Ford Expedition 2007–2017
3rd generation · U324 (standard) / U354 (EL extended)
NHTSA data through 13 August 20262,016 complaints, 1,339 with mileageMethod
- Reports with mileage
- 1,339
- Median of reported failures
- 70,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Transmission and driveline (16.6%)
- Recalls
- 8
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 38,000 and 108,000 miles.
Figure 1 · Ford Expedition 2007–2017 · 1,339 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 81 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 34 complaints (2.5%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 9,500
- 25%
- 38,000
- Median
- 70,000
- 75%
- 108,000
- 90%
- 145,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 81 | 6.0% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 54 | 4.0% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 33 | 2.5% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 36 | 2.7% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 44 | 3.3% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 19 | 1.4% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 36 | 2.7% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 41 | 3.1% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 44 | 3.3% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 42 | 3.1% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 71 | 5.3% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 40 | 3.0% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 69 | 5.2% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 52 | 3.9% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 60 | 4.5% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 40 | 3.0% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 46 | 3.4% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 37 | 2.8% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 45 | 3.4% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 45 | 3.4% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 53 | 4.0% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 27 | 2.0% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 29 | 2.2% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 27 | 2.0% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 38 | 2.8% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 18 | 1.3% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 38 | 2.8% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 17 | 1.3% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 20 | 1.5% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 20 | 1.5% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 32 | 2.4% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 5 | 0.4% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 13 | 1.0% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 5 | 0.4% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 7 | 0.5% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 7 | 0.5% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 7 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 6 | 0.4% |
| 200,000+ | 34 | 2.5% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 2,016 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007–2017 Ford Expedition, and 1,339 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 38,000 and 108,000 miles. The median is 70,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the transmission and driveline (16.6% of complaints, typically around 77,000 miles), the electrical system (12.9% of complaints, typically around 90,000 miles), the engine (9.0% of complaints, typically around 84,000 miles).
8 recall campaigns cover this generation.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2007–2017 Ford Expedition last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2007–2017 Ford Expedition were filed by 70,000 miles and 90% by 145,000 miles — figures drawn from 1,339 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
34 reports (2.5%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Expedition reached that mileage, not that it died there.
Before you buy a 2007–2017 Expedition: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,339 mileage-tagged complaints, 8 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check engine on 2007–2014 cars. 5.4L 3V cam phaser rattle and timing chain/tensioner wear — oil starvation to the top end at cold start wears the phasers, producing the characteristic rattle; replacement often does not hold and the common field fix is…
- Check engine on 2007–2008 (design revised on later 3V heads) cars. 5.4L 3V two-piece spark plugs seizing and breaking off in the cylinder head during service.
- Check engine on 2015–2017 cars. 3.5L EcoBoost timing chain stretch and cam phaser wear, plus turbocharger and intercooler condensation-related misfires under sustained load.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 38,000 and 108,000 miles, with a median of 70,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the transmission and driveline and the electrical system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The transmission and driveline in particular shows a median failure mileage of 77,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Ford Expedition 2007–2017
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Throttle and speed control123 reports52,00035,000–96,000Throttle and speed control: 123 reports, median 52,000 miles, middle half 35,000 to 96,000 miles.
- Brakes133 reports62,00046,000–90,000Brakes: 133 reports, median 62,000 miles, middle half 46,000 to 90,000 miles.
- Body structure110 reports63,00040,000–90,000Body structure: 110 reports, median 63,000 miles, middle half 40,000 to 90,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline335 reports77,00037,000–120,000Transmission and driveline: 335 reports, median 77,000 miles, middle half 37,000 to 120,000 miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise132 reports79,00026,000–114,000Problems owners could not categorise: 132 reports, median 79,000 miles, middle half 26,000 to 114,000 miles.
- Engine181 reports84,00051,000–124,000Engine: 181 reports, median 84,000 miles, middle half 51,000 to 124,000 miles.
- Electrical system261 reports90,00051,000–121,000Electrical system: 261 reports, median 90,000 miles, middle half 51,000 to 121,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 335 | 16.6% | 77,000 | 37,000–120,000 |
| Electrical system | 261 | 12.9% | 90,000 | 51,000–121,000 |
| Engine | 181 | 9.0% | 84,000 | 51,000–124,000 |
| Brakes | 133 | 6.6% | 62,000 | 46,000–90,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 132 | 6.5% | 79,000 | 26,000–114,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 123 | 6.1% | 52,000 | 35,000–96,000 |
| Body structure | 110 | 5.5% | 63,000 | 40,000–90,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 96 | 4.8% | 65,000 | 48,000–98,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 89 | 4.4% | 96,000 | 60,000–130,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 85 | 4.2% | 66,000 | 37,000–102,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Ford Expedition 2007–2017 · 1,339 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 40% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 63% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 80% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
The staircase tops out at 97%: the remaining 2.5% of reports (34) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
40% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 37,000–120,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 51,000–121,000 mi
- Engine — middle half 51,000–124,000 mi
- Brakes — middle half 46,000–90,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 26,000–114,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control — middle half 35,000–96,000 mi
- Body structure — middle half 40,000–90,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
63% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Brakes — median 62,000 mi
- Body structure — median 63,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 37,000–120,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 51,000–121,000 mi
- Engine — middle half 51,000–124,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 26,000–114,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control — middle half 35,000–96,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
80% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Transmission and driveline — median 77,000 mi
- Brakes — median 62,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — median 79,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control — median 52,000 mi
- Body structure — median 63,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Electrical system — middle half 51,000–121,000 mi
- Engine — middle half 51,000–124,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 70,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 16.6% of complaints (335 reports, 221 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 77,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 37,000 and 120,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 12.9% of complaints (261 reports, 144 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 90,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 51,000 and 121,000 miles.
The engine accounts for 9.0% of complaints (181 reports, 127 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 84,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 51,000 and 124,000 miles.
The brakes account for 6.6% of complaints (133 reports, 84 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 62,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 46,000 and 90,000 miles.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 6.5% of complaints (132 reports, 52 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 79,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 26,000 and 114,000 miles.
Throttle and speed control accounts for 6.1% of complaints (123 reports, 87 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 52,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 35,000 and 96,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2017 model year drew the most — 476 complaints — while 2009 drew the fewest at 42. The median year sits at 167.
That makes 2017 an outlier: roughly 2.9 times the median year of this generation. A single year standing that far apart usually reflects either a first-year issue that was later corrected, or a component change introduced for that year. Anyone shopping this generation has a straightforward reason to prefer a different year, all else being equal.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 8 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the reversing camera and sensors (2), the hydraulic brake circuit (2), visibility equipment (1). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 2,016 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 145 (7.2%)
- Fires
- 53
- Injury reports
- 93
- Fatality reports
- 4
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Engine 2007–2014
5.4L 3V cam phaser rattle and timing chain/tensioner wear — oil starvation to the top end at cold start wears the phasers, producing the characteristic rattle; replacement often does not hold and the common field fix is locking out the variable cam timing.
Engine 2007–2008 (design revised on later 3V heads)
5.4L 3V two-piece spark plugs seizing and breaking off in the cylinder head during service.
Engine 2015–2017
3.5L EcoBoost timing chain stretch and cam phaser wear, plus turbocharger and intercooler condensation-related misfires under sustained load.
Suspension
Rear load-leveling air suspension compressor and air spring failure.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 267 | 226 |
| 2008 | 179 | 142 |
| 2009 | 42 | 31 |
| 2010 | 74 | 60 |
| 2011 | 92 | 77 |
| 2012 | 167 | 116 |
| 2013 | 116 | 84 |
| 2014 | 96 | 57 |
| 2015 | 229 | 156 |
| 2016 | 278 | 170 |
| 2017 | 476 | 220 |
Recalls (8) — is your car included?
Jan 2026 · 2015–2017 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâ s view behind…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
What can happen. A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâ s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Oct 2025 · 2015 · Back Over PreventionA blank or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 F-250, F-350, F-450, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and MKC vehicles. The rearview camera printed circuit board terminal header connector may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image.
What can happen. A blank or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S42. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-082.
Sep 2025 · 2017 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
What can happen. A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.
Aug 2023 · 2015–2017 · VisibilityFront blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.
What can happen. Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the second quarter of 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S56.
Apr 2022 · 2016–2017 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
What can happen. A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.
Sep 2016 · 2012 · Power TrainAn unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
What can happen. An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
Jun 2012 · 2012 · Exterior LightingIf this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150, 2012 Expedition and Lincoln navigator, and 2012-2013 mustang vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard nos. 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" and 108 â“lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment.” these vehicles may have a transmission range sensor (trs) that was calibrated out of specification for reverse gear.
What can happen. If this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever in the reverse â“râ” position and the vehicleâ’s transmission does go in reverse, the â“râ” may not illuminate on the dashboard of the F-150, Expedition, or navigator models and/or the backup lamp on the rear of the F-150, Expedition, navigator, or mustang vehicles may not illuminate. These conditions increase the risk of a crash or a pedestrian being struck due to the vehicleâ’s not signaling it is in reverse.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 11, 2012. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Feb 2012 · 2012 · SeatsIn the event of a crash, the seat head restraint may not provide the required strength, increasing the risk…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Expedition and Lincoln navigator vehicles, manufactured from november 19, 2011, through december 2, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 202, "Head restraints." These vehicles may have inadequate welds on the head restraint support brackets for the second row, right-hand seat.
What can happen. In the event of a crash, the seat head restraint may not provide the required strength, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the head restraints as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on february 21, 2012. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
What owners reported
We have a 2007 Ford Expedition with a remote electric start installed in the truck. When you remote start the vehicle then get into the vehicle with the keys out of the ignition you are able to put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gear shift to any position........... This has been witnessed by the Ford…
2007 · Transmission and driveline
the contact owns a 2007 Ford Expedition. During the daytime, the contact was unable to read the instrument panel gauges. The dealer stated that the vehicle was manufactured in that manner and would be unable to make the repair. As of november 29, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was…
2007 · 16 miles · Electrical system
- the contact stated that the 2007 Ford Expedition el had transmission problems from the day he drove the vehicle off the parking lot of the dealership. When coming to a stop and trying to accelerate the vehicle stayed in a high gear and the engine revved. The vehicle accelerated in the wrong gear. The transmission…
2007 · 20 miles · Transmission and driveline
The new 14 passenger Ford van is a passenger hazard for people in the back three rows of seats if someone is not in the second row. The rear door latches are next to impossible to reach from the third row. I am located at jet propulsion laboratory in pasadena, ca. The van is a vpsi leased van. How can i get the latch…
2007 · 700 miles · Latches and locks
Built from 1,339 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page