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Ford · Midsize / large SUV

2021 Ford Expedition

Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
4 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical12
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA231
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA19 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016
Active NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from structures until repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.

The 2021 Ford Expedition is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize or large SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Expedition 2WD, is EPA-rated at 19 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 231 complaints, most often about the power train. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Expedition 2WDGasRWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo172319$3,300
Expedition 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo172219$3,300
Expedition MAX 2WDGasRWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo172319$3,300
Expedition MAX 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo162118$3,450

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43589, 43597, 43590, 43598.

Factory warranty running out?

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Recalls (12)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Power Train

26S48
741,195 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskPark system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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
NHTSA campaign 26V402000reported Jun 24, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Structure

26S38
548,463 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskVehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 26V368000reported Jun 9, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seat Belts

26S34
419,967 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskSeat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers 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 w
NHTSA campaign 26V344000reported May 27, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Visibility

26S24
422,613 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.RiskWindshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V204000reported Mar 31, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Visibility

25SB7
174,853 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.RiskA detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
NHTSA campaign 25V729000reported Oct 24, 2025Ford Motor Company
○minor

Back Over Prevention

25S72
200,237 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.RiskA rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
NHTSA campaign 25V442000reported Jun 27, 2025Ford Motor Company
▲high

Back Over Prevention

25S05
91,580 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.RiskRearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S05.
NHTSA campaign 25V048000reported Jan 31, 2025Ford Motor Company
○minor

Equipment

24C39
27,678 vehicles
ProblemFord 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."RiskWithout a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 24V852000reported Nov 8, 2024Ford Motor Company
▲high

Equipment

23C20
691,133 vehicles
ProblemFord 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."RiskWithout instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V420000reported Jun 9, 2023Ford Motor Company
!critical

Engine

22S36
Park outside66,221 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.RiskA vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.FixOwners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 25, 2022.
NHTSA campaign 22V346000reported May 17, 2022Ford Motor Company
▲high

Visibility

22S26
652,996 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.RiskInoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
NHTSA campaign 22V250000reported Apr 14, 2022Ford Motor Company
▲high

Air Bags

21C26
777 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."RiskAn air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.FixDealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.
NHTSA campaign 21V805000reported Oct 15, 2021Ford Motor Company

NHTSA defect investigations

None — NU Car rental of vehicles with open recalls open

NHTSA is opening this Audit Query (AQ) to investigate NU Car Rentals (NU Car) for compliance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.The Safety Act requires that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i). NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates NU Car rented at least two vehicles to consumers without having performed required recall repairs. The Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) related to this investigation can be found on nhtsa.gov by searching for ID number 11730449 and 11504655. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional informat

Opened Jun 9, 2026 · action AQ26001

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
231complaints filed

3 involved a crash · 4 a fire · 5 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2021: 4 · 2022: 48 · 2023: 33 · 2024: 40 · 2025: 54 · 2026: 52

Most-cited components

Power Train109
Engine54
Unspecified28
Electrical System22
Visibility13
Structure10

What owners describe

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V250000 (Visibility) and 22V346000 (Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a rea…”Jun 15, 2022 · Visibility · NHTSA owner report
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V346000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair…”Jun 15, 2022 · Engine · NHTSA owner report
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while shifting out of park(P) or reverse(R) there was a popping sound heard while the brake pedal was being depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an unknown part was replaced in the transmission. The contact stated that the failure persiste…”Jun 13, 2022 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆21%
SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆21%
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: automatic emergency braking.

Other Expedition model years

A

2027 Ford Expedition

1 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2026 Ford Expedition

1 recalls · 8 complaints

F

2025 Ford Expedition

5 recalls · 31 complaints

F

2024 Ford Expedition

7 recalls · 71 complaints

F

2023 Ford Expedition

8 recalls · 64 complaints

F

2022 Ford Expedition

12 recalls · 112 complaints

F

2020 Ford Expedition

18 recalls · 405 complaints

F

2019 Ford Expedition

11 recalls · 490 complaints

F

2018 Ford Expedition

14 recalls · 372 complaints

D

2017 Ford Expedition

4 recalls · 356 complaints

D

2016 Ford Expedition

3 recalls · 215 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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