2008 Ford Expedition Problems
Compared with other Ford Expedition years
Typical for this model
48/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical Ford Expedition year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 36 of its 146 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Paint bubbling and peeling on body panels (26 complaints, median 73,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2010, 2011
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 146filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles, 117 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 5.4L 8-cyl RWD · 12 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Ford Expedition (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about two things: brakes that go soft or lose assist, and paint/corrosion problems on aluminum body panels. A smaller but notable group describes the vehicle accelerating on its own or surging while braking, and several describe delayed or harsh transmission engagement. Mileage at the time of the complaint varies widely, from nearly new vehicles to ones well past 100,000 miles.
- Brakes
Brake pedal goes soft or low, reduced stopping
- 18 complaints (12%)
- median 69,213 mi at 7.0 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2022
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking toward the floor, sometimes needing several pumps to restore a firm pedal, and in some cases the vehicle not slowing as expected. Owners report taking the vehicle to the dealer and being told the master cylinder or hydraulic control valve needed replacement, and some say the problem returned after repairs. Others describe the ABS or stability-control light coming on at the same time, or the ABS engaging when it shouldn't. Reported from as little as a few hundred miles to past 100,000 miles, at a wide range of speeds and in both dry and wet conditions.
What to check: On a test drive, press the pedal firmly at a standstill and again while rolling — it should feel firm at a consistent height. Ask whether the master cylinder or ABS components have been replaced, and whether the ABS light has ever come on.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driving vehicle brake function seems normal, but randomly the brake pedal will depress far lower in order to brake. After a few pumps it rises and brakes at a higher position. I took the car to the mechanic who had previously replaced the brake pads and found nothing wrong, also during week long test drive mechanic did not have same experience. I have had the experience 5-6 times, and spouse has also had the brake pedal go too far down before it brakes. This issue has happened at high & lo speeds street & highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11344020, filed 2020-08, 155,000 miles“Stopping at a red light and brake pedal went almost to floor. Had vehicle checked by local Ford dealer and they could find nothing wrong. Vehicle brakes have to be pumped a couple of times every time they are used. Took it back to Ford dealer. They say it is master cylinder. Ordered one over a week ago. Ford supply is all out and has a national back order which makes it sound as if I am not the only one with the brake problem although I cannot find a recall on it. Dealer is attempting to find a master cylinder through another source.”
NHTSA complaint #10559230, filed 2014-01, 45,200 miles - Brakes
Traction control/ABS engages on its own, longer stops
- 17 complaints (12%)
- median 46,794 mi at 4.0 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2020
Complaints describe the traction-control or stability-control light illuminating during normal driving, followed by the ABS or stability system cutting in and the vehicle taking longer to stop or not stopping as expected. Owners report dealers replacing a yaw sensor, steering angle sensor, or ABS module, and some say the warning returned afterward. A few mention the steering wheel shaking under braking at the same time. Mostly reported between roughly 3,000 and 82,000 miles, often at low to moderate speeds on dry pavement.
What to check: Check that the ABS and stability-control lights behave normally (come on briefly at start-up, then go out). Ask if any wheel-speed, yaw, or steering-angle sensors have been replaced and whether the ABS module has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2008 Ford Expedition el I have been having an issue with my anti-lock braking system since I purchased my vehicle. My ABS light will start blinking on the dashboard for no apparent reason whether I am on wet or dry roads. When I go to apply the brakes, my truck will go into ABS mode causing the my car to stutter upon stopping. I have been to the dealer about 20 times as they have sealed my steering column stating that the sunlight is somehow hitting the sensor. That didn't work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10348751, filed 2010-08, 15,000 miles“I purchased a 2008 Ford Expedition in dec 07. In oct 08 when my wife applied the brakes at approx 40 MPH the traction control light came on, the ABS took over, and the steering wheel began to shake violently and the vehicle was extremely hard for my wife to stop and she rolled past the stop sign and was almost hit by another vehicle. The vehicle was returned to the dealer for the repair. This has happened a total of four times, three times it has been to the dealer for the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10257038, filed 2009-01, 9,000 miles - Body and structure
Paint bubbling and peeling on body panels
- 26 complaints (18%)
- median 73,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- filed 2008–2019
Owners describe paint bubbling, flaking, or peeling on aluminum panels — commonly the hood, around the hood latch, the liftgate, and rear body areas — sometimes with a gritty or powdery appearance underneath. Complaints say dealers and the manufacturer declined free repair, citing warranty or mileage limits, and that no recall covers the paint. A related group describes corrosion or rust on the hood bracket, rocker panels, or subframe found during maintenance. Reported across a wide mileage range, from near-new vehicles to over 150,000 miles, often noticed years into ownership.
What to check: Inspect the hood edges, around the hood latch, the liftgate, and lower body panels for bubbling, flaking paint, or white powdery residue. Look underneath at the subframe and rocker panels for rust, especially in areas with road salt.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The paint on the rear of my truck starting coming off. I read online that many Ford Expedition owners have this same complaint and that some owners have taken Ford to court to fix this. This is not right. It is a well maintained vehicle and the paint only in the rear starts bubbling up and then falling off. I think this should be fixed by Ford. This is a very expensive vehicle. I have a 2000 crown victoria with no paint falling off.”
NHTSA complaint #10749609, filed 2015-08, 95,000 miles“I have a 2008 Ford Expedition that has paint corrosion around the front hood latch. I had an estimate done by a local body shop and he pointed this out to me. He said it will eventually corrode through and the hood will fly open.”
NHTSA complaint #10403782, filed 2011-05, 61,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Unintended acceleration or engine surging
- 12 complaints (8%)
- median 44,382 mi at 4.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2019
Complaints describe the vehicle accelerating on its own or the engine revving high without driver input, sometimes while pulling into a parking space, at a stoplight, or when shifting out of reverse. Owners report having to shift into neutral or park and shut the engine off to regain control; several say dealers inspected the vehicle and could not reproduce the problem or find a fault. Some mention brake components overheating or smoking during the event. Reported from under 1,000 miles up to about 114,000 miles, at both low and highway speeds.
What to check: Ask the seller whether any throttle-body, pedal, or cruise-control work has been done and whether the check engine light has ever been on. During the test drive, let off the accelerator and confirm the throttle returns to idle cleanly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Pulling into the garage and the car spontaneously accelerated causing me to slam on brakes. This is the second time the car started accelerating spontaneously since I purchased it. The first time I was stopped at a stoplight with my foot on the brake when the car started revving and wanted to jump forward, if I hadn't through the car into park I would have hit the car in front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #10569150, filed 2014-03, 96,000 miles“While driving approximately 45 MPH my vehicle started to accelerate by itself. I would brake hard and the engine would rev high. I ran two stop signs. I tried to put it into neutral and I couldn't get it to go. I did not attempt to shut it off while driving. After about 2 miles I swung the vehicle into a vacant lot braked hard and turned the vehicle off. This took place on a two way city street.”
NHTSA complaint #10966464, filed 2017-03, 80,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Delayed or harsh transmission engagement
- 12 complaints (8%)
- median 65,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2019
Complaints describe a knocking noise from the transmission at low speed, a forward lunge or jerk when slowing or accelerating, and delayed engagement into drive or reverse. Owners report the dealer replacing the drive plate and screen assembly in one case, and being told the transmission needed replacement in another; at least one owner said the repair did not resolve the noise. Mostly reported between about 20,000 and 121,000 miles, with some owners noting the behavior on cold starts.
What to check: From a cold start, shift into drive and reverse and note how quickly it engages and whether it clunks. Ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced and whether any valve-body or drive-plate work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On 2 separate events my Ford Expedition rolled down the driveway when it was in parked with foot brake engaged. I took it to the Ford service department and they claim they could not find any issues. This weekend with transmission in park and foot brake engaged the vehicle rolled backwards again almost running over me.”
NHTSA complaint #10312780, filed 2010-02, 26,545 miles“My girlfriend and I came home, I placed the SUV in park. I was fully out of the vehicle when my girlfriend informed me that the keys were still in the ignition. I reached into the vehicle to take the keys out of the ignition, the car was what I assumed to be off. The SUV begin to reverse. The driveway was on an incline and I almost got ran over by the vehicle. There was a clicking noise like the gear was trying to catch. …”
NHTSA complaint #11217409, filed 2019-06, 131,000 miles
Buying note. These complaints center on brakes and body corrosion, so a thorough test drive with hard and soft braking, plus a close look at panel seams and the underside, matters more than mileage alone. Ask for service records showing brake hydraulic and transmission work, since several owners report repeat repairs for the same symptom.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 146 consumer complaints for the 2008 Ford Expedition. 117 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 62,000 miles. Of all complaints, 24 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 20 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 31 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Ford Expedition model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 48 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure34 23%
- Brakes33 23%
- Transmission and drivetrain14 9.6%
- Vehicle speed control13 8.9%
- Other or unknown11 7.5%
- Electrical system9 6.2%
- Fuel system9 6.2%
- Suspension6 4.1%
Also reported: Engine (5), Air bags (4), Equipment (4), Latches, locks and linkages (4), Tires (4), Engine cooling (3), Seat belts (2), Seats (2), Steering (2), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “The tailgate on my 2008 Ford Expedition el is bubbling and cracking where the lift gate is. I believe this to be a major defect in the way this model vehicle was built. I have seen numerous '08 el's with the same problem. It looks as if underneath the paint has sever rusting. This is definitely something that Ford needs to take responsibility for.”
NHTSA complaint #10550823, filed 2013-11, 50,000 milesBrakes: “When driving during normal dry weather the traction control randomly comes on when it shouldn't and has caused the brakes to fail and the vehicle not stopping when the brakes are pressed. I have have owned the vehicle only 7 weeks and have had this issue with the brakes occur on 3 occasions. Luckily, 2 of the times I was in a rural area but the 3rd time I was on a busy city street and ran through a red light narrowly missing having an accident. Each time this has occurred my speed was below 45mph. I did some research on this issue and found several blogs online of people with the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11351412, filed 2020-08, 161,240 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My truck was put in park and I couldn't put the car in gear. I was stranded with my family for 1 1/2 . I had to do research so I went to the internet on my cell phone and found out that it was the break light switch. I also read the manual and it said to replace the fuse . I did that and it still wouldn't go into gear. I had my wife stand in the back of the car while I depressed the brakes and the light wouldn't go on. After reading on line someone had mentioned to go under the dash board and giggle the switch by the break peddle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10667501, filed 2014-12, 56,000 milesVehicle speed control: “I was driving down the highway coming to a red light and I left off the pedal and my vehicle kept going it would not slow down. The rpms finally came down and I was able to stop. Then I went home and put it in park and the rpms went up on its on. All the way up to 3k RPM. I had to put my foot under the pedal and pull up. This is very dangerous. I have already paid Ford $195 for them to clean throttle body and did not fix. Can't afford to take it back.”
NHTSA complaint #10631309, filed 2014-09, 139,800 milesMileage when problems were reported
41% of the 117 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 31,000 and 96,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Ford Expedition. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition · sedan (side air bags) AWD/2WD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Expedition · extended 4 dr w/sab AWD/2WD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 19.8% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Ford Expedition version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition 2WD | 5.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 12 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 08V166000Apr 11, 2008Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systemsCovers: Ford Expedition 2008, Lincoln Navigator 2008
Ford is recalling 158 my 2008 expedition and lincoln navigator vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) and the limo builders package for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138, z"tire…
- 08V058000Feb 5, 2008Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Ford Expedition 2007–2008, Lincoln Navigator 2007–2008
Ford is recalling 123,632 my 2007-2008 expedition and lincoln navigator vehicles. The door handle housing embossment retaining the bottom of the interior door handle spring on all side doors may fracture during normal customer usage. This can result in…
- 07V541000Nov 21, 2007Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Ford Expedition 2008, F-250 2008, F-350 2008 +1 more
Certain vehicles fail to conform to the requirements specified in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the driver air bag module may not have been properly assembled.
Recall details for the 2008 Ford Expedition → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 31 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Body and structure. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code…
- 11005305Jul 24, 2024Wheels. This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150…
- 10254138Apr 24, 2024Equipment. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should…
- 10243490Sep 7, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the…
- 10235153Apr 4, 2023Body and structure. For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement…
- 10214754Jun 21, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial…
- 10181917Oct 16, 2020Wheels, Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial…
- 10177863Jul 13, 2020Body and structure. This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns…
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
Other model years of the Ford Expedition
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 800 | 2 | 5 | 19 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 38 | 7,300 | 6 | 5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 79 | 15,263 | 7 | 5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 65 | 38,000 | 8 | 5 | 19 | 70 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 116 | 30,000 | 12 | 5 | 19 | 75 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 241 | 43,000 | 12 | 5 | 19 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 425 | 62,968 | 18 | 5 | 19 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 522 | 73,000 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 83 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 382 | 55,868 | 14 | 5 | 20 | 85 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 357 | 77,276 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 217 | 66,760 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 52 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 164 | 68,000 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 72 | 90,000 | 0 | 4 | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2013 | 92 | 90,250 | 0 | 4 | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 118 | 82,000 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 14 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2011 | 71 | 55,000 | 0 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 58 | 52,813 | 0 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 28 | 61,000 | 1 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 146 | 62,000 | 3 | — | 14 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 215 | 61,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 299 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 315 | 74,940 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 297 | 76,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 615 | 79,850 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 340 | 83,500 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 578 | 90,500 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 890 | 91,000 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 946 | 98,976 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 836 | 110,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 853 | 120,000 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Ford Expedition model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Expedition?
Owners of this model year most often write about two things: brakes that go soft or lose assist, and paint/corrosion problems on aluminum body panels. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal goes soft or low, reduced stopping; Traction control/ABS engages on its own, longer stops; Paint bubbling and peeling on body panels.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Ford Expedition have?
NHTSA recorded 146 consumer complaints for the 2008 Ford Expedition as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Ford Expedition is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 34 complaints (23% of the total), followed by brakes with 33.
Has the 2008 Ford Expedition been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Ford Expedition get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Ford Expedition (Expedition 2WD, 5.4L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 12 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Ford Expedition reported?
Among the 117 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 62,000 miles and the middle half falls between 31,000 and 96,000 miles; 41% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.