2018 Ford Expedition Safety Report

2018 Ford Expedition: Excellent Crash Test Scores Undermined by Numerous Powertrain and Engine Reliability Issues and 11 Safety Recalls

342Complaints
11Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
7Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
21Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (98)Engine (55)Suspension (22)Exterior Lighting (21)Engine And Engine Cooling (18)Unknown Or Other (17)Power Train,Engine (11)Wheels (7)Electrical System (6)Seat Belts (6)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Ford Expedition

The 2018 Ford Expedition presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and a 4-star rollover rating, its reliability is significantly impacted by a high volume of complaints, particularly concerning the powertrain and engine. With 342 total complaints, 98 (28.7%) are related to the POWER TRAIN and 55 (16.1%) to the ENGINE, indicating widespread issues with these critical components. These complaints frequently describe dangerous scenarios such as sudden loss of power, unexpected shifts into neutral, and transmission failures, which have led to 7 reported crashes and 21 injuries. The vehicle has been subject to a substantial 11 recalls, addressing a range of safety concerns from brake master cylinder leaks that can reduce braking function to seat belt pretensioner malfunctions that could prevent proper occupant restraint. Other recalls cover issues like fuel pump leaks increasing fire risk, and transmission roll pin problems that could lead to unintended vehicle rollaway. The high number of recalls, combined with the consistent pattern of powertrain and engine complaints, suggests underlying design or manufacturing flaws that could compromise safety despite strong crash test results. Specific complaints highlight issues like 'internal hydraulic cross leak due to CDF drum bushing movement' in the 10R80 transmission, leading to delayed engagement and slipping, and 'cam phaser failure' in the engine, sometimes requiring full engine replacement. These are not isolated incidents but appear as recurring themes in the complaint data. While the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, the real-world data from owner complaints and numerous recalls point to significant reliability and potential safety hazards related to its core mechanical systems, which could put occupants at risk during normal operation.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Ford Expedition receives a reliability score of 45 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 2018 Ford Expedition

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Ford Expedition:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
10r80 Transmission Failure
Internal hydraulic cross leaks, CDF drum bushing movement, delayed engagement, slipping, unexpected shifts to neutral, and complete failure, leading to loss of motive power.		 High Common 50000-120000 miles
Engine Cam Phaser Failure
Loud rattling noises, misfires, low compression, and internal engine failure, often requiring expensive engine replacement.		 High Common 70000-120000 miles
Brake Master Cylinder Leak
Brake fluid leak from the front wheel circuit, reducing brake function and increasing stopping distance (subject of recall).		 High Occasional N/A miles
Seat Belt Pretensioner Malfunction
Pretensioner may inadvertently lock or deploy, preventing proper occupant restraint (subject of recall).		 High Occasional N/A miles
Fuel Pump Assembly Leak
High pressure fuel pump assembly leak increasing the risk of fire (subject of recall).		 High Occasional N/A miles
Daytime Running Light (Drl) Failure
DRL dims, turns purple, or fails partially/completely, reducing vehicle visibility to other drivers.		 Medium Common 50000-100000 miles
Backup Camera Failure
Intermittent display, freezing, or complete black screen, impairing rear visibility.		 Medium Occasional 60000-100000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Ford Expedition:

Power Train 28% of complaints

Frequent reports of transmission slipping, delayed engagement, unexpected shifts to neutral, and complete failure, often related to the 10R80 transmission.

Engine 16% of complaints

Common issues include cam phaser failure, misfires, low compression, and sudden loss of throttle response.

Suspension 6% of complaints

Complaints about excessive bouncing, loss of control on rough roads, and strut failures.

Exterior Lighting 6% of complaints

Widespread issues with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) dimming, changing color, or failing.

Engine And Engine Cooling 5% of complaints

Includes various engine-related problems, sometimes overlapping with general engine complaints.

Seat Belts 1% of complaints

Issues with pretensioners not retracting/extending or inadvertently locking, as addressed by recalls.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Ford Expedition

Is the 2018 Ford Expedition safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Ford Expedition received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side; 4-star rollover). However, its safety is significantly compromised by 342 owner complaints, 11 recalls, and numerous reports of critical component failures, particularly within the powertrain and engine, which have led to 7 crashes and 21 injuries. While it performs well in controlled crash scenarios, real-world reliability issues pose safety risks.

What are common problems with the 2018 Ford Expedition?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Ford Expedition are related to the POWER TRAIN (98 complaints) and ENGINE (55 complaints). Specific common problems include 10R80 transmission failures (slipping, delayed shifts, loss of power), engine cam phaser failures, and daytime running light (DRL) malfunctions. There are also recalls for critical components like the brake master cylinder, seat belt pretensioners, and fuel pump.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Ford Expedition?

Yes, the 2018 Ford Expedition has 11 recalls. These include issues with the brake master cylinder, seat belt pretensioners, fuel pump, transmission roll pin, second-row seat track assemblies, and power window controls, among others. It is crucial to ensure all applicable recall repairs have been completed.

Does the 2018 Ford Expedition have transmission problems?

Yes, the 2018 Ford Expedition has significant and common transmission problems, primarily with the 10R80 automatic transmission. Complaints frequently describe issues such as internal hydraulic cross leaks, CDF drum bushing movement, delayed engagement, slipping, unexpected shifts into neutral, and complete loss of motive power. These issues are a major source of owner complaints and have been linked to safety incidents.

What are the engine issues with the 2018 Ford Expedition?

Common engine issues for the 2018 Ford Expedition include cam phaser failure, leading to loud rattling noises, misfires, and low compression, often requiring expensive engine replacement. Owners also report sudden loss of throttle response and stalling, which can be dangerous while driving.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of powertrain and engine complaints, coupled with 11 recalls, a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is essential, focusing heavily on the transmission and engine. Verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchasing.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Ford Expedition

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Ford Expedition. The data includes 342 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 11 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 21 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Ford Expedition 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.