2025 Ford Expedition Safety Report

2025 Ford Expedition: Strong Crash Ratings, But Early Recalls and Brake Issues Raise Concerns

17Complaints
5Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Seats (4)Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (3)Structure (2)Visibility/Wiper,Lane Departure (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Steering,Power Train,Wheels (1)Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure (1)Steering,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Power Train,Air Bags,Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2025 Ford Expedition

The 2025 Ford Expedition presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but a notable number of early recalls and emerging complaint patterns. NHTSA awarded the Expedition a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side crash tests, though its rollover rating is a slightly lower 3 stars. Despite its newness, there are 17 total complaints, with 2 crashes and 2 injuries reported. A significant concern is the high number of recalls, with 5 issued for critical components like the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module, passenger side airbag, and engine oil cup plug. These recalls directly address issues that could lead to increased crash risk or injury. Common complaint patterns, even with only 17 total, are already emerging. 'SEATS' is the most reported component with 4 complaints, primarily related to the 'Platinum' badging pulling occupants' hair. 'SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' accounts for 3 complaints, with specific reports of brake failure and unintended harsh braking, directly correlating with the EBB module recall. Other issues include steering problems, electrical system glitches, and structural defects like exposed welding. The presence of multiple recalls addressing brake and engine issues, combined with early complaints about these very systems, suggests potential manufacturing or design flaws that buyers should be aware of. The recall history is particularly concerning for a brand-new model year. Two separate recalls address the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module, indicating a significant problem that can lead to an 'unexpected loss of power brake assist' and increased stopping distance. Another recall for the passenger side airbag warns of potential 'excessive force' deployment, increasing injury risk. The engine oil cup plug recall could lead to an 'engine stall' and increased crash risk. These recalls, coupled with the 2 reported crashes and 2 injuries among only 17 complaints, highlight that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, real-world reliability and component integrity are areas of concern for this model year.

Reliability Score

The 2025 Ford Expedition receives a reliability score of 65 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 2025 Ford Expedition

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2025 Ford Expedition:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electronic Brake Booster (Ebb) Module Malfunction
Multiple recalls and complaints indicate the EBB module may malfunction, leading to unexpected loss of power brake assist, extended stopping distances, and increased crash risk. Several complaints describe complete brake failure.
High Occasional new-low miles
Passenger Airbag Excessive Force Deployment
Recall issued for incorrectly manufactured passenger side airbags that could deploy with excessive force, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
High Rare new miles
Engine Oil Cup Plug Misalignment
Recall for 3.5L GTDI engines due to a misaligned engine cup plug, which can cause a rapid oil leak, leading to an engine stall and increased crash risk.
High Rare new miles
Seat Badging Pulling Hair
Metal 'Platinum' emblems on seats have gaps that can trap and pull occupants' hair, causing pain and distraction.
Low Common new miles
Unintended Braking/Forward Collision Avoidance Malfunction
Vehicle spontaneously applies brakes harshly without warning or obstacle, causing occupants to lunge forward. Also, issues with forward collision avoidance system.
Medium Occasional new-low miles
Steering/Blue Cruise Malfunction
Steering wheel failing to steer in intended direction, especially with Blue Cruise activated. Also, unintended turn signal activation.
Medium Occasional new-low miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2025 Ford Expedition:

Seats 23% of complaints

Predominantly related to the 'Platinum' badging on seats catching and pulling occupants' hair.

Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance 18% of complaints

Issues include complete brake failure, unintended harsh braking, and general malfunction of the electronic brake booster system.

Structure 12% of complaints

Reports of manufacturing defects like exposed welding and rivets on the roof, and sharp door edges.

Electrical System, Unknown Or Other 6% of complaints

Includes issues like the blind-spot camera view being blocked by pop-ups and general electrical glitches.

Steering, Power Train, Wheels 6% of complaints

Vibration/shake while driving at various speeds and steering issues, particularly with hands-free driving systems.

Air Bags, Engine 6% of complaints

Recalls for passenger airbag deployment and engine oil leaks, with one complaint referencing these recalls.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Ford Expedition

Is the 2025 Ford Expedition safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2025 Ford Expedition received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side), but it has 5 open recalls for critical safety components like the electronic brake booster, airbags, and engine. There are also 17 complaints, including 2 crashes and 2 injuries, indicating some real-world safety concerns despite strong test performance.

What are common problems with the 2025 Ford Expedition?

The most reported issues are related to the SEATS (23% of complaints), specifically the 'Platinum' badging pulling hair. SERVICE BRAKES and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (18%) are also frequently cited, with reports of brake failure and unintended braking. STRUCTURE (12%) issues like exposed welding and sharp door edges have also been reported.

Are there any recalls for the 2025 Ford Expedition?

Yes, there are 5 recalls for the 2025 Ford Expedition. These include recalls for the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module (two separate recalls), the passenger side airbag, the engine oil cup plug, and the integrated trailer brake control system. These address serious safety concerns that could lead to crashes or injuries.

How does the 2025 Ford Expedition perform in crash tests?

The 2025 Ford Expedition performs very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests. Its rollover rating is 3 stars.

Should I be concerned about the brakes on the 2025 Ford Expedition?

Yes, there is significant concern regarding the brakes. Two separate recalls have been issued for the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module, which can lead to a loss of power brake assist and extended stopping distances. Several complaints also describe instances of complete brake failure and unintended harsh braking, directly correlating with these recall issues.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test ratings but numerous early recalls for critical safety systems and emerging complaint patterns, potential buyers should ensure all recalls are addressed before purchase and be vigilant for brake, engine, and steering issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2025 Ford Expedition

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2025 Ford Expedition. The data includes 17 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2025 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.