Our list of Ford Expedition models for each generation is intended to help you avoid choosing the worst Ford Expedition model.
In this guide, we’ll tell you which years are the best and worst Ford Expedition generations.
Using credible sources such as the NHTSA, VehicleHistory, and expert reviews, I have compiled a comprehensive overview of the Expedition’s performance, issues, and highlights across its generations and model years.
We categorize Ford Expedition years based on transmission and shifting issues to engine reliability issues.
It’s time to get started.
Ford Expedition Generations
Ford successfully entered the large SUV market in 1997 with the Ford Expedition, a reliable and powerful vehicle.
It comes equipped with a 4.6L or 5.4L V8 engine, ample interior space, and towing capabilities, and is a great choice for both large families and heavy-duty users due to its numerous commendable features.
This is a list of all Ford Expedition generations from 1997 to the present.
| Generation | Years |
| 1st generation (UN93) | 1997-2002 |
| 2nd generation (U222) | 2003-2006 |
| 3rd generation (U324) | 2007-2017 |
| 4th generation (U553) | 2018-Present |
It is crucial to understand how the Ford Expedition has evolved over time since it gives you an insight into its evolution.
Ford Expedition Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
The following factors are carefully considered when determining Ford Expedition’s best and worst model years:
- Reliability surveys conducted by owners
- An annual breakdown of maintenance costs
- System of safety ratings
- Consumer Reports’ reliability ratings
- Consumer Reports’ owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA investigations, recalls, and complaints
- Edmunds owners’ ratings
- Owner ratings at JD Power
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
See our table of the Ford Expedition’s best, neutral, and worst years through the decades.
| 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 |
When the dominant positive or negative traits of the models do not significantly differ during neutral years, they are said to be in the category of neutral years.
Certain factors, such as NHTSA recalls, heavily influence the quality and reliability of a particular model year – the more complaints and recalls, the lower the predicted reliability of a particular model.
Explore the Ford Expedition’s best, neutral, and worst years.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 1st Generation (1997-2002)
Originally introduced in 1997 to 2002, the Ford Expedition was designed to carve a niche for itself in the full-size SUV market due to its size, power, and utility.
Ford Expeditions of the first generation had their best year in 2002, while their worst years were 1999-2001, according to the manufacturer.
The Best Years: 2002
Although some persistent problems persist from earlier models, there are relatively fewer recalls and complaints for the 2002 Ford Expedition than its predecessors.
An automatic transmission coupled to a 4.6L Triton V8 engine that produced 232 horsepower and a 5.4L Triton V8 engine that produced 260 horsepower.
According to the EPA, it achieved 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, which was in line with what was expected for a full-sized SUV at the time.
Additionally, customers could opt for the XLT trim, which added power-adjustable pedals and a rear air conditioner.
A two-tone paint job and an upgraded interior make Eddie Bauer’s SUV even more luxurious.
There were, however, some owners who expressed concern about the transmission and braking systems.
The Worst Years: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Between 1997 and 2001, there is no need to purchase a Ford Expedition.
Ford Expeditions have been plagued by several problems since 1997. Spark plug blowouts were one of the most common problems.
It was the 5.4L Triton V8 engine that suffered from this issue throughout this generation.
There were many electrical problems with the 1997 Ford Expedition, including outages, dashboard malfunctions, transmission failures, and brake problems.
Aside from these substantial concerns, owners of 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 models have expressed concerns about the fire risk. In detailed reports, deactivating the speed control is cited as a major cause of fire accidents.
In recent years, a number of automobile transmission cables have been recalled for failing to disengage from the park position and potentially disconnecting the steering column.
On NHTSA’s website, you can find recalls and complaints regarding Ford Expedition from 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 2nd Generation (2003-2006)
Ford Expedition entered its second generation with significant changes to its design, technological upgrades, and mechanical improvements.
In the second generation, the 2006 Ford Expedition is the best year, while the Expeditions from 2003-2005 should be avoided like the plague.
The Best Years: 2006
It was the latest model of the Expedition’s second generation when it was at its best in 2006.
An economical 4.6L Triton SOHC V8 rated at 232 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque was available as well as a powerful 5.4L SOHC V8 rated at 300 hp and 365 lb-ft.
With their two 4-cylinder engines and automatic transmissions, both cars were smooth and responsive.
The city and highway fuel economy of full-sized SUVs was predicted to be between 12 and 17 mpg at the time.
In addition to the XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim levels, consumers were offered a variety of practical, practical, and luxurious trim levels.
Its safety features were also improved by the addition of AdvanceTrac stability control.
Despite its many advantages, the 2006 Expedition had some flaws as well. There have been reports of brake wear and electronic glitches from time to time among some owners.
The Worst Years: 2003, 2004, 2005
A persistent source of spark plug blowouts and transmission problems is the Ford Expedition model from 2003, 2004, and 2005.
The electrical systems and transmissions of Ford Expeditions were criticized in 2003 for a number of problems.
With the first generation of the 5.4L Triton V8, spark plug blowouts were a problem.
The electrical system was also occasionally responsible for power outages and window regulators going bad.
Brake fluid leaked and rotor wear accelerated due to rusty brake lines, reducing braking effectiveness.
Additionally, transmission failures often resulted in engine stallings without warning.
Many consumer reports reported problems with electronic throttle controls, engines, and transmissions.
For 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006, you can find a list of Ford Expedition recalls and complaints at the NHTSA.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 3rd Generation (2007-2017)
For the third generation of the Ford Expedition (2007-2017), striking design changes and technological advancements boosted its status as a leading SUV.
If you are looking for a Ford Expedition of this generation, you should avoid the years 2007-2008, 2011-2012. In the model years 2013-2017, Ford Expedition was at its most reliable and at its best.
The Best Years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Is there a best year to buy a used Ford Expedition? According to Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, Cars.com, and J.D. Power, the Ford Expedition experienced significantly fewer recalls and complaints from NHTSA in 2013 through 2017.
Two engines typically powered these models: a 5.4L V8 (2007-2014) with 310 horsepower and 365 pounds-feet of torque, and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (2015-2017).
Both options had an initial 6-speed 6R80 automatic transmission and achieved approximately 15 and 21 mpg in the city and highway respectively.
Later on, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels were added to the XLT and Limited trim levels.
In addition to the SYNC 3 infotainment system, blind-spot monitoring, and Trailer Backup Assist, these vehicles also feature advanced technology.
The Neutral Years: 2009, 2010
From 2009 to 2010, the Expedition performed middle-of-the-road, without any glaring issues or extraordinary performances.
In these models, Ford introduced its MyKey system in 2010, which allowed drivers to adjust the maximum speed limit and audio volume.
It was still possible to get a powerful engine in these years, along with a sturdy 5.4L V8 engine.
It has been reported that some 2009 Ford Expedition owners are experiencing paint peeling problems.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012
What are the best Ford Expedition years to avoid? You should steer clear of the 2007 Ford Expedition, 2008 Ford Expedition, 2011 Ford Expedition, and 2012 Ford Expedition. The reason for this is:
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.
Ford Expeditions with fuel rail crossover hoses that leak were also recalled in 2007.
The Ford Expedition will have a good year in 2011? The opposite is true. In 2011 and 2012, Ford Expedition models with 6R80 transmissions experienced an unexpected downshift. To address the issue, Ford issued a recall.
Ford Expedition models with the 6R80 transmissions experienced a downshift unexpectedly in 2011 and 2012. A recall was issued by Ford in response
On the NHTSA website, you will find a list of recalls and complaints relating to Ford Expedition between 2007 and 2012.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 4th Generation (2018-2023)
As a four-generation vehicle, the Ford Expedition has made significant strides in terms of quality of mechanics, refined interiors, and modern technology.
In terms of the Ford Expedition years, the most reliable are 2022 and 2023. There are three Ford Expedition years that you should avoid: 2018, 2020, and 2021.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023
The Ford Expedition models for 2022 and 2023 feature significant improvements and minimize issues, making them the best of the fourth generation.
In some trim levels, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine delivers 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, while in standard models, it delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet.
Transmissions on these models are ten-speed 10R80 SelectShift automatics. The vehicles do, however, maintain reasonable fuel economy, earning around 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Furthermore, there are a variety of trim levels with different levels of luxury, such as XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum.
As well as lane-keeping assistance, Ford also offered Co-Pilot360, a modern feature that combines blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance.
The Neutral Years: 2019
The 2019 Ford Expedition balances performance and reliability. It is neither incredibly problematic nor completely flawless.
Among the highlights were Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system and enhanced driver assistance features. Although the 3.5L V6 received much criticism, it still received a lot of praise.
It appears that hard shifting or cam phaser failure is causing rattling and knocking noises coming from under the hood.
The reasonable balance of its advanced features makes it a desirable choice among its peers, despite its advanced features and few critical issues.
The Worst Years: 2018, 2020, 2021
The Ford Expedition years 2018, 2020, and 2021 are categorized as the years to avoid due to numerous recalls and complaints from owners.
Welds in the fuel pump assembly could fracture, and there could be dislodged gear shift cable clips in the 10-speed transmission, which could indicate a false “Park” setting.
In addition to frequent glitches and malfunctioning auto start/stop systems, the infotainment system was also prone to malfunctions.
Among the biggest concerns about the 2020 Ford Expedition was its 10-speed transmission. There was frequent jerking, slipping, and hard shifting with the transmission.
Further damage was done to the Ford Expedition’s reputation when it was recalled due to the risk of fire in the engine compartment when parked.
At the NHTSA website, you can find recalls and complaints for Ford Expeditions from 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
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Conclusion
The Ford Expedition has performed best during the years 2013-2017 and 2022-2023, according to its extensive historical record. The Expedition is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Through these years, a combination of modern features and reliability has been ensured.
What is your favorite or least favorite Ford Expedition model?
We’d love to hear your thoughts!
