NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The chrome plating on the center console can bubble and peel, creating sharp edges.
This page covers 12 recalls, 423 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Ford Expedition.
19 mpg combined
12.4 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain and engine complaints dominate the 2019 Ford Expedition's owner reports, with seat belt issues also drawing significant attention. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe transmission shuddering, rough or delayed shifts, and hesitation during acceleration. The engine is the second most-reported system, with multiple owners describing a pronounced cold-start rattle tied to the 3.5L EcoBoost's variable cam timing components, often accompanied by a check engine light and noticeable performance loss. Seat belts represent the third-largest complaint category, and the reports there are specific: owners describe front seat belt retractors failing to function properly, and a smaller number report an unexpected loud pop from the seat belt area while driving, sometimes accompanied by a burning smell from the same location.
423
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
20
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Ford Expedition has 12 recalls, the most serious involving front seatbelt pretensioners that can lock up and prevent the belt from retracting or extending, leaving occupants without proper restraint in a crash.
Several recalls address the risk of unintended vehicle movement: the warning chime and message that alert a driver to an out-of-park transmission cut off too quickly after the ignition is turned off, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue on some vehicles. On the structural side, rear suspension toe links may not have been properly tightened to the frame and can detach, causing a sudden and unpredictable change in handling. Front seat back recliner mechanisms on some vehicles may have been improperly assembled, reducing the seat's ability to hold an occupant in a crash.
Two lower-severity concerns round out the list. The chrome plating on the center console can bubble and peel, leaving sharp edges that occupants may contact. There are also documentation-related recalls: the airbag warning label may be missing from the dashboard, and the owner's manual on vehicles with third-row seating lacks instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints.
At a glance
What can fail
The chrome plating on the center console can bubble and peel, creating sharp edges.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the center console at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt pretensioner may lock the seat belt in place, preventing it from retracting or extending normally.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission-not-in-Park warning chime sounds for only 3 seconds instead of 10, and the warning message displays for only 3 seconds instead of 30 minutes. A driver may exit the vehicle unaware the transmission is not in Park, allowing the vehicle to roll away.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will reprogram your instrument panel cluster to extend the warning duration.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument cluster software incorrectly shortens the "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and chime duration in vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V263.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument cluster panel software at no cost to restore the correct warning message and chime duration.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt pretensioner in the driver or front passenger seat may lock unexpectedly, preventing the seat belt from retracting or extending.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors at no charge. Contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for an appointment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag warning label on the dashboard may be missing, which means the vehicle doesn't have the required safety information label.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you the warning label at no cost. Letters were sent December 19, 2024. Call 1-866-436-7332 with questions.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt pretensioner in the driver or front passenger seat may deploy without warning and lock the seat belt, preventing it from retracting or extending.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors as needed and install a missing HVAC drain tube elbow if required.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual lacks instructions for adjusting or removing head restraints in certain seating positions, making these vehicles non-compliant with federal head restraint safety standards.
What the fix does
Ford will mail free owner's manual addendums with instructions for adjusting and removing center-position head restraints.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The warning chime and message that alert you when the transmission isn't in Park only sound and display for 3 seconds after you turn off the engine and close the door. They should last 10 seconds and 30 minutes respectively. You could leave your vehicle unaware the transmission isn't in Park, causing it to roll away.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a Ford dealer, who will reprogram your instrument panel cluster to extend the warning duration.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The warning message and chime that alert you when the transmission isn't in Park display and sound for less time than designed.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram your instrument cluster at no cost to restore the full warning message and chime duration.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fasteners connecting the rear suspension toe link to the frame may not be tight enough, which could allow the toe link to separate from the frame.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the rear toe link fasteners, check and adjust rear toe alignment, and inspect and replace rear tires if they show abnormal wear.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front or rear seat recliner mechanism may be missing a critical locking pawl, causing the seat back to be loose and weak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your seat structure and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
