Last updated: 2026-07-17

2021 Ford Expedition
RELIABILITY SCORE: 57/100 (MIXED)

2021 Ford Expedition Reliability Report

The 2021 Ford Expedition scores 57/100 ("Mixed"). With 12 recalls and 214 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

Recalls

12

Complaints

214

Complaint Rate

26.1per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$861

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,300–$3,450

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity48/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact51/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity79/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (94)
  • ENGINE (22)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

2021 is year 4 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.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is year 4 of the Fourth generation (U553).

Should You Buy the 2021 Ford Expedition?

A 57/100 score puts the 2021 Ford Expedition in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2021 is year 4 of the Fourth generation (U553).

Complaint volume sits above average at 214 owner complaints alongside 12 recalls. Issues in power train (94) tend to be the costly ones.

Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train (94) at the top of the inspection checklist.

Compared to the 2022 Ford Expedition, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2020 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: CDF clutch drum (94 complaints)

Compare 2021 Ford Expedition With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 12 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (94)
  • ENGINE (22)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

12

recalls on record

Park Outside

The 2021 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

26.1

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

3

Crashes

4

Fires

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2021 Ford Expedition Recall Details

12 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Expedition. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V7290002025-10-24

VISIBILITY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.

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 12 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Ford Expedition? Check its history first

Every 2021 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

2021 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 2021 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 2021 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 2021 Ford Expedition.

  • Test drive to check for transmission harsh shifting or loss of power

  • Inspect for any signs of fuel pump issues, such as difficulty starting or stalling

  • Verify if transmission has been replaced or repaired

  • Check for any unresolved recalls related to transmission or fuel system

  • Inspect chrome trim for sharp edges that could cause injury

2021 Ford Expedition Common Problems by Component

214 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

94
22
27
POWER TRAIN (94)ENGINE (22)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (20)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19)VISIBILITY (13)VISIBILITY/WIPER (7)STRUCTURE (6)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6)Other (27)

POWER TRAIN

94 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the 10R80 transmission, particularly involving the CDF clutch drum. Common symptoms include intermittent loss of power, harsh shifting, and the vehicle unexpectedly dropping out of gear, often accompanied by loud noises or engine revving without acceleration. These issues typically arise both at lower mileages around 60,000 miles and at higher mileages exceeding 100,000 miles. The transmission problems pose significant safety risks, as they can lead to sudden loss of propulsion, making it challenging to avoid collisions when merging or crossing intersections. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these potential transmission issues and their associated safety implications.

94 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries

ENGINE

22 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Expedition frequently report issues related to the engine, with a significant number of complaints centered around a recall repair that remains incomplete due to unavailable parts. Many owners indicate they have not experienced failures yet but express concern over the delayed recall remedy. One specific complaint involves a fire starting in the engine area while the vehicle was parked and unattended. Additionally, some owners describe hard shifting and stalling when the transmission is shifting, typically around 67,000 to 70,000 miles. These reports highlight concerns about potential safety risks, particularly regarding the unresolved recall and engine fire incident.

22 complaints total1 fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

20 complaints

Owners report several issues with the 2021 Ford Expedition, particularly involving the transmission and interior components. Complaints frequently mention transmission problems, including jerky shifting, loss of power, and delayed gear changes, with some incidents occurring around 20,000 to 26,000 miles. Multiple owners describe interior chrome trim delaminating, creating sharp edges that have resulted in injuries. Additionally, there are reports of doors unlatching in cold weather and sunroofs shattering unexpectedly. These issues pose significant safety risks, including potential loss of vehicle control and injury from sharp interior edges.

20 complaints total1 injury
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

19 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving sudden vehicle shutdowns and battery drainage. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling at stoplights or while parked, battery warnings, and inability to start. These problems often arise shortly after purchase, with some occurring as early as 500 miles. Two complaints involve fires originating under the hood, with one incident resulting in injury. Additionally, malfunctions with the backup camera and automatic features like the rear hatch and power running boards are noted. These electrical concerns pose safety risks, especially in traffic, and may lead to costly repairs.

19 complaints total2 fires1 injury
VISIBILITY (13 complaints)

VISIBILITY

13 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Expedition primarily report issues related to recall repairs for visibility components, with many noting that parts are unavailable for extended periods. Complaints frequently mention a lack of immediate failures but express frustration over the delay in addressing potential visibility-related problems. Some owners describe specific incidents, such as sunroofs exploding while driving, typically around 18,000 miles, and leaks of windshield washer fluid into the vehicle's interior, causing odor and mold around 27,000 miles. No crashes or loss of control are reported in these complaints, but the recurring theme of unavailable parts for recall repairs could be a consideration for potential buyers evaluating the vehicle's maintenance history.

13 complaints total
STRUCTURE (6 complaints)

STRUCTURE

6 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Expedition report several structure-related issues, with common problems involving parts detaching or malfunctioning. Complaints frequently mention components such as luggage racks and tail lamps breaking off or becoming loose while driving, posing potential safety hazards due to debris or impaired visibility. Additionally, some owners describe sharp trim edges causing injuries and door latch mechanisms freezing, which require temporary fixes like bungee cords to secure doors. These issues are noted at various mileage intervals, with one report indicating a failure at approximately 73,000 miles. Safety implications include potential injury and risk to other road users, making these complaints particularly relevant for prospective buyers considering this model.

6 complaints total1 injury
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 complaints

Owners report frequent fuel pump failures in the 2021 Ford Expedition, often occurring without warning and leaving vehicles stranded in potentially hazardous situations, such as express lanes and train tracks. Complaints frequently mention that these failures occur at mileage ranges between 43,000 and 70,000 miles. Symptoms leading up to these incidents are typically absent, with no warning lights or messages prior to the vehicle's sudden loss of power. Affected vehicles are unable to shift to neutral, increasing the risk of collision due to the inability to move from traffic lanes. Additionally, one owner reports issues with the catalytic converter, which is associated with high fuel consumption and acceleration problems, although this issue is less commonly mentioned. These patterns suggest potential safety risks for buyers considering used models with similar mileage.

6 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the vehicle's speed control, specifically related to acceleration and cruise control functionality. Common symptoms include the vehicle failing to accelerate when the gas pedal is engaged, often accompanied by high RPMs and unusual noises such as grinding or clunking sounds. There are also reports of unintended acceleration while using cruise control, with some instances requiring significant braking effort to regain control. These issues are noted at relatively low mileages, around 2,000 miles, indicating early onset. Safety concerns are evident as these failures can lead to loss of vehicle control, posing risks during high-speed driving situations.

3 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Expedition report issues related to the vehicle's service brakes. One owner describes a loud "CLUNK" or "THUNK" noise, akin to metal-on-metal contact, occurring when changing gears, which is accompanied by a shudder felt through the shift dial and brake pedal. Another owner reports a significant safety concern where their vehicle rolled while in park, posing a risk of personal injury. These complaints highlight symptoms involving unusual noises and unintended vehicle movement, suggesting potential safety implications. No specific mileage ranges are mentioned, but these issues may be of interest to potential buyers assessing the vehicle's reliability and safety.

2 complaints total
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Expedition report issues related to steering difficulties, including the vehicle pulling to the left and right and a clicking sound when steering. Symptoms typically occur without any warning lights, and in one case, the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system was manually turned off. An owner mentions the problem persisting even after an alignment was performed, with the failure recurring around 24,000 miles. Another owner describes an electrical sparking sound in the steering wheel that was subsequently fixed. These reports suggest potential safety implications, such as difficulty in maintaining directional control, though no crashes or fires are mentioned. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially since repair parts for a related recall may not yet be available.

2 complaints total

When Do 2021 Ford Expedition Problems Start?

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

60,000–70,000 milesTransmission failures
43,000–70,000 milesFuel pump failures

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).

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
2021(selected)57/100+5Mixed12214
202052/100-1Mixed16370
201953/100+1Mixed11455
201852/100Mixed12358

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Ford Expedition reliable?
The 2021 Ford Expedition has a "Mixed" reliability rating (57/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 12 recalls and 214 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Expedition?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Ford Expedition include: POWER TRAIN (94 complaints), ENGINE (22 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (20 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19 complaints), VISIBILITY (13 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Expedition have?
The 2021 Ford Expedition has 12 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Ford Expedition expensive to maintain?
The 2021 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 57/100 and 214 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

Don’t buy a 2021 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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