Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

2026 Ford Expedition Reliability Report

The 2026 Ford Expedition rates good for reliability, but owners report a violent steering shake at highway speed starting around 70 mph.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

N/A

Est. Repair Cost

$861

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,300–$3,450

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint SeverityN/A

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue DiversityN/A

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Final year of the fifth generation, rated good with few complaints so far, though owners report a steering shake at highway speed.

Top Issues to Watch

STEERING (3)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
WHEELS (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2026 is year 2 of the Fifth generation (U717).

Redesigned for the 2025 model year.
5th 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 2025 (redesign year) vs 2026+ pricing and recalls.

2025: Fifth generation (U717) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2026: This Model Year

2026 is year 2 of the Fifth generation (U717).

Should You Buy the 2026 Ford Expedition?

Reliability is good, and this year ranks among the stronger of the nine scored Expedition model years. Against other 2026 SUVs it lands below average. Owners have filed only 6 complaints, but 2026 has had less time to collect them than 2025, which also rates good and has 27 complaints and 5 recalls. Federal crash testing gives it 5 of 5 stars.

Steering is the weak spot. Three of the six complaints describe a violent shake through the wheel at highway speed. It starts around 70 mph, worsens near 80, and sets off no warning lights. One owner saw it at 800 miles. In one case a dealer road balance test and a new tire did not cure it. A separate owner reports clicking when the wheel turns and a loud whirring hum under the console that grows worse near 65 mph. The one recall covers the electrical system and exterior lighting.

Test drive at highway speed and ask for dealer steering and tire records. Ask for proof that the recall work was done. Repair costs run above the class average.

See also the 2025 Ford Expedition for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (15%)
+Low recall count

Cons

−STEERING: Violent shake comes through the wheel at highway speed (3 complaints)

Compare 2026 Ford Expedition With

2026 Nissan Armada

Reliability: 74/100

Good

2026 Chevrolet Suburban

Reliability: 76/100

Good

2026 GMC Yukon

Reliability: 82/100

Excellent

2026 Chevrolet Tahoe

Reliability: 82/100

Excellent

2026 Lincoln Navigator

Reliability: 71/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK

STEERING (3)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recall on record

The 2026 Ford Expedition carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

complaints

LowAvgHigh

Very Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2026 Ford Expedition Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2026 Ford Expedition. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V1040002026-02-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2026 Ford Expedition? Check its history first

Steering problems lead owner complaints about the 2026 Ford Expedition, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2026 Ford Expedition NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 23.7%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row, 3rd row)Driver Monitoring System (Yes)Automatic High Beams (Standard)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford ExpeditionRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

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 2026 model year.

Value Retained: 52%
Depreciation: 48%
Listings Analyzed: 172

Listings observed in May 2021. 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

15–16 city / 22–24 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 2026 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Expedition 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	16	24	19	$3,300
Expedition 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S10)	15	22	18	$3,450

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2026 Ford Expedition.

Drive at a steady 70 to 80 mph on the highway and feel for steering wheel shake or shudder.
Check service records for tire balancing or tire replacement done to fix a highway vibration.
After any past shake repair, retest at highway speed to confirm the vibration is actually gone.
Turn the steering wheel fully both ways and listen for clicking as it rotates.
Listen near the center console at 65 mph for a loud whirring or humming noise.

2026 Ford Expedition Common Problems by Component

6 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

STEERING (3)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)WHEELS (1)VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)

STEERING

3 complaints

A violent shake comes through the wheel at highway speed. It starts around 70 mph and worsens near 80 mph, with no warning lights. One report puts the onset at just 800 miles. In one case, a dealer road balance test and a replaced tire did not cure the shake, and a second inspection was planned. Drivers call it a control risk on the highway. A separate complaint describes clicking as the wheel turns and a loud whirring hum under the console that fills the cab and grows worse near 65 mph.

3 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2026-03-18

Description On your vehicle it is possible that the trailer module trm may lose communication at vehicle start-up. If a trm loss of communication occurs and a trailer is connected to the vehicle, trailer stop lamps and turn signal indicators will not function. Additionally, for trailers equipped with electronic trailer brakes, the trailer brakes will not function. This loss of communication can occur with-or-without a trailer connected to the vehicle and can only initiate at vehicle start-up. If this occurs, a trailer brake module fault notification will pop-up on the vehicles instrument panel cluster. The vehicle brake and turn signal lamps will continue to operate normally and are not affected by this trm fault. If you do not tow with your vehicle, you may wait for ota deployment for your vehicle remedy. Safety Risk This may result in inoperable trailer brake lights, trailer turn signals and trailer braking functions that can reduce a drivers ability to control an attached trailer and make the trailer less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Software is available to repair your vehicle. Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to reprogram your vehicles trm free of charge. Next Steps Contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.

WHEELS

1 complaint

2026-04-30

At highway speeds there is a vibration. Had at the dealership for road test, balance, and alignment. Did not fix the problem. Discovered that many more are having the same issue.

VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

2026-03-21

Instrument panel reflection is causing a windshield glare that impairs driver visibility during normal operation. The issue originates from the panoramic display screen located behind the steering wheel. The back surface of the display is built too close to the windshield glass and causes a strong reflection that projects high onto the inside of the windshield during normal driving conditions. This reflection appears to be a design or material-related defect rather than a one-time failure. The issue occurs consistently during daytime driving when sunlight is present and is easily reproducible. I have reported the issue to the dealership and am in the process of having it formally evaluated and documented. There were no warning lamps or messages. The issue occurs during normal driving conditions when sunlight interacts with back of the instrument display.

Best & Worst Ford Expedition Years

Best Ford Expedition Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

Ford Expedition Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford Expedition reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026(selected)	71/100	0	Good	1	6
2025	71/100	+3	Good	5	27
2024	68/100	+1	Good	7	68
2023	67/100	+6	Good	8	62
2022	61/100	+4	Good	12	106
2021	57/100	+5	Mixed	12	214
2020	52/100	-1	Mixed	16	370
2019	53/100	+1	Mixed	11	455
2018	52/100	—	Mixed	12	358

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 Ford Expedition reliable?

Yes, it rates good overall and sits among the stronger of the nine scored Expedition years. It falls below average against other 2026 SUVs, though. Only 6 owner complaints are on file, but this year has had less time to collect them than older ones, so the low count is not proof of a clean record.

What are the most common problems with the 2026 Ford Expedition?

Steering is the main one, with three of six complaints. Owners describe a hard shake through the wheel at highway speed. One separate report covers clicking when turning and a loud whirring hum under the console. There is also one federal recall touching the electrical system and exterior lighting.

Does the 2026 Ford Expedition have a steering shake at highway speed?

Some owners say so. The shake begins near 70 mph and gets worse near 80, with no warning lights. One owner reported it at just 800 miles. A dealer road balance test and a replaced tire did not fix it in one case, and drivers call it a control risk.

How much does the Ford Expedition cost to repair each year?

Independent repair-cost data puts the estimated annual cost at $861 for the Expedition, compared with $784 for its class. That figure covers the model as a whole, not only the 2026 year. Expect to spend somewhat more than on a typical vehicle in this class.

Is the 2026 Ford Expedition more reliable than the 2025?

The two rate about the same, and both rate good. The 2025 has 27 complaints and 5 recalls, while the 2026 has 6 complaints and 1 recall. The 2026 has had less time on the road, so the gap mostly reflects age, not a proven improvement.

Don’t buy a 2026 Ford Expedition without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2026 Ford Expedition

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2026 Ford Expedition does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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