AI Damage2018 Ford Expedition: common problems
Owners of the 2018 Ford Expedition filed 382 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and engine. The maker issued 145 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 382
- involving a crash
- 8
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 145
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 39% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 26% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 9% of all complaints
- 4 Suspension 7% of all complaints
- 5 Engine and cooling 7% of all complaints
- 6 Exterior lighting 7% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 4% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 4% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 148 complaints (39% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 36.
- Engine: 100 complaints (26% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
- Electrical system: 34 complaints (9% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 41.
- Suspension: 26 complaints (7% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 25 complaints (7% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 25.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.5 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cylnamed in 7 complaints
- automatic, 10-speed
Drive: RWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 382 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 148 | 2 | 36 |
| Engine | 100 | 1 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 34 | 1 | 41 |
| Suspension | 26 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 25 | 0 | 25 |
| Exterior lighting | 25 | 0 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 15 | 3 | 5 |
| Vehicle speed control | 15 | 1 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 13 | 1 | 8 |
| Visibility | 9 | 0 | 3 |
| Wheels | 9 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 3 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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 contact stated that no air bags did not deploy in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained whiplash to the neck and upper back. No medical attention was required. The contact mentioned the vehicle was towed to a collision center. The contact stated that a police report was filed.
No Brakes, Engine Racing, & ignition would not turn off, yes available for inspection at Seth Whatley Ford. Car crashed which was the only way it came to a stop, wheels were still turning when I got out of the car, if anyone one had been around they would have been hurt or killed.
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.
Was hit by a vehicle while making a left hand turn on a city street. Tried to stop the car. Breaks would not work and just went to the floor board. Vehicle sped up. Jumped 2 curbs and had to throw the car in park in order to stop. Air bags did not deploy.
The contact stated that the abs warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle to the residence, the brake pedal was depressed several times and went to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to bill brown ford located at [address], livonia, [ZIP], [phone], but was not diagnosed.
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 engine then had a loud clank and jerked into gear. Once I had pulled off enough I turned the car off and on again and resumed driving. This has happened multiple times.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 161 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 8% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Expedition has 165 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 382, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines…
Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure
Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns …
- Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes…
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in…
- Reason for update
update the Part List Description and Labor Times Description Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement *…
- On your vehicle, the OBD monitoring system for the catalytic converter may not be operating as intended
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate on the instrument panel even though a catalytic converter repair may not be necessary.
- Certain 2018-2021 Model Year Expedition Vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost Engine Powertrain Control…
Certain 2018-2021 Model Year Expedition Vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost Engine Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprograming
- Some 2018-2024 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with 22 inch wheels, may exhibit an increased level…
Some 2018-2024 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with 22 inch wheels, may exhibit an increased level of vibrations which can be felt while driving on a smooth road at speeds at or above 75 mph (120 km/h). Pinpoint…
- Reason for update
update the Part List and Service Procedure Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed…
- "Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions
• Harsh engagement • Delayed engagement • Harsh shift • Delayed shift • Illuminated MIL with DTCs P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707…
- Some 2017-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmission may…
Some 2017-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmission may exhibit a whine noise at idle and/or while driving.
- While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal…
While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some…
- 2018-2022 Expedition/Navigator "Park Brake Limited Function Service Required" Message In The IPC
NHTSA lists 145 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Expedition?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, engine, electrical system. Total complaints: 382. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (21%), knocking, grinding or other noise (19%), jerking, harsh shifts (11%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA lists 145 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2018 Ford Expedition from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2018 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.