2018 Ford Expedition Problems

What owners reported to NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Expedition, its recalls, and what to check before you buy one.

Ford Expedition, 2018 to 2024 model years
Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0
How the 2018 compares

Worse than most Expedition years

Owners filed about 1.6 times as many complaints as a typical Expedition year. The main thing to watch is the transmission and drivetrain, which half of owners reported by about 80,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Expedition years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

Owners have filed 383 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Expedition. The most reported problem area is the transmission and drivetrain (149, 39% of complaints), followed by the engine and cooling and the electrical system. That ranks 3rd of 13 Expedition years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 14 recalls.

Complaints383filed with NHTSA
Recalls14for this model year
Crashes825 injuries reported
Fires2reported in complaints

5 of these complaints came from Utah owners.

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Most reported problems

Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2018 Ford Expedition before you buy.

Transmission and drivetrain

149 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 80,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
  • Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
  • Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
  • If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.

Tools that help

What owners said

Transmission shifting very hard and lost forward momentum while on highway nearly causing accident. The resulting tow and repars totaled close to $5000.00Owner complaint, filed 2026
Transmission that's was replaced approx 3 yrs ago is hard shifting from park to drive and park to reverse on flat level surface.Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 108,000 miles

Engine and cooling

120 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 80,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
  • Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
  • Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
  • Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.

Tools that help

What owners said

Vehicle was disabled multiple times after failures of the OEM coolant / heater hoses at plastic fittings. Hoses includes the primary radiator coolant hoses, bypass hoses and engine coolant hoses for the transmission cooler. First hose failure on 10/21/2022 (51,177) miles was repaired by Ford dealer in Davenport, FL. OEM replacement hoses…Owner complaint, filed 2026
After Fords most recent recall for a PCM software update at the dealer the car immediately runs different and after full engine temperatures sounds like marbles or valve train issues including low rpm noise and transmission shutter between shifts. Dealer says there is no problem they can find and that I need new turbos. Very suspicious…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Electrical system

34 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 19,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
  • Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
  • Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.

Tools that help

What owners said

The infotainment screen that includes the rear backup camera stopped working intermittently and then completely. The dealer's service department identified that the APIM, a module involved in operating the screen had failed. The backup camera is a significant and necessary safety feature for such a large vehicle. The dealer ordered the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Ford performed Emission Recall 24E13 on my vehicle. The corporate software update bricked the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), rendering the vehicle completely inoperable 30 miles later. Ford corporate is refusing to repair the damage caused by their mandatory safety campaign, leaving me stranded. The vehicle was towed back to the…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Lights, wipers and visibility

34 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 22,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
  • Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.

Tools that help

What owners said

Daytime running LED lights in headlights have stopped working. Unable to replace bulb/fix due to having to replace the entire head lamp assembly.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Suspected Safety Defect, Windshield Wiper System Effected Vehicle Information Vehicle 1 - 2018 Ford Expedition MAX Vehicle 2 - 2017 Ford F-350 SuperCrew 4x4 Description of Defect Both vehicles experienced the same windshield wiper failure. The wipers gradually slowed, became sluggish, and eventually stopped working during normal use.…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Suspension

26 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
  • Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
  • Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.

Tools that help

What owners said

While driving on to a rough area such as a bridge crossing the vehicle exhibited excessive bouncing and caused the direction of travel toward the next lane. Repairs to the front struts were made at the dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased. The repair part was described as JL1Z 18124 E Shock Absorber Asy. The service…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Front struts faulty. Drivers side blew and all the fluid leaked out and the passenger side was leaking. Unknown safety issue but the vehicle only has 42,000 miles and has never been off road. Still has original tires, shouldn’t struts last longer than tires? The problem was confirmed by my local Ford dealer. I paid $1467.72 to have them…Owner complaint, filed 2024

Brakes and stability control

16 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 14,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
  • The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
  • Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.

Tools that help

What owners said

Subject: Safety Complaint, 2018 Ford Expedition Brake Master Cylinder Recall 25S37 / NHTSA 25V236 I am filing this complaint regarding my 2018 Ford Expedition, which is subject to an open Ford brake master-cylinder recall, Recall 25S37 / NHTSA Recall 25V236. I am currently experiencing brake fluid loss around the brake master…Owner complaint, filed 2026
During a recent oil change at 14299 miles (04/28/2022), I was told that the rear brake pads were dangerously low and had to be replaced immediately. I previously had an oil change and inspection by the same dealership on 11/17/2021 (10986 miles) and 6/22/2021 at 8685 miles and the brakes were checked ok with no mention of any wear…Owner complaint, filed 2022

Cruise control and acceleration

15 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
  • Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.

Tools that help

What owners said

I am experiencing delays in transmission shifting when the vehicle is cold. This behavior has recently started at about 85k miles. I have taken to dealer and had the transmission oil changed and Ford recommended cleaning the solenoids (at my cost). The dealer also resets the controller to relearn as well. I experienced the issues while…Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and attempting to change lanes, he depressed the accelerator to overtake the other vehicles and the accelerator became stuck. The contact stated that the cruise control had been activated while attempting to make the lane change. The contact stated that he…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 65,647 miles

Seats and seat belts

15 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 27,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
  • Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.

Tools that help

What owners said

Manufacturer Recall Number26S34 NHTSA Recall Number26V344 Ford promised a remedy by 9/30/2026. There is still no remedy.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her daughter became entrapped by the rear passenger-side seat belt. The seat belt continuously clicked tighter, forcing the contact to cut the belt strap to free her daughter. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 98,650 miles

Body, doors and structure

15 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 29,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (9).

What to check before you buy

  • Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
  • Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
  • Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.

Tools that help

What owners said

In below-freezing weather, the driver's side door latch of our 2018 Ford Expedition cannot be operated from the inside or outside of the vehicle, greatly limiting the occupant's ability to enter or exit the vehicle. A Ford technician advised today that the latch would need to be replaced. There were no indicators of a malfunction.…Owner complaint, filed 2023
When getting things out of the Rear Cargo area the Lift Gate has come down unexpectedly and hit Me in the head. Several times the Rear Lift gate randomly opens when exiting or entering the car. Has hit my spouse and has come close to hitting other person walking in back of the vehicle. The Lift Gate came open barely missing the vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2022

Fuel system

9 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
  • On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
  • Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

Car doesn’t let me pump fuel at gas station and overfills even when the tank is empty. Gas leaks from the bottom of the car. Weird suction noise comes from the fuel filler neck. I was doing research and found that many people have this same problem with my car and there’s a recall for this but for the 2015-2016 models and not the 2017.…Owner complaint, filed 2022
The Fuel filler assembly on our 2018 Ford Expedition broke while filling the vehicle with fuel, causing the entire fuel filler assembly to pop out of the side of the vehicle. The parts appear to be made of weak plastic and/or may be caused by poor design execution. The concern is that this defect could cause fuel to leak out of the…Owner complaint, filed 2021

Wheels and tires

9 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
  • Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
  • The tire pressure light should go out after startup.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. While contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact's son drove the vehicle to the intended destination. The contact's son inspected the tires and determined that the front passenger’s side tire was cracked and needed to be…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 90,000 miles
The wheel nuts on my vehicle are defective. The Ford Dealership had to replace all twenty-four of them for "swelling". Evidently, the design of these wheel nuts (Ford part number ACPZ 1012 M) makes it impossible to remove without destroying them because of their defective design. According to Ford Customer Care, these parts are…Owner complaint, filed 2025

Air bags

5 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
  • Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, another vehicle drove through a stop sign, causing the contact to T-bone the other vehicle, causing damage to the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that no air bags did not deploy in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 88,000 miles
The air bag warning light is on which may cause the airbags not to function properly. We have not had an accident to cause the air bag light on the dashboard turn on. We are taking it to the dealership later in the month to find out the exact cause of this malfunction. But the potential of an accident and the air bass failing to deploy…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 14,200 miles

Steering

4 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
  • On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
  • A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

This is a widespread problem across the Ford expedition. I've read forum after forum, facebook group after facebook group and have seen that many expeditions are affected by this. The front end of the Expedition; primarily the steering and suspension components, cause a strong vibration when approaching 70-75 miles per hour. I have…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Vehicle front driver side tire/rim/cylinder has a popping sound. It pops as if the caliber or brakes have something broke or dirt in it. I can hear this when driving slow and when in reverse backing up. Only hear sound when driving. Brought this to the attention of the dealership when I purchase the vehicle, took back to dealership twice…Owner complaint, filed 2019

Driver assist systems

1 complaintPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
  • Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
  • Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.

Tools that help

What owners said

Ford expedition was travelling at 50-60km/hr while passing an emergency vehicle on a highway. The expedition was struck from behind by a utility van travelling around 110km/hr. Both front seats slid forward and also reclined on impact. This caused both front passengers to sustain bruising on their calf's due to the seats sliding forward…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 30,600 miles

Ford Expedition complaints by year

Compare the 2018 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.

Compare with similar 2018 full-size SUVs

Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.

CarVs. its other yearsRecallsMost reported
2018 Ford ExpeditionWorse than most years14Transmission and drivetrain
2018 Chevrolet TahoeOne of the better years3Engine and cooling
2018 Toyota 4RunnerAbout average5Steering
2018 Dodge DurangoAbout average5Electrical system
Compare side by side

2018 Ford Expedition recalls

This is every recall issued for the 2018 Ford Expedition, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.

Transmission and drivetrain

Jun 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V402000
Risk
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Body and structure Center console

Jun 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V368000
Risk
Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the center consoles as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Seat belts Pretensioner

May 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V344000
Risk
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

Seat belts Pretensioner

May 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V197000
Risk
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

Brakes Master cylinder

Apr 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V236000
Risk
A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

Equipment Labels

Nov 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V852000
Risk
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Seat belts Pretensioner

Feb 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V099000
Risk
Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

Equipment Owners / service / other manual

Jun 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V420000
Risk
Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Seats Mid / rear assembly

Nov 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V805000
Risk
In the event of a crash, a seat that moves may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row center seat for any missing J-channel reinforcement brackets, replacing the center seat frame assembly as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition vehicles. The second row center seat track assemblies may be missing one or both of the J-Channel reinforcement brackets, possibly allowing the seat to move in the event of a crash.

Fuel system Fuel pump

Jun 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V392000
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and associated components, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI V6 engines. These vehicles have high pressure fuel pump assemblies with welds that can fracture, which may cause an oil or fuel leak.

Transmission and drivetrain

Apr 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V213000
Risk
Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.

Transmission and drivetrain Gear position indicator

Apr 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V214000
Risk
If the gear shift cable clip becomes unseated or dislodged, the gear shift lever position may indicate that the transmission is in 'Park' when it may be in a different gear.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the shift cable locking clip and properly seat it, if necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions and 2018 Ford F-150 and Expedition vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions (excluding Expedition vehicles with a Rotary Gear Shift Dial on the console). The gear shift cable clip may not be properly seated, allowing the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated by the gear shift lever position.

Windows, mirrors and wipers Power window devices and controls

Jan 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V058000
Risk
If the window does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is found, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row window electronic control modules, and replace them as necessary based on their build date codes, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The second row window control modules may intermittently stop the movement of the power window. If something, such as a finger, is pinched by the window glass, the stopped window control module may prevent the window from automatically reversing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Seats Mid / rear assembly

Dec 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V775000
Risk
If the seat back is not adequately secured, and/or the seat occupant is improperly positioned, there can be an increased risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row outboard seats for proper seat adjustment travel, replacing the seat frame assembly if necessary.
Full recall summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Expedition vehicles. The second row outboard seats may have excessive forward adjustment capability and/or may have an improperly installed bolt that secures the seat back to the seat base. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints", number 207, "Seating Systems", and number 210, "Seat Belt Anchorage System."

2018 Ford Expedition questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Expedition?

The most reported problem areas on the 2018 Ford Expedition are the transmission and drivetrain (149 complaints), the engine and cooling (120 complaints) and the electrical system (34 complaints).

Is the 2018 Ford Expedition a good year to buy?

Worse than most Expedition years. Owners filed about 1.6 times as many complaints as a typical Expedition year. The main thing to watch is the transmission and drivetrain, which half of owners reported by about 80,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2012, 2013 and 2014. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Expedition years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Expedition have?

NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2018 Ford Expedition. The most recent, from Jun 2026, covers the transmission and drivetrain. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.

At what mileage do 2018 Ford Expedition problems start?

Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 80,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 80,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.

Which Ford Expedition years should I avoid?

The Expedition years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2019. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2013 and 2014. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.

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Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.