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Ford ExpeditionModel year report

2014 Ford Expedition Problems

Compared with other Ford Expedition years

Fewer complaints than typical for this model

0/100 0.1× a typical year · 50 = typical

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
72filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
90,000miles, 42 complaints with mileage
Recalls
0campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in 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 2014 Ford Expedition (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2014 Expedition most often describe unexpected transmission behavior, usually a sudden downshift into first gear, sometimes along with rear-wheel lockup and dash gauges dropping out. These reports span a wide mileage range, from around 60,000 miles into the 200,000s. Smaller groups of complaints describe electronic faults (running boards, blower motor), engine misfires and coolant leaks, airbags that did not deploy in crashes, and warning chimes that did not sound for unbelted front passengers.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission downshifts to first gear / gets stuck in gear

    • 31 complaints (43%)
    • median 131,000 mi at 9.4 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $1,500 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2018–2026

    Complaints describe the transmission shifting into first gear on its own while driving, sometimes with a clunk and a rapid drop in speed; several owners report the rear wheels locking or the vehicle skidding. Dash gauges such as the speedometer, fuel and odometer may drop to zero at the same time, and a wrench or check-engine light appears. Several reports tie the symptom to the transmission lead frame or output speed sensor, with dealers replacing the lead frame, valve body or connectors; some owners say the repair was not covered and was paid for out of pocket. Reported from roughly 60,000 miles upward, mostly at highway speeds, with several reports past 140,000 miles.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the transmission lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced and keep any repair records. On a test drive, watch for delayed or harsh shifting and for the speedometer behaving oddly.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My MPH gauge is getting stuck while driving causing my vehicle to not shift properly along with not being able to continue to go. This is dangerous I have to pull over immediately and restart the vehicle on the side of the road with my kids and can get hit by an incoming vehicle. I done replaced my pcm and timingchain and still having this issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #11573817, filed 2024-02

    “While driving it would hard downshift and speedometer would glitch, speedometer wouldn't work, all power would go out. I had the work fixed at Ford. They have confirmed that it is the same part that was recalled on the 2014 F150s but the Ford Expeditions are not included. This almost killed me and my daughter driving on icy roads.”

    NHTSA complaint #11597996, filed 2024-07
  2. Air bags

    Airbags do not deploy in a crash

    • 6 complaints (8%)
    • median 64,000 mi at 3.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2014–2021

    In several reported crashes, including rear-end and front impacts involving total loss, owners state that the airbags did not deploy while other airbags or none at all operated. Occupants in some reports required medical attention. Complaints do not describe a dealer diagnosis of the deployment failure. Reports come at low mileage, from under 10,000 miles into the 140,000 range, and all involve a collision.

    What to check: Ask a mechanic to check for stored airbag or crash-sensor codes and confirm the airbag warning lamp behaves normally at start-up.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “This vehicle was in an accident with a semi truck on a surface street. Both vehicles were in motion; the semi turned into our vehicle. The entire driver side front quarter panel and a pillar were destroyed, the front bumper sustained significant damage, and the b and c pillars on the driver side along with parts of the doors were impacted. The vehicle was a total loss, my wife required emergency care, and the Expedition sustained over 25k in damage but the airbags never deployed. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10960105, filed 2017-03, 64,000 miles

    “Traffic on hwy came to a sudden stop from around 60 MPH. I applied the brakes very hard and came to a safe stop. The vehicle behind me did not stop and rear ended me at a high rate of speed. There were 3 passengers in my vehicle, all wearing seatbelts, and not a single airbag went off!!! The sensors to prevent car from starting after an accident activated and car would not start. Because my foot was firmly on the brake still at time of impact, there were no life threatening injuries, but were some injury. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11270942, filed 2019-10, 70,000 miles
  3. Seat belts

    Front passenger seat belt chime and belt sensors

    Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners report that the warning chime does not sound when a front passenger is seated without the belt latched, and that front or rear belt sensors are inoperable. Some also describe third-row belts coming unstitched. Dealers in some reports said the feature was optional or could not duplicate the concern. Reported from very low mileage (under 1,000 miles) through about 50,000 miles.

    What to check: Sit in the front passenger seat with the belt unbuckled and confirm the chime and warning lamp come on, then inspect the rear belts for fraying or loose stitching.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Both my third row seat belts, driver and passenger side, have come unstitched. Luckily we were not needing them, my son was buckling up at the time of failure. I have an extended warranty on the car from Ford and was told they cover the second row seat belts but not the third row.”

    NHTSA complaint #11498714, filed 2022-12

    “Own a 2014 Ford Expedition. When a passenger is seated in the front passenger's side seat, the warning chime does not activate when the passenger's seat belt is not latched. The vehicle was diagnosed and rochester Ford dealer service stated a part was not put it was optional and they did not repair it. The approximate failure mileage was unknown but reported at 12,000 miles.”

    NHTSA complaint #10781216, filed 2015-10, 12,000 miles
  4. Engine

    Engine misfire, shaking, and coolant leaks

    Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

    Complaints describe shaking and a stall-like shudder traced to cylinder misfires, in one case after new plugs and a coil. Others describe coolant escaping from the expansion tank cap or a rear heater hose, with one report of overheating, smoke and a blown fuse. A separate report describes carbon monoxide readings in the cabin during normal driving. Misfire reports around 90,000 miles; coolant issues reported from about 50,000 miles upward.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the coolant level and look for residue around the expansion tank cap and rear heater lines, and ask whether the spark plugs have been replaced on schedule.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Headaches and general I'll feelings of sickness while driving/riding in vehicle. Carbon monoxide present in front cabin of vehicle at 1-14ppm under normal driving conditions. Readings not tested in 3rd row. Not tested in extreme passing or with air conditioner on. I do not feel this vehicle is safe.”

    NHTSA complaint #11129804, filed 2018-09, 54,000 miles

    “2014 Ford Expedition el king ranch v8 5.4l 3v - 90,000 miles vehicle began to shake as I was pulling into a parking lot mimicking a stall. Shaking became more intense as we slowed speed into the parking spot and again became more intense upon shifting into park. Code scanner brought up a cylinder 8 misfire. Replaced all spark plugs(because 90k is about when you should) and cylinder 8 coil, no positive results. Code scanner now throws out a random misfire code, cylinder 3, and cylinder 8 misfire. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10980157, filed 2017-04, 90,000 miles

Buying note. Give this model year a careful transmission test drive at highway speed and ask for records of any lead frame or sensor work, since that is the most frequently reported concern. Also check the running boards, belt warning chime, coolant level and airbag warning lamp before deciding.

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 72 consumer complaints for the 2014 Ford Expedition. 42 of the complaints include a mileage, and 19% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 90,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 59 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.

Also reported: Brakes (2), Electronic stability control (2), Seats (2), Wheels (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “Seems to be the same issue with the 2011 to 2013 6r80 transmissions that a previous recall dealt with. While driving the expidition downshifted by itself causing to go off the road and almost being rear ended. My vehicle is made at the same plant and the recall goes to vehicles manufactured to 4/13 mine was 8/13. Which makes it a new model year 2014. The previous recall was 2011 to 12. The later added 2013 models. They need to look into adding 2014 or later to this list since it is happening to this model as well. I do not feel safe driving my Expedition. …”

NHTSA complaint #11085043, filed 2018-04, 124,000 miles

Electrical system: “Was driving 80MPH down the highway when instantly the rear wheels locked up, green wrench came on dashboard and my car came to a screeching halt. Complete loss of power, and am VERY lucky it did not create a major pile up on the highway! Had to bunny hop it over 4 lanes of traffic and barely survived the most terrifying experience of my life. Had it towed and the mechanic shop said the throttle body/actuator had magnetic problem which is VERY common, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! …”

NHTSA complaint #11687286, filed 2025-09

Engine: “Heater hose to rear compartment unit found damaged and leaking during routine inspection, posing threat of sudden massive cooling leak with no warning. Hose had to be replaced by a labor intensive process of 5 hours so job cost $1,143.”

NHTSA complaint #11359913, filed 2020-09, 52,871 miles

Air bags: “Traveling aprox 45-50 MPH on highway when a suburban pull out in front of with about 55 feet and I hit the trailer they were pulling head on and then it spun me sideways and into a 5 ft deep ditch and came to abrupt stop from the front nose down. None of our airbags deployed, for either myself or my passenger. We were both taken by ambulance and sustain contusions, back and neck injuries.both vehicles wer ein motion and it occured on a highway with a speed limit of 55 and I had the right of way, they pulled out from a side road.”

NHTSA complaint #11390865, filed 2021-01, 140,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

19% of the 42 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 52,871 and 140,000 miles.

5%0–107%10–257%25–5024%50–7517%75–10026%100–15014%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (42 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 90,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

’14’16’18’20’2211’24’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 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.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Expedition · extended suv 4x2★★★★☆3 / 4523 · 21.2% risk
Expedition · SUV 4x2★★★★☆3 / 4523 · 21.2% risk
Expedition · extended suv 4x4★★★★☆3 / 4524 · 19.8% risk
Expedition · SUV 4x4★★★★☆3 / 4524 · 19.8% risk

Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating; 2015: 5 stars overall. 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 2014 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).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Expedition 2WD FFV5.4L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic142016$4,200
Expedition 4WD FFV5.4L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic131815$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 2014 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.

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. 59 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 59 bulletins →

Other model years of the Ford Expedition

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2026108002519—Too new
2025387,3006519Too new to compareToo new
20247915,2637519Too new to compareToo new
20236538,000851970 · MoreToo new
202211630,0001251975 · MoreRising
202124143,00012519100 · MoreRising
202042562,96818519100 · MoreRising
201952273,0001152083 · MoreRising
201838255,8681452085 · MoreRising
201735777,276451867 · MoreRising
201621766,760351852 · TypicalStable
201516468,000351846 · TypicalRising
20147290,00004160 · FewerRising
20139290,25004160 · FewerStable
201211882,000341614 · FewerStable
20117155,0000—160 · FewerFalling
20105852,8130—160 · FewerFalling
20092861,0001—160 · FewerFalling
200814662,0003—1448 · TypicalFalling
200721561,0002—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200629980,0002—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200531574,9400—14Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200429776,0000—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200361579,8501—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200234083,5002—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200157890,5006—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200089091,0007—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199994698,9765—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1998836110,0005—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1997853120,0007—15Not 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 2014 Ford Expedition?

Owners of the 2014 Expedition most often describe unexpected transmission behavior, usually a sudden downshift into first gear, sometimes along with rear-wheel lockup and dash gauges dropping out. The issues reported most often: Transmission downshifts to first gear / gets stuck in gear; Airbags do not deploy in a crash; Front passenger seat belt chime and belt sensors.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Ford Expedition have?

NHTSA recorded 72 consumer complaints for the 2014 Ford Expedition as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2014 Ford Expedition is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 34 complaints (47% of the total), followed by electrical system with 13.

Has the 2014 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 2014 Ford Expedition do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 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 2014 Ford Expedition get?

The EPA rates the 2014 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 2014 Ford Expedition reported?

Among the 42 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 90,000 miles and the middle half falls between 52,871 and 140,000 miles; 19% 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.