2018 Ford Expedition VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2018 Ford Expedition has mixed reliability. There are 12 recalls and 358 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Expedition. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (133), Engine (58), Engine And Engine Cooling (25).

Expedition reliability snapshot

52/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.0/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$861

Avg annual repair cost vs $784 category avg

#7/14

Ranking in fullsize SUVs · better than 50% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Ford Expedition before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

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Most-reported 2018 Ford Expedition issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Power Train133
Engine58
Engine And Engine Cooling25
Suspension24
Electrical System22
Exterior Lighting22

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Ford Expedition

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Inspect for transmission slipping or erratic shifting
Check for cam phaser noise during cold starts
Verify struts and shocks for leaks or excessive wear
Test sunroof for leaks and proper operation
Ensure brake pads are not excessively worn
Confirm all electrical systems function without error
Check for any unresolved recalls or service bulletins

What owners reported

2018 Ford Expedition owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 7 crashes, 2 fires and 21 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Expedition. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints133

POWER TRAIN

Owners report frequent transmission issues with the 2018 Ford Expedition, particularly involving the 10-speed automatic transmission. Common symptoms include erratic shifting, slipping, and unexpected shifts into neutral, sometimes accompanied by a loss of power or throttle response. These problems often occur at highway speeds or during acceleration, posing a risk of crashes or loss of control, with two incidents resulting in crashes and one reported injury. Complaints often arise after 50,000 miles, with some owners noting unresolved issues despite multiple dealer visits. Potential buyers should be aware of these transmission issues, as they may impact safety and vehicle performance.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints58

ENGINE

Owners of the 2018 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the cam phasers, part of the engine's variable valve timing system. Common symptoms include a loud rattling noise during cold starts, knocking sounds, and reduced engine performance. These problems often emerge around 70,000 to 140,000 miles. Some owners also describe engine hesitation and decreased acceleration, which could pose safety risks, especially at highway speeds. Buyers considering this vehicle should be aware of these recurring cam phaser issues, as they may require significant repairs or replacements.

Owner complaints25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owners report that the 2018 Ford Expedition frequently experiences issues with the cam phasers, leading to abnormal rattling or clanking sounds, especially on startup. These symptoms are noted at various mileages, commonly around 25,000 to 130,000 miles. Some owners also describe engine power loss and overheating, with few mentioning coolant or oil leaks. While no direct safety incidents like crashes or fires are reported, the recurring mechanical failures and engine warnings could potentially impact vehicle reliability. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these patterns and verify if any related repairs or campaigns have been addressed.

Owner complaints24

SUSPENSION

Owners report frequent issues with the suspension system of the 2018 Ford Expedition, particularly involving leaking struts. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as excessive bouncing, rough rides, and loss of control, especially when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces. These problems often appear at relatively low mileage, with several owners noting issues as early as 7,000 to 46,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as some owners describe near-loss of vehicle control and the need for immediate repairs to avoid potential hazards. This information is crucial for prospective buyers considering a used model, as it indicates a pattern of premature suspension failures that may require attention.

Owner complaints22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Ford Expedition. The most common problems include backup camera failures, often described as screens going black or freezing, and intermittent electrical faults affecting systems like cross traffic alerts and blind spot monitoring. Complaints frequently mention issues with the sunroof, such as leaks and inoperability, which may lead to water intrusion affecting electrical components. Mileage at the time of these issues varies, with some reports around 98,000 to 109,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with two complaints involving fires and one detailing unintended vehicle movement after being put in park, resulting in six injuries.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 6 injury reports

Owner complaints22

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Ford Expedition's exterior lighting, particularly with the daytime running lights (DRL) on the passenger side. Complaints commonly describe the DRL as dimming, partially illuminating, or turning purple, with no dashboard warnings provided. Repairing this issue typically requires replacing the entire headlamp assembly, which can be costly. Additionally, multiple owners describe inadequate illumination from the standard halogen headlights, noting they are too dim and angled too low, compromising nighttime visibility. These lighting issues are often reported shortly after purchase, and while no crashes are directly mentioned, the poor visibility is cited as a potential safety concern.

Owner complaints19

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2018 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the transmission, including slipping gears, harsh shifting, and stalling, often occurring at approximately 44,000 to 67,318 miles. These transmission problems lead to inhibited acceleration, unexpected stopping, and difficulty shifting into gear, which can cause hazardous situations such as stalling in intersections. Additionally, multiple owners describe interior trim defects, specifically chrome trim peeling and creating sharp edges, which have caused injuries. Safety implications include risks of collisions due to transmission failures and physical injuries from interior trim. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering this model.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 6 injury reports

Owner complaints7

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2018 Ford Expedition frequently report issues related to vehicle speed control, including transmission delays, unresponsive accelerators, and incorrect speedometer readings. Typical symptoms include sluggish acceleration, engines racing unexpectedly, and the vehicle losing power or shifting as if in neutral. These issues are often noted around 60,000 to 85,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one report involving a crash due to a stuck accelerator and another describing a speedometer discrepancy leading to a speeding violation. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential safety issues, particularly the risk of sudden acceleration or loss of control.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints5

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2018 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with air bags failing to deploy during crashes, with three incidents involving collisions and a total of six injuries. Complaints highlight that the air bags did not activate in frontal and rear-end collisions, even when significant damage occurred. Additionally, one owner mentions a driver-side seat belt air bag unexpectedly deploying while driving, leading to a malfunctioning seat belt. Another owner notes the air bag warning light activates without prior accidents, indicating a potential malfunction. These issues typically arise around 88,000 miles, with safety implications including increased risk of injury due to non-deployment of air bags during accidents.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 6 injury reports

Owner complaints4

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report issues with the 2018 Ford Expedition's braking system, including rapid brake pad deterioration and complete brake failure. Complaints frequently mention brake pedals failing to build pressure, with one incident leading to a crash at low speed when the vehicle could not stop, despite the ABS warning light being illuminated. These problems appear at mileage as low as 10,000 to 14,299 miles. Safety implications include the potential for crashes due to brake failure, as well as concerns about towing capabilities without a trailer brake controller, which could pose risks when towing heavy trailers. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly regarding the condition of the brakes and any necessary towing equipment.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

2018 Expedition recalls (12)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Expedition. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

POWER TRAINNHTSA 26V402000Jun 24, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Consequence: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
STRUCTURENHTSA 26V368000Jun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Expedition vehicles. The chrome plating on the center console may bubble and peel, resulting in sharp edges.
Consequence: Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the center consoles as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S38. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 10, 2026.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 26V344000May 27, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 25V197000May 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S31. Some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24V-099 and did not have parts replaced will need to have this new recall remedy completed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 25V236000Apr 11, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 24V099000Feb 9, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S06.
SEATSNHTSA 18V805000Nov 14, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition vehicles. The second row center seat track assemblies may be missing one or both of the J-Channel reinforcement brackets, possibly allowing the seat to move in the event of a crash.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, a seat that moves may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row center seat for any missing J-channel reinforcement brackets, replacing the center seat frame assembly as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner notification was sent on December 21, 2018. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S37
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 18V392000Jun 12, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI V6 engines. These vehicles have high pressure fuel pump assemblies with welds that can fracture, which may cause an oil or fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and associated components, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S17.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 18V213000Apr 4, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.
Consequence: Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 18V214000Apr 4, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions and 2018 Ford F-150 and Expedition vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions (excluding Expedition vehicles with a Rotary Gear Shift Dial on the console). The gear shift cable clip may not be properly seated, allowing the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated by the gear shift lever position.
Consequence: If the gear shift cable clip becomes unseated or dislodged, the gear shift lever position may indicate that the transmission is in 'Park' when it may be in a different gear. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied before the vehicle is exited, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the shift cable locking clip and properly seat it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 18S10.
VISIBILITYNHTSA 18V058000Jan 16, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The second row window control modules may intermittently stop the movement of the power window. If something, such as a finger, is pinched by the window glass, the stopped window control module may prevent the window from automatically reversing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Consequence: If the window does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is found, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row window electronic control modules, and replace them as necessary based on their build date codes, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C01.
SEATSNHTSA 17V775000Dec 1, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Expedition vehicles. The second row outboard seats may have excessive forward adjustment capability and/or may have an improperly installed bolt that secures the seat back to the seat base. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints", number 207, "Seating Systems", and number 210, "Seat Belt Anchorage System."
Consequence: If the seat back is not adequately secured, and/or the seat occupant is improperly positioned, there can be an increased risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row outboard seats for proper seat adjustment travel, replacing the seat frame assembly if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the bolts attaching the seat back to the seat base for the proper installation, correcting it as necessary. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on January 10, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C20.

Used-market value

2018 Ford Expedition resale snapshot

52%estimated value retained after 5 years

172listings in the model-level benchmark

$47,962median asking price from 14 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare Ford Expedition value by year →Full Ford Expedition market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2018 Ford Expedition on the road

54,661 2018 Ford Expedition units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2018 Ford Expedition stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Toyota Sequoia

Reliability: 72/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Reliability: 74/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Chevrolet Suburban

Reliability: 76/100·Rivalry score: 90

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GMC Yukon

Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 90

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Reliability verdict for the 2018 Ford Expedition

The 2018 Ford Expedition scores 52 out of 100, placing it below the segment average of 67. This indicates an elevated reliability risk compared to its peers. Complaints are notably concentrated in the power train and engine categories, suggesting these areas may significantly impact owner satisfaction and long-term dependability.

With 12 recalls, the recall count is elevated, further highlighting potential reliability concerns. This first-year model of a new generation often faces teething issues, which seems evident in the distribution of complaints across key mechanical systems.

Prospective buyers should be aware of these factors, as they point to a higher likelihood of encountering issues compared to segment competitors. Overall, the 2018 Ford Expedition presents an elevated risk level for reliability.

What you get in a 2018 Ford Expedition report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2018 Ford Expedition — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Ford Expedition reliable?

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Expedition have?

12 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ford Expedition. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2018 Ford Expedition problems?

The most-reported 2018 Ford Expedition problem areas are: Power Train (133), Engine (58), Engine And Engine Cooling (25).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Ford Expedition?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Ford Expedition, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.