The Ford Expedition has been a go-to choice for families and adventurers since its debut in 1997, offering spacious interiors, strong towing capabilities, and solid off-road performance. But like any vehicle, its reliability can vary depending on the model year and maintenance history. If you’re considering buying a Ford Expedition or simply want to know what to expect from your current SUV, this guide will cover reliability ratings, common problems and lighting issues and upgrade tips.

Is the Ford Expedition Reliable?

When it comes to reliability, the Ford Expedition ranks about average. According to RepairPal, it scores a 3.0 out of 5.0, placing it 7th out of 14 full-size SUVs.

Looking at the numbers more closely, the average annual repair cost for an Expedition is $861, which is a bit higher than the $784 average for full-size SUVs and $652 for all vehicles. So while repairs aren’t outrageous, you may spend a little more keeping it in top shape.

Interestingly, unscheduled repairs are less frequent than average. Owners typically bring their Expedition in for unexpected fixes about 0.2 times per year, compared to 0.4 times for other full-size SUVs.

Based on our findings from JD Power, the Expedition has stayed fairly consistent across different years. Models from 2007 to 2013 held reliability scores in the mid-to-high 70s. The 2016 version stood out with a score of 80, earning praise that year. From 2020 through 2025, ratings have hovered between 77 and 79.

If you’re thinking long-term, depreciation is an important factor. According to CarEdge, a new Ford Expedition will lose about 59% of its value over five years, which works out to a 5-year resale value of around $33,114 based on a starting price of $80,785.

Ford Expedition Common Problems

Below, we’ll break down the most frequently reported issues based on our research across multiple sites. We’ll also cover the symptoms to watch for and which model years are most affected.

Engine Problems

Engine-related issues top the list for Ford Expedition owners, and unfortunately, they tend to be some of the most costly. Most complaints appear between 80,000 and 130,000 miles, but that can vary by year.

One major concern is the “Fail-Safe Engine Mode” shutoff, reported in the 2006 model. Drivers say the engine can shut down without warning when the fail-safe light comes on—a frustrating problem that usually costs around $700 to fix.

Another common complaint involves fuel injector failures, particularly on the 2005 Expedition around the 88,000-mile mark. When injectors fail, the engine can lose power or run rough, and fixing it often runs close to $2,900.

Perhaps the most notorious issue is spark plug blowouts, especially on the 2003 model but also seen from 1997 to 2007. This happens when spark plugs shoot out of the aluminum cylinder head because of weak threading. It’s a big deal—causing loud engine noise, misfires, and sometimes internal damage. Repairs average about $1,100, though costs can climb if the engine takes more damage.

Ignition coil failures are another recurring headache, especially on Expeditions with the 5.4L engine. Bad coils cause misfires, rough idling, and poor performance. While usually cheaper than injector repairs, they can still add up if they fail repeatedly.

Transmission Failures

Transmission trouble is another well-known problem, particularly for early- to mid-2000s Expeditions. Complete transmission failure has been reported on several model years, including 2004, where it tends to happen around 76,000 miles and costs roughly $2,700 to repair. Similar failures appear in 2001 and 2005 models, often leading to a total loss of drive or improper shifting.

Minor issues like slipping or hesitation can turn into full transmission rebuilds if ignored. If you notice rough shifting or delays, get it checked before it escalates.

Suspension Problems

Suspension problems don’t show up as often as engine or transmission issues, but when they do, repairs aren’t cheap. The 2000 model is notorious for air suspension failure, usually causing the rear end to sag. Repairs average about $1,500.

Even newer models aren’t immune. Some 2018 owners have reported all four shock absorbers leaking as early as 28,000 miles, which can seriously affect ride quality and handling. Fixing this can run close to $2,000.

Steering Issues

Steering-related problems aren’t as widespread, but they’re worth noting. A common complaint is the gear shift getting stuck in Park, particularly on the 2010 model. While it’s more annoying than dangerous, it typically costs about $500 to fix.

More concerning is power steering loss, which some 2017 owners have experienced while driving. This makes the vehicle hard to control and poses a serious safety risk, so any stiff or heavy steering should be checked right away.

Air Conditioning Issues

Air conditioning failures also make the list. These range from refrigerant leaks and faulty climate control modules to broken compressors. In hot weather, this is more than just an inconvenience.

Ford Expedition Bulbs Problems and LED Upgrade Tips

Many Ford Expedition owners find the stock halogen headlights too dim for safe night driving. Across forums like ExpeditionForum and Reddit, drivers often describe them as weak or barely usable on dark roads.

Another frequent issue is how quickly Ford Expedition factory bulbs burn out—sometimes within a year. This often links back to heat damage or corroded sockets, not just faulty bulbs. In some cases, sockets even melt, especially in fog light housings, which points to poor heat management.

Moisture in the Ford Expedition headlight housing is also common. While light misting can be normal, visible water or repeated condensation usually means a seal is failing, which can damage bulbs or cause corrosion.

Because of these problems, many owners switch to LED headlight bulbs or LED fog light bulbs. Good quality LEDs are brighter, last longer, and run cooler. But be careful, cheap kits can cause glare, flickering, or dashboard errors unless you use a CANbus adapter.

If your Expedition uses factory LED assemblies, repairs can be costly. These units are often sealed, so if part of the module fails, you may need to replace the entire headlight.

Before upgrading, confirm what type of lights your Expedition has. Check for signs of moisture or socket damage. If you switch from halogen to LED, choose high-quality bulbs designed for your Ford Expedition to avoid common problems.

Quick tips to find the right Ford Expedition bulbs:

The right headlight bulb depends on your car’s year, make, and model—so it’s not one-size-fits-all.

To simplify the process, check your owner’s manual or use SEALIGHT’s online bulb finder tool.

Most headlights fall into three categories: halogen, LED, or HID (Xenon).

If you’re upgrading to LED bulbs, consider factors like bulb size, brightness, beam pattern, heat management, and CANbus compatibility.

SEALIGHT offers reliable, high-performance LED and HID bulbs at great prices, making them a smart choice for most drivers.

Final Words: What to Keep in Mind

If you’re shopping for a used Ford Expedition, model year matters. According to CarComplaints.com, 2004 has one of the worst reputations, especially for engine problems, while 2003 racks up the highest number of complaints overall. For models built between 1997 and 2007, spark plug ejection is a well-documented issue, and Ford even issued a Technical Service Bulletin to address it.

The safest bet is to have any used Expedition thoroughly inspected before buying. Ask for maintenance records and check if common fixes, like spark plug or ignition coil repairs, have already been done.

References:

https://caredge.com/ford/expedition/depreciation

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Expedition/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2020/ford/expedition

https://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/Expedition

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/2018-fog-light-bulb-replacement.37157/#post-319190

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ford/comments/r77nba/need_help_finding_either_hids_or_leds_for_a_2019/

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/headlight-dim.57244/

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/headlight-bulbs-low-beams.39974/