2011 Ford Expedition problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2011 Ford Expedition sits mid-pack among Expedition years: 92 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 204, with no recalls and one closed investigation.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (22), engine (13), and body & structure (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
92
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2011 compare to other Expedition years?
What are the most common 2011 Ford Expedition problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 22 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 13 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 10 | 11% | — flat |
| Seats | 8 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Other | 8 | 9% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 7 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAN MADE AN INTERMITTENT CLICKING NOISE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”
“WHEN WASHING MY VEHICLE, I NOTICE ON THE BACK DOOR (THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE) PAINT MISSING. IT IS RIGHT WHERE THE HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. I CAN SEE THE WHITE MATERIAL UNDER THE PAINT.. IT IS LIKE IT PEELED RIGHT OFF OR FLAKED OFF. THIS IS IN A COUPLE OTHER SPOTS AROUND THE HANDLE. I AM LOOKING…”
“SEVERE NECK PAIN DUE TO DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER HEAD RESTS IN 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE EXTREME ANGLE OF THE FRONT HEADRESTS IN THE NEW FORD EXPEDITIONS CAUSE EXCESSIVE STRESS AND STRAIN ON THE NECKS OF INDIVIDUALS OCCUPYING THESE SEATS. FORD HAS TURNED THE HEADRESTS AROUND TO ALLEVIATE THIS…”
“I EXPERIENCE HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS WHEN DRIVING THERE HAS BEEN TIMES I HAVE TO PULL OVER TO AVOID CRASHING. I BELIEVE CARBON MONOXIDE MAY BE THE RESULT OF THESE SYMPTOMS.”
2011 Ford Expedition — common questions
Is the 2011 Ford Expedition reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 92 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Expedition year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2011 Expedition problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (22 complaints), engine (13 complaints), body & structure (10 complaints).
Does the 2011 Ford Expedition have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 Ford Expedition.
Is the 2011 Ford Expedition under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Expedition years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Expedition years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2001, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2018, 2005, 2002, 2006, 2004, 2021. The cleanest record among Expedition years belongs to 2027.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.