2021 Ford Expedition problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 232 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Expedition, filed between 2021-08-21 and 2026-09-10. The most common problem areas are the power train (110, 47%), engine (55, 24%) and electrical system (23, 10%). Owners reported 3 crashes, 4 fires and 5 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Ford Expedition complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 110 | 47% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine | 55 | 24% | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 28 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 10% | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Visibility | 13 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 10 | 4% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 9 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 9 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 1% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 2 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 110 complaints
- 110 complaints of 232 (47%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 13 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Ford Expedition; the recall, campaign 26V402000, says: “The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.”
Engine: 55 complaints
- 55 complaints of 232 (24%) name the engine.
- 13 of them also name the power train; owners reported 3 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Ford Expedition; the recall, campaign 22V346000, says: “An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.”
Electrical system: 23 complaints
- 23 complaints of 232 (10%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 9 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 fires and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Ford Expedition covers this system.
Visibility: 13 complaints
- 13 complaints of 232 (6%) name the visibility — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 9 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Ford Expedition; the latest, campaign 26V204000, says: “The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 232 (4%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 2 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Ford Expedition covers this system.
Structure: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 232 (4%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 2 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Ford Expedition; the recall, campaign 26V368000, says: “The chrome plating on the center console may bubble and peel, resulting in sharp edges.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2023 | 33 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 53 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names EXPEDITION, EXPEDITION EL, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Ford Expedition recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Expedition?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Ford Expedition's most common problem areas are the power train (110 of 232 complaints), engine (55 of 232 complaints) and electrical system (23 of 232 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Ford Expedition have?
NHTSA has 232 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Expedition, including 3 reported crashes and 4 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford Expedition's problems?
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2021 Ford Expedition; 4 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.