How do I know if my Ford Expedition has a recall?
Your Ford Expedition may be subject to safety recalls that require a free repair. You can quickly check by using your vehicle’s VIN with official databases, or by contacting Ford or a local dealer. Recalls are repaired at no cost to you when they are active.
How to check recall status for your Expedition
There are several reliable ways to verify whether your specific Expedition is affected by any open recalls. The most accurate method is to search by your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in official databases. The following options cover the primary channels you can use from home or at a dealership.
- Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall lookup to search recalls by VIN. This federal database lists active campaigns tied to your exact VIN and model year.
- Use Ford’s official recall status tool on the Ford Owner website. Enter your VIN to view current recalls and campaigns that involve your Expedition.
- Look for recall notices mailed to the registered owner. Manufacturers periodically send notices with instructions and how to proceed if you’re affected.
- Contact your local Ford dealer or Ford Customer Service. A dealer can confirm recalls for your VIN and schedule the repair if needed.
By checking these sources, you’ll be able to confirm whether an Expedition you own or operate has any active recalls and what steps to take next.
Locating and using your Expedition's VIN
The VIN is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies your vehicle. For most Expeditions, you’ll find it on the driver's side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver's door jamb sticker, and on your vehicle registration or title. The VIN ties your specific vehicle to recall campaigns recorded by NHTSA and Ford, so using it ensures you see the exact recalls that apply to your SUV.
Why the VIN matters for recalls
Because recalls are specific to a vehicle’s configuration and production batch, the VIN is essential. Even if a recall notice was issued for a similar Expedition, the VIN check confirms whether your exact vehicle is included in that campaign.
What to do if your Expedition has an active recall
If your VIN shows an active recall, follow these steps to get the issue resolved quickly and safely.
- Schedule a repair with an authorized Ford dealer. Recall work is performed at no cost to the vehicle owner.
- Bring your VIN and any recall notice information to the appointment. If you don’t have a notice, provide the VIN to the service advisor.
- Ask about the expected repair time and whether any interim measures are recommended before the fix is completed.
- Obtain documentation of the repair for your records and future reference.
Acting on an active recall helps ensure the safety and reliability of your Expedition, and the process is designed to be straightforward and free of charge for the owner.
What if there’s no open recall for your Expedition
If the VIN check shows no current recalls, you may still want to stay informed. Recall campaigns can be announced after your vehicle’s production date, and manufacturers update lists periodically. Consider checking again periodically (for example, every 6 to 12 months) or signing up for recall alerts through NHTSA or Ford to stay notified of any new campaigns that could affect your Expedition.
Summary
To determine whether your Ford Expedition has a recall, start with your VIN-based checks via NHTSA, Ford’s official recall tool, and dealer support. Locate your VIN on the dashboard, door jamb, or registration, and use it to verify active recalls. If a recall is issued, schedule the repair with a Ford dealer at no cost and keep the repair documentation. If no recalls are listed, stay informed by periodically checking for new campaigns through official channels.
