Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2020 Ford Expedition
The 2020 Ford Expedition has a significant number of recalls and complaints, particularly regarding the powertrain and seat belts. Recalls also involve engine issues, electrical systems, and safety-related components, such as the seat belts and back-over prevention systems. While some problems might be specific to a batch, exercise caution and thoroughly inspect the car before purchasing due to its history of issues.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2020 Ford Expedition has 18 NHTSA recall campaigns and 428 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 #25V628000 Engine Compartment Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V442000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V346000 Pre-Collison Assist Features May Not Function NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V197000 Seat Belt May Fail to Retract or Extend 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 #22V250000 Windshield Wipers May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V574000 Seatbelt Tension Sensor Malfunction NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V575000 Distorted or Inoperative Rearview Camera/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V366000 Middle Row Seat Headrest May Be Improperly Welded NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V262000 Pre-Collison Assist can't be Enabled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V217000 Belt Tension Sensor Malfunction NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V197000 Gear Position Display May Be Inaccurate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V633000 Reduced Seat Back Strength/FMVSS 202 & 207 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 269 complaints
- Unknown or Other 59 complaints
- Engine 52 complaints
- Seat Belts 39 complaints
- Electrical System 35 complaints
- Structure 22 complaints
Of the 428 complaints on file, 5 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 428 complaints, owners report 27 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine fires reported
How to check: Inspect for recall repairs and signs of fire damage.
Park pawl may engage in motion
How to check: Verify transmission recall work completion.
Seat belt pretensioner defects
How to check: Test seat belts for proper retraction and extension.
Battery junction box short circuit
How to check: Check for related recall repairs.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Persistent knocking or ticking sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Any persistent warning lights.
- 03
City street driving
What to check: Assess transmission smoothness during shifts.
Red flag: Harsh or delayed shifting.
- 04
Braking at intersection
What to check: Feel for seat belt function.
Red flag: Seat belt fails to retract or extend properly.
- 05
Parking maneuver
What to check: Test rearview camera clarity.
Red flag: Blank or distorted camera image.
- 06
Final inspection parked
What to check: Check for peeling chrome on interior panels.
Red flag: Sharp edges from peeling chrome.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine recall been resolved?
- Any issues with the transmission?
- Are seat belts functioning correctly?
- Has the battery junction box been repaired?
- Any electrical issues encountered?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Proof of completed recall repairs
- Recent maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Owner's manual
- Manufacturer warranty documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2020 Ford Expedition at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2020 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.