Ford Expedition Suspension Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 542 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 542 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the Ford Expedition across 27 model years. The 1998 model year has the most (144). The words owners use most often: “torsion bar” (10% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Torsion bar: mentioned in 54 of 542 complaints (10%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical suspension repair on the Ford Expedition at $1,000, and half of them between $370 and $1,550.

Based on 9 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2001–2024), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do suspension problems happen?

Based on 188 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles21 · 11%
10k–25k miles15 · 8%
25k–50k miles25 · 13%
50k–75k miles28 · 15%
75k–100k miles28 · 15%
100k–150k miles43 · 23%
150k+ miles28 · 15%

How serious are the reports?

Of 542 complaints, 24 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 13 an injury.

Ford Expedition suspension complaints by model year

Peak: 1998, with 144 complaints
1997: 13819971998: 1441441999: 5219992000: 632001: 2120012002: 142003: 2020032004: 112005: 220052006: 22007: 420072008: 62009: 120092012: 32013: 520132014: 32016: 120162017: 12018: 2520182019: 142020: 120202021: 12022: 220222023: 32024: 320242025: 12026: 12026

n = 542 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearSuspension complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2026 Expedition110%800
2025 Expedition13%—
2024 Expedition34%2,575
2023 Expedition35%50,000
2022 Expedition22%400
2021 Expedition10%—
2020 Expedition10%3,622
2019 Expedition143%41,779
2018 Expedition257%20,000
2017 Expedition10%—
2016 Expedition10%—
2014 Expedition34%44,000
2013 Expedition55%34,000
2012 Expedition33%17,000
2009 Expedition14%169,000
2008 Expedition64%62,000
2007 Expedition42%34,900
2006 Expedition21%—
2005 Expedition21%214,200
2004 Expedition114%82,189
2003 Expedition203%17,493
2002 Expedition144%95,501
2001 Expedition214%118,755
2000 Expedition637%82,400
1999 Expedition525%99,950
1998 Expedition14417%96,500
1997 Expedition13816%121,500

When owners reported it

Peak: 2001, with 96 complaints
1997: 1119971998: 171999: 452000: 4220002001: 96962002: 542003: 4420032004: 302005: 202006: 1220062007: 62008: 72009: 620092010: 162011: 152012: 1020122013: 142014: 112015: 720152016: 82017: 62018: 520182019: 82020: 62021: 820212022: 112023: 72024: 920242025: 52026: 6

n = 542 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Suspension:rearOct 28, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V773000 · 18 vehicles

Model years: 2019

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The rear suspension toe link fasteners may not have been properly tightened to the frame, possibly allowing separation from the frame.

Risk: A disconnected toe link can cause a sudden change to vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the rear toe link fasteners, check and adjust the rear toe alignment, and inspect the rear tires for abnormal tire wear, replacing them if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S36.

Suspension:rearDec 18, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V252000 · 25,000 vehicles

Model years: 1997

Problem: The rear axle track bar bracket can separate from the frame due to missing welds or inadequate weld penetration.

Risk: If both brackets separate, the rear axle can move laterally until the tires contact either the frame or the wheelhouse resulting in either tire damage or a significant reduction in vehicle handling performance.

Fix: Dealers will install a track bar bracket reinforcement kit and inspection of the axle tubes. The suspect axle tubes do not have a stamped date code on the tube. Axles without date codes on the tubes will be replaced.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

This is a widespread problem across the Ford expedition. I've read forum after forum, facebook group after facebook group and have seen that many expeditions are affected by this. The front end of the Expedition; primarily the steering and suspension components, cause a strong vibration when…

Received Sep 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766133

1. There was front suspension failure where the lower ball joint has separated, causing the steering knuckle and wheel assembly to detach and collapse while driving- yes it is available to inspect if done tomorrow 2. Driver could not control car, passengers and other cars on road in immediate…

Received Aug 20, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11758376

The rear suspension oscillates and bounces violently over bumps, expansion joints, broken or uneven pavement, and washboard surfaces. It occurs at highway speed, at normal neighborhood speeds, and while slowing or coming to a stop over rough pavement. The rear suspension does not recover after a…

Received Aug 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11756339

The contact owns a 2026 Ford Expedition MAX. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH or higher speeds, the steering wheel shuddered due to a front suspension issue. The contact completed some research online and learned that it was a known failure associated with 2025 - 2026 model years…

Received Jun 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11742718

Right Rear Rancho Strut failed. Available till I return it. Could have lost control of vehicle. Confirmed by mechanic. Inspected by mechanic. No warnings at all. Discovered issue Feb 2026. Installed June 2021.

Received Feb 10, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11717066
Ford Expedition
A 2025 Ford Expedition Platinum MAX photographed during the 2025 New York International Auto Show , inside the Javits Convention Center , at Hudson Yards, Manha. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Ford Expeditions have suspension problems?

No. NHTSA has 542 owner complaints about suspension 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 suspension?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix suspension problems on the Ford Expedition?

Owners report a typical cost of $1,000 (half paid between $370 and $1,550), from 9 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about suspension problems on the Ford Expedition?

The most frequent phrase is “torsion bar”, in 54 of 542 complaints.

Other Ford Expedition problems

See all Ford Expedition problems.