NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford Expedition Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ford Expedition scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 59 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Ford Expedition earns an Average rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100. This places it below the prior year's model. Eight recall campaigns and a thin avoidance-tech score weigh down strong crash-test results for this model year. The Expedition demonstrates capable, though not exceptional, safety performance.
The 2023 Ford Expedition received a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Ford Expedition ranks 117 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.1% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 59 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 117 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ford Expedition?
The 2023 Ford Expedition is a measurably different safety story from the 2022 model year. The Safety Index dropped three points, from 80/100 in the Strong band to 77/100 in the Average band, a band demotion that is directly traceable to the defect record component, which scores only 6 out of a possible 20 points. Eight recall campaigns affect this specific model year, spanning safety-critical systems such as hydraulic brake lines, wiper linkages, and trailer brake control electronics. The crash protection score of 66 out of 70 is genuinely strong and mirrors the five-star NHTSA overall rating. The avoidance-tech score of 5 out of 10 reflects partial but not comprehensive standard fitment of collision and lane-departure systems. The combination of excellent crash-test performance and a crowded recall ledger is what defines the 2023 model year specifically. Shoppers should not let the five-star headline obscure the fact that the recall count pushed this vehicle's composite index below the threshold that earned the 2022 version a Strong designation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ford Expedition perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Ford Expedition EL SUV 4WD achieved a strong safety profile in federal testing, earning an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This top rating reflects perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side impact protection. The vehicle's rollover assessment, however, presents a relative area of concern, rated at 4 out of 5 stars. This corresponds to a 19 percent rollover risk. In the dynamic tip test, the Expedition EL SUV 4WD registered a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17296
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Ford Expedition have any recalls?
Eight recall campaigns cover the 2023 Expedition. Documented system areas include the center console chrome plating, windshield wiper linkages, the integrated trailer brake control electrical system, front hydraulic brake lines that may contact the engine air intake, and back-over prevention software. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. 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 searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ford Expedition?
Owners have filed 59 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (15 reports), an Unknown or Other category (12), and the Power Train (10). Allegations also include 5 reported crashes, 4 fire-related incidents, and 6 reported injuries. All are unverified consumer allegations.
59 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ford Expedition?
Buyers of a used 2023 Expedition should prioritize a VIN-specific recall check. Eight recall campaigns have been issued for this model year, and given that some were initiated long after the initial sale date, not all may have been completed by previous owners. Verifying the status of these open campaigns is a critical step in assessing the vehicle's safety profile.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index of 77/100 represents a three-point drop from the 2022 model year's 80/100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band into the Average band, driven largely by a defect record subscore of only 6 out of 20.
- Eight separate recall campaigns are on record for this model year, covering components as varied as front hydraulic brake lines, wiper linkages, trailer brake control electronics, and back-over prevention software.
- NHTSA crash tests produced a 5-star overall rating with a 4-star rollover score and a 19 percent rollover risk figure, making rollover the single area where this vehicle's tested performance falls short of the top mark.
- The 59 unverified owner complaints include allegations of 4 fire-related incidents and 5 crashes, with the Electrical System accounting for the largest share of reported concerns at 15 complaints.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ford Expedition places
The 2023 Ford Expedition qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ford Expedition safety questions
Was the 2023 Ford Expedition crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Ford Expedition, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Ford Expedition crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Ford Expedition earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Expedition have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ford Expedition. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Ford Expedition?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 59 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Ford Expedition. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Expedition years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17296), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Expedition 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 117 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.