Brands/Ford/Expedition/U553

Ford Expedition U553 (2017–2024)

Generation-specific owner insights from 101+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.

Photo: EuroCarGT / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Should I buy one?

3,493

US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2017–2024

recall campaigns

power train

most-complained area

What owners say about this generation

Our take, from owner reports

8 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence

Problems owners report

Very frequentCam phaser rattle/failure
Very frequent10R80 transmission problems, including CDF clutch cylinder and 4th gear failure
RecurrentElectrical issues including key fob not detected
Battery drain, and vehicle shutting off while driving.

+ 5 more issues

RecurrentSYNC/APIM infotainment glitches, reboots, and Bluetooth connection loss
RecurrentParking aid sensor faults, often from unplugged or loose connectors after bumper work
IsolatedWater leaks traced to body plugs or roof rather than floor plugs
IsolatedWheel bearing and heater hose failures before 70k miles
IsolatedPoor small overlap crash test performance with structural collapse

The version owners recommend

Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: the 2019 model year is described by at least one owner as the most reliable year, and a 2023-or-newer model is recommended by another owner as the point when the transmission was fixed from the factory. The Platinum trim is noted for higher output (400 hp versus 375 hp on non-Platinum trims) and massaging seats.

Competitors to consider

Owners compare it most often with the Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon / Yukon XL, Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Land Cruiser.

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Full owner report

Overall sentiment

Owners of the 2017-2024 Expedition generally praise the 3.5L EcoBoost powertrain, the smooth ride, the spacious third row, and the upscale interior, with several calling this generation one of Ford's best. The most common criticisms center on the 10R80 transmission, cam phaser rattle, and electrical or SYNC glitches. Early model years (2018-2020) draw the most concern over cam phasers and transmission failures, while later years (2023+) are described by some owners as having the transmission issues addressed from the factory. A separate safety concern about poor small overlap crash test performance was raised specifically for the 2024 model.

Positioning vs competitors

Owners position the Expedition as more powerful and better-riding than the 5.3L Suburban/Tahoe, with a superior third row and a nicer interior, while conceding the GM SUVs feel more sure-footed and quieter. Several owners note the EcoBoost Expedition competes performance-wise with the 6.2L GM option while returning better real-world fuel economy. Against Toyota, owners acknowledge the Sequoia and Land Cruiser as the reliability benchmark but consider them smaller and less spacious. The Navigator is treated as the luxury sibling sharing the same platform, and one dealer-owner commenter said the 2018 Expedition may finally surpass the Suburban.

Recommended configurations

Owners recommend the 3.5L EcoBoost with the longitudinal (truck-style) external water pump rather than the transverse internal-water-pump variant. For buyers wanting to avoid the 10R80 concerns, a 2023-or-newer model is suggested. One owner advises installing an oil-air separator from Ford Performance and considering an extended warranty. Another recommends the Max body style for maximum space and a 4WD configuration for snowy or muddy conditions.

General recommendations

This generation suits large families and buyers who need serious cargo and towing capacity, with one owner noting a family of six as a use case. Buyers should verify the cam phaser repair has been completed and check for transmission service history or rebuild before purchase. Owners strongly advise a pre-purchase inspection, religious fluid changes (oil every 5,000 miles, transmission fluid service), and an extended warranty given the cost of major repairs. Rental and fleet examples are repeatedly warned against as likely abused. Model years 2018-2020 carry the most reported cam phaser and transmission risk; 2023 and newer are viewed more favorably for transmission fixes.

Remarks

Owners frequently note the Expedition is built at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, and some treat the plant sticker as a point of pride. The 2025 redesign drew criticism for its rear styling and front light bar, but that is outside this generation. One owner reported walking away from a severe frontal crash with all airbags deploying and the automatic 911 call activating, crediting the vehicle with saving their life. Several owners describe the 3.5L EcoBoost as proven and durable when maintained, with one reporting over 100,000 trouble-free miles on two EcoBoost 3.5 motors. Analysis based on approximately 101 substantive owner discussions about this generation.

Complaints and recalls by model year

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Most-reported area
2024	81	7	unknown or other
2023	65	8	electrical system
2022	121	12	electrical system
2021	464	12	power train
2020	449	18	power train
2019	1,002	11	power train
2018	682	14	power train
2017	629	4	electrical system

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.

Recall notices for this generation

2024 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubricationcampaign 24V851000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.

2024 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 24V852000

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."

2024 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubricationcampaign 25V198000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.

2024 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 25V314000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.

2024 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V315000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.

2024 · electrical system: integrated trailer brake controlcampaign 26V104000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

2024 · structure:interior panels:center consolecampaign 26V368000

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.

2023 · power train:axle assemblycampaign 23V128000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.

2023 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 23V420000

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."

2023 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 24V852000

2023 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 25V314000

2023 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V315000

36 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.

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Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.