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 PER YEAR
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 | 577 |
| 2002 | 340 |
| 2003 | 615 |
| 2004 | 296 |
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 215 |
| 2008 | 146 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 71 |
| 2012 | 116 |
| 2013 | 90 |
| 2014 | 71 |
| 2015 | 164 |
| 2016 | 210 |
| 2017 | 353 |
| 2018 | 357 |
| 2019 | 455 |
| 2020 | 367 |
| 2021 | 212 |
| 2022 | 104 |
| 2023 | 61 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 6 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
53% of complaints: power train — 62 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20200615
17% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20230906
14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20121209
13% of complaints: structure — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
B POST FAILED CAUSING SEAT BELT TO RIP OUT. I CAN SEND MORE PICTURES IF NEEDED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181123
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, 20140806
10% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20230906
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 FED
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 RELAT
Campaign 12V034000 — check if this car was fixed
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 S
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 RELATIONS
Campaign 12V190000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V248000 — check if this car was fixed
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Ford Expedition — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (62 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V034000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V190000 (exterior lighting, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V248000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Expedition have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.