Last updated: 2026-07-17

Ford Expedition

2 Ford Expedition Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Ford Expedition average of 61/100

The Ford Expedition years to avoid are 2020, 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 52/100. The best Ford Expedition year to buy is 2026 71/100.

Verdict

The 2020, 2018 Ford Expedition score significantly below the model average of 61/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 52/100 due to power train (233) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 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

The 2020 Ford Expedition has mixed reliability. There are 16 recalls and 370 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Expedition. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (233), Unknown Or Other (37), Electrical System (21).

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

The 2018 Ford Expedition has mixed reliability. There are 12 recalls and 358 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Expedition. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (133), Engine (58), Engine And Engine Cooling (25).

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?

Top reported issues across all Ford Expedition model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

679 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

164 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

142 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

118 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SEAT BELTS

75 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

60 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Ford Expedition Year to Buy Instead

61
GoodReliability score: 61 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Ford Expedition has good reliability. There are 12 recalls and 106 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Ford Expedition. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (17), Unknown Or Other (16), Power Train (14).

Score: 61/100 (Good)12 recalls106 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Ford Expedition year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Ford Expedition Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2026 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ford Expedition years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Ford Expedition years: 2020 (score: 52/100), 2018 (score: 52/100). These model years score significantly below the Ford Expedition average of 61/100.
What is the best year for the Ford Expedition?
The best year for the Ford Expedition is 2026, with a reliability score of 71/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 6 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Ford Expedition have?
Across all years in our database, the Ford Expedition has a total of 84 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Ford Expedition worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2026 model year, which scores 71/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 61/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Ford Expedition problems?
The most common Ford Expedition problems are power train (679 complaints), engine (164 complaints), unknown or other (142 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Ford Expedition reliable long-term?
The Ford Expedition has an average reliability score of 61/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Ford Expedition generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Ford Expedition generation is the Fifth generation (U717) with an average score of 71/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Expedition?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Ford Expedition is $861 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2026 Ford Expedition a good used buy?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Expedition is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 71/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 6 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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