Ford Expedition Complaints (2018)

383 consumer complaints on file.

#11773647October 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING VERY HARD AND LOST FORWARD MOMENTUM WHILE ON HIGHWAY NEARLY CAUSING ACCIDENT. THE RESULTING TOW AND REPARS TOTALED CLOSE TO $5000.00
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771716October 16, 2026
SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES
MacPherson Strut assemblies leaking large amounts of hydraulic fluid which spills into/on the brakes. Decreased fluid in the MacPherson Strut results in excessive rebound, decreased braking, at times no braking when fluid has spewed onto brakes, followed by a sudden grab of the brakes that feels as though the anti-lock system might engage. This defect poses a serious risk of accident, injury, or even fatality of loss of control occurs at the wrong time. Ford has been made aware of the problem, and is side-stepping the repair under the guise of calling the component a "shock absorber" (it's quite clearly mounted inside a spring with a STRUT MOUNT at the top). Their parts catalog calls it a STRUT ASSEMBLY section, but they skirt around claim denial on the grounds that it's a "shock absorber" (simply because they don't offer the complete STRUT assembly). Ford needs to pull these defective and unsafe components (note that ALL FOUR have breached seals on my vehicle) and address the serious potential for unsafe handling or accident when fluid is suddenly dumped into/on brakes. I'm now faced with a vehicle I cannot operate because it is unsafe, and even though it's covered by an extended Premium Protection Plan, will not be repaired by Ford.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771377October 15, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Manufacturer Recall Number26S34 NHTSA Recall Number26V344 Ford promised a remedy by 9/30/2026. There is still no remedy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771447October 15, 2026
SEAT BELTS
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: 26V344000 (Seat Belts), which the contact associated with the failure. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that because there was no recall regarding a rear passenger-side seat belt failure, assistance could not be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,650.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771039October 14, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I was traveling on the interstate and went to accelerate to pass a vehicle. My car displayed system fault codes and made a clicking noise and dropped to neutral while my RPMs stayed high. I lost acceleration and had to swerve to avoid a collision. 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. Each time when I have contacted Ford they say it’s a known issue with the make of the Clutch drum and realized the issue after the 2022 year and changed the way it was made. However they stated it would cost me over $6500 to repair mine. They do not accept fault only state it is a known issue. When my car goes from 65 to 39 in a span of a few seconds it is a huge safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770696October 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TCM component major failure as diagnosed by dealership. Vehicle has inadvertently tried to go into park on multiple occasions when trying to speed up/ overtake. This failure has also caused the transmission to need a complete overhaul.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768537October 2, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Passenger side daytime running lamp (DRL) has failed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768553October 2, 2026
ENGINE
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 have also failed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766133September 22, 2026
STEERING, SUSPENSION
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 replaced the tires on my Expedition and had them mounted and balanced by Ford, only for the problem to still exist. I mentioned this to Ford directly and they told me that there is no way for them to replicate the problem because they won't take the vehicle over the local speed limit. However where I drive all across the country for work, the speed limit is approximately 70 -75 miles per hour. This is a severe issue as Vibrations could easily cause an accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763749September 11, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My 2018 Ford Expedition with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine has developed a pronounced rattling/knocking noise at startup. This appears consistent with the well documented cam phaser/VCT problem affecting this engine family. At approximately 118,212 miles, an independent Firestone Complete Auto Care inspected the vehicle and recommended major timing system repairs. Their estimate calls for replacement of the timing chain components and variable timing sprockets/cam phasers, with a total recommended repair cost of $5,232.13. 220782OrderRevisions.Pdf The concern is not simply the noise. The cam phasers and timing system control critical valve timing. If these components continue to deteriorate, there is a risk of improper engine timing, severe drivability problems, loss of power, stalling, or significant internal engine damage. A failure while traveling at highway speeds or in traffic could create a serious safety hazard for the occupants and surrounding motorists. There have not yet been warning lights or dashboard messages associated with the condition. The primary symptom has been the recurring startup rattle/knock, which has now been confirmed by an independent repair facility as requiring substantial timing system repair. The vehicle remains available for inspection. This has been an ongoing issue for the last few months but was first diagnosed on September 12, 2026 during a repair for another unrelated issue. I am especially concerned because this is not an isolated or unusual type of failure on the 3.5L EcoBoost. Ford has previously recognized cam phaser/VCT startup noise on these engines through service guidance. A known timing-related defect requiring more than $5,000 in repairs, with the potential to progress into engine damage or loss of engine performance, represents a significant reliability and potential safety concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762955September 9, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Daytime running LED lights in headlights have stopped working. Unable to replace bulb/fix due to having to replace the entire head lamp assembly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758138August 20, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission that's was replaced approx 3 yrs ago is hard shifting from park to drive and park to reverse on flat level surface.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758214August 20, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently shifted into park. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the transmission brake error message was displayed. The vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was restarted; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure reoccurred. The failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); and the VIN was associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757338August 17, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
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 cylinder/brake booster area. Because this is directly related to the braking system and the vehicle is subject to an open brake master-cylinder recall, I believe this vehicle presents a potential safety concern and needs to be properly inspected. I contacted Ford regarding the recall and explained that I am losing brake fluid in the area of the master cylinder and brake booster. I requested that the vehicle be inspected to determine whether the recall condition is present and that the brake booster be checked for brake-fluid contamination or leakage. I was told that my vehicle is approximately six months too late to receive the recall repair/replacement and that they would not allow me to bring the vehicle in for inspection under the recall. I have not yet confirmed the part number of the master cylinder currently installed on my vehicle, and I intend to do so to determine whether it is the same component addressed by the recall. My concern is that I am experiencing a symptom that appears directly related to the component identified in the recall, yet I am being denied an inspection simply because of the timing/eligibility issue. I am requesting that NHTSA review this matter and determine: 1. Whether my vehicle should be inspected for the condition identified in Recall 25S37 / NHTSA 25V236 despite the expiration or timing issue stated by Ford. 2. Whether brake-fluid leakage around the master cylinder/brake booster area is a known symptom or consequence of the recalled component. 3. Whether Ford should inspect the vehicle and determine whether the installed master cylinder is the recalled part.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756469August 12, 2026
SEAT BELTS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THERE IS A SEAT BELT RECALL AND 3 OTHER RECALLS THAT FORD CORP OFFICE AND THE DEALERSHIP IN HENDERSON NC TOLD ME THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL 2027 AND I AM EXPECTED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE PLEASE HELP ME
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753225July 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a recall on the catalytic converters of my year Expedition, but my check engine light came on at 86,000 miles, outside the 80,000 limit Ford put on the recall for the part. I think Ford should stand behind their product and the parts they are using, since the catalytic converters have failed on my car, my husbands expedition, and my dad’s ford 150.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752796July 25, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Power Running boards. The running boards half deploy and stop. The running boards go up and down while the vehicle is in motion. When opening the doors the running boards deploy half way and stop causing the persons exiting the vehicle to step on and uneven surfaces, resulting in twisted ankles and persons falling to the ground. The running boards were seems to malfunction every few years, they were replaced by Latrobe Chevy Ford 3 years ago and are currently being replaced by Bud Smail Ford.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11752826July 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Failing Transmission, does not shift into the gear just hear grinding noise, after few seconds of it, transmission makes very hard shift. This takes place in all phases or driving leading to potentially very dangerous situation of the car not moving or stopping while crossing a street with upcoming traffic, crossing intersection or any other phase of driving. Visited few shops and was advised that Ford has a major problem with 10R80 Transmission and failing CDF Drum.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752748July 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The chrome plating on the center console has peel up, causing a finger laceration when reaching into the cup holder.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11752749July 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The heater hose that feeds the front and rear heater cores ruptured while traveling at highway speeds on a main road. The engine coolant directly sprays onto the engine resulting in a steam cloud that can not be seen through, also rapidly overheating that motor. This caused a dangerous scenario where the driver can not see the road correctly through the steam cloud while trying to pull off of the highway with the engine over temp warnings flashing in the screen further adding to the panic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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