2011 Ford Expedition Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 21 1 crash 1 injury

“I EXPERIENCE HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS WHEN DRIVING THERE HAS BEEN TIMES I HAVE TO PULL OVER TO AVOID CRASHING. I BELIEVE CARBON MONOXIDE MAY BE THE RESULT OF THESE SYMPTOMS.”
NHTSA complaint #11014941, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, BUT IT SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE WAS BY TURNING THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALI…”
NHTSA complaint #10845681, 2016 · crash

“Hard, delayed, jump from idle when accelerator is pressed. Hard shift from park to reverse.”
NHTSA complaint #11722361, 2026

Engine 11

“I bought this vehicle early 2023. From the moment I bought it I’ve had a loud ticking sound come from the dash or the motor when I start the car also when it’s really hot out. It also didn’t blow cold air. So I had to save up enough money to replace the AC components in my 2011 expedition. After I got it “repaired” It only lasted about six months and that’s being conservative. $2000 later and it’s blowing hot air and still making you loud ticking sound. I pretty much replaced all the components that deal with the AC and the blower. I don’t know what to do anymore, but it makes a loud ticking s…”
NHTSA complaint #11703218, 2023

“The engine is blown at 125k miles when all servicing and maintenance was done at the dealership. Somewhere around 50k to 60k miles, I complained to the dealership about a ticking noise from the engine and was told multiple times it was "normal with this engine". Well this engine blew while I was on my way to take the kids to school. I was on the interstate/bypass and was by some miracle able to get the 7-11. I was driving and all of a sudden, it sounded like there was squirrel under the hood. I had to have it towed to the dealership because it was not driveable and they told me the engine wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11518155, 2019

“CAMSHAFT ROLLER BEARINGS SEIZED AND SCORED THE CAMSHAFT, REQUIRING A TOP END REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 95000 MILES. THIS THE SECOND EXPEDITION REQUIRING THIS ENGINE WORK. MY FIRST EXPEDITION REQUIRED A COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE SAME ISSUE”
NHTSA complaint #11300000, 2019

Structure 10 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS AJAR, THE RETRACTABLE RUNNING BOARDS RETRACTED AND CAUSED A PASSENGER'S FOOT TO BE CUT BY THE RUNNING BOARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10445103, 2011 · 1 injury(ies)

“DRIVERS RETRACTABLE RUNNING BOARD MALFUNCTIONS GOING UP AND EXTENDING. THE RUNNING BOARD HAS STOPPED MIDWAY DURING EXTENSION AND HAVE CAUSED OCCUPANTS TO FALL DUE TO THE RUNNING BOARD SUDDENLY COLLAPSING TO NORMAL HEIGHT WITH WEIGHT OF THE OCCUPANT ON THE RUNNING BOARD. RETRACTION OF THE RUNNING BOARDS IS ROUGH AND MAY TAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THERE ARE NO LUBRICATION POINTS TO ENABLE MAINTENANCE OF THE RUNNING BOARDS. AT THIS TIME THE RUNNING BOARDS ARE TURNED OFF AND ARE IN THE RETRACTED POSITION. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS S…”
NHTSA complaint #11328022, 2020

“WINTER 2019, PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT STAY CLOSED. APPEARS TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW FREEZING. STARTED TO HAPPEN ON DRIVERS SIDE A DAY LATER. I'VE NOTICED WATER INSIDE ON THE SILL PLATE OF THE VEHICLE AFTER IT RAINS. I SUSPECT WATER IS MAKING IT'S WAY INTO THE DOOR. THE ISSUE HAS RETURNED. TRIED TO GET WARRANTY REPAIRS FROM ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP BUT HAS GONE UNANSWERED. APPEARS THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE AND REPAIRS ARE COVERED BY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. WHICH I DID NOT GET. WORKING WITH BBB AND FORD CORPORATE ON THAT ISSUE. THE PASSENGER DOOR WAS NOT FIXED EITHER.”
NHTSA complaint #11288162, 2019

Seats 8 1 injury

“THE STANDARD HEADREST IN THE 2011 FORD EXPEDITION PROTRUDES FORWARD SO MUCH THAT I CANNOT SIT WITH MY BACK AND SHOULDERS LEANING TO THE BACK OF THE SEAT WITHOUT PUSHING MY HEAD FORWARD, CAUSING UPPER BACK AND NECK PAIN. I'VE DRIVEN THE CAR TWO DAYS AND MY NECK HURTS. THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED NO SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND MY INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWED THAT MANY OTHER FACE THE SAME CHALLENGE. SOME ARE REMOVING THE HEADREST, WHILE OTHERS ARE BENDING THEM BACK. NEITHER SOUNDS SAFE TO ME AND IT SEEMS FORD COULD CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10512019, 2013 · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANGLE OF THE HEAD REST DESIGN WAS CAUSING PAIN TO HER NECK. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE HEAD REST BE TURNED AROUND OR REMOVED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.”
NHTSA complaint #10460996, 2012

“THE VEHICLE HEAD REST IS PERMANENTLY TILTED FORWARD AND CANT BE ADJUSTED. THIS PRESENTS AN UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. IN ORDER TO GET SOME TYPE OF RELIEF DURING EXTENDED DRIVING PERIODS THE SEAT HAS TO BE TILTED BACK, WHICH COULD CREATE ANOTHER UNSAFE POSITION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10550774, 2011

Unknown Or Other 8 1 injury

“I EXPERIENCE HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS WHEN DRIVING THERE HAS BEEN TIMES I HAVE TO PULL OVER TO AVOID CRASHING. I BELIEVE CARBON MONOXIDE MAY BE THE RESULT OF THESE SYMPTOMS.”
NHTSA complaint #11014941, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“I bought this vehicle early 2023. From the moment I bought it I’ve had a loud ticking sound come from the dash or the motor when I start the car also when it’s really hot out. It also didn’t blow cold air. So I had to save up enough money to replace the AC components in my 2011 expedition. After I got it “repaired” It only lasted about six months and that’s being conservative. $2000 later and it’s blowing hot air and still making you loud ticking sound. I pretty much replaced all the components that deal with the AC and the blower. I don’t know what to do anymore, but it makes a loud ticking s…”
NHTSA complaint #11703218, 2023

“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND IT READS CHECK FUEL FILL INLET? IF I CAN FIND SOMEONE TO TURN IT OFF THEY WILL CLEAR IT BUT WITHIN A WEEK IT IS BACK ON. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11329137, 2019

Electrical System 7 1 fire

“The contact owns a 2011 FORD Expedition. The contact stated that while driving, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated at the time she did not see any smoke coming from her vehicle, so she assumed it was the outside. The contact stated that once she parked her vehicle, she sat inside the vehicle for approximately one hour before she exited the vehicle. The contact stated that when she came back to her vehicle, it was filled with smoke. The contact stated that the wires from the rear, middle row, passengers seat, on the driver's side of the vehicle had been burning…”
NHTSA complaint #11453503, 2022 · fire

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Ford Expedition. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 136,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 336,000. The contact called the seller, who advised that the sale was final and to end communications. An Attorney General and private attorney were contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #11743503, 2026

“DOOR CLOSED SENSOR IS FAULTY AND SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH FORD BUT A RECALL WON'T HAPPEN TILL MORE PEOPLE COMPLAIN. I AM MAKING MY COMPLAINT OFFICIAL. ALSO SEEKING WARRANTY REPAIRS FROM THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP SINCE THE ISSUE HAS RETURNED.”
NHTSA complaint #11288164, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control 7 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, BUT IT SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE WAS BY TURNING THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALI…”
NHTSA complaint #10845681, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT-OFF AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING TO HIS DESTINATION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY POSITIONING SENSOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FAILURE RECURRED WHILE ACCELERATING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMAT…”
NHTSA complaint #11364062, 2020

“I WAS DRIVING 70MPH ON HWY 290 WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR AND THEN THE WHEELS TOTALLY LOCKED UP. THIS CAUSED ME TO START SLIDING SIDEWAYS DOWN THE ROAD UNTIL I CAME TO A STOP. IT TURNED OUT THAT A COMPUTER MODULE REGULATING SHIFTING HAD GONE BAD. THIS ALSO CAUSED MY TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT AND NEED REPLACING.”
NHTSA complaint #11128038, 2018

Fuel/Propulsion System 4

“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND IT READS CHECK FUEL FILL INLET? IF I CAN FIND SOMEONE TO TURN IT OFF THEY WILL CLEAR IT BUT WITHIN A WEEK IT IS BACK ON. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11329137, 2019

“VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT HIGH-SPEED AND CUTS OFF OR DOWN SHIFTS WITHOUT WARNING. SITTING AT IDLE ENGINE CUTS OFF”
NHTSA complaint #10910789, 2016

“IN 2014 WE PURCHASED A 2011 FORD EXP. UPON DRIVING IT, WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK WE NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNG FORWARD WITH NO PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR OR BRAKE. IT APPEARS TO HAPPEN WHEN YOU FIRST START UP THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10681057, 2014

Wheels 3

“While getting tires replaced (Discount Tire), the representative pointed out that the aluminum-shelled lug nuts had swollen and become so deformed that the correctly sized socket could not be used. FUrthermore they could not be accurately torqued. The lug nuts had to be replaced, which cost $175.”
NHTSA complaint #11459499, 2022

“2 piece lug nuts swelled creating a dangerous situation where the lugs were extremely difficult to remove. If the vehicle experienced a flat tire, they would be difficult if not impossible to remove on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11456962, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED MOMENTARILY. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED DURING ONE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A RENTAL AND WAS TOWED BACK TO THE RENTAL AGENCY AFTER STALLING. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF THE VEHICLE WAS EVER TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10412280, 2011

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAN MADE AN INTERMITTENT CLICKING NOISE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10632122, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED MOMENTARILY. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED DURING ONE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A RENTAL AND WAS TOWED BACK TO THE RENTAL AGENCY AFTER STALLING. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF THE VEHICLE WAS EVER TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10412280, 2011

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the locking assembly on the driver’s side door was frozen and failed to operate as designed. Due to the issue, the contact was unable to enter the vehicle without using a hair dryer to warm up the lock. However, once the door was opened, the door was unable to close until the lock was heated up again. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11566568, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY PAD LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPERATE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ACCESS THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOCK MOTOR ON ALL THE DOORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,977.”
NHTSA complaint #10904721, 2016

Visibility/Wiper 2

“REAR WINDOW BLEW OUT. MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING HOME FROM A ROAD TRIP AND HAD PULLED INTO OUR HOME. EVERYBODY GOT OUT AND WE SAYING STANDING BY THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. WE HEARD A BANG FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I WALKED TO THE BACK TO SEE THE BACK WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED. I DID NOT NOTICE ANY STRIKE MARKS BECAUSE THE WINDOW WAS STILL INTACT AND ON THE VEHICLE. I WENT TO UNLATCH IT AND THE WHOLE THING FELL OF THE VEHICLE. THE GLASS WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE, ON TOP OF THE VEHICLE, AND ALL OVER THE FLOOR.”
NHTSA complaint #10862735, 2016

“WHILE DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM, THE RUBBER PART OF THE WIPER CAME OFF. THIS CAUSED A HUGE SCRATCH IN THE WINDSHIELD. VISIBILITY WAS VERY POOR, TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND WE COULDN'T PULL OFF IMMEDIATELY. THE WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED, FORD DECLINED TO COVER THIS AS A WARRANTY OR DEFECT. THE SERVICE MANAGER MENTIONED THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED "A LOT". *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10535525, 2013

Air Bags 1 1 crash

“VEHICLE NEVER BEFORE IN COLLISION. FRONT BUMPER FULLY CONTACTED WITH SMALLER SUV, SUSTAINING SIGNIFICANT FRONT-END DAMAGE. ONLY PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED, DESPITE THERE BEING NO PASSENGER IN SEAT (POCKETBOOK WEIGHING ONLY FEW POUNDS ON THE SEAT, CERTAINLY NOT ENOUGH TO TRIGGER OCCUPANCY SENSORS). MY QUESTION IS TWO-FOLD: WHY DID AIRBAG DEPLOY IN EMPTY PASSENGER SEAT? AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHY DID IT NOT DEPLOY IN OCCUPIED DRIVER SEAT? IS THERE EVER A NON-OFFSET FRONT-END COLLISION WHERE FORCE OF IMPACT REQUIRES ONLY ONE OF TWO AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10436690, 2011 · crash

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“STABILITY CONTROL APPLIES BRAKES RANDOMLY IN NORMAL CONDITIONS. PRIMARILY THIS HAS BEEN AT SLOW SPEEDS. BRAKES PULSATE AND VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO STEER/CONTROL. ON 12/11/2016 THE STABILITY SYSTEM KICKED IN AT THE SAME TIME THE "RESUME" BUTTON WAS PRESSED FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE FRONT BRAKES APPLIED WITH FORCE AS THE CAR WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE, BUT THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME HAD TO SWERVE INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID HITTING ME FROM BEHIND, AND T…”
NHTSA complaint #10934715, 2016

Exterior Lighting 1

“NO REVERSE LIGHTS, NO BACK UP LIGHTS, NO POWER TO THE REVERSE LIGHT BULBS.”
NHTSA complaint #11415069, 2021

Service Brakes 1

“JUN OF 2016 BRAKES STARTED GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN ENGINE WAS FIRST STARTED. VEHICLE WOULD ROLL DOWN DRIVEWAY AND BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP IT UNTIL PUMPED. TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE. THEY FINALLY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE PROBLEM STOPPED FOR 10 MONTHS. NOW THE PROBLEM IS BACK AND THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE AGAIN. HAS HAPPENED TWICE THIS TIME BACKING OUT OF GARAGE (LESS THAN 5 MPH). CAR HAS HAD A FULL BRAKE JOB, NO LEAKS, AND HAS 74K MILES.”
NHTSA complaint #10985069, 2017

Steering 1

“LLOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY”
NHTSA complaint #11349168, 2020

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front blower system was seized. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed HVAC blower motor. The contact was informed that the HVAC blower motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 10163573; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle repair was not covered under the bulletin. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was ref…”
NHTSA complaint #11617690, 2024