Last updated: 2026-10-10

Ford Expedition

Ford Expedition Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 61/100

Skip the 2018 and 2020 Expedition. Both years draw heavy owner complaints about the 10-speed automatic slipping or dropping out of gear at speed. The 2024 model year is the better buy, with far fewer complaints per vehicle sold and a different mix of problems.

Verdict

Avoid
2020 52/1002018 52/100
Buy
2024 68/100
Model average
61/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Ford Expedition Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Ford Expedition average of 61/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202052/100Mixed16370Power Train (233)
2201852/100Mixed12358Power Train (133)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

52
MixedReliability score: 52 out of 100, rated Mixed

2020 Ford Expedition

Power train complaints reach 233 of 370. The 10-speed slips, slams into gear, or drops out of gear while passing, and several owners say it went into park at speed and cut all power. Hard shifts often start between about 38,094 and 60,020 miles. Some trucks had more than one transmission replaced. Seven fire reports also stand out.

16 recalls370 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (233), Unknown Or Other (37), Electrical System (21), Seat Belts (17), Engine (14), Structure (9)

View full 2020reliability report →
52
MixedReliability score: 52 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018 Ford Expedition

Transmission trouble dominates, with 133 of 358 complaints. The 10-speed slips, drops into neutral, or downshifts hard at speed, often with no warning light, usually between about 55,700 and 95,000 miles. Fluid changes and reprograms rarely fixed it. Cam phaser rattle on cold start adds engine failures, some ending in replacement.

12 recalls358 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (133), Engine (58), Engine And Engine Cooling (25), Suspension (24), Electrical System (22), Exterior Lighting (22)

View full 2018reliability report →

What Are Common Ford Expedition Problems?

Expedition transmission problems

679 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019, 2018

2020: The 10-speed automatic slips, slams into gear, hesitates, and drops out of gear, often while passing or climbing at highway speed.

ENGINE

164 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2021

2019: The main failure is a loud rattle at cold start, which dealers trace to worn cam phasers on the 3.5L EcoBoost.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

142 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019, 2021

2020: Chrome trim on the center console peels and leaves a razor-sharp edge that cuts hands.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

118 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

2018: Two reports describe fires starting under the hood.

SEAT BELTS

81 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2018

2019: Front seat belt pretensioners fire on their own with no crash.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

59 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2021

2019: Most of these reports are again about cold-start rattle from failing cam phasers, often with rough idle, shaking, or hesitation at startup.

Best Ford Expedition Year to Buy Instead

68
GoodReliability score: 68 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Ford Expedition

Complaints per vehicle sold drop sharply for 2024, at 8.2 per 10,000 against 65.5 for 2018 and 47.5 for 2020. Its top complaints are electrical, not transmission failure. It has also been on the road long enough to judge. Watch for rodent-chewed wiring and adaptive cruise control that changes speed on its own.

Score: 68/100 (Good)7 recalls68 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Ford Expedition has 7 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Ford Expedition Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Ford Expedition years should I avoid?
Avoid 2018 and 2020. Site analysis puts both well below the model's own average. Each draws heavy complaints about the 10-speed automatic slipping or dropping out of gear at speed. The 2020 year also has the most recalls and fire reports of any year.
Which Ford Expedition years have transmission problems?
The 2018 and 2020 years are the worst, but power train is also the top complaint for 2019 and 2021. Owners describe slipping, hard downshifts, and sudden loss of power at speed. For 2022 through 2024, electrical issues lead the complaint list instead.
Is the 2024 Ford Expedition a good year to buy?
Yes, 2024 is the site's recommended year. Its complaint rate is low next to 2018 and 2020, and it has been on the road at least two years. Check for rodent-damaged wiring, and ask about reports of adaptive cruise control changing speed on its own.
Should I buy a 2025 or 2026 Ford Expedition?
Both rate well so far, but they are too new to be called the best choice. Few complaints mostly reflect less time on the road. They also start the fifth generation, so there is little long-term history. The 2024 is the safer pick.
Are the 2022 and 2023 Ford Expeditions safe alternatives?
Both rate good and avoid the heavy transmission complaints of 2018 and 2020. Electrical problems lead their complaint lists. The 2022 carries 12 recalls and the 2023 carries 8, so check any truck's open recalls by VIN before buying.

How we score every Ford Expedition model year

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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