2013 Ford Expedition problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2013 Ford Expedition sits mid-pack among Expedition years: 114 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 204, with no recalls and one closed investigation.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 42 reports (37% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
114
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2013 compare to other Expedition years?
What are the most common 2013 Ford Expedition problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 42 | 37% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 14 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Other | 12 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 10% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 7 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLS AND STAYS IN FIRST GEAR BEFORE LAUNCHING FORWARD. IT ALSO WILL AFFECT THE DASHBOARD GAGES. THEY WILL RANDOMLY SHUT OFF AND/OR FLASH DIFFERENT SENSORS. I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I SEE THAT IT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION AND WANT TO LET YOU KNOW IT'S HAPPENED TO…”
“The contact owned a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in the daughter's driveway, a mist was present coming from the vents, and moments later the horn activated and flames were seem coming from under the front passenger side dashboard. Flames quickly…”
“ WHOLE CAR BURNT WITHIN LESS THAN 5 MIN, AIR CONDITION WAS WORKING FRONT BLOWER STOPPED WORKING, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM DASHBOARD, RAN OUT OF THE CAR. SAW FIRE FROM THE DASH AND UNDER WIPER OUT SIDE OF THE CAR. WITHIN A MINUTE CAR WAS ON FIRE. EVERY THING BURNT WITHIN 5 MIN, INCLUDING HOOD…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED (HIGHWAYS, INTERSTATE, ETC) THE VEHICLE STUTTERS - ALMOST LIKE AN EXTREME DOWNSHIFT. DEALER PERFORMED A LEAD FRAME RECALL REPAIR TO THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DO IT. IT CAUSES EXTREME ANXIETY TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT HAPPENS IN…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER (UPSIDE DOWN) AND SPUN WITHOUT IMPACT AND NO WARNING. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS…”
2013 Ford Expedition — common questions
Is the 2013 Ford Expedition reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 114 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Expedition year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2013 Expedition problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (42 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), other (12 complaints).
Does the 2013 Ford Expedition have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Expedition.
Is the 2013 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 2013 Ford Expedition?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 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.