2018 Ford Expedition El
Common Problems
Ranked from 114 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
22 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Transmission Slippage and Jerky Shifts
37complaintsSafety riskTransmissionThe transmission slips and becomes stuck in gear, causing rough shifting and loss of power.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Cam Phaser Failure
22complaintsHigh severityEngineThe cam phasers are failing, causing abnormal noises and reduced engine performance.
$900–$2,500est. timing chain/phaser service · 5–12 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Engine Rattling and Knocking Noise
14complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine emits a rattling or knocking noise, particularly during cold starts or idling.
- 4
Transmission Delayed Shifting
10complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission delays shifting gears, causing delayed acceleration and reduced performance.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Engine Cam Phaser Issues
8complaintsMedium severityEngineCam phasers make noise and fail, leading to rough engine running and poor acceleration.
$900–$2,500est. timing chain/phaser service · 5–12 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Suspension Strut Failure
6complaintsHigh severitySuspensionStruts are leaking prematurely, causing bouncy and unstable rides.
$500–$1,200est. strut/shock replacement (pair) · 2–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Transmission Shifting Issues
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission experiences harsh shifting, delayed shifting, and random gear slippage, affecting acceleration and safety.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Engine stalling or misfiring during acceleration
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls or misfires when accelerating, especially on the highway or in heavy traffic.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Suspension issues leading to rough ride
4complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe suspension fails, causing a rough ride and affecting the vehicle's handling at higher speeds.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Brake System Failure
3complaintsHigh severityOtherBrakes fail to work properly, leading to potential loss of control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Electrical System Malfunction
3complaintsMedium severityElectricalScreen failure prevents the backup camera from working, and electrical systems intermittently fail.
- 12
Headlights shine very low and not far enough ahead of the vehicle
3complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe low beam headlights produce insufficient light, making night driving difficult.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Suspension Bouncing
3complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension causes the vehicle to bounce excessively over roads and turns.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Airbag Deployment Failure
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalAirbags fail to deploy during collisions, posing safety risks.
- 15
Coolant Temperature Issues
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe coolant temperature indicator shows high temperatures during driving, especially on hills.
- 16
Daytime Running Light (DRL) Failure
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe daytime running lights are not functioning properly, particularly on the passenger side.
- 17
Electrical System Interference
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalIntermittent electrical issues cause safety systems to fail while driving.
- 18
Engine Carbon Monoxide Emissions
2complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine produces excessive carbon monoxide, making passengers sick.
- 19
Engine Stall at Idle
2complaintsLow severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle, often due to issues with the stop-start system or engine management.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 20
Seat Belt Pretensioner Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe seat belt pretensioners are malfunctioning, deploying unexpectedly while driving.
$250–$700est. seat-belt component replacement · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Stop-Start System Failure
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe auto stop-start feature fails, causing the engine to unexpectedly shut off while driving.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 22
Structural Door Latch Issues
2complaintsMedium severityOtherRear doors do not latch securely, especially in cold temperatures.
$200–$600est. door lock/latch repair · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.