VehicleVerdict

2026 Ford Expedition problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2026 Ford Expedition — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

13

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2026 compare to other Expedition years?

Expedition NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 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, 2026 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Expedition years to avoid →

What are the most common 2026 Ford Expedition problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels323%
Steering323%
Other215%
Suspension18%
Brakes18%
Visibility & Wipers18%
Electrical System18%
Speed Control18%

Does the 2026 Ford Expedition have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V104000Electrical SystemFebruary 20, 2026 · 4,381,878 units

Defect

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 Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

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 were mailed March 25, 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 March 17, 2026.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2026 Ford Expedition MAX. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH or higher speeds, the steering wheel shuddered due to a front suspension issue. The contact completed some research online and learned that it was a known failure associated with 2025 - 2026 model years.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 6, 2026

“At highway speeds there is a vibration. Had at the dealership for road test, balance, and alignment. Did not fix the problem. Discovered that many more are having the same issue. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 30, 2026

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 1, 2026

“The contact owns a 2026 Ford Expedition MAX. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH or higher speeds, the steering wheel shuddered due to a front suspension issue. The contact completed some research online and learned that it was a known failure associated with 2025 - 2026 model years.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 6, 2026

“Description On your vehicle it is possible that the trailer module trm may lose communication at vehicle start-up. If a trm loss of communication occurs and a trailer is connected to the vehicle, trailer stop lamps and turn signal indicators will not function. Additionally, for trailers equipped…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 18, 2026

2026 Ford Expedition — common questions

Is the 2026 Ford Expedition reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2026 Expedition problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (3 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints), other (2 complaints).

Does the 2026 Ford Expedition have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2026 Ford Expedition. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2026 Ford Expedition?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2026 Ford Expedition earned an overall rating of 5 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.