedly delayed, leaving some vehicles with unresolved safety issues.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the malfunction of the main interface screen, affecting GPS, radio, and backup camera functions. Several complaints describe total electrical failures leading to inoperable door latches and power loss, often occurring at varied mileages, including as low as 3,500 miles. There are significant safety implications, with reports of a fire following the use of a remote starter and a vehicle locking system failure that trapped a child inside, requiring emergency intervention. Additionally, some owners mention spontaneous deployment of seatbelt pretensioners and unexplained horn activations with burning odors. These issues highlight potential risks and inconvenience for prospective buyers.
STRUCTURE (8 complaints)
STRUCTURE
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the vehicle's door latches and center console trim. Complaints often describe doors that fail to latch properly, particularly in cold weather, leading to doors swinging open while driving. Additionally, the center console's chrome trim is reported to peel, creating sharp edges that have resulted in injuries. Roof panel and roof rack failures are also noted, with one report of a roof panel exploding and another of a roof rack detaching while driving. Safety implications include one crash resulting from a trim-related injury and several reports of injuries from the automatic liftgate malfunctioning. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly if the vehicle has been exposed to cold climates or has higher mileage.
STEERING (5 complaints)
STEERING
5 complaintsOwners report several steering-related issues with the 2019 Ford Expedition. Commonly mentioned problems include steering wheel seizure without warning lights, particularly around 58,000 miles, and a loose steering wheel that could potentially detach, observed around 50,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe a persistent pull to the left after making left turns, requiring significant corrective force, which persists even after extensive repairs and occurs with or without towing. These issues present potential safety risks, such as loss of control, which buyers should consider when evaluating used models.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the braking system of the 2019 Ford Expedition, with multiple complaints involving brake failure leading to crashes. Symptoms described include the inability to stop the vehicle despite pressing the brake pedal to the floor, accompanied by warning lights on the instrument panel. Two incidents resulted in crashes and injuries, highlighting significant safety implications. These issues occur under various driving conditions, including low-speed maneuvers and while approaching intersections. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported brake system failures and the associated risk of accidents.
When Do 2019 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).
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 2019 Ford Expedition reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Expedition?
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Expedition have?
Is the 2019 Ford Expedition expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 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.
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