Last updated: 2026-07-17

2020 Ford Expedition
RELIABILITY SCORE: 52/100 (MIXED)

2020 Ford Expedition Reliability Report

The 2020 Ford Expedition scores 52/100 ("Mixed"). With 16 recalls and 370 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

Recalls

16

Complaints

370

Complaint Rate

47.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$861

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,300–$3,450

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity39/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact47/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity72/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (233)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)
  • SEAT BELTS (17)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2020 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (U553).

  • Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 4th generation Expedition (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2018: Fourth generation (U553) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: This Model Year

2020 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (U553).

Should You Buy the 2020 Ford Expedition?

A 52/100 score puts the 2020 Ford Expedition in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2020 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (U553).

Complaint volume sits above average at 370 owner complaints alongside 16 recalls. Issues in power train and power train (233) tend to be the costly ones.

Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train and power train (233) at the top of the inspection checklist.

Compared to the 2021 Ford Expedition, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2019 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 complaints dominate (63%)

Compare 2020 Ford Expedition With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 16 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (233)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (37)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

16

recalls on record

Park Outside

The 2020 Ford Expedition has 16 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

47.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 20.2

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

4

Crashes

7

Fires

19

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 Ford Expedition Recall Details

16 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Ford Expedition. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

22V2500002022-04-14

VISIBILITY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

Consequence

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.

26V4020002026-06-24

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.

26V3680002026-06-09

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.

Showing 10 of 16 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Ford Expedition? Check its history first

Every 2020 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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Ford Expedition NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 20.8%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Inflatable Seat Belt Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford ExpeditionRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5

Based 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

Expedition
$861
Category Avg
$784
All Vehicles
$652

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 2020 model year.

Value Retained
52%

after 5 years

Depreciation
48%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
172

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.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

18–19 MPG

Running cost: $4,150–$4,300/yr

Fuel + repair

16–17 city / 21–23 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 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Expedition 2WD 3.5L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)172319$3,300
Expedition 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)172219$3,300
Expedition MAX 2WD 3.5L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)172319$3,300
Expedition MAX 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)162118$3,450

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Ford Expedition.

  • Test transmission for harsh shifting and slipping during a test drive

  • Check for active recalls and confirm if remedies are available

  • Inspect electrical system for dashboard warning lights and functionality of GPS and Bluetooth

  • Verify engine operation for abnormal noises and check for coolant leaks

  • Ensure door latches function properly, especially in cold weather

  • Examine center console for sharp edges due to peeling chrome trim

2020 Ford Expedition Common Problems by Component

370 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

233
POWER TRAIN (233)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (37)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)SEAT BELTS (17)ENGINE (14)STRUCTURE (9)VISIBILITY (8)AIR BAGS (6)Other (25)

POWER TRAIN

233 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report power train issues, particularly involving harsh shifting, slipping, and unexpected gear changes. Complaints often describe the vehicle violently slamming into park while in motion, loss of power, and failure to accelerate, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds. These issues are sometimes linked to a known recall, although a fix is not always available. Reports indicate these problems can occur at various mileage points, with some as early as 31,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with several owners mentioning instances of fires, injuries, and near-miss accidents due to sudden loss of control. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the associated safety risks.

233 complaints total3 fires2 injuries

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

37 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the vehicle's center console, specifically the peeling of chrome trim, which has resulted in cuts and injuries due to razor-sharp edges. Complaints also commonly mention problems with the rearview camera, which often displays a blank or distorted image, affecting driver visibility. Additionally, multiple reports describe transmission issues, including slipping gears, jerking, and harsh shifting, often occurring after 50,000 miles. Safety implications include injuries from sharp console edges and the potential for accidents due to transmission malfunctions and flying debris from trim detachment. These issues are important considerations for potential buyers assessing the vehicle's reliability and safety.

37 complaints total1 fire2 injuries

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

21 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report multiple electrical system issues with the 2020 Ford Expedition, with frequent mentions of problems related to the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), including malfunctioning GPS, Bluetooth, and backup cameras, often requiring resets or replacements. Complaints also highlight issues with the auto stop/start system causing unexpected engine shutdowns, and several reports describe complete electrical failures while driving, sometimes accompanied by illuminated warning lights. Fire-related incidents are noted, including one where an electrical fire started after the vehicle shut off in a drive-thru. Additionally, one crash is reported where airbags failed to deploy, and seat belts did not lock. These issues commonly appear around or after 45,000 to 68,000 miles, posing potential safety risks for used car buyers.

21 complaints total1 crash3 fires2 injuries
SEAT BELTS (17 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

17 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with seat belts, particularly involving excessive tightness, locking, and malfunctioning retraction. Common symptoms include seat belts that seize or fail to retract properly, often requiring manual intervention to adjust. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some reports around 65,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications are present, as some owners describe injuries related to unexpected tightening or deployment of seat belt mechanisms. Additionally, several owners mention a lack of available parts for recall repairs, impacting the resolution of these issues.

17 complaints total3 injuries
ENGINE (14 complaints)

ENGINE

14 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues related to the transmission and engine. Common symptoms include transmission slipping, hard shifting, and failure to engage gears, which can lead to sudden loss of power, particularly during acceleration or when changing speeds. These issues often arise around 30,000 to 100,000 miles, with some reports indicating transmission failures necessitating repairs or replacements. Engine-related complaints include rattling noises at startup and oil pressure warnings, sometimes involving metal shavings and coolant leaks. Several reports highlight safety concerns, including vehicles stalling on highways and the potential for loss of control, with some owners noting these problems persist despite dealer visits. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for significant repair needs.

14 complaints total
STRUCTURE (9 complaints)

STRUCTURE

9 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with door latches becoming inoperable in freezing temperatures, affecting both the driver's and front passenger's doors, which could impede egress in emergencies. Complaints also describe incidents of the sunroof glass bursting while driving, resulting in injuries to occupants. Additionally, several owners mention the chrome trim peeling from the center console, which has caused cuts when touched. Issues with the lift gate not closing properly when the vehicle is off, leading to potential exposure to exhaust fumes, are also noted. These problems are reported at various mileages, with some issues occurring around 87,000 to 95,185 miles, and carry significant safety implications, including injury risks and potential distractions while driving.

9 complaints total5 injuries
AIR BAGS (6 complaints)

AIR BAGS

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the air bag system, particularly concerning unexpected air bag deployment and failure to deploy during collisions. Common symptoms include air bag warning lights illuminating and air bags deploying without cause, sometimes resulting in injuries. These incidents are reported at varying mileages, with examples around 46,000 to 73,682 miles. Safety implications are significant, as some complaints involve crashes where air bags did not deploy, leading to injuries. Prospective buyers should be aware of these air bag system issues and consider the potential safety risks.

6 complaints total2 crashes4 injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (4 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues related to the engine and engine cooling systems. Common symptoms include abnormal rattling sounds, often linked to cam phasers, and jerking or shuddering during gear shifts, with some cases involving illuminated check engine lights. Complaints also mention coolant leaks and failed catalytic converters, with issues arising around 20,000 to 106,920 miles. While no reports indicate crashes or fires, the described symptoms could affect vehicle operation and comfort. These patterns suggest potential maintenance concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding the engine's timing components and cooling system integrity.

4 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the 2020 Ford Expedition's brake system, including brake line wear due to proximity to the steering column, leading to potential brake failure. Complaints frequently mention a loss of brake fluid without visible leaks, resulting in diminished braking capability. Another common symptom is a brake pedal that must be pressed to the floor to engage, as well as warning lights for the brakes and burning odors, typically occurring around 104,550 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one reported crash involving a failure of the pre-collision assist and automatic emergency braking, resulting in an injury and substantial vehicle damage. These patterns suggest potential safety risks that prospective buyers should consider.

4 complaints total1 crash1 injury
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition report issues with the steering system, particularly related to oversteering. One complaint describes the steering wheel overcompensating at various speeds without any warning lights, with a diagnosis pointing to an issue with the power steering. Another report involves electrical system malfunctions at 1,000 miles, which include dashboard warnings and a vehicle jump when parked, leading to extensive repair discussions. The complaints highlight potential safety implications, such as loss of control and the need for significant repairs, which may be relevant for prospective buyers considering the vehicle's reliability.

2 complaints total

When Do 2020 Ford Expedition Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

30,000–70,000 milesTransmission failures
45,000–68,000 milesElectrical system malfunctions
20,000–106,000 milesEngine and cooling system issues

Best & Worst Ford Expedition Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ford Expedition Years to Buy

The 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).

52
Mixed

2020

(Current Model)

16Recalls
370Complaints
52
Mixed

2018

12Recalls
358Complaints

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.

Ford Expedition reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201852/100Mixed
201953/100Mixed
202052/100Mixed
202157/100Mixed
202261/100Good
202367/100Good
202468/100Good
202571/100Good
202671/100Good

Ford Expedition Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202671/1000Good16
202571/100+3Good527
202468/100+1Good768
202367/100+6Good862
202261/100+4Good12106
202157/100+5Mixed12214
2020(selected)52/100-1Mixed16370
201953/100+1Mixed11455
201852/100Mixed12358

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Ford Expedition reliable?
The 2020 Ford Expedition has a "Mixed" reliability rating (52/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 16 recalls and 370 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Expedition?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Ford Expedition include: POWER TRAIN (233 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (37 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21 complaints), SEAT BELTS (17 complaints), ENGINE (14 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Expedition have?
The 2020 Ford Expedition has 16 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Ford Expedition expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Ford Expedition has estimated annual repair costs of $861/year, which is $77 more than the fullsize SUVs average of $784. Its reliability score of 52/100 and 370 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Ford Expedition without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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