2026 Ford Expedition Safety Report
2026 Ford Expedition Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2026 Ford Expedition
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2026 Ford Expedition. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (1) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Steering,Unknown Or Other | Compare steering,unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2025 | Compare against the 2025 Ford Expedition with 17 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Ford Expedition before buying across this generation. |
Ford Expedition Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Expedition years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ford Expedition | 17 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Ford Expedition | 58 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Ford Expedition | 53 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Ford Expedition | 95 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Ford Expedition | 181 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Ford Expedition | 334 | 15 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2026 Ford Expedition Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2026 Ford Expedition, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Steering,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Unknown Or Other issues Ford onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2026 Ford Expedition
Reliability Score
The 2026 Ford Expedition receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2026 Ford Expedition
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2026 Ford Expedition
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2026 Ford Expedition:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Noise Steering wheel may click when rotating, and a loud whirring/humming noise can be heard under the sliding console. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Trailer Brake Control Recalled for an integrated trailer brake control issue, affecting models from 2021-2026, which could lead to improper trailer braking. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2026 Ford Expedition:
Steering wheel may click when rotating, and a loud whirring/humming noise can be heard under the sliding console.
Recall Details for the 2026 Ford Expedition
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2026 Ford Expedition by NHTSA:
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Veh...
Consequence: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning Ma...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2026 Ford Expedition
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2026 Ford Expedition with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Steering wheel clicking when rotating, LOUD whirring/humming noise directly under where the sliding console is located, noise reverberates all throughout the cab and is worse at 65mph
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2026 Ford Expedition
TSBs are manufacturer-acknowledged issues with recommended fixes. Unlike recalls, TSB repairs are not always free.
Quality improvements include: -Prevents window bounce backs after using the one touch up feature
Some 2025-2026 F-Super Duty vehicles built without lane departure warning (built with minor feature code HLEAA) and 2025-2026 Expedition/Navigator vehicles built on or before 26-Mar-2026 may exhibit a clicking or creaking type noise when turning the steering wheel during low-speed maneuvers. To conf...
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a no crank/no start condition with a discharged battery in cold weather conditions (below 32°F Ý0°C¨). Once this condition occurs, the battery draw will remain constant every time the ignition is turned off. This may be due to the ...
26C10 Recall remedy -Addresses instances where the trailer lights and trailer brakes may not function
Some 2025-2026 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with power folding mirrors may not have the ability to deactivate the auto-fold mirror operation from the menu located in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center. This may be due to the software in the driver door module (DDM) and passe...
Some 2025-2026 Bronco/Expedition/Navigator/F-150/Ranger vehicles may exhibit a "Check Brake System" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and/or an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0563 stored in the ABS module. This may be due to air sti...
Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may also be accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)...
For 20212026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. When referred to a specific clutch (A-F) test by ...
Some 2025-2026 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may experience a second row armrest pin that is loose or broken. Engineering is aware of this condition and is investigating a service solution that will enhance the strength of the arm rest support structure and prevent recurring failures. This solution ...
Some vehicles listed in the Model section above may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P2418:72 and/or P2450 stored in the PCM. This may be due to improperly connected evaporative emission line connections inside the fuel tank.
Some 2025-2026 Expedition vehicles may exhibit a left turn signal that activates after the right turn signal is activated and the steering wheel is turned to the right, then immediately back to the left (past the center position). The left turn signal will deactivate once the steering wheel returns ...
For 2021-2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. The Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated under...
Some 2025-2026 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit misalignment of the 3rd row power folding seats when in the full upright position after performing a reset for an obstruction event. This may be due to the software in the power fold seat module (PFSM). This module may also be referenced as th...
For 20172026 vehicles equipped with a 10R transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure has been made in the WSM, located in Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing. This updated procedure improves the diagnosis of customer reported transmission concerns and aids in locating the pro...
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the...
Some 2025-2026 Expedition and 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Google Maps Navigation System (minor feature code HKCGA) may experience a blank/white Google map screen, inoperative live traffic data, inoperative voice assistant, the inability to sign into a Google account in the center touch...
2025-2026 Expedition XL vehicles that are equipped as a Special Service Vehicle (SSV) (minor feature code TDAGZ) will not open or close the power liftgate/tailgate by pressing the button on the key fob. Additionally, these vehicles may exhibit a symptom where the horn does not sound when the key fob...
Some 2025-2026 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with one-touch up/down front windows may exhibit a condition where a front window does not respond to one-touch controls, does not open all the way and/or bounces back when using the one-touch close function. Replacement or reprogramming of the D...
Some 2025-2026 Expedition/Navigator/Explorer/Aviator and 2024-2026 Nautilus vehicles equipped with the Google Maps Navigation System (minor feature code HKCGA) may experience a blank screen for Google Maps or the absence of live traffic data. To correct this condition, refer to the Workshop Manual...
Some 2025-2026 Expedition vehicles may exhibit a left turn signal that activates after the right turn signal is activated and the steering wheel is turned to the right, then immediately back to the left (past the center position). The left turn signal will deactivate once the steering wheel returns ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Ford Expedition
Has the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION been recalled?
Yes, the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION have?
The 2026 FORD EXPEDITION has 1 complaint filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION?
The 2026 FORD EXPEDITION received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 3/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION involve steering,unknown or other (1 complaints).
How many crash reports does the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION have?
There are no fire reports for the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION.
How many injuries are reported for the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION.
Should I buy a 2026 FORD EXPEDITION?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION is generally recommended. It has 1 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION?
The components with the most failures on the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION are: 1. STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints). STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2026 FORD EXPEDITION?
Be aware of potential steering noises and check for recalls related to integrated trailer brake control. The 2026 FORD EXPEDITION has 1 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION?
The 2026 FORD EXPEDITION receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 1 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering noise and Trailer brake control.
What are the known issues with the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION?
Known issues with the 2026 FORD EXPEDITION include: Steering noise, Trailer brake control. These are based on patterns found across 1 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the symptoms of the steering issue in the 2026 Ford Expedition?
Steering wheel clicking and a loud whirring/humming noise under the sliding console.
Is the 2026 Ford Expedition affected by the trailer brake control recall?
Yes, models from 2021-2026 are included in the recall.
What should I do if I notice these issues?
Contact a Ford dealership for inspection and repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential steering noises and check for recalls related to integrated trailer brake control.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2026 Ford Expedition
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2026 Ford Expedition. The data includes 1 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2026 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-15