2019 Ford Expedition Safety Report

2019 Ford Expedition: Strong crash ratings, but persistent transmission and recall issues raise safety concerns.

416Complaints
8Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
7Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
22Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (131)Engine (61)Seat Belts (43)Engine And Engine Cooling (21)Power Train,Engine (20)Unknown Or Other (19)Suspension (12)Exterior Lighting (9)Air Bags,Seat Belts (9)Power Train,Unknown Or Other (7)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Ford Expedition

The 2019 Ford Expedition presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, its rollover rating is a moderate 3 stars. The vehicle has accumulated a significant 416 total complaints, with 7 reported crashes, 2 fires, and 22 injuries, but thankfully no deaths. A major area of concern is the powertrain, which accounts for a substantial portion of complaints (131 for POWER TRAIN, 61 for ENGINE, 21 for ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, and 20 for POWER TRAIN,ENGINE), often describing issues like harsh shifting, loss of power, and transmission failure. This is further highlighted by multiple recalls related to the power train and transmission 'not in park' warnings. Recall history is extensive, with 8 recalls issued for this model year. Several recalls address critical safety components, including seat belt pretensioners (two separate recalls), which could fail to restrain occupants, and a recall for rear suspension toe link fasteners that could lead to sudden handling changes and increased crash risk. Other recalls cover issues like instrument cluster warnings, air bag labels, and seat recliner mechanisms. The high number of complaints related to the powertrain, coupled with recalls concerning transmission warnings and suspension, suggests potential underlying mechanical vulnerabilities that could impact safety. Despite the strong crash test ratings, the volume and nature of complaints, particularly regarding the powertrain and seat belts, indicate areas where real-world safety could be compromised. The 22 reported injuries, while not directly linked to a specific component in all cases, underscore the potential for harm. Buyers should be aware of the persistent transmission issues and ensure all recalls, especially those concerning seat belts and suspension, have been addressed.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Ford Expedition 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

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Ford Expedition:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transmission (10r80) Failure/Harsh Shifting
Numerous complaints describe the 10R80 automatic transmission exhibiting harsh shifts, delayed engagement, slipping, lunging, and complete failure, often leading to loss of power while driving and near-crash situations. This is the most frequently reported issue.		 High Common 30000-80000 miles
Seat Belt Pretensioner Malfunction
Multiple recalls (20V263, 20V332) address seat belt pretensioners that may inadvertently lock or fail to retract/extend, increasing injury risk in a crash. Complaints also mention seat belts not catching or retracting.		 High Occasional all miles
Rear Suspension Toe Link Fastener Issues
Recall 19V435 indicates rear suspension toe link fasteners may not be properly tightened, potentially causing a disconnected toe link and sudden loss of vehicle handling, increasing crash risk.		 High Rare all miles
"Transmission Not In Park" Warning Malfunction
Recalls (20V263, 19V434) address issues where the 'Transmission Not In Park' warning message and chime duration are shorter than intended, potentially leading to unintended vehicle movement if the driver exits without shifting into park.		 Medium Occasional all miles
Engine Rattling/Cam Phaser Issues
Complaints mention loud rattling noises from the engine upon startup and while driving, often attributed to cam phaser issues, with some reports of oil leaks from the timing cover.		 Medium Occasional 50000-80000 miles
Daytime Running Light (Drl) Failure/Fading
Reports of LED DRLs fading or turning blue on one side, reducing vehicle visibility to others.		 Low Occasional 40000-70000 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:

Power Train 31% of complaints

The most significant complaint category, with 131 reports, primarily detailing transmission issues such as harsh shifting, slipping, loss of power, and complete failure of the 10R80 automatic transmission.

Engine 14% of complaints

61 complaints related to engine performance, including rattling noises (cam phasers), oil leaks, and general power delivery issues.

Seat Belts 10% of complaints

43 complaints, often related to seat belt pretensioner malfunctions, seat belts not retracting or catching, and issues covered by multiple recalls.

Engine And Engine Cooling 5% of complaints

21 complaints, indicating issues beyond just the engine itself, potentially related to cooling system components or broader engine system failures.

Power Train,Engine 4% of complaints

20 complaints specifically linking issues between the powertrain and engine, reinforcing the systemic nature of propulsion problems.

Suspension 2% of complaints

12 complaints, including reports of excessive bouncing and issues with rear suspension components, aligning with a recall for toe link fasteners.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Ford Expedition

Is the 2019 Ford Expedition safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Ford Expedition received excellent 5-star ratings for overall, frontal, and side crash tests. However, its rollover rating is 3 stars. There are 416 total complaints, including 7 crashes and 22 injuries, with a significant number related to powertrain and seat belt issues, which have also led to multiple safety recalls. While crash protection is strong, real-world reliability and potential component failures are a concern.

What are common problems with the 2019 Ford Expedition?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Ford Expedition are related to the POWER TRAIN (131 complaints), primarily concerning the 10R80 automatic transmission with harsh shifting, slipping, and loss of power. ENGINE problems (61 complaints) like rattling and oil leaks are also common, as are SEAT BELT issues (43 complaints) often linked to pretensioner malfunctions and recalls.

How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Expedition have?

The 2019 Ford Expedition has 8 safety recalls. These include critical issues such as seat belt pretensioner malfunctions, rear suspension toe link fastener problems, and 'Transmission Not In Park' warning system errors, all of which can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Are there any known transmission issues with the 2019 Ford Expedition?

Yes, transmission issues are a major concern for the 2019 Ford Expedition. The POWER TRAIN category has 131 complaints, with many describing the 10R80 transmission exhibiting harsh shifts, delays, slipping, and even complete failure, leading to dangerous situations like loss of propulsion while driving. There are also recalls related to the 'Transmission Not In Park' warning.

What are the crash test ratings for the 2019 Ford Expedition?

The 2019 Ford Expedition received high crash test ratings from NHTSA, achieving 5 stars for Overall Rating, Frontal Crash, and Side Crash. Its Rollover rating is 3 stars.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test performance but numerous powertrain and recall-related complaints, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, specifically focusing on the transmission and ensuring all 8 recalls have been completed and verified.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Ford Expedition

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Ford Expedition. The data includes 416 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 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 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 3 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.