2018 Ford Expedition El Safety Report

The 2018 Ford Expedition EL presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star ratings in Overall, Frontal, and Side crash tests, and a respectable 4-star Rollover rating from NHTSA, its complaint data reveals significant reliability concerns that could indirectly impact safety. With 307 total complaints, 6 reported crashes, 2 fires, and 15 injuries, there are patterns of critical component failures. The most frequently reported issues are related to the POWER TRAIN (81 complaints) and ENGINE (53 complaints), which include problems like transmission shuddering, loss of motive power, and cam phaser failures. These issues, particularly sudden loss of power or erratic transmission behavior, can pose a direct safety risk, especially at highway speeds or during critical maneuvers. Despite the high number of complaints, the vehicle has no open recalls, which is unusual given the recurring nature of some reported problems, such as the cam phaser issues that owners claim were subject to previous recalls or service bulletins but re-emerged. The two reported fires, one linked to a blower motor overheating and burning wires, highlight a potential fire hazard that warrants attention. The 15 reported injuries, including an incident where a seat belt pretensioner deployed unexpectedly, further underscore the need for vigilance regarding component reliability. In summary, while the 2018 Ford Expedition EL performs exceptionally well in controlled crash tests, the real-world complaint data suggests underlying mechanical and electrical issues, particularly with the powertrain and engine, that could compromise safety. The absence of current recalls for these widespread issues is a concern, placing the onus on owners to be aware of potential failures and proactive in maintenance. The high number of complaints related to critical systems indicates that while the vehicle is structurally sound in a crash, its operational reliability can be a safety liability.

Our recommendation: Despite excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant reported powertrain and engine reliability issues, including transmission failures and cam phaser problems; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these components is highly recommended.