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2019 Ford Expedition Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Ford Expedition carries 11 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering gear position indication (prndl) and recliner. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Seat belt retractor and buckle lock-up.” 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.

11 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Campaign #20V263000 · Aug 5, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.

Risk: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S21.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Campaign #19V633000 · Aug 28, 2019

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #19V773000 · Oct 28, 2019

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The rear suspension toe link fasteners may not have been properly tightened to the frame, possibly allowing separation from the frame.

Risk: A disconnected toe link can cause a sudden change to vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the rear toe link fasteners, check and adjust the rear toe alignment, and inspect the rear tires for abnormal tire wear, replacing them if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S36.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Campaign #23V420000 · Sep 6, 2023

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Risk: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #24V099000 · Sep 2, 2024

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S06.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #24V852000 · Aug 11, 2024

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #25V197000 · May 23, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S31. Some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24V-099 and did not have parts replaced will need to have this new recall remedy completed.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #25V886000 · Dec 18, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V263. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.

Risk: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C71. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 15, 2026.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #26V344000 · May 27, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:CENTER CONSOLE

Campaign #26V368000 · Sep 6, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Expedition vehicles. The chrome plating on the center console may bubble and peel, resulting in sharp edges.

Risk: Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the center consoles as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S38. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 10, 2026.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #26V402000 · Jun 24, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Ford Expedition.

Reported to NHTSA

Seat belt retractor and buckle lock-up

SEAT BELTS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2024-12 → 2026-07

“Middle row right side and middle row left side seat seatbelt retractor pretensioners are malfunctioning and causing the seat belts to lock up while the vehicle is in and driving. I have received alerts on my ford pass for this issue as well”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11744221
“The contact stated that the rear-row driver’s side seat belt failed to extend as intended and seized”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11628774
“the catch mechanism in passenger middle row and driver middle row are not working you cannot wear a seat belt currently as the latch will not catch my children sit in these seats”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11720982

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission slipping to neutral during acceleration

POWER TRAIN

30 NHTSA complaints · 2024-11 → 2026-07

“When merging onto the unnerstate i accerlerated about 50-60% throttle and when i did it clunked hard and dropped from 8th gear to neutral and left me coasting down the innerstate for 30 seconds with my child in the car before the transmission would re engage”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747740
“Traveling at approximately 65 MPH and the transmission slipped into neutral and we began to lose speed while the engine freely revved, then it slammed back into gear violently”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664000
“When trying to accelerate hard, the transmission will suddenly go to neutral instead of shifting. This causes a pause in accelerating when you need. It will then slam in to gear a few seconds later with various warnings about the transmission showing on the dash”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11625758

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cam phaser rattle at engine start

ENGINE

32 NHTSA complaints · 2024-12 → 2026-07

“The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that after the engine reached normal operating temperatures, the rattling ceased; however, the failure became a regular occurrence”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11662194
“My engine makes a loud rattling noise upon start up and then a more discreet rattling while driving because of the cam phaser”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714651
“The vehicle began experiencing a loud cold-start rattle, engine timing issues, and check engine light illumination. The vehicle was diagnosed by a Ford dealership with internal VCT/cam phaser mechanical failure affecting engine timing and performance”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738045

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended shift into park and roll-away after parking

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2025-01 → 2026-07

“The vehicle electronically put itself in to park at 75 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11637843
“The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into park(P) on two separate occasions. There was an abnormally loud clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751599
“The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), the vehicle rolled unexpectedly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747279

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front seat belt pretensioner deployment without impact

SEAT BELTS

31 NHTSA complaints · 2025-06 → 2026-08

“While I, the driver, was parking the vehicle, there was a loud pop noise next to my ear. My seatbelt locked up in place and there was smoke coming from the seatbelt tensioner area of the car. The seatbelt will not move at all now”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754414
“The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the driver’s seat belt pretensioner exploded and locked the driver in extremely tightly. The contact was startled and lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle almost drove into a ditch”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750918
“Seatbelt pretensioner inadvertently exploded while driving the vehicle and locked the seatbelt”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683312

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Harsh shifting and delayed gear engagement

POWER TRAIN

43 NHTSA complaints · 2024-12 → 2026-07

“The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission was shifting hard when shifting from park (P) to drive (D) or reverse (R)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752119
“We experienced very hard shifting, delayed acceleration, lurching, and loss of power. We were unable to drive the vehicle without one or more of these things consistently happening”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677102
“I have started noticing rough shifting, delayed engagement, harsh shifts, and sometimes even slipping between gears. Have taken to the dealership and it is needing a whole new transmission”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638555

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Center console chrome trim cutting occupants' hands

STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-08

“The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign and reaching into the center console, the contact's ring finger touched the silver chrome trim near the sliding opening latch and was severely lacerated, almost severing it completely”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683251
“As I put my hand in the center console and took it out it was cut by the trimming. I than had to stop as I felt and noticed blood was dripping off my hand”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746386
“A few months later on June 7, 2022 my wife was injured when her hand was lacerated by a sharp piece of chrome trim in the console area of the same vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745415

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Daytime running light LED dimming or burnout

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-12 → 2025-12

“Daytime running light LEDs are failing, has turned purple and is very dim on the passenger side”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633317
“LED daytime running lights have failed and turned blue on one side. This issue appears to affect many vehicles of the same make and model”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694574
“The passenger side daytime running light has burned out. Daytime running lights are a safety feature for myself and other drivers”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652955

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 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)

19 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.

8

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2019 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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