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2020 Ford Expedition: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 425 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Expedition[1]. The biggest group names the power train, with 266 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups in the NHTSA record, biggest first.
- Power train. 266 complaints[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe rough or odd shifting, a loss of power when they press the pedal, and warning lights on the dash.
- Unknown or other. 59 complaints[6]. These reports do not point to one clear part.
- Engine. 55 complaints[7]. Owners describe the vehicle stalling or hesitating, and some say the dealer could not find the cause.
- Seat belts. 39 complaints[8]. Owners describe belts that would not retract or lock, a cracked buckle part, and an air bag warning light.
- Electrical system. 35 complaints[9]. Owners describe dash panels lighting up, a power outlet that would not hold a plug, and sudden loss of power.
- Structure. 22 complaints[10].
- Speed control. 15 complaints[11].
- Visibility. 10 complaints[12].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2020 Expedition is necessarily included.
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission (26V402), June 2026. About 741,195 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, the car rolling away. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[13]
- Structure › Interior Panels › Center Console (26V368), June 2026. About 548,463 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[14]
- Seat Belts › Pretensioner (26V344), May 2026. About 419,967 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[15]
- Engine (25V628), September 2025. About 4,632 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[16]
- Back Over Prevention › Software (25V442), June 2025. About 200,237 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[17]
- Electrical System › Body Control Module › Software (25V346), May 2025. About 556 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[18]
- Seat Belts › Pretensioner (25V197), May 2025. About 112,951 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[19]
- Equipment › Other › Labels (24V852), November 2024. About 27,678 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[20]
- Seat Belts › Pretensioner (24V099), February 2024. About 77,574 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[21]
- Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual (23V420), June 2023. About 691,133 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[22]
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages (22V250), April 2022. About 652,996 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[23]
- Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera (20V575), September 2020. About 620,246 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[24]
- Seat Belts (20V574), September 2020. About 123 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[25]
- Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly (20V366), June 2020. About 2,620 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[26]
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking (20V262), May 2020. About 25,081 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[27]
- Seat Belts (20V217), April 2020. About 1,355 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[28]
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) (20V197), April 2020. About 55,158 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[29]
- Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly (19V633), August 2019. About 639,137 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[30]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[4] | 17 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Expedition MAX 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[31] | 17 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Expedition 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive[32] | 17 / 22 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Expedition MAX 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive[33] | 16 / 21 / 18 | $3,700 |
Safety ratings
Engine and size
Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.
| Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Expedition with 3.5L 6-cylinder[35] | 375 hp |
These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.
How 2020 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 853 | 7 |
| 1998 | 836 | 5 |
| 1999 | 946 | 5 |
| 2000 | 890 | 7 |
| 2001 | 578 | 6 |
| 2002 | 340 | 2 |
| 2003 | 615 | 1 |
| 2004 | 297 | 0 |
| 2005 | 315 | 0 |
| 2006 | 299 | 2 |
| 2007 | 215 | 2 |
| 2008 | 146 | 3 |
| 2009 | 28 | 1 |
| 2010 | 58 | 0 |
| 2011 | 71 | 0 |
| 2012 | 118 | 3 |
| 2013 | 92 | 0 |
| 2014 | 72 | 0 |
| 2015 | 164 | 3 |
| 2016 | 217 | 3 |
| 2017 | 357 | 4 |
| 2018 | 382 | 14 |
| 2019 | 518 | 11 |
| 2020 | 425 | 18 |
| 2021 | 238 | 12 |
| 2022 | 116 | 12 |
| 2023 | 65 | 8 |
| 2024 | 78 | 7 |
| 2025 | 38 | 6 |
| 2026 | 10 | 2 |
NHTSA's counts for the Expedition show 425 complaints and 18 recalls for 2020[3]. Among the 31 model years listed, 23 have fewer complaints than 2020 and 7 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2027 (0) and the most are for 1999 (946)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2020 Expedition?
The 2020 Expedition has a sizable complaint record, with 425 complaints on file[1]. The power train group stands out at 266 complaints[2]. These are unverified owner reports and the counts are not adjusted for sales. Recalls also exist for this model year, and the recalls section lists them[3]. If you shop for one, ask for service records and check that recall work was done.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Expedition?
- The biggest group in the NHTSA record is the power train, with 266 complaints[2]. Engine has 55[7] and seat belts have 39[8].
- Does the 2020 Ford Expedition have recalls?
- Yes. The by-year record shows recalls for this model year[3]. See the recalls section on this page for the full list.
- How many complaints are there for the 2020 Ford Expedition?
- NHTSA has 425 owner complaints on file[1]. They are unverified and not adjusted for sales.
- Is the 2020 Ford Expedition reliable?
- The record shows a large power train group at 266 complaints[2]. Read the problems and recalls sections, then check the service history of any vehicle you consider.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2020 Ford Expedition?
- See the fuel economy section on this page.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Ford Expedition
Compare all model years of the Ford Expedition
Other Ford models from 2020
Similar cars from 2020: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 425 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Expedition (5 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 27 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 266 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,300). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Expedition model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Expedition 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 59 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 3,622). NHTSA vehicle records
- 55 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,017). NHTSA vehicle records
- 39 complaints name the seat belts component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,230). NHTSA vehicle records
- 35 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 22 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,305). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V402, filed June 24, 2026: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V368, filed June 9, 2026: Structure › Interior Panels › Center Console. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V344, filed May 27, 2026: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V628, filed September 19, 2025: Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V442, filed June 27, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V346, filed May 23, 2025: Electrical System › Body Control Module › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V197, filed May 23, 2025: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V852, filed November 8, 2024: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V099, filed February 9, 2024: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V420, filed June 9, 2023: Equipment › Other › Owners / Service / Other Manual . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V250, filed April 14, 2022: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Linkages. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V575, filed September 23, 2020: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V574, filed September 23, 2020: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V366, filed June 23, 2020: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V262, filed May 8, 2020: Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V217, filed April 16, 2020: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V197, filed April 3, 2020: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V633, filed August 28, 2019: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Expedition MAX 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Expedition 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Expedition MAX 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2020 Ford Expedition with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 375 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EXPEDITION 4WD SUV: length 210 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 122 in, curb weight 5,624 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EXPEDITION MAX 4WD SUV: length 222 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 5,794 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov