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2013 Ford Expedition Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Ford Expedition has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission downshift and molded leadframe failure.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Ford Expedition.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission downshift and molded leadframe failure

POWER TRAIN

40 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2026-07

“MY 2013 FORD EXPEDITION TRANSMISSION UNEXPECTEDLY DOWNSHIFTS TO A LOWER GEAR WITHOUT INPUT FROM THE DRIVER CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING, OR THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT UP TO A HIGHER GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11206499
“We were going down a road around 60 mph and with no warning or symptom the car downshifted from 6th to 1st gear. This caused the rear end to lock up causing the tires to squeal and spin the car around sideways in the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671030
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission molded leadframe”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11566073

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front strut fluid leak and failure

SUSPENSION

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2016-10

“BOTH FRONT STRUTS LEAKING FLUID AFTER ONLY 36,000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10903779
“LEFT FRONT STRUT FAILED LOSING CHARGE AND CAUSING UNSAFE STEERING AND SUSPENSION MOVEMENT WITH LESS THAN 31K MILES. RIGHT REAR STRUT FAILED SHORTLY AFTER. FORD STATES THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE BUT NO RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10816811
“THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED AT 26,344 ON 6/30.16 AND NOW IN OCTOBER 2016 THE NEW ONES ARE ALSO LEAKING OIL AND NOT WORKING. I DRIVE ON PAVED ROADS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10915789

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cruise control self-engagement

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2018-08

“CRUISE CONTROL SELF ENGAGES AND ACCELERATES. TAPPING BREAK OR PRESS THE OFF SWITCH WILL DEACTIVATE, BUT CRUISE WILL CONTINUALLY SELF ENGAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11118392
“WHILE DRIVING (SPEEDS RANGING FROM 25MPH- 70MPH) THE CRUISE CONTROL ON OUR 2013 FORD EXPEDITION LIMITED EL WILL SELF ENGAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11019916

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Lug nut swelling and seizing

WHEELS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2021-09 → 2022-08

“Lug Nuts cannot be removed due to defective design. Impossible to properly maintain tires or to remove wheel in case of roadside emergency”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11481322
“During a recent oil change and tire rotation, my mechanic advised the lug nuts on my tires needed to be replaced due to swelling and distortion”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11434668

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

5.4L engine failure requiring replacement

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2025-08

“On or about [XXX], with no warning or indication of problem the vehicle experienced what was determined to be a catastrophic internal engine failure, with only 93840 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682595
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power without warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11475011
“THE NUMBER FOUR SPARK PLUG ISSUE WITH THE 5.4L V8 ENGINE AND PHASER CAUSED MY ENGINE TO FAIL. THIS IS THE SECOND FORD VEHICLE THAT I HAVE OWNED THAT THIS HAPPENED TO AND FORD HAS DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE THIS LONG KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE PHASERS AND NUMBER FOUR SPARK PLUGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11231252

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment failure and seal rupture

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2024-03

“The contact stated that the driver's side and the passenger's side roof air bags were deployed; however, the front driver's side air bag failed to deploy, causing the contact to hit her face and her head against the steering wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579923
“WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE "T-BONED" ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10956060
“The airbag case/seal is ruptured and splitting in the center of the steering wheel and looks like it will self-deploy on its own. Their airbag warning light is NOT illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11538844

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Under-dash electrical wiring fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-05 → 2024-03

“The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in the daughter's driveway, a mist was present coming from the vents, and moments later the horn activated and flames were seem coming from under the front passenger side dashboard”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579872
“WHEN TURNING THE CAR ON THE FRONT AIR CONDITIONER VENTS WON'T BLOW MOST OF THE TIME. IF THE WIRING UNDER THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS TAPPED/BUMPED IT WILL THEN START BLOWING. IT STOPS BLOWING AND STARTS BLOWING AGAIN WHEN BUMPED. THE WIRING GETS HOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11362136
“WHOLE CAR BURNT WITHIN LESS THAN 5 MIN, AIR CONDITION WAS WORKING FRONT BLOWER STOPPED WORKING, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM DASHBOARD, RAN OUT OF THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10716867

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

8 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Ford Expedition reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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