What are the safety issues with the Ford Expedition?

Large SUVs like the Ford Expedition carry inherent rollover risks and rely on safety systems that must be kept up to date. The most consequential safety concerns usually revolve around VIN-specific recalls and the proper functioning of airbags, brakes, and tires. Stay informed by checking official recall databases and keeping service appointments with Ford-certified technicians.

Overview of safety concerns for the Expedition

The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV with strong crash-test expectations in many years, but safety issues can vary by model year. Recalls addressing airbags, occupant protection systems, and certain electrical or drivetrain components have affected some Expeditions. In addition, the vehicle’s tall stance contributes to a higher rollover risk compared with smaller cars, so tire condition, wheel alignment, and load management are important for overall safety.

Rollover risk and vehicle dynamics

Expeditions sit higher off the ground with a comparatively large footprint, which can increase the potential for rollover in sharp maneuvers or on slippery surfaces. Stability control and properly inflated, well-maintained tires help mitigate risk, but drivers should remain cautious with high-speed maneuvers and abrupt steering inputs.

Airbags and occupant protection

Airbag inflator recalls and related occupant-protection issues have affected Ford models in certain years. Recalls may cover airbag modules, seat belt pretensioners, and related sensors. VIN-specific recall status determines whether a particular Expedition needs service to address these safety components.

Electrical systems, software, and drivetrain concerns

Some model years have reported electrical warnings, sensor faults, and software glitches that can affect safety-related warnings and vehicle behavior. There can also be transmission or drivetrain concerns in certain generations. Many of these issues are addressed through recalls or dealer service campaigns, with updated software or hardware installations.

How to check recalls and safety status

Before acting on this information, understand that recall status is tied to model year and VIN. Use official databases to confirm what applies to your vehicle and what has or hasn't been repaired.

• Check current recalls and safety campaigns for your exact Expedition by VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall site: NHTSA recalls for Ford Expedition.


• Check Ford's official safety recalls page for your vehicle's VIN, or contact a Ford dealer for the latest status and required service: Ford safety recalls.


• Review safety ratings and tests for your model year from IIHS and NHTSA to understand crash protection and rollover ratings specific to your Expedition's year and trim.

Keeping up with recalls is essential for safety; unresolved airbag or seat belt issues can impair occupant protection, while other recalls may address critical components like brakes, steering, or electrical systems.

What to do if you own or are buying a Ford Expedition

Practical steps help ensure safety and minimize risk. Start by confirming recall status, then schedule repairs with a dealer, and maintain vehicle systems.

• Find and verify recalls for your VIN and model year on NHTSA and Ford's sites; address any open campaigns promptly.


• Ensure the airbag system, seat belts, and occupant-detection components are functioning correctly; watch for warning lights and get them checked if illuminated.


• Maintain tires with proper tread depth and inflation, inspect brakes and steering, and perform regular alignment and suspension checks.


• Keep software/ECU updates current, especially any safety-critical system updates that can affect warnings or stability control.


• Schedule preventive maintenance with an authorized Ford service center and document all recall repairs.

Staying proactive with recalls and maintenance is the best approach to ensuring that the Expedition remains a safe choice for families and travelers alike.

Summary

The Ford Expedition offers strong capabilities and often solid safety performance, but safety concerns are typically tied to model-year specific recalls and the inherent rollover risk of a large SUV. The safest course of action is to verify VIN-specific recall status, address any open campaigns promptly, and maintain critical safety systems through regular service and proper tire care. Always consult official sources for the latest information on your particular vehicle.

How safe are Ford Expeditions?

The Ford Expedition has mixed safety ratings due to a poor showing in some crash tests, specifically the small overlap front tests, while performing well in others. It includes many standard driver-assist and passive safety features, such as multiple airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. For example, it has an advanced airbag system that includes standard front, side-impact, and Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags.
 
You can watch this video to see a comparison of crash tests for the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Jeep Wagoneer: 59sYOUCARYouTube · Jun 6, 2024
Strengths and features

• Passive safety: The Expedition comes with a robust airbag system, including front, side-impact, and Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags, which deploy in side impacts or rollovers. 
• Driver-assist features: It offers a range of standard and available driver-assist technologies designed to prevent accidents: 
  • Blind-spot detection 
  • Lane departure warning and prevention 
  • Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking 
  • Adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go feature 
  • Rearview and 360-degree cameras 
  • Front and rear parking sensors 
• Structural integrity: The Expedition received a "Good" rating from the IIHS in the side crash test, indicating good structural integrity in that scenario. 

Areas of concern

• Crash test results: The Expedition received a "Marginal" (second-lowest) rating from the IIHS in the small overlap front crash test on both the driver and passenger sides. This test simulates a crash where a vehicle hits a barrier with only a small portion of its front end on the driver or passenger side.
• Structural vulnerability in small overlap tests: In the small overlap test, the structure showed compromised integrity, with the barrier pushing into the vehicle and elevated injury measures for the driver dummy. 

Overall
The Ford Expedition is equipped with many modern safety features that can help prevent accidents. However, its safety performance in the IIHS small overlap front crash test is a significant drawback, particularly for a family vehicle. While it performs well in other areas, potential buyers should be aware of its specific crash test performance limitations.

What are the biggest complaints about Ford Expeditions?

Ford Expedition Common Problems

• Engine Problems. Engine-related issues top the list for Ford Expedition owners, and unfortunately, they tend to be some of the most costly.
• Transmission Failures.
• Suspension Problems.
• Steering Issues.
• Air Conditioning Issues.
• Quick tips to find the right Ford Expedition bulbs:

What Ford engines are under investigation?

The regulator began the probe into Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines in July 2022. The safety administration then expanded the investigation to include Ford Edge, F-150, Explorer and Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus vehicles from model years 2021 and 2022 that used 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engines.

What year of Ford Expedition to stay away from?

Avoid used Expeditions model years from 2003 to 2006, due to frequent problems and high repair costs. Used Expeditions from 2018 to 2024 come with the highest reliability scores! Regardless of model year, about 31 percent of Expeditions suffer from engine issues. Around 28% experience AC and electrical issues.