Listed below are all Ford Expedition models for each generation to help you avoid choosing the worst Ford Expedition model.
In this guide, we will analyze the best and worst Ford Expedition generations, highlighting the best and worst years.
The NHTSA, VehicleHistory, and expert reviews have been used in my rigorous research to compile a comprehensive overview of the Expedition’s performance, issues, and highlights across its generations and model years.
Each generation of Ford Expedition is categorized based on transmission, shifting, and engine reliability issues.
I’m ready to get started.
Ford Expedition Generations
A reliable, powerful SUV, Ford Expedition, was introduced in 1997, successfully entering the large SUV market.
As a replacement for the Bronco, the Expedition was equipped with a number of commendable features, including a 4.6L or 5.4L V8 engine, ample interior space, and towing capability, making it an excellent choice for large families and heavy-duty jobs.
Listed below are all generations of Ford Expedition from 1997 to today.
Generation | Years |
1st generation (UN93) | 1997-2002 |
2nd generation (U222) | 2003-2006 |
3rd generation (U324) | 2007-2017 |
4th generation (U553) | 2018-Present |
Generations of the Ford Expedition are vital to understanding how the model has evolved over time.
Ford Expedition Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
The following factors were carefully considered when determining the best and worst model years of Ford Expedition:
We have categorized the Ford Expedition through the decades according to what we think are its best, neutral, and worst years.
Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
1st generation (UN93) | 2002 | N/A | 19971998199920002001 |
2nd generation (U222) | 2006 | N/A | 200320042005 |
3rd generation (U324) | 20132014201520162017 | 20092010 | 2007200820112012 |
4th generation (U553) | 20222023 | 2019 | 201820202021 |
During neutral years, the dominant positive and negative traits of the models do not differ significantly.
Certain factors affect the quality and reliability of a specific model year, including NHTSA recalls, which can negatively affect the ranking. The more complaints and recalls, the lower the predicted reliability.
Discover what the Ford Expedition was like in its best, neutral, and worst years.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 1st Generation (1997-2002)
Designed to carve out a niche in the full-size SUV market, the Ford Expedition was first offered from 1997 to 2002.
Among the first generation Ford Expeditions, 2002 is the best and 1999-2001 are the worst years, according to the manufacturer.
The Best Years: 2002
There are relatively fewer recalls and complaints for the 2002 Ford Expedition than it’s predecessors, although some persistent problems still persist.
The engine was mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission and produced 232 horsepower and 260 horsepower.
In terms of fuel economy, it averaged 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, which was in line with what was expected at the time for full-sized SUVs.
A rear air conditioner and power-adjustable pedals were additional comfort features available on the XLT trim.
Eddie Bauer’s SUV is even more luxurious with its two-tone paint and upgraded interior.
However, some owners expressed concern about the transmission and braking systems.
The Worst Years: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Model years 1997-2001 of the Ford Expedition do not need to be purchased.
There have been several problems associated with Ford Expeditions since 1997. Spark plug blowouts were one of the most common problems.
The 5.4L Triton V8 engine in this generation suffered from this problem, which affected the following models as well.
There were a number of electrical problems with the 1997 Ford Expedition, including power outages, dashboard malfunctions, transmission failures, and brake failures.
Additionally, owners of 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 models have expressed concerns and criticisms regarding fire risk. Many detailed reports attribute fire accidents to the deactivation switch on the speed control.
There have been several recalls concerning significant issues in recent years, including transmission cables that prevent disengagement from park position and possible steering disconnections.
NHTSA’s website contains recalls and complaints related to Ford Expeditions from 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 2nd Generation (2003-2006)
Second-generation Ford Expeditions featured notable design modifications, technology upgrades, and attempted repairs to mechanical issues from the previous generation (2003-2006).
Among the second generation Expeditions, the 2006 model is the best. 2003-2005 Expeditions should be avoided.
The Best Years: 2006
Due to its being the latest model in its second generation, the Ford Expedition was at its best in 2006.
A 4.6L Triton SOHC V8 delivering 232 horsepower and 291 pounds-feet of torque was available, along with a powerful 5.4L SOHC V8 delivering 300 horsepower and 365 pounds-feet of torque.
Each car was equipped with an automatic transmission and powered by two 4-cylinder engines.
In the city and on the highway, full-sized SUVs were expected to get between 12 and 17 miles per gallon.
The XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim levels provided consumers with a diverse selection of practical, luxurious, and practical options.
Safety features were also improved by the addition of AdvanceTrac stability control.
The 2006 Expedition, however, was not without its fair share of flaws. The brakes have worn out in some cases and the electronic system has glitched.
The Worst Years: 2003, 2004, 2005
You should avoid Ford Expedition models from 2003, 2004, and 2005 because of persistent problems with spark plugs and transmissions.
Electricity systems and transmissions were among the issues criticized about Ford Expeditions in 2003.
Spark plug blowouts plagued the revised 5.4L Triton V8, a problem that started with the first generation of engines.
The electrical system occasionally malfunctioned and caused window regulators to go bad.
As a result of rusted brake lines, owners experienced leaking brake fluid and escalating rotor wear, which reduced the braking system’s effectiveness.
Transmission failures also often resulted in unexpected engine stalls.
Consumers reported issues with electronic throttle control, engine problems, and transmission problems.
For 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006, you can view Ford Expedition recalls and complaints at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 3rd Generation (2007-2017)
With striking design changes and technological advancements, Ford Expedition’s third generation (2007-2017) has enhanced its standing in a growing market for SUVs.
The Ford Expedition years 2007-2008, 2011-2012 should be avoided in this generation. It was the most reliable and best-performing Ford Expedition during the 2013-2017 model years.
The Best Years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
When it comes to used Ford Expeditions, what is the best year? Over the past three years, Ford Expedition has experienced significantly fewer recalls and complaints from NHTSA and received outstanding ratings from Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, Cars.com, and J.D Power.
There were two engines available on these models: a 5.4L V8 (2007-2014) that produced 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (2015-2017) that produced 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet.
Initially equipped with an automatic transmission 6R80, both options had a city fuel economy of 15 mpg and a highway fuel economy of 21 mpg.
Later trim levels included King Ranch and Platinum, in addition to XLT and Limited.
There have been several advanced technological advancements in these vehicles, including SYNC 3 infotainment, blind spot monitoring, and improved towing capability (thanks to Trailer Backup Assist).
The Neutral Years: 2009, 2010
In 2009 and 2010, the Expedition performed fairly well, comparable to the other years of this generation without any glaring problems.
These models were introduced in 2010 with Ford’s MyKey system, which enabled drivers to adjust the maximum speed limit and audio volume.
During these years, a powerful 5.4L V8 engine was available.
Paint peeling has been reported by some Ford Expedition owners since 2009.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012
Can you tell me which Ford Expedition years you should avoid? You should avoid the 2007 Ford Expedition, 2008 Ford Expedition, 2011 Ford Expedition, and 2012 Ford Expedition models. The following are the reasons:
A wide range of problems have been reported by owners, including spark plug blowouts, fuel leaks, brake failures, excessive paint peeling, subframe corrosion, and unnerving dashboard malfunctions.
Furthermore, the 2007 Ford Expedition was recalled for leaking fuel rail crossover hoses.
Will Ford Expedition sales rise in 2011? I don’t think so. Ford Expedition models equipped with 6R80 transmissions experienced an unexpected downshift in 2011 and 2012. The issue was addressed by a recall issued by Ford.
Additionally, Ford Expedition models with 6R80 transmissions experienced a sudden downshift in 2011 and 2012. The vehicles were recalled by Ford as a result
The NHTSA website has a list of recalls and complaints for Ford Expeditions from 2007 to 2012.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 4th Generation (2018-2023)
Ford Expedition’s fourth generation boasts robust mechanics, cultivated interiors, and modernized technology.
There are two Ford Expedition years that are most reliable: 2022 and 2023. In 2018, 2020, and 2021, Ford Expeditions should be avoided.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023
The Ford Expedition’s 2022 and 2023 models feature significant improvements and minimize issues, making them the best of the fourth generation.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine in some trim levels offers 400 horsepower and 480 pounds-feet of torque, while in standard models it offers 375 horsepower and 470 pounds-feet.
Automatic transmissions with 10R80 SelectShift are available on these models. It does manage to achieve reasonable fuel economy of 17 mpg in town and 23 mpg on the highway.
There are several different trim levels that offer varying levels of luxury, including XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum.
Furthermore, Ford introduced Co-Pilot360, which combines lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring to give the car a modern edge.
The Neutral Years: 2019
It strikes the right balance between reliability and performance, neither being incredibly problematic nor strikingly flawless.
Highlights included Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system and enhanced driver assistance features. There was still a great deal of criticism directed at the 3.5L V6.
Some owners reported hearing rattling and knocking from the hood, which may indicate a malfunctioning cam phaser or hard shifting.
Although it has few critical issues and advanced features, it is a desirable option among its peers due to its reasonable balance of advanced features.
The Worst Years: 2018, 2020, 2021
There have been many recalls and complaints for Ford Expedition models in years 2018, 2020, and 2021.
There was a recall due to welds in the fuel pump assembly that could fracture, as well as dislodged gear shift cable clips in the 10-speed transmission, which could indicate that the “Park” setting was not set correctly.
A malfunctioning auto-start/stop system also plagued the infotainment system.
The 10-speed transmission was one of the major concerns with the 2020 Ford Expedition. Frequent jerking, sliding, and hard shifting were observed in the transmission.
Ford Expedition 2021’s reputation was further damaged by a recall concerning fire risks in the engine compartment when parked.
A list of Ford Expedition recalls and complaints for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 can be found on the NHTSA’s website.
Conclusion
From Ford Expedition’s extensive history, it is evident that 2013-2017 and 2022-2023 were its best years. It is the tenth anniversary of the Expedition. During these years, modern features have been combined with reliability.
Do you have a favorite Ford Expedition model or a least favorite model?
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!