2020 Ford Expedition Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2020 Ford Expedition carries 18 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering mid/rear assembly and camera. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission harsh shifting, slipping, and power loss.” 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.

18 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Campaign #20V366000 · Jun 23, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The attachment bracket for the driver's side second-row seat headrest may not have been sufficiently welded to the seat frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Risk: An improperly welded headrest bracket 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 dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began July 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C12.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #20V575000 · Sep 23, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #20V574000 · Sep 23, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition vehicles. The seat belt tension sensor may incorrectly classify a child occupant as an adult.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the incorrect classification would enable the passenger air bag to deploy instead of disabling it, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S54.

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

Campaign #20V197000 · Mar 4, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.

Risk: If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S18.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #20V217000 · Apr 16, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition vehicles. The front passenger seatbelt buckle's Belt Tension Sensor (BTS) may malfunction and may result in the seat occupant being misclassified.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide the intended level of protection, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seatbelt buckle, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S17.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #20V262000 · Aug 5, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with camera-only Pre-Collision Assist feature. Vehicles built with the optional radar-plus-camera Pre-Collision Assist system are not affected. Due to incorrect coding of interfacing modules, the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, and the driver cannot access the menu functions necessary to enable the Pre-Collision Assist feature.

Risk: If the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram software for the Body Control Module, Antilock Braking System, Instrument Panel Cluster and Headlamp Control Modules, and reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System, 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 20S20.

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.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Campaign #22V250000 · Apr 14, 2022

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.

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:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #25V346000 · May 23, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Navigator vehicles that were repaired incorrectly under recall 20V262. The Pre-Collision Assist features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, are not functional due to a software error.

Risk: Inoperative pre-collision assist features that fail to perform as expected can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S56.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #25V442000 · Jun 27, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

ENGINE

Campaign #25V628000 · Sep 19, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's numbers for this recall are 22S36 and 22S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 23, 2025.

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 2020 Ford Expedition.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA
  • Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance

    Action #RQ21002 · opened Aug 3, 2021

    On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No. 20V-575), recalling 620,246 Model Year (MY) 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, a…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission harsh shifting, slipping, and power loss

POWER TRAIN

122 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2026-08

My 2020 Ford Expedition has a transmission problem. The vehicle has harsh shifting, slipping, hesitation, jerking/lunging, and abnormal shifting while driving
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748100
While overtaking another vehicle on the interstate at 75 mph, a loud clunk was heard and drive power was temporarily lost as the car slowed by 20 mph. The transmission subsequently reengaged, enabling the vehicle to regain speed
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695591
On at least 5 separate occasions the vehicle has slowed significantly and failed to downshift in order to accelerate. This has been accompanied by high transmission temps and power train warnings
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736590

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Rearview camera blank or distorted display

BACK OVER PREVENTION

10 NHTSA complaints · 2024-11 → 2026-06

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted or blank. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (Back Over Prevention)
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11696149
The rear back up camera has recently been glitching and most times has a solid blue screen when car is in reverse
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657750
The rear backup camera intermittently displays a blank or distorted image. I noticed online that there was a recall (20V575000) as follows. However, my Ford dealership says they are not honoring it for my vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11625220

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Sunroof and rear glass shattering without impact

VISIBILITY

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-04 → 2026-06

Sunroof explosion while driving on the highway. Loud bang rattled the driver and passenger. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, but it could have been catastrophic for our vehicle and the vehicles around us if control was not maintained
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652138
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound and the sun/moon roof glass shattered overhead
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745623
The first incident occurred while the vehicle was parked and unattended. There was no accident, no object strike, and no visible prior damage. The rear back glass suddenly exploded outward, creating a dangerous situation due to flying glass fragments
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11721235

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Center console chrome trim sharp edge

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2026-06 → 2026-07

The center console metal trim has peeled and left a razer sharp edge. I cut my finger really bad. Had to keep it bandaged over a week. I cannot seem to remove the sharp edges. I had to put a piece of duck tape over it to prevent getting cut again
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746189
We had our expedition in regarding fixing the peeling/lifting chrome piece of the center console over a year ago. It of course was not covered under warranty. However last August I was cleaning my car out and received a large cut on my hand from the exposed edge
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11744244

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Recall repair parts unavailability

SEAT BELTS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2025-04 → 2026-03

Seatbelts have been recalled but no fix has been approved, Ford says 3rd quarter of 2025, but we are now nearly in the 4th quarter
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11689882
I’m reporting a parts‑availability problem with Ford recall 22S36/22S48 on my 2020 Expedition. My VIN shows the recall in FordPass and my dealer confirmed it, but they cannot get the replacement battery junction box
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724915
Safety recall issued but no parts and no date set. Go on record as stating the safety recall was issued, dealer contacted but no repair available and no estimated date
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11656301

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Daytime running light and headlight dimming failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2026-06

Daytime Running Light has failed on passenger headlight. This condition makes the vehicle less visible to others. The only remedy for this issue is to replace the entire headlight which approaches $2000 for a single headlight
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725953
The daytime running lights go dim, completely fail, or turn purple, as has happened on my 2020 Ford Expedition Platinum. This has created a safety issue due to the DRLs no longer functioning as intended
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745164

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Unintended shift into park while driving

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2025-12 → 2026-08

The parking pawl engaged while I was on I-77 traveling 70mph, causing the transmission to inadvertently shift into park causing the jolt and sounds I described
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754918
Took the car to the ford dealership the dealership advised me that the " PARKING PAWL" was damaged and was part of Fords recall. There is currently no fix for this recall and nothing they could do
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750025
At highway speed of 70 mph vehicle briefly went into park and shut entire vehicle down, vert traumatized and injured my head from the brief shutdown, could have caused a fatal accident
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748374

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Seat belt pretensioner deployment and retractor lockup

SEAT BELTS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2026-08

While driving on a public road, the recalled driver's side seatbelt pretensioner (Recall 26S34) spontaneously exploded without a crash. The seatbelt violently locked on my body, causing friction burns and bruising to my skin while the explosion caused hearing loss in my left ear
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753993
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was a loud pop, and smelled a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the contact’s child cried out in pain, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682457
Every time I put seatbelt on in passenger side it locks up and it stays in that position until I take it off. I can pull on it and it will not move at all I will unusually have to take it off and put on again just for the same thing to happen
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626040

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

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.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

7

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 2020 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.