NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford Expedition
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size body-on-frame SUV that competes at the top of the family hauler segment, offering three rows and genuine towing capability. It targets buyers who need serious passenger and cargo capacity without stepping into a commercial van. Spanning model years 2019 through 2025, the Expedition carries the weight of a flagship nameplate, and its safety record deserves the same scrutiny as its size commands.
The 2023 Ford Expedition earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 8 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Ford Expedition as one of the more capable and well-rounded full-size SUVs on the market, praising its spacious three-row interior, strong towing credentials, and comfortable highway demeanor. Most critics position it as a practical choice for large families, though they commonly note that its sheer size can make urban driving and parking feel cumbersome.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17296
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:CENTER CONSOLE26V368000
Risk: Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the center consoles as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S38. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involve
Reported 2026-06-09
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES26V204000
Risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchabl
Reported 2026-03-31
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL26V104000
Risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Reported 2026-02-20
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS25V314000
Risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front brake line and replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S47.
Reported 2025-05-09
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V315000
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is avail
Reported 2025-05-09
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V852000
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Reported 2024-11-08
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL23V420000
Risk: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
Reported 2023-06-09
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY23V128000
Risk: A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S07.
Reported 2023-02-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
59 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.