2019 Ford Expedition El Safety Report
2019 Ford Expedition EL: Excellent crash ratings, but significant powertrain issues raise real-world safety concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Ford Expedition El
Reliability Score
The 2019 Ford Expedition El receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2019 Ford Expedition El
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Ford Expedition El:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission Erratic Shifting/Failure Numerous reports of the 10R80 transmission exhibiting hard shifting, delayed shifts, slipping, lunging, and sudden loss of power, leading to dangerous situations on highways and near-crashes. Some complaints mention 'wrench light' illumination and complete transmission failure. |
High | Common | 30000-80000 miles |
| Engine Rattling/Cam Phaser Issues Complaints describe loud rattling noises from the engine upon startup and while driving, often attributed to cam phaser issues, with some reports of oil leaks under the timing cover. |
Medium | Occasional | 50000-80000 miles |
| Seat Belt Latch Failure Several reports of middle row seat belt latches not catching or working, preventing occupants from wearing seat belts, which is a critical safety feature. Some complaints mention delays in recall repairs for seat belt issues. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Rear-View Camera Malfunction Reports of the rear-view camera displaying distorted or blank images, or showing 'Camera Unavailable' messages, hindering safe reversing. |
Low | Occasional | variable miles |
| Sunroof Explosion At least one complaint details a sunroof exploding while driving at highway speeds, posing a hazard to occupants. |
Medium | Rare | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Ford Expedition El:
The most frequently reported issue, with 131 complaints, involves the transmission (10R80) exhibiting hard shifts, slipping, delayed engagement, and sudden loss of power, leading to dangerous driving conditions.
With 61 complaints, engine issues include rattling noises, cam phaser problems, and oil leaks, impacting vehicle reliability and potentially performance.
43 complaints relate to seat belt malfunctions, specifically latches not engaging, compromising occupant safety.
21 complaints fall under this category, often overlapping with general engine issues.
20 complaints specifically mention combined powertrain and engine issues, highlighting the interconnected nature of these problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Ford Expedition El
Is the 2019 Ford Expedition EL safe?
While the 2019 Ford Expedition EL received excellent 5-star crash safety ratings from NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side impacts, and a 4-star rollover rating, its real-world safety is significantly impacted by a high volume of complaints, particularly concerning the powertrain. With 416 total complaints, including 7 crashes and 22 injuries, issues like sudden loss of power and erratic transmission shifting pose serious safety risks that contradict its strong crash test performance.
What are common problems with the 2019 Ford Expedition EL?
The most reported issues for the 2019 Ford Expedition EL are overwhelmingly related to the POWER TRAIN (131 complaints), primarily the 10R80 transmission, which frequently experiences hard shifting, slipping, and sudden loss of power. ENGINE problems (61 complaints) like rattling noises and cam phaser issues are also common, as are SEAT BELT malfunctions (43 complaints) where latches fail to engage.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Ford Expedition EL?
According to the provided data, there are no recalls listed for the 2019 Ford Expedition EL. However, some complaints mention a recall for seat belts (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E070000) where parts were unavailable, indicating potential unaddressed issues despite the lack of a general recall for the vehicle itself in the provided data.
How does the 2019 Ford Expedition EL perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Ford Expedition EL performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance, indicating strong occupant protection in collision scenarios.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2019 Ford Expedition EL?
When considering a used 2019 Ford Expedition EL, pay close attention to the transmission's performance during a test drive, checking for any hard shifts, delays, or slipping. Listen for unusual engine noises, especially rattling. Verify that all seat belts, particularly in the middle row, latch securely. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, specifically focusing on the powertrain, is highly recommended.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite excellent crash ratings, the high volume of severe powertrain complaints, particularly transmission issues, suggests significant reliability concerns. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission and engine is crucial before buying.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Ford Expedition El
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Ford Expedition El. The data includes 416 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 22 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Ford Expedition El an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.