2018 Ford Expedition power train problems
146 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 Ford Expedition — 39% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My 2018 Ford Expedition with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine has developed a pronounced rattling/knocking noise at startup. This appears consistent with the well documented cam phaser/VCT problem affecting this engine family. At approximately 118,212 miles, an independent Firestone Complete Auto Care…”
filed Sep 11, 2026
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently shifted into park. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the transmission brake error message was displayed. The vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was…”
filed Aug 20, 2026
“Transmission that's was replaced approx 3 yrs ago is hard shifting from park to drive and park to reverse on flat level surface.”
filed Aug 20, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park…Campaign 26V402000 · Jun 24, 2026
- A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of…Campaign 18V213000 · Apr 4, 2018
- Gear shift cable clip may not be properly seated, allowing the transmission to be in a…Campaign 18V214000 · Apr 4, 2018
Related service bulletins
This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2132. Reason for update: update the Part List Description and Labor Times Description Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following…
TSB 25-2476 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 30, 2025
Power Train problems in other Expedition years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Expedition | 4 | 13% |
| 2024 Expedition | 5 | 7% |
| 2023 Expedition | 11 | 17% |
| 2022 Expedition | 15 | 13% |
| 2021 Expedition | 110 | 47% |
| 2020 Expedition | 260 | 63% |
| 2019 Expedition | 217 | 44% |
| 2017 Expedition | 51 | 14% |
| 2016 Expedition | 36 | 17% |
| 2015 Expedition | 29 | 18% |
| 2014 Expedition | 34 | 47% |
| 2013 Expedition | 43 | 47% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Ford Expedition
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.