Ford Expedition Structure Problems
Owners have filed 452 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Ford Expedition across 28 model years. The 2000 model year has the most (47). The words owners use most often: “lift gate” (6% of reports).
- 452structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 27mention a crash
- 39mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 49%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Lift gate: mentioned in 28 of 452 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 259 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 452 complaints, 27 mention a crash, 18 a fire, 39 an injury.
Ford Expedition structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Expedition | 2 | 5% | 7,300 |
| 2024 Expedition | 5 | 6% | — |
| 2023 Expedition | 4 | 6% | 76,498 |
| 2022 Expedition | 13 | 11% | 34,533 |
| 2021 Expedition | 10 | 4% | 48,000 |
| 2020 Expedition | 22 | 5% | 87,000 |
| 2019 Expedition | 16 | 3% | 66,500 |
| 2018 Expedition | 13 | 3% | 29,000 |
| 2017 Expedition | 6 | 2% | 35,000 |
| 2016 Expedition | 3 | 1% | 44,500 |
| 2015 Expedition | 8 | 5% | 21,000 |
| 2014 Expedition | 6 | 8% | 97,000 |
| 2012 Expedition | 15 | 13% | 52,500 |
| 2011 Expedition | 10 | 14% | 48,000 |
| 2010 Expedition | 10 | 17% | 51,626 |
| 2009 Expedition | 7 | 25% | 65,000 |
| 2008 Expedition | 34 | 23% | 73,000 |
| 2007 Expedition | 9 | 4% | 70,000 |
| 2006 Expedition | 19 | 6% | 72,500 |
| 2005 Expedition | 15 | 5% | 49,000 |
| 2004 Expedition | 24 | 8% | 87,500 |
| 2003 Expedition | 32 | 5% | 42,000 |
| 2002 Expedition | 14 | 4% | 59,000 |
| 2001 Expedition | 25 | 4% | 94,000 |
| 2000 Expedition | 47 | 5% | 76,925 |
| 1999 Expedition | 20 | 2% | 102,000 |
| 1998 Expedition | 25 | 3% | 120,000 |
| 1997 Expedition | 38 | 4% | 130,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Structure:interior panels:center console
Model years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Problem: 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.
Risk: Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Structure
Model years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Problem: Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V368000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50-55 MPH and approaching the interstate, the roof molding detached from the vehicle. The driver and the contact became aware that the passengerâs side was loosened and were concerned another portion or…
The Chrome of the center console is peeling off and my [XXX] daughter reached to grab her drink and slit her finger. She started to bleed and cry and saying she hates this car. She was cleaned and bandaged to prevent inventions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…
Hood striker fasteners failed allowing hood to separate from striker at highway speed resulting in hood flying open, striking and damaging windshield and blocking view of driver. Photos from incident scene and subsequent dealer inspection agree on fastener failure as the striker was found fully…
On XXX, I experienced a serious safety incident involving my 2019 Ford Expedition, VIN [XXX]. My family and I were parked at a Loweâs with the vehicle running but completely stationary. I was in the driverâs seat wearing my seat belt. Without any collision or impact, there was a sudden loud pop…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Expeditions have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 452 owner complaints about structure for the Ford Expedition. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Expedition structure?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about structure problems on the Ford Expedition?
The most frequent phrase is “lift gate”, in 28 of 452 complaints.
Other Ford Expedition problems
- Power Train problems (1,571)
- Electrical System problems (1,384)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (1,163)
- Engine problems (860)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (834)
- Tires problems (656)
- Suspension problems (542)
- Visibility problems (534)
See all Ford Expedition problems.