Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Ford Expedition
The 2018 Ford Expedition has a number of recalls and complaints, particularly involving the power train, engine, and transmission. The evidence is substantial, with 383 complaints and 14 recalls. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect these areas as issues can be significant.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Ford Expedition has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns and 383 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V402000 Vehicle Rollaway Risk NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V368000 Center Console May Peel Causing Sharp Edges NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V344000 Seat Belt May Fail to Retract or Extend NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V197000 Seat Belt May Fail to Retract or Extend NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V236000 Loss of Brake Function from Brake Fluid Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V852000 Missing Dashboard Air Bag Warning Label/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V099000 Seat Belt May Lock and Fail to Retract or Extend NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V420000 Head Restraint Instructions Missing/FMVSS 202 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V805000 Seats are Missing J-Channel Reinforcement Brackets NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V392000 Fuel Pump Assembly Welds May Fracture Causing Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V213000 Missing Roll Pin Causing Loss of Park Function NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V214000 Shifter position may incorrectly indicate 'Park' NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V058000 Second Row Power Windows May Not Reverse/FMVSS 118 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V775000 Second Row Outboard Seat/FMVSS 202,207,210 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 149 complaints
- Engine 100 complaints
- Electrical System 34 complaints
- Unknown or Other 32 complaints
- Suspension 26 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 25 complaints
Of the 383 complaints on file, 8 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 383 complaints, owners report 25 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Transmission park pawl engagement
How to check: Ensure the vehicle remains stable when moving from park.
Peeling center console chrome
How to check: Inspect the center console for bubbling or peeling chrome edges.
Brake fluid leakage
How to check: Look for brake fluid leaks near the wheels.
Fuel pump weld fractures
How to check: Check for fuel or oil leaks under the engine bay.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Transmission or engine lights
- 03
Low-speed parking lot maneuver
What to check: Test brake responsiveness and stability.
Red flag: Unstable or delayed braking
- 04
City driving
What to check: Feel for smooth gear shifts.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifts
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe the engine's performance and noise.
Red flag: Loud or struggling engine
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the transmission been serviced?
- Have any recalls been addressed?
- Are there service records for the brakes?
- Has the fuel system needed repair?
- Do you have reports of any leaks?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recent transmission service records
- Brake system maintenance logs
- Proof of completed recalls
- Full service history
- Fuel system inspection report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Ford Expedition at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Ford Expedition? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.