Last updated: 2026-07-17

RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

2026 Ford Expedition Reliability Report

Name: 2026 Ford Expedition
Brand: Ford

The 2026 Ford Expedition scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 6 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

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

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

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?

At 71/100, the 2026 Ford Expedition lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2026 is year 2 of the Fifth generation (U717).

Owners log 6 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to steering (3). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

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: Owners of the 2026 Ford Expedition frequently report steering issues at higher... (3 complaints)
−Steering shudder reported at 800–1,000 miles

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

Every 2026 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

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.

Test drive at highway speeds to check for steering wheel shudder or violent shake
Inspect for loud whirring or humming noise under the sliding console area
Verify trailer brake module communication at vehicle start-up
Check for windshield glare from instrument panel reflection during daylight

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

Owners of the 2026 Ford Expedition frequently report steering issues at higher speeds, particularly above 70 MPH. Common symptoms include a shuddering or violent shake of the steering wheel, which becomes more pronounced as speeds approach 80 MPH. These issues are noted as occurring even after certain repairs, such as tire replacement and balancing, indicating persistent problems. One complaint also describes a loud whirring or humming noise correlating with steering wheel movement, particularly noticeable around 65 MPH. The reported mileage for these issues is typically low, around 800 miles, suggesting early onset. Safety implications include potential difficulty in maintaining vehicle control at highway speeds, as noted by owners.

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.

When Do 2026 Ford Expedition Problems Start?

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

800–1,000 milesSteering shudder

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 score

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).

Top Pick

Good

2026

(Current Model)

1Recalls

6Complaints

Good

2025

5Recalls

27Complaints

Good

2024

7Recalls

68Complaints

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).

Mixed

2020

16Recalls

370Complaints

Mixed

2018

12Recalls

358Complaints

See full Ford Expedition years-to-avoid analysis

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
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?

The 2026 Ford Expedition has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 71/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 6 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

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

The most commonly reported problems with the 2026 Ford Expedition include: STEERING (3 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), WHEELS (1 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Expedition have?

The 2026 Ford Expedition has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2026 Ford Expedition expensive to maintain?

The 2026 Ford Expedition has estimated annual repair costs of $861/year, which is $77 more than the fullsize SUVs average of $784. With a reliability score of 71/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

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

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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