2019 Ford Expedition: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 455 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, engine, and seat belts. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 455
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes reported
- 7
- 29 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 Ford Expedition: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Expedition is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Ford Expedition. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg |
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Expedition that averages well under the EPA 19 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Leaking struts and shocks
30,000–45,000 miles
Transmission harsh shifting, power loss
40,000–80,000 miles
Cam phaser cold-start rattle
50,000–80,000 miles
Seat belt pretensioner self-deploying
90,000–93,672 miles
Complete transmission failure
102,000–110,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Ford Expedition, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission1921 crash
Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and sudden loss of acceleration dominate these reports. The 10-speed transmission jerks between gears, downshifts hard at highway speed, and sometimes cuts power during merges or when pulling into traffic. That leaves the driver exposed to traffic coming from behind. A wrench light, a "shift system fault" or "drive mode unavailable" message often appears, though some episodes set no codes. Trouble tends to start between about 40,000 and 80,000 miles. Several owners report complete transmission failure past 100,000 miles. Dealer visits often find nothing or end in a software update, and the symptoms return. One complaint involves a crash.
Engine96No crashes
The main failure is a loud rattle at cold start, which dealers trace to worn cam phasers on the 3.5L EcoBoost. The rattle lasts a few seconds at first, then gets longer and happens more often. A check engine light and timing codes follow. Some engines go into limp mode or lose power while driving. Most cases start between about 50,000 and 80,000 miles. Owners say the rattle came back after a computer reflash or an earlier phaser replacement. Many repairs land just outside warranty coverage.
Most of these reports are again about cold-start rattle from failing cam phasers, often with rough idle, shaking, or hesitation at startup. Several engines stall or lose power while accelerating on the highway. Warning lights often stay off, so the noise is the main clue. Reported failures range from about 42,000 to 121,000 miles. Owners say a computer reflash did not stop the rattle and that dealers quote phaser replacement instead. A few separate reports describe failed catalytic converters along with rough shifting, plus coolant leaks from heater hoses.
Seat belts56No crashes
Front seat belt pretensioners fire on their own with no crash. Owners describe a gunshot-like bang, smoke, and a burning smell. The belt snaps tight against the chest, neck, or shoulder, and 14 injuries are logged, including bruises, abrasions, and trouble breathing. It happens while driving, at idle, and while unbuckling. Afterward the belt locks and can't be used, and the airbag warning light often comes on. Many owners say dealers told them repair parts were unavailable and turned down requests for a loaner. Two complaints are fire-related and describe smoke in the cabin.
Airbags161 crash
Most of these complaints are really seat belt pretensioner failures. The pretensioner fires with no collision, with a loud bang and smoke. Afterward the airbag warning light stays on, and the restraint system may be disabled. Some owners see the airbag light first, with codes pointing to an open pretensioner circuit. A few report an airbag deploying with no impact. Dealers often say parts are on back order and offer no loaner, so owners keep driving with the fault light on. Four injuries and one crash are logged.
Suspension14No crashes
Struts and shocks start leaking oil early and stop controlling the ride, sometimes on all four corners at once. The rear end bounces at highway speed, handling gets erratic on rough roads, and steering can feel light. Owners spot oil on the garage floor or hear about the leaks during routine service. One failure came as early as 10,300 miles, but most cluster between about 30,000 and 45,000 miles. Owners also mention faster rear brake wear and uneven wear on the inside edges of the rear tires. No warning lights come on.
Electrical10No crashes
These complaints are scattered across different problems. The most common is a touchscreen that freezes or goes blank, which takes out the radio, climate controls, navigation, and backup camera. Other owners report sudden loss of electrical power while driving. That includes one full shutdown at highway speed and door latches that stopped working. One vehicle caught fire after the factory remote starter was used, days after cruise control quit and stability control warnings appeared. Single reports describe a burned horn and doors locking on their own with the key inside.
Body and structure81 crash
Sharp chrome trim on the center console cuts fingers, and one severe cut caused a crash. Power liftgates close unexpectedly on people loading cargo or open at random. One owner got a concussion from a closing liftgate. Door latches fail in cold weather, and some owners report rear doors that don't stay shut and swing open while driving. Other reports describe the rear fixed roof glass shattering on the freeway and roof rack trim blowing off at 70 mph.
Brakes32 crashes
Only three reports exist, but two involve crashes. In one, the brake pedal went to the floor at low speed without stopping the vehicle, causing a front-end collision. Another describes a red brake warning light and a dash message, followed by a brake pedal that got heavy. The third was filed by another driver whose car was rear-ended by an Expedition traveling about 60 mph. It gives no cause for the crash.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Expedition owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
My truck does this during, gears shifts 3-4- them 3,4,t complete gri g like people noise somewhere around 15 mph - 20 mph. Happens 80% of the time when I'm slowing down coming around a curve on a slight inclin, 5gear sounds like it's grinding in then it dowm shifts to 4th and slows down very fast..then downs hard shift with clunk upto 5th when speeding up after that slight turn . Seem to get worse after 95,500 miles
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
"SHIFT SYSTEM FAULT" warning comes on dash with a wrench code. This is on my 2019 Ford Expedition Max, with 77000 miles on it. This warning comes when vehicle has been driven and since put in park, then put back into gear. If vehicle is shut off and turned back on code has cleared. Recently also got a "powertrain malfunction" code where then a driver mode became unavailable.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2023
The vehicle has the known cam phaser issue commonly reported on 3.5L Ecoboost engines. It is a known problem, that the dealership is so aware of they were able to provide a repair quote on the spot. The engine had less than 50,000 miles when the issue was first discovered. The safety issue is the engine failing while driving could place someone in an unsafe situation depending on how and when it failed.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
On March 22, 2021, check engine light. Took vehicle to Ford dealer. Technician said cam phaser needed to be change. At around 72000 miles. Google search to find out, that is a common problem in the 3.5 eco boost engines. Vehicle was purchased certified used from Elder Ford Tampa, FL with about 33000 miles March 2020. Mall of George Ford, diagnose the check engine light.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2021
the catch mechanism in passenger middle row and driver middle row are not working you cannot wear a seat belt currently as the latch will not catch my children sit in these seats and its unacceptable for such a mandatory safety feature not to be covered by ford in 55 years i have not scene a malfunction on a seatbelt receptor Ford needs to be alerted they have a problem and start a recall and fix my vehicle ASAP for 100% safety issues!
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
I reported this incident once already and since then 2 more 2019 For Expedition had the exact same issue. The seatbelt tensioner charge blew up for no reason while vehicle was stopped and running. This is a very dangerous problem as I almost heart attack, I thought I was shot. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AND DON'T WASH IT UNDER THE RUG. TO THIS DAY I'M AFRAID OF DRIVING MY EXPEDITION FO FEAR OF IT HAPPENING AGAIN.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2023
Airbag light illuminated. Scanned for SRS codes found: RCM- Restraint Control Module (B007E-13). Driver Seatbelt Pretensioner C Deployment Control - Circuit Open.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
How the 2019 compares with other Expedition years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of the 9 Expedition years we cover, about 3.0 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission19261
- Engine9616
- Seat belts563
- Airbags162
- Suspension143
- Electrical1014
Where the 2019 fits in the Expedition's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the second model year of the Expedition's fourth generation (2018–2024).
Recalls to confirm (11)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
26V402000TransmissionJun 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
26V368000Body and structureJun 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Expedition vehicles. The chrome plating on the center console may bubble and peel, resulting in sharp edges.
Risk: Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the center consoles as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S38. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 10, 2026.
26V344000Seat beltsMay 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
25V886000ElectricalDec 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V263. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.
Risk: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C71. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 15, 2026.
25V197000Seat beltsMay 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S31. Some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24V-099 and did not have parts replaced will need to have this new recall remedy completed.
24V852000EquipmentNov 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
24V099000Seat beltsFeb 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S06.
23V420000EquipmentJun 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints.".
Risk: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
20V263000TransmissionMay 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.
Risk: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S21.
19V773000SuspensionOct 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The rear suspension toe link fasteners may not have been properly tightened to the frame, possibly allowing separation from the frame.
Risk: A disconnected toe link can cause a sudden change to vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the rear toe link fasteners, check and adjust the rear toe alignment, and inspect the rear tires for abnormal tire wear, replacing them if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S36.
19V633000SeatsAug 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems.".
Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
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2019 owner complaints, side by side
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