2013 Ford Expedition Problems
Compared with other Ford Expedition years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.2× 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.
- 16 of its 92 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Sudden transmission downshift and power loss (39 complaints, median 114,500 mi).
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
- 92filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 90,250miles, 68 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 5.4L 8-cyl · flex-fuel RWD · 14 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Ford Expedition (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2013 Expedition most often describe transmission problems: sudden, unrequested downshifts, loss of power, and speedometer or gauge glitches, usually at highway speeds and typically beginning past 60,000 miles. A smaller but consistent group of complaints covers stalling or engine noise, electrical issues mostly around dash wiring and A/C blower controls, and strut or brake wear at low mileage.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Sudden transmission downshift and power loss
- 39 complaints (42%)
- median 114,500 mi at 6.7 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- filed 2016–2026
Complaints describe the transmission dropping into a lower gear without driver input, often at 50-70 mph, with the vehicle slowing abruptly, rear tires skidding, or the speedometer and fuel display dropping out. Many mention a wrench or check engine light and that restarting the vehicle temporarily restores normal operation. Dealers variously replaced the molded leadframe, the main control valve body, a speed sensor, or the transmission module, and in several cases the symptom returned. Some owners say the vehicle was not covered by the leadframe extended coverage program because of mileage or build date. Mostly reported between roughly 60,000 and 150,000 miles, often at highway speeds, with some cases well beyond 150,000.
What to check: Ask whether the molded leadframe extended coverage (10 years/150,000 miles) was used and whether any PCM reprogramming was done; test drive at highway speed and watch for unexpected downshifts or gauge dropouts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving the vehicle stalls and stays in first gear before launching forward. It also will affect the dashboard gages. They will randomly shut off and/or flash different sensors. I am writing this complaint because I see that it is under investigation and want to let you know it's happened to another vehicle. This is not safe for a family car.”
NHTSA complaint #11183942, filed 2019-03, 178,000 miles“While driving with my family of 3 kids on a 4-lane highway at about 60 MPH, the transmission downshifted into what I believe was 1st gear. The vehicle lunged forward, locked up or skidded the rear tires and slowed way down. After letting off the gas pedal, the vehicle drove at 20 MPH for a bit and then went back to acting normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11064913, filed 2018-01, 68,660 miles - Engine
Engine stalling, misfire, and upper engine noise
- 15 complaints (16%)
- median 95,833 mi at 6.1 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2016–2024
Owners describe the engine quitting or losing power with little or no warning, sometimes after a hesitation or loud noise, and in some cases a misfire led to engine replacement. Others report a tapping or ticking sound from one side of the engine bay that a dealer addressed by replacing rocker arms. Some complaints link rough running and misfire to camshaft or valvetrain wear on the 5.4L V8. Reported from roughly 30,000 to 100,000 miles, without a clear weather pattern.
What to check: Listen for ticking from the top of the engine at cold start and ask for service records on spark plugs, coils, and any camshaft or rocker work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The number four spark plug issue with the 5.4l v8 engine and phaser caused my engine to fail. This is the second Ford vehicle that I have owned that this happened to and Ford has done nothing to resolve this long known issue with the phasers and number four spark plugs. Please help small business owners who depend on vehicles. Ford needs to either pay for replacement motors or something. I spent $5000 on a new motor and Ford told me it is a known issue and to contact your agency as it is under investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #11231252, filed 2019-07, 85,000 miles“Several stalls followed by crank no start conditions over several months with no associated check engine light, code p0627 while vehicle in motion. 4m auto service center abilene tx performed fuse 27 relocation to fuse 73 accomplished. Vehicle returned to service. Several stalls followed by crank no start conditions over several months with no associated check engine light, code p0627 while vehicle in motion. Code cleared, vehicle returned to service. …”
NHTSA complaint #11299740, filed 2020-01, 102,000 miles - Electrical system
Dash wiring and A/C blower problems, including harness heat
- 14 complaints (15%)
- median 112,000 mi at 6.7 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2024
Complaints describe the front A/C vents not blowing until wiring under the passenger-side dash is moved, and that wiring feeling hot; others report a burned blower motor controller and connector or a melted plug below the glovebox. A few owners report smoke or fire originating under the passenger side of the dashboard. The dealer or independent shop typically replaced the controller, connector, or blower motor, and some repairs did not last. Spread across the sample from about 60,000 to 135,000 miles, with no consistent climate condition noted.
What to check: Run the blower on every speed setting and check under the passenger-side dash for discolored connectors, melted plugs, or a blower controller that looks or smells scorched.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The vehicle will switch gears while travels ng at 70 miles per hour. I immediately pull to side and have to stop automobile and restart. The dash shows motor and check engine. At this time the passenger seat belt will not remain latched. The air conditioner has stopped working. My spouse is a mechanic and checked the plug below the glove compartment. The plug receiver (not sure what it's called ) had a whole melted in bottom of female and of plug.”
NHTSA complaint #11218279, filed 2019-06, 96,000 miles“Whole car burnt within less than 5 min, air condition was working front blower stopped working, smoke started coming from dashboard, ran out of the car. Saw fire from the dash and under wiper out side of the car. Within a minute car was on fire. Every thing burnt within 5 min, including hood seats. Kind of skeleton left.”
NHTSA complaint #10716867, filed 2015-05, 111,000 miles - Suspension
Premature strut wear and brake vibration
- 9 complaints (10%)
- median 32,750 mi at 3.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2025
Complaints describe front struts losing charge or leaking oil at low mileage, with steering and suspension movement and a repeat failure shortly after replacement, mostly on paved roads. Brake complaints describe the steering wheel shuddering under braking from highway speed and rotors needing replacement more than once. Mostly under about 60,000 miles, and in some cases under 30,000.
What to check: Check for oil weeping on the strut bodies and uneven tire wear, and brake from highway speed during the test drive to feel for steering-wheel shake.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Parking brake failed to hold the vehicle at 1500 RPM which is required in massachusetts to pass state inspection. It does not perform to specifications. Vehicle was about 2 yrs old with 9500 miles. Dealer had to remove and clean parking brakes parts and reassemble. I had the exact same issue with 2000 Expedition every year the parking brake would fail state inspection and had to be repaired. I consider this a safety issue and design flaw if the parking brakes chronically under perform on these Ford vehicles”
NHTSA complaint #10947289, filed 2017-01, 9,500 miles“Upon braking at high speeds such as 65 MPH exiting the interstate, the. Steering wheel would shudder violently, therefore in january 2016 at 39,416 miles, had front brakes and rotors replaced prior to driving in the rocky mountains of colorado. By july~ august 2016, reoccurrence of same problem so took vehicle to an alignment shop for service, where new rotors were the plan but they discovered front brakes also needed replacing so both replaced on the front. …”
NHTSA complaint #10925571, filed 2016-11, 54,125 miles
Buying note. Service records matter most here: ask specifically about transmission leadframe coverage and PCM updates, and budget for suspension and brake wear. A highway test drive that includes a hard brake application and a period at steady speed is the best single check.
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 92 consumer complaints for the 2013 Ford Expedition. 68 of the complaints include a mileage, and 28% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 90,250 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 72 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 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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.
- Other or unknown12 13%
- Electrical system10 11%
- Engine10 11%
- Vehicle speed control7 7.6%
- Suspension5 5.4%
- Brakes4 4.3%
- Air bags3 3.3%
Also reported: Equipment (2), Fuel system (2), Seat belts (2), Seats (2), Wheels (2), Engine cooling (1), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Steering (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While driving the vehicle's check engine light would suddenly come on and the vehicle would sporadically downshift. The most notable instance was driving 65 MPH on the highway. Luckily nobody was ever hurt and there was no damage. After that I did some research and found a TSB for my car's transmission and a recall for the previous two years. Tsb 13-6-8. Since the repairs the car is running fine.”
NHTSA complaint #11093637, filed 2018-05, 90,500 milesOther or unknown: “On christmas eve 2019 I left church service at 8:30 p.m. My 3 small boys and I had been in our 2013 Ford Expedition el about 10 minutes. It was 28 degrees out. We had just passed through a small town and were on a highway by ourselves when I thought I heard a scratchy speaker and turned my radio down. Within a minute there was a loud explosion. I was driving between 50 and 55 MPH driving straight forward on a smooth highway. One of my sons screamed and asked if we blew a tire which I quickly ruled out because air pressure signals were fine and no pulling on my wheel. …”
NHTSA complaint #11291892, filed 2019-12, 103,500 milesElectrical system: “While driving at approximately 35 MPH we lost all systems including exterior, interior and emergency lights. We were able to stop without going off the road, once we had stopped and put vehicle in park we were unable to get it out of park. We could turn the engine on and off, but still could not get vehicle to come out of park, nor could we get the lighting system to come back on, the only lights that worked were the dash lights. The computer system indicated: 1- tow haul malfunction 2- tire pressure management system light on. Had vehicle towed to Ford dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10555705, filed 2013-12, 2,725 milesEngine: “While driving at a high speed (highways, interstate, etc) the vehicle stutters - almost like an extreme downshift. Dealer performed a lead frame recall repair to the transmission but the vehicle continues to do it. It causes extreme anxiety to the driver and passenger, especially when it happens in the middle of nowhere .”
NHTSA complaint #11306271, filed 2020-01, 90,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
28% of the 68 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 36,000 and 118,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 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 · extended suv 4x2 | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 2 | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Expedition · SUV 4x2 | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 2 | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Expedition · SUV 4x4 | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Expedition · extended suv 4x4 | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 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 FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Expedition 4WD FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Expedition in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- RQ17010Unexpected Transmission DownshiftClosed · Dec 25, 2017
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. 72 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…
- 11008948Oct 10, 2024Other or unknown. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission…
- 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…
- 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…
- 10201087Aug 17, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission molded leadframe to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first…
- 10183669Nov 12, 2020Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year F-150 and 2012- 2013 Model Year Expedition/Navigator Vehicles Equipped with A 6R80 Transmission Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage In some of the affected…
- 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…
- 10176835Jun 2, 2020Equipment, Vehicle speed control. This article supersedes TSB 20-2028 to update the description of Labor Operation D. Some 2013-2018 F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit an intermittent…
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 2013 Ford Expedition?
Owners of the 2013 Expedition most often describe transmission problems: sudden, unrequested downshifts, loss of power, and speedometer or gauge glitches, usually at highway speeds and typically beginning past 60,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Sudden transmission downshift and power loss; Engine stalling, misfire, and upper engine noise; Dash wiring and A/C blower problems, including harness heat.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Ford Expedition have?
NHTSA recorded 92 consumer complaints for the 2013 Ford Expedition as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Ford Expedition is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 43 complaints (47% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 12.
Has the 2013 Ford Expedition been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2013 Ford Expedition do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Ford Expedition 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Ford Expedition get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Ford Expedition (Expedition 2WD FFV, 5.4L 8-cyl · flex-fuel) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Ford Expedition reported?
Among the 68 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 90,250 miles and the middle half falls between 36,000 and 118,000 miles; 28% 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.