2018 Ford Expedition Complaints

SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/15/2026

Manufacturer Recall Number26S34 NHTSA Recall Number26V344 Ford promised a remedy by 9/30/2026. There is still no remedy.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 09/09/2026

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.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/04/2026

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 10/02/2026

Passenger side daytime running lamp (DRL) has failed.

ENGINE — Filed 10/21/2022

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.

STEERING,SUSPENSION — Filed 09/20/2026

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.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 09/11/2026

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/01/2026

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/06/2026

The chrome plating on the center console has peel up, causing a finger laceration when reaching into the cup holder.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/05/2026

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 new part and replaced it at significant expense. There was no warning of this issue, and the only symptom was the intermittent delay of the infotainment system turning on upon startup of the vehicle.

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/14/2026

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 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. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed him to take the vehicle to the dealership. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/03/2025

The chrome trim on the upper center console of my 2018 Ford Expedition Platinum Max has begun peeling and lifting, creating a razor-sharp exposed metal edge in the front passenger compartment. The sharp metal edge is located where the driver and front passenger/children rest their arms and where the console storage is opened and accessed during normal use. The edge is sharp enough to cause deep lacerations with normal contact. This defect has already resulted in multiple significant cuts to occupants, producing wounds that bled for several hours and required medical care to control bleeding. The center console cannot be used safely without risk of injury, and occupants cannot reasonably avoid contact with the affected area. A vehicle interior surface should never create the risk of open wounds to occupants during ordinary operation. Manufacturer Response Ford Motor Company, Ford Customer Care, and Ford Protect have been notified of the safety risk. Despite documented injury, the dealership and Ford warranty administrators have refused to repair the component, stating that the part is categorized as “cosmetic” in their parts system. Because of this internal categorization, they declined to submit or review the issue as a safety-related failure, and no remedy has been offered. Reason for Filing The failure of interior trim material to maintain structural integrity has resulted in dangerous exposed sharp metal, causing real injury and presenting a continuing safety hazard to vehicle occupants. Manufacturer refusal to take corrective action after injury demonstrates the need for federal safety review.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 08/07/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 20 MPH, the front driver's side seat belt exploded, making a loud popping sound, and the seat belt tightened and pulled the driver back into the seat. Additionally, the automatic emergency braking system engaged, causing the vehicle to stop. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband stated that the cabin was filled with smoke and an electrical burning odor was noticed. The driver pulled over, but the seat belt had significantly retracted and was able to be unbuckled after several attempts. The contact’s husband sustained a seat belt mark on the left shoulder, but no medical attention was received. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed of that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V197000 (Seat Belts); however, the contact stated that the recall notification had not been received and the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 26,600.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 06/11/2025

Went to leave for work and as I started my vehicle and pulled my seat belt to put it on and the seat belt pretensioner went off.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/07/2021

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition Max. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking slightly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission computer software was updated; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was attempting to learn the contact's driving pattern and was operating as designed. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked and experienced an unintended transmission downshift into first gear. A message advising that the power train was disabled and to take the vehicle to the dealer was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving, causing the contact to sustain whiplash and neck pain. The contact stated that she was already afflicted with osteoporosis on the neck and spine, and her husband was afflicted with heart disease. The contact was concerned that the failure could further damage their health. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, and the dealer provided an estimated fee for the transmission replacement. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialist, where the same assessment was made. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle could be repaired for a cheaper amount. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would consider covering 40 percent of the expense. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/15/2023

Our 2018 Ford Expedition Max caught fire while on a test drive after repairs at Canby Ford. It completely caught fire and is a total loss. We were supposed to pick up the car an hour later. If our kids were in the car strapped into car seats, there may not have been enough time to get them out. They could have died. The mechanic who was driving saw the engine smoking and jumped out (he was at risk). The whole car was gone within 2-3 minutes. In my opinion it exploded as all the windows were blown out. The motor block melted, and the front end of the car is gone. There is a report with Canby Oregon Fire Department. Most people would assume it was overheating, get out and open the hood with their family still in the car. If that had happened people could have died. There were no check engine lights on when we took it to Ford. It was just close to the end of a warranty and there was an engine rattle we wanted fixed. Please come look at the car to investigate. It is at an independent insurance valuation company. I asked the manager of Canby Ford if he would report it to Ford Motor Company, he said no it would just go through their insurance. Ford needs to recall all of the expeditions so someone doesn't die in a fire. Ford already settled on the 2021 Ford Expedition and there are fires on older models and similar F150 Trucks. There are many reported fires without a recall. Please recall all the expeditions and investigate all the other Ford Vehicle fires swept under the rug. We don't want someone else to die due to a lack of action. The previous Ford Expedition settlement is not enough as it only covers 2021. If nothing is done, we plan to go public on the news with the photos, hopefully we can say NHTSA did something (or we can say NHTSA did nothing). Other families are at risk, they need to know to get out fast cause it could catch fire or explode. They need to not assume the engine is overheating (as I would have done 2 months ago) it could be on fire .

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 03/27/2023

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. Towed to dealer, dealer was unable to find any evidence on their side. Insurance adjuster came out and assess the damage from crash. There was no warning lights or sensors that were working during this episode. Monday, March 27, 2023 at approximately 10am, I got into my Expedition to start my vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed as I pushed the button to start the car, and the engine was running smoothly. Foot was on the brake pedal when I put the car into reverse, the car shot out from the carport and engine was racing. I tried to pump the breaks and push the engine button, while guiding the car as it kept going faster and faster, until I hit a trailer that was attached to a truck. There was two witness that saw everything, that went on. I feel this car is DANGEROUS. If this had occurred when my family was around serious injuries could have occurred, or if I had been in a parking lot, there was no way to stop and I was not in control. Safety is the first issue. Special Note - I took my car in February 2022 for the recall.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/24/2022

Power running boards switched from automatic to off position while driving vehicle and without warning to driver. Due to height of vehicle (20" wheels) and failure to deploy, injury occurred while attempting to exit vehicle. Ford took over two weeks to determine problem and cost owner approximately $1400 to repair as vehicle was no longer under warranty. Vehicle had less than five thousand (5,000) miles.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/15/2021

Electrical fire under hood occurred spontaneously. Just before my vehicle shut off the dash board read something about to conserve battery shut engine off. Pulled over got out of car and it burned . Insurance agent is investigating. Sherriff and fireman said it was electrical fire under hood. Had I not decided to pull over at rest stop when I did we would have been on freeway when it ignited.

AIR BAGS,SEATS,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 11/22/2020

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 AND WHIPLASH FROM BOTH FRONT SEATS RECLINING. BOTH FRONT SEATS TRAPPED CHILDREN IN THEIR CAR SEATS IN THE 2ND ROW FORM BEING RECLINED. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN THE ACCIDENT AS WELL!

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 07/15/2020

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 09/06/2019

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.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/28/2019

TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2018 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS SPOUSE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 10-15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED BY EITHER DRIVERS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE TO THE RESIDENCE. 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 32222 PLYMOUTH RD, LIVONIA, MI 48150, (734) 399-4244, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED IN THE FOUR MONTHS SINCE THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE HAD REMAINED AT THE DEALER DUE TO THE ABS MODULE AND SOFTWARE NOT BEING AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. CASE NUMBER: 21685353. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE — Filed 05/01/2019

I WAS BACKING UP AND THE TRUCK TOOK OFF WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. I HAVE ABOUT 15K IN DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE FOUND A FEW OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/30/2018

THE TRUCK WAS BEING BACKED INTO A PARKING SPOT ,THE TRUCKS TURNED OFF I PUSHED THE PEDAL TO START THE TRUCK TO BACK UP AND IT PROPELLED INTO THE WALL OF THE ESTABLISHMENT THAT I WAS GOING INTO TO EAT DINNER CAUSING A GREAT DEAL OF DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING AND MY VEHICLE. MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS THIS PROBLEM NOT BEING LOOKED INTO. I HAVE A FAMILY AND WE ALL RIDE IN THIS TRUCK I WOULD NEVER WANT TO PUT THERE LIVES IN DANGER KNOWING THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM GOING ON WITH THESE TRUCKS.