2018 FORD EXPEDITION Complaints

The CDF drum is starting to fail and it will shift from a low gear to a high gear at certain speeds. It’s definitely not safe and is extremely expensive to repair.

I am writing to express concern regarding a significant engine issue with my 2018 Ford Expedition. At approximately 122,000 miles, the vehicle developed a cylinder 4 misfire accompanied by low compression, indicating an internal engine failure. This type of issue seems premature for a well-maintained vehicle and has resulted in major repair considerations, including potential engine replacement. Given Ford’s reputation for durability and reliability, I find this failure both unexpected and concerning. I have kept up with regular maintenance and did not anticipate facing a major engine issue at this mileage. I am requesting that Ford review this situation and consider a recall. I have seen and heard of a lot of folks having this same issue at such an early mileage

My 2018 Ford Expedition had an open recall for back up screens not working at all. I have a 2018 Ford Expedition Limited, purchased new for $72,000 in April 2018. The issues that have been repaired are endless however this one is a HUGE safety issue. It is a known issue and my VIN is not included in the recall. I called dealership and they will do a $285 “free” software fix as they did to the VIN included in recall: this is a known 2018 Ford Expedition recall and my VIN is not included but has the issue.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, another vehicle drove through a stop sign, causing the contact to T-bone the other vehicle, causing damage to the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that no air bags did not deploy in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained whiplash to the neck and upper back. No medical attention was required. The contact mentioned the vehicle was towed to a collision center. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed him to take the vehicle to the dealership. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

While driving at approximately 55 mph, the vehicle intermittently loses throttle response. Pressing the accelerator results in no increase in RPM or vehicle speed, even when the pedal is fully depressed. After 3–5 seconds, power suddenly returns. The issue consistently occurs after the vehicle has been driven for about 20 minutes and is at normal operating temperature. During some events, a “Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power” warning with a wrench indicator appears. The vehicle is equipped with the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission. The failure occurs during steady highway cruising and creates a serious safety concern, as the vehicle will not accelerate when needed for merging or passing. A buzzing noise is heard during the loss of power, and engine RPM remains steady with no response to throttle input. This intermittent loss of power at highway speeds presents a significant safety risk.

Front passenger DRL fail in lower 2/3 of LED strip. Im afraid other cars won't see me as well. No warnings on the inside dash display. A car flagged me down to tell me.

The vehicle often feels like it is slipping when it is changing gears at lower speeds. When trying to accelerate quickly getting on the highway, it fails to increase speed. The gas pedal is pressed and the engine revs and it does not increase speed. This has happened more than once and has caused me to nearly be in accidents because I cannot enter the highway as I should. I took it to a dealer initially in 2023 and they repaired the transmission cooler. Was told it was operating as designed after that. Then in 2024 I took it in for the same issue and was told I needed an engine replacement. I paid for an entire engine replacement and was told the issue was fixed. I am now having the same issue and will be taking it back for a 3rd time. My local shop (not the dealer) told me it is the timing belt which is part of the engine. I feel unsafe in my vehicle and do not feel my $16,000 repair fixed the problem.

My cam phasers failed. I had a 6 year, 72k mile warranty. All maintenance was done at the dealership at the correct time. The parts failed at 7 years, 75,600 miles. Had to replace the engine. Dealer wanted to charge me $19000. Found a local shop to do it with new Ford engine for $14000. The cam phasers are a known issue. There are hundreds of vehicles out there that have had the same problem.

At approximately 100,500 miles, my 2018 Ford Expedition XLT 3.5L EcoBoost developed loud rattling noises consistent with cam phaser failure. Zeigler Ford confirmed the failed cam phasers on October 20, 2025. These phasers were previously replaced on the vehicle at 51,000 miles on February 10, 2022, at Al Piemonte Ford under the Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03. They used the old phasers HL3Z-6C525-CD which are known to be defective rather than the new updated phasers ML3Z-6C525. Cam phaser failure can cause engine misfires, loss of power, and potential engine damage, creating a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds. This issue has been reported by multiple Ford Expedition owners, indicating it is not isolated. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this defect warrants a recall or expanded coverage for vehicles like mine that exceed CSP mileage limits. My vehicle has been properly maintained, and the failure is due to a known defect in the 3.5L EcoBoost cam.

Passenger side DRL (daytime running light) has dimmed and turned purple. Upon further research, this is happening to thousands of Ford Expeditions specifically on the passenger side. The only repair is to replace entire housing.