2012 Ford Expedition
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 118
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
54% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 118 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 853 |
| 1998 | 836 |
| 1999 | 946 |
| 2000 | 890 |
| 2001 | 578 |
| 2002 | 340 |
| 2003 | 615 |
| 2004 | 297 |
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 215 |
| 2008 | 146 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 71 |
| 2012 | 118 |
| 2013 | 92 |
| 2014 | 71 |
| 2015 | 164 |
| 2016 | 216 |
| 2017 | 358 |
| 2018 | 381 |
| 2019 | 515 |
| 2020 | 416 |
| 2021 | 241 |
| 2022 | 116 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 79 |
| 2025 | 38 |
| 2026 | 11 |
| 2027 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
54% · 64 reportsMost commonly citing park/neutral start interlock switch and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and turning the engine off moments later the vehicle rolled down the driveway, crossing the street and crashed into the neighbors house.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-15
Electrical system
17% · 20 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was driving regularly down the road when I noticed the smell of electrical fire. Smoke started coming from the undercarriage of the truck. I pulled into a gas station, and the engine died, and I got out to look at what's causing the smoke.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-06
Also filed under Engine
Vehicle speed control
15% · 18 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Stopped at 0MPH. Witness in car behind. Foot on brake. Touched accelerator normally. Heard noise. Car took off at high speed. Hit wall approx twenty feet away. Both front airbags deployed. No one in passenger seat.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-09
Also filed under Air bags
vehicle shifting erratically and shows fuel mileage low and loss of speedometer
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-12
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
vehicle shifting erratically and shows fuel mileage low and loss of speedometer
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-12
Structure
13% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
B post failed causing seat belt to rip out. I can send more pictures if needed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-23
Also filed under Seat belts
Vehicle accelerated unintended and unexpected. Speed was uncontrollable. Driver avoided to the best of his abilities standing workers and unintentionally hit two other vehicles and workers inside those vehicles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-06
Engine
10% · 12 reportsSafety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012-02-21Seats12V034000 Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Expedition and Lincoln navigator vehicles, manufactured from November 19, 2011, through December 2, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the head restraints as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 21, 2012. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer…
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2012-06-11Exterior lighting, power train12V190000 Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford f-150, 2012 Expedition and Lincoln navigator, and 2012-2013 Mustang vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 11, 2012. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer…
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2016-09-16Power train16V248000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
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I
2017-12-25Recall queryClosed 2019-10-22 Unexpected Transmission Downshift
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Ford Expedition — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 64 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 18 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V034000 · Seats
- Recall 12V190000 · Exterior lighting, power train
- Recall 16V248000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Ford Expedition reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Ford Expedition is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Expedition?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Expedition have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.