2018 Ford Expedition
Common Problems
Ranked from 116 federal NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
25 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 Shifting Issues
27complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTransmission randomly shifts into neutral or downshifts, causing loss of power and safety risks.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V213000, 18V214000, 26V402000
- 2
Cam Phaser Failure
13complaintsHigh 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
Suspension Strut Failure
9complaintsHigh severitySuspensionStruts are leaking or failing prematurely, causing bouncy rides and potential loss of control.
$500–$1,200est. strut/shock replacement (pair) · 2–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Cam Phasers Failure Causing Rough Running and Poor Acceleration
8complaintsMedium severityEngineCam phasers are failing, resulting in rough running, poor acceleration, and occasional stalling, especially during cold starts.
$900–$2,500est. timing chain/phaser service · 5–12 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Electrical system malfunctions
8complaintsMedium severityElectricalElectrical system issues, such as auto start-stop system failures and electrical fires, occur frequently.
- 6
Engine Rattling and Abnormal Sounds During Cold Starts
8complaintsMedium severityEngineDuring cold starts, the engine produces abnormal rattling and knocking sounds, indicating potential issues with the cam phasers or timing chain.
- 7
Transmission Failure Causing Hard Shifts and Clunks
8complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently fails, causing hard shifts, clunks, and loss of power, increasing the risk of accidents.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V213000, 18V214000, 26V402000
- 8
Transmission failure leading to loss of power
8complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently drops into neutral while accelerating, causing a loss of power and presenting a safety risk.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V213000, 18V214000, 26V402000
- 9
Transmission Issues Leading to Inability to Accelerate
8complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission malfunctions, causing the vehicle to lose acceleration and power, especially during acceleration, posing a safety risk.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V213000, 18V214000, 26V402000
- 10
Transmission Malfunction Leading to Loss of Power and Jerking
8complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission malfunctions, causing the vehicle to lose power, jerk, and occasionally stall, posing a significant safety risk.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V213000, 18V214000, 26V402000
- 11
Transmission Slipping and Random Gear Shifting
8complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently slips and randomly shifts gears, causing the vehicle to lose power and potentially leading to accidents.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V213000, 18V214000, 26V402000
- 12
Cam phaser failure causing engine noise and poor performance
6complaintsMedium severityEngineCam phasers fail, causing an abnormal ticking or rattle noise during cold starts and leading to poor engine performance and rough idling.
$900–$2,500est. timing chain/phaser service · 5–12 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Dim and Inadequate Headlights
6complaintsMedium severityElectricalHeadlights on the 2018 Ford Expedition are dim and inadequately angled, causing poor visibility during night driving.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Engine performance issues
5complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine rumbles, stutters, and stalls, often due to cam phaser and powertrain control module (PCM) issues.
- 15
Backup Camera Malfunction
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalBackup camera intermittently stops working or displays incorrectly, posing a safety hazard.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Daytime Running Light (DRL) Failure
4complaintsMedium severityOtherPassenger-side DRLs have dimmed and turned purple, reducing daytime visibility.
Related recalls: 23V420000, 24V852000
- 17
Engine starting noise and rattle
4complaintsMedium severityEngineAn abnormal rattling sound occurs upon starting the engine, particularly during cold starts, indicating potential cam phaser or engine timing issues.
- 18
Suspension failures
4complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension components, including struts and shocks, fail prematurely, leading to a rough ride and reduced handling.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 19
Engine Cranking Sound
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThere is an abnormal cranking sound coming from the engine upon starting, without warning lights.
- 20
Running board and lift gate malfunctions
3complaintsLow severityOtherRunning boards and lift gates malfunction, posing a risk of injury when opening or closing.
Related recalls: 23V420000, 24V852000
- 21
Transmission upshifting and downshifting issues
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently upshifts unexpectedly and then downshifts into first gear, causing loss of power and potential safety hazards.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V213000, 18V214000, 26V402000
- 22
Engine coolant temperature issues
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe engine coolant temperature indicator shows high temperatures during uphill driving, indicating potential cooling system failures.
Related recalls: 23V420000, 24V852000
- 23
Engine Misfire and Low Compression
2complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine misfires and shows low compression, indicating potential internal engine failure.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 24
Low Tire Pressure Warning
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe low tire pressure warning light illuminates unexpectedly, indicating a potential tire issue.
Related recalls: 23V420000, 24V852000
- 25
Seat Belt Pretensioner Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe seat belt pretensioner is malfunctioning, deploying unexpectedly while starting the vehicle.
$250–$700est. seat-belt component replacement · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 23V420000, 24V852000
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.