What is the crash rating of the 2008 Ford Expedition?

The crash assessment for the 2008 Ford Expedition is not a single number. Safety agencies publish separate ratings for frontal, side, and rollover tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and for frontal, side, and roof-strength tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Below is a snapshot of what these tests indicated for the 2008 Expedition, based on official records available to the public as of 2024.

NHTSA crash ratings (frontal, side, and rollover)

The following results come from NHTSA’s official vehicle safety ratings. Ratings can vary by model year within a generation and by trim or equipment, but the numbers below reflect the 2008 Expedition as recorded in NHTSA’s database.

• Frontal crash protection: Driver 4 stars; Front passenger 4 stars


• Side crash protection: 5 stars


• Rollover risk: 4 stars

In summary, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s tests suggest solid protection for occupants in frontal and side impacts, with a relatively moderate rollover risk for the vehicle class and era.

IIHS crash ratings (frontal, side, and roof strength)

IIHS evaluates different aspects of crashworthiness and does not always provide a single, overall score. The 2008 Expedition’s results focus on frontal overlap, side impact, and roof strength to gauge protection levels for occupants in a variety of crash scenarios.

• Frontal overlap (moderate overlap test): Good


• Side impact: Good


• Roof strength: Good

IIHS findings for the Expedition indicate strong performance in the main tests IIHS conducts for that period, reflecting robust structure and restraint performance in those scenarios.

What this means for drivers and owners

For prospective buyers or current owners, the key takeaway is that the 2008 Expedition was designed to offer solid occupant protection, particularly in side-impact scenarios, with competent frontal protection and a manageable rollover risk by the standards of its time. It’s important to note that safety technology and testing standards have evolved since 2008, so newer models may perform differently under today’s protocols. If you’re evaluating a specific vehicle, check the individual NHTSA and IIHS reports for that exact VIN and trim, and review any available recalls or equipment that could affect real-world safety performance.

Summary

The 2008 Ford Expedition earned notable side-impact protection in NHTSA testing, solid frontal protection, and a moderate rollover risk, with IIHS ratings generally indicating good performance across its primary tests. As with any older vehicle, owners should verify the specific test results for their exact model and consider up-to-date safety features when evaluating overall safety levels.

Is 2008 a good year for Ford Expedition?

As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's comfort and reliability to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 292 out of 385 of owners (76% of them) rank the 2008 Expedition five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2008 Ford Expedition.

What year of Ford Expedition to stay away from?

Years to avoid for the Ford Expedition include 2003-2006 and 2011, which are known for engine, electrical, and transmission issues. Some newer models, particularly around 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, are also cited for various problems like transmission trouble, issues with running boards, and other mechanical failures. It is best to choose a model year with better reliability ratings, such as 2015 or 2020, or focus on the fourth generation (2018-2024) or newer, which generally have better ratings. 
Older generations (second and third)

• 2003–2006: These models are particularly notorious for having multiple complaints, including engine and drivetrain problems, brake failure, and electrical issues. 
• 2011: This year is frequently mentioned for being problematic, though the specific issues are not as detailed as for the earlier years. 

Newer generations (fourth) 

• 2017–2019: Issues include rough shifting transmissions, problems with automatic running boards, and other powertrain concerns. 
• 2018–2020: Some models are noted for poor fuel economy, especially when towing, in addition to transmission issues. 
• 2020–2021: At least one owner reported needing major repairs, including a new transmission and catalytic converters, on a 2021 model. 
• 2022–2024: These model years have recalls related to brake lines potentially becoming damaged by other components, which can lead to a brake fluid leak and reduced braking function. 

What to look for

• 2015: This model year is often recommended as a more reliable option within the third generation. 
• 2020: This year is highlighted as one of the more dependable models. 
• 2018–2024: Fourth-generation models generally have higher reliability ratings, though some specific years within this range still had reported issues. 

How safe is the 2008 Ford Expedition?

Safety. All major safety equipment is standard on the 2008 Ford Expedition, including antilock disc brakes with brake assist and a rollover-sensing stability control system. Airbag coverage includes seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants and all-row side curtain airbags.

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.