Full-Size Body-on-Frame SUV

Ford Expedition

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Worth considering for the right buyer

#3 of 10in Full-Size Body-on-Frame SUV

223 sources · updated June 2026

⚠ Elevated risk

10R80 transmission in 2018-2023 models fails systematically, often requiring rebuild or full replacement before 100k miles at a cost of $7k-10k. Multiple independent owners report the same failure pattern: vibration at 25mph, slipping under load, then complete failure. Ford issued service bulletins but failures persist even after dealer repairs.

This full-size SUV splits into two distinct stories. The first-generation trucks with the 4.6L V8 were unkillable, owners routinely hit 400k-500k miles with nothing but oil changes, but rust ate the bodies and air suspension failures totaled otherwise healthy trucks. The current generation (2018-2024) offers serious space, strong towing, and genuine family comfort, but the 10R80 transmission is a documented weak point: multiple owners report rebuilds or replacements before 100k miles at $7k-10k out of pocket. If you're buying used in the 60k-100k mile range, budget for transmission work or get an extended warranty that covers it. The 2025-2026 redesign brings a polarizing oblong steering wheel and touch-heavy controls that owners either adapt to or never stop resenting. Buy this if you need the space and towing capacity, can afford the warranty, and don't mind that it drives more like a truck than a luxury cruiser. Walk if you're stretching the budget or buying high-mileage without coverage.

The generation that matters

This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.

1st generation (1997–2002)

1997–2002

Compromised

Widely driven to death across multiple owners; notorious for rust (especially rear rockers/wheel wells), air suspension failures, and poor durability. Most were scrapped via Cash for Clunkers or stripped in junkyards. Clean survivors are rare and noteworthy.

2nd–3rd generation (2003–2017)

2003–2017

Solid

The 4.6L 2V and later 3.5L EcoBoost engines are praised for reliability (often exceeding 300k–500k miles). Main weakness is the 4-speed and later 10-speed transmissions, which commonly fail around 100k–300k miles but are otherwise well-regarded workhorses.

4th generation (2018–2024)

2018–2024

Mixed

The 10R80 transmission is a known problem (CDF drum failures, rough shifting, multiple rebuilds reported). Owners report major issues clustering around 60k–100k miles. Extended warranties are strongly recommended and often pay for themselves.

5th generation (2025+)

2025+

Mixed

Redesigned with new tech and split tailgate, but early adopters report frustration with complex infotainment, unlabeled steering controls, and oblong steering wheel. Powertrain is strong (400–440 hp), but handling remains truckish and clumsy compared to GM rivals.

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Common complaints6 issues

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−10R80 transmission in 2018-2023 models prone to failure, often requiring rebuild or replacement before 100k miles

−First-generation models suffered severe rust issues, especially rear rockers and wheel wells

−Air suspension failures on older models expensive to repair, often totaling the vehicle

−2025-2026 redesign features controversial oblong steering wheel and touch-heavy controls

−High repair costs once out of warranty, even for minor components

−5.4L Triton engines (older gens) notorious for spark plug breakage in cylinder heads

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What owners praise7 strengths

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Spacious three-row seating with excellent cargo capacity for families

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Powerful 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo engine with strong towing capability

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First-generation models (1997-2005) with 4.6L 2V engine extremely durable, many reaching 400k-500k miles

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More family-friendly seating layout than GM competitors

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Comfortable ride quality, especially with adaptive suspension in higher trims

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Better fuel economy than GM V8 competitors due to EcoBoost engine

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Strong resale value retention for well-maintained examples

📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric

High confidence▼

223 sources analysed with long-term owner data present

223 sources analysed — strong data quality

Reliability & Durability(22%)6.0

18 positive vs 12 negative long-term reports

User Sentiment(22%)6.7

1,847 positive upvotes vs 892 negative upvotes

Complaint Severity(16%)6.7

Complaints: 8 cosmetic, 22 functional, 15 systematic, 0 safety

Consensus Strength(8%)2.7

Opinion is use-case dependent — product divides opinion by intended use

Value for Money(15%)5.3

7 'worth it', 4 'overpriced', 3 mention better-value alternatives

Owner Advocacy(17%)9.0

8 repurchased/gifted, 11 unprompted recommendations, 2 regrets

⚠ Systematic failure pattern reported by multiple independent owners

Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.

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Specifications2025

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Pricing

Starting MSRP

$64,995

Range

$64,995 - $86,595

Capability

Towing capacity

9,600 lbs

Ground clearance