The Lemon Index2012 Ford Expedition.
The 2012 Ford Expedition is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 19 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 44, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 15 to 16 mpg combined. The best Ford Expedition year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 118 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Expedition year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 50K to 123K miles on the car (85 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 73K–142K miles
Recalls 3
- transmission & drivetrain 2016
The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
- transmission & drivetrain 2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. …
- seats 2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAF…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 64 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The sun visor vanity mirror door, on some vehicles, fails to close or is loos and causes…
- Intermittent ikt
- There is a noise coming from the front hub integrated wheel end (iwe) areas and when shifted…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedUnexpected transmission downshift2017–2019
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Expedition EXTENDED SUV 4x4 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Expedition EXTENDED SUV 4x2 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ford Expedition SUV 4x4 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Expedition SUV 4x2 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4000–4300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Neck problems due to angle of head rest while breaking, I am 6'5'. The existing headrest is a dangerous design and needs to be fixed.
2012 Ford Expedition owner · NHTSA complaint 10664062
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Ford Expedition reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 44; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Expedition year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2012 Ford Expedition problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (21%), seats (16%) and brakes (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Expedition have?
3 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Expedition get?
15 to 16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Ford Expedition safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Expedition problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,600 and 123,000 miles. The middle report was at 82,000 miles, from 85 complaints.
Does the 2012 Ford Expedition have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Ford Expedition cost in fuel a year?
About $4000 to $4300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Ford Expedition have?
5.4L 8-cyl.
What Ford Expedition year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works