2020 Ford Expedition VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2020 Ford Expedition has mixed reliability. There are 16 recalls and 370 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Expedition. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (233), Unknown Or Other (37), Electrical System (21).

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 2020 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 Train233
Unknown Or Other37
Electrical System21
Seat Belts17
Engine14
Structure9

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Ford Expedition

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

Test transmission for harsh shifting and slipping during a test drive
Check for active recalls and confirm if remedies are available
Inspect electrical system for dashboard warning lights and functionality of GPS and Bluetooth
Verify engine operation for abnormal noises and check for coolant leaks
Ensure door latches function properly, especially in cold weather
Examine center console for sharp edges due to peeling chrome trim

What owners reported

2020 Ford Expedition owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 4 crashes, 7 fires and 19 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Ford Expedition. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints233

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report power train issues, particularly involving harsh shifting, slipping, and unexpected gear changes. Complaints often describe the vehicle violently slamming into park while in motion, loss of power, and failure to accelerate, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds. These issues are sometimes linked to a known recall, although a fix is not always available. Reports indicate these problems can occur at various mileage points, with some as early as 31,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with several owners mentioning instances of fires, injuries, and near-miss accidents due to sudden loss of control. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the associated safety risks.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 3 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints37

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the vehicle's center console, specifically the peeling of chrome trim, which has resulted in cuts and injuries due to razor-sharp edges. Complaints also commonly mention problems with the rearview camera, which often displays a blank or distorted image, affecting driver visibility. Additionally, multiple reports describe transmission issues, including slipping gears, jerking, and harsh shifting, often occurring after 50,000 miles. Safety implications include injuries from sharp console edges and the potential for accidents due to transmission malfunctions and flying debris from trim detachment. These issues are important considerations for potential buyers assessing the vehicle's reliability and safety.

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

Owner complaints21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report multiple electrical system issues with the 2020 Ford Expedition, with frequent mentions of problems related to the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), including malfunctioning GPS, Bluetooth, and backup cameras, often requiring resets or replacements. Complaints also highlight issues with the auto stop/start system causing unexpected engine shutdowns, and several reports describe complete electrical failures while driving, sometimes accompanied by illuminated warning lights. Fire-related incidents are noted, including one where an electrical fire started after the vehicle shut off in a drive-thru. Additionally, one crash is reported where airbags failed to deploy, and seat belts did not lock. These issues commonly appear around or after 45,000 to 68,000 miles, posing potential safety risks for used car buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 3 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints17

SEAT BELTS

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with seat belts, particularly involving excessive tightness, locking, and malfunctioning retraction. Common symptoms include seat belts that seize or fail to retract properly, often requiring manual intervention to adjust. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some reports around 65,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications are present, as some owners describe injuries related to unexpected tightening or deployment of seat belt mechanisms. Additionally, several owners mention a lack of available parts for recall repairs, impacting the resolution of these issues.

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

Owner complaints14

ENGINE

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues related to the transmission and engine. Common symptoms include transmission slipping, hard shifting, and failure to engage gears, which can lead to sudden loss of power, particularly during acceleration or when changing speeds. These issues often arise around 30,000 to 100,000 miles, with some reports indicating transmission failures necessitating repairs or replacements. Engine-related complaints include rattling noises at startup and oil pressure warnings, sometimes involving metal shavings and coolant leaks. Several reports highlight safety concerns, including vehicles stalling on highways and the potential for loss of control, with some owners noting these problems persist despite dealer visits. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for significant repair needs.

Owner complaints9

STRUCTURE

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with door latches becoming inoperable in freezing temperatures, affecting both the driver's and front passenger's doors, which could impede egress in emergencies. Complaints also describe incidents of the sunroof glass bursting while driving, resulting in injuries to occupants. Additionally, several owners mention the chrome trim peeling from the center console, which has caused cuts when touched. Issues with the lift gate not closing properly when the vehicle is off, leading to potential exposure to exhaust fumes, are also noted. These problems are reported at various mileages, with some issues occurring around 87,000 to 95,185 miles, and carry significant safety implications, including injury risks and potential distractions while driving.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 5 injury reports

Owner complaints6

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues with the air bag system, particularly concerning unexpected air bag deployment and failure to deploy during collisions. Common symptoms include air bag warning lights illuminating and air bags deploying without cause, sometimes resulting in injuries. These incidents are reported at varying mileages, with examples around 46,000 to 73,682 miles. Safety implications are significant, as some complaints involve crashes where air bags did not deploy, leading to injuries. Prospective buyers should be aware of these air bag system issues and consider the potential safety risks.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports

Owner complaints4

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition frequently report issues related to the engine and engine cooling systems. Common symptoms include abnormal rattling sounds, often linked to cam phasers, and jerking or shuddering during gear shifts, with some cases involving illuminated check engine lights. Complaints also mention coolant leaks and failed catalytic converters, with issues arising around 20,000 to 106,920 miles. While no reports indicate crashes or fires, the described symptoms could affect vehicle operation and comfort. These patterns suggest potential maintenance concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding the engine's timing components and cooling system integrity.

Owner complaints4

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report issues with the 2020 Ford Expedition's brake system, including brake line wear due to proximity to the steering column, leading to potential brake failure. Complaints frequently mention a loss of brake fluid without visible leaks, resulting in diminished braking capability. Another common symptom is a brake pedal that must be pressed to the floor to engage, as well as warning lights for the brakes and burning odors, typically occurring around 104,550 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one reported crash involving a failure of the pre-collision assist and automatic emergency braking, resulting in an injury and substantial vehicle damage. These patterns suggest potential safety risks that prospective buyers should consider.

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

Owner complaints2

STEERING

Owners of the 2020 Ford Expedition report issues with the steering system, particularly related to oversteering. One complaint describes the steering wheel overcompensating at various speeds without any warning lights, with a diagnosis pointing to an issue with the power steering. Another report involves electrical system malfunctions at 1,000 miles, which include dashboard warnings and a vehicle jump when parked, leading to extensive repair discussions. The complaints highlight potential safety implications, such as loss of control and the need for significant repairs, which may be relevant for prospective buyers considering the vehicle's reliability.

2020 Expedition recalls (16)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 Expedition. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

VISIBILITYNHTSA 22V250000Apr 14, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
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.
ENGINENHTSA 25V628000Sep 19, 2025
Park outside until repaired
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.
Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's numbers for this recall are 22S36 and 22S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 23, 2025.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 25V346000May 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Navigator vehicles that were repaired incorrectly under recall 20V262. The Pre-Collision Assist features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, are not functional due to a software error.
Consequence: Inoperative pre-collision assist features that fail to perform as expected can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S56.
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 20V575000Sep 23, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 20V574000Sep 23, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition vehicles. The seat belt tension sensor may incorrectly classify a child occupant as an adult.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the incorrect classification would enable the passenger air bag to deploy instead of disabling it, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S54.
SEATSNHTSA 20V366000Jun 23, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The attachment bracket for the driver's side second-row seat headrest may not have been sufficiently welded to the seat frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Consequence: An improperly welded headrest bracket may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began July 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C12.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENHTSA 20V262000May 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with camera-only Pre-Collision Assist feature. Vehicles built with the optional radar-plus-camera Pre-Collision Assist system are not affected. Due to incorrect coding of interfacing modules, the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, and the driver cannot access the menu functions necessary to enable the Pre-Collision Assist feature.
Consequence: If the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram software for the Body Control Module, Antilock Braking System, Instrument Panel Cluster and Headlamp Control Modules, and reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S20.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 20V217000Apr 16, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition vehicles. The front passenger seatbelt buckle's Belt Tension Sensor (BTS) may malfunction and may result in the seat occupant being misclassified.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide the intended level of protection, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seatbelt buckle, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S17.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 20V197000Apr 3, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
Consequence: If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S18.
SEATSNHTSA 19V633000Aug 28, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

Used-market value

2020 Ford Expedition resale snapshot

52%estimated value retained after 5 years

172listings in the model-level benchmark

$59,999median asking price from 23 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 →

2020 Ford Expedition on the road

77,838 2020 Ford Expedition units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2020 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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Nissan Armada

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Chevrolet Suburban

Reliability: 76/100·Rivalry score: 90

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GMC Yukon

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Reliability verdict for the 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition exhibits an elevated reliability risk, scoring significantly below the segment average. This model's reliability is compromised by a high concentration of complaints, particularly within the power train category. The substantial number of recalls further underscores potential reliability concerns, suggesting a need for careful consideration by prospective buyers.

While the distribution of issues is somewhat concentrated, with the majority of complaints focused on the power train, other areas like the electrical system and seat belts also contribute to the overall reliability challenges. The frequency of these issues in the third year of its generation indicates persistent quality control problems.

In summary, the 2020 Ford Expedition presents a higher-than-average reliability risk, warranting cautious evaluation from potential buyers.

What you get in a 2020 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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2020 Ford Expedition — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Ford Expedition reliable?

How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Expedition have?

16 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2020 Ford Expedition. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2020 Ford Expedition problems?

The most-reported 2020 Ford Expedition problem areas are: Power Train (233), Unknown Or Other (37), Electrical System (21).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Ford Expedition?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Ford Expedition, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.