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2018 Ford Expedition Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 382 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Expedition, most often about the transmission (39% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles). It is 6th of 27 Expedition model years by number of complaints and has 14 recalls.
Most common 2018 Ford Expedition problems
Transmission
148 complaints · 39%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a coolant leak underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the coolant hoses were faulty and needed to be replaced. Additional, while driving at various highway speeds the…
I pulled out of my driveway taking a left and as I pressed the gas to accelerate up the hill it seemed as though my car went into neutral. It would not go. I took my foot off the gas and waited a second or two and then pushed down on the accelerator again and then the car took off as normal. Since that first time this…
Engine
120 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a coolant leak underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the coolant hoses were faulty and needed to be replaced. Additional, while driving at various highway speeds the…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that occasionally while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 70 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was…
Electrical
34 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 19,500 miles. Parts named most often: starter assembly, instrument panel.
Even though I have put the car in park, it still moves and has hit me and some of the passengers getting out the car with the doors and other parts of the vehicle almost running US over. The vehicle was put in park according to dial. However, it still moved.
The retractable/automatic running board on the passenger side intermittently drops down when the car is in park and in a stationary position for a period of time. (ie. 2-3 hours at rest) when I restart the vehicle and open/close the doors, then shut off the vehicle, the retractable running boards will go back up where…
Other or unspecified
32 complaints · 8%The retractable/automatic running board on the passenger side intermittently drops down when the car is in park and in a stationary position for a period of time. (ie. 2-3 hours at rest) when I restart the vehicle and open/close the doors, then shut off the vehicle, the retractable running boards will go back up where…
The vehicle has an intermittent electrical problem which causes a cross traffic system fault, blind spot system fault and the liftgate or liftglass to indicate that it is ajar. Hen these fault the safety systems are inoperative and pose a safety concern. This occurs while in motion at both on both city streets and at…
Suspension
26 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear.
At 20,000 miles of highway driving, both front end struts were leaking and required warranty replacement by dealer. I have since read about many problems with Ford Expedition struts falling prematurely.
Front struts are leaking at 38,000 miles. Vehicle was never taken off road. Driver is mild at use of vehicle. Feel that the struts should not fail being this new of vehicle and low mileage. Replacement of this part takes time to receive, there are backorders. Is there a demand for this part through the country that…
Lights
25 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 10,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights.
The headlights on this vehicle are absolutely the worst of any car I've ever driven. Did night driving yesterday; the peripheral lighting was virtually non-existent, and I couldn't even see my driveway from the road. There is no mention on the window sticker about what type of light fixtures the car has. I feel…
Poor illumination from headlights. Visibility at night with either high or low beams is unacceptable. Not easy to avoid obstacles like deer crossing the highway, debris or other hazards.
Speed control
15 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
Speedometer is reading incorrectly, does not match GPS reported speed or the play place officers speed when he clocked me going 13 miles an hour over the speed my adaptive cruise was set at. Cruise control was set at 76 miles an hour and my phone was not on the gas, the GPS on my map application showed I was going 87…
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…
Brakes
15 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 15,000 miles.
Even though I have put the car in park, it still moves and has hit me and some of the passengers getting out the car with the doors and other parts of the vehicle almost running US over. The vehicle was put in park according to dial. However, it still moved.
Today I experienced a complete failure of the brakes on my 2018 Ford Expedition el. The brake pedal would not build any pressure which almost caused an accident with my children in the vehicle. To answer the specifics requested by NHTSA, the vehicle was being driven at 45mph or less on a city street and the problem…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2018 Ford Expedition recalls
Transmission: automatic transmission
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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed july 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in april 2027. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s48. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on june 26, 2026.
Full defect 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
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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed june 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in january 2027. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s38. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on june 10, 2026.
Full defect 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
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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed june 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in august 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24v099 and 25v197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
Full defect 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
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. Owner notification letters were mailed october 22, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s31. Some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24v-099 and did not have parts replaced will need to have this new recall remedy completed.
Full defect 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
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. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 25, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22v-150.
Full defect 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
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. Owner notification letters were mailed december 19, 2024. Owners may call ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24c39.
Full defect 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
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. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on july 8, 2024. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24s06.
Full defect 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
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. Owner notification letters were mailed july 21, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23c20.
Full defect 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
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. An interim owner notification was sent on december 21, 2018. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18s37
Full defect 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
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. The recall began july 17, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18s17.
Full defect 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: gear position indication (prndl)
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. Additionally, despite selecting 'park', if the parking brake is not applied before the vehicle is exited, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the shift cable locking clip and properly seat it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 18s10.
Full defect 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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
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. The recall began on april 13, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18s09.
Full defect 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.
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
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. The recall began on february 16, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18c01.
Full defect 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
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. Dealers will also inspect the bolts attaching the seat back to the seat base for the proper installation, correcting it as necessary. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on january 10, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17c20.
Full defect 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."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Seat belt retractor pretensioner inadvertent deployment
Summary
On november 22, 2023, the oï¬ce of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation (pe) pe23021 to investigate complaints of front seat belt retractor pretensioner inadvertent deployment in model year (my) 2019 ford expedition vehicles manufactured by ford motor company. Some complaints alleged hearing a loud, explosion-like sound immediately followed by the seat belt tightening around the occupantâs torso area. The complaints did not state that a crash occurred that may have resulted in the deployment of the pretensioner system, suggesting that this deployment was inadvertent or otherwise unwarranted. On february 9, 2024, ford issued safety recall 24v-099, recalling certain my
Questions about the 2018 Ford Expedition
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Expedition?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (148 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); engine (120 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); electrical (34 complaints, typically around 19,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Expedition have?
- 14 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 24, 2026 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2018 a bad year for the Ford Expedition?
- It is 6th of 27 Expedition model years by number of complaints, with 382 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.