VehicleVerdict

2012 Ford Expedition problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Ford Expedition sits mid-pack among Expedition years: 163 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 204, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 38 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 64 reports (39% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

163

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

38

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Expedition years?

Expedition NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted1,137 complaints1991: 1 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 4 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 1,065 complaints1998: 1,022 complaints1999: 1,137 complaints2000: 1,134 complaints2001: 739 complaints2002: 415 complaints2003: 800 complaints2004: 381 complaints2005: 452 complaints2006: 395 complaints2007: 267 complaints2008: 179 complaints2009: 42 complaints2010: 74 complaints2011: 92 complaints2012: 163 complaints2013: 114 complaints2014: 96 complaints2015: 229 complaints2016: 274 complaints2017: 474 complaints2018: 452 complaints2019: 581 complaints2020: 473 complaints2021: 270 complaints2022: 156 complaints2023: 87 complaints2024: 106 complaints2025: 47 complaints2026: 13 complaints2027: 0 complaints
Expedition NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Expedition years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Ford Expedition problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission6439%
Electrical System2213%
Speed Control1610%
Body & Structure159%
Engine127%
Other96%
Brakes64%
Seats32%
Airbags32%
Suspension32%
Driver Assistance21%
Seat Belts21%
Fuel System21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Lighting11%
Child Seat11%

Does the 2012 Ford Expedition have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V248000TransmissionApril 27, 2016 · 153,581 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence

An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.

12V190000LightingMay 3, 2012 · 10,500 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE “R” POSITION AND THE VEHICLE’S TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE “R” MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLE’S NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

12V034000SeatsFebruary 2, 2012 · 569 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF MOMENTS LATER THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, CROSSING THE STREET AND CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBORS HOUSE. DURING THE INCIDENT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND NO POLICE WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 14, 2020 · crash

“I was driving regularly down the road when I noticed the smell of electrical fire. Smoke started coming from the undercarriage of the truck. I pulled into a gas station, and the engine died, and I got out to look at what's causing the smoke. I observed what looked to be engine or transmission oil…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 5, 2023 · fire

“VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED. SPEED WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. DRIVER AVOIDED TO THE BEST OF HIS ABILITIES STANDING WORKERS AND UNINTENTIONALLY HIT TWO OTHER VEHICLES AND WORKERS INSIDE THOSE VEHICLES. 6 INJURED TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TWO CRITICALLY HURT! *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 18, 2014 · crash

“VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED. SPEED WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. DRIVER AVOIDED TO THE BEST OF HIS ABILITIES STANDING WORKERS AND UNINTENTIONALLY HIT TWO OTHER VEHICLES AND WORKERS INSIDE THOSE VEHICLES. 6 INJURED TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TWO CRITICALLY HURT! *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 18, 2014 · crash

“VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED. SPEED WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. DRIVER AVOIDED TO THE BEST OF HIS ABILITIES STANDING WORKERS AND UNINTENTIONALLY HIT TWO OTHER VEHICLES AND WORKERS INSIDE THOSE VEHICLES. 6 INJURED TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TWO CRITICALLY HURT! *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 18, 2014 · crash

2012 Ford Expedition — common questions

Is the 2012 Ford Expedition reliable?

It is close to typical for the Expedition: 163 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2012 Expedition problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (64 complaints), electrical system (22 complaints), speed control (16 complaints).

Does the 2012 Ford Expedition have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Ford Expedition. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 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.

How safe is the 2012 Ford Expedition?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Ford Expedition earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.