The Lemon Index2021 Ford Expedition.
The 2021 Ford Expedition is worse than average by owner complaints: 125 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 158, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 12 recalls, and it gets 18 to 19 mpg combined. The best Ford Expedition year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 237 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Expedition year. 2021 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 18K to 78K miles on the car (41 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 20K–89K miles
Recalls 12
- transmission & drivetrain 2026
The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
- body structure 2026
The chrome plating on the center console may bubble and peel, resulting in sharp edges.
- seat belts 2026
The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Show all 12 recalls
- visibility 2026
The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
- visibility 2025
The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
- back over prevention 2025
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
- back over prevention 2025
The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.
- equipment 2024
The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard.
- equipment 2023
The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints.
- engine 2022
An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
- visibility 2022
The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
- airbags 2021
The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash.
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 141 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- No start, engine runs rough, or misfires condition
- Some 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with electronic limited slip…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenNu car rental of vehicles with open recalls2026
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 SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Expedition SUV 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ford Expedition EL SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Expedition EL SUV 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Transmission slams into gear when coming out of park, into drive
2021 Ford Expedition owner · NHTSA complaint 11612740
More owner reports
Iâve been having issues from day one with shifting gears, the vehicle makes a loud âthunkingâ noise and practically stops my vehicle in the middle of the road
NHTSA complaint 11538824
The Government Owned Vehicle was parked, unattended, engine off and a fire started in the engine area.
NHTSA complaint 11475063
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Ford Expedition reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 158; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Expedition year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2021 Ford Expedition problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (35%), engine (34%) and electrical (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Expedition have?
12 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 2021 Ford Expedition get?
18 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Ford Expedition safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 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 2021 Ford Expedition problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 18,000 and 78,500 miles. The middle report was at 43,000 miles, from 41 complaints.
Does the 2021 Ford Expedition have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 35% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Ford Expedition cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Ford Expedition have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Ford Expedition year is better than the 2021?
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