NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Ford Expedition Safety Ratings
The 2025 Ford Expedition scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 25 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Ford Expedition earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, placing it in the Strong band. Five NHTSA crash-test stars overall and a full avoidance-tech score support that standing, though five active recall campaigns and a 3-star rollover rating are meaningful offsets buyers should weigh.
The 2025 Ford Expedition holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Ford Expedition ranks 126 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 25 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 126 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Ford Expedition?
The 2025 Ford Expedition represents a meaningful safety-Index jump, climbing from 78 out of 100 in the 2024 model year to 84 out of 100 in this one, a 6-point gain that moved the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band. That improvement is anchored by a crash-protection sub-score of 62 out of 70 and a perfect avoidance-tech score of 10 out of 10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this year's build. What holds the Index back is the defect record sub-score of 12 out of 20, a direct consequence of five recall campaigns issued against this model year. The brake-system recalls are particularly notable: two separate campaigns target the Electronic Brake Control Module, one addressing hardware and one addressing software, both affecting the 2025 Expedition alongside Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Bronco, and Ranger stablemates. The air-bag recall, specific to 2025 Navigator and Expedition vehicles, concerns a passenger-side unit that may have been mis-manufactured, making it one of the more Expedition-targeted actions this cycle. The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars with a 20-percent risk figure is unchanged from prior-year context and remains the single largest drag on crash-test optics for this large SUV.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Ford Expedition perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Ford Expedition achieved a strong 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching this top-tier performance in both frontal and side crash tests. The critical area for concern remains rollover resistance. While the dynamic tip test indicated no tip, the static rollover risk stands at 20 percent, leading to a 3 out of 5 stars rating for rollover protection. The vehicle's advanced safety systems, specifically its crash avoidance technologies, performed flawlessly, each scoring a perfect 10 out of 10 in the Safety Index.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20308
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Ford Expedition have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover this model year. Two address the Electronic Brake Control Module and its software, one covers a potentially mis-manufactured passenger-side frontal air bag, one involves the engine oil and lubrication system on 3.5L GTDI-equipped units, and one spans the Integrated Trailer Brake Control across a broad Ford lineup. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the available data, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN before driving.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS26V606000
Risk: A loss of exterior lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 26, 2026.
Reported 2026-09-22
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:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE25V823000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-01
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE25V488000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.
Reported 2025-07-25
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL25V439000
Risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S51.
Reported 2025-06-27
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION25V198000
Risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S30.
Reported 2025-03-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has received 25 unverified consumer complaints for the 2025 Expedition. The most-alleged component is Forward Collision Avoidance with 6 reports, followed by Seats and Unknown Or Other at 5 each, and Electrical System, Steering, and Service Brakes each drawing 4 alleged incidents. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
25 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Ford Expedition?
With five open campaigns covering brakes, airbags, and the engine lubrication system, confirming that all remedies have been completed by a Ford dealer is the single most important pre-purchase safety step for any 2025 Expedition. This model year has demonstrated significant safety concerns in its recall record.
- The 2025 Expedition's Safety Index rose 6 points year over year, from 78 in 2024 to 84 in 2025, moving it from the Average band into the Strong band, driven by strong crash-protection and avoidance-tech sub-scores.
- Two separate 2025 recall campaigns both target the Electronic Brake Control Module, one for the module itself and one for its software, meaning brake-system remedy verification is a critical step for any current owner or buyer.
- A 2025-specific air-bag recall covers the passenger-side frontal air bag on Expedition and Navigator vehicles only, citing potential mis-manufacture, a safety-critical issue distinct from the broader Ford fleet recalls also affecting this year.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars and a 20-percent rollover risk figure are the lowest crash-test scores this vehicle carries, a notable consideration given the Expedition MAX's size and center-of-gravity profile.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Ford Expedition places
The 2025 Ford Expedition qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Ford Expedition safety questions
Was the 2025 Ford Expedition crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Ford Expedition, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Ford Expedition crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 20.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Expedition have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Ford Expedition. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Ford Expedition?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 25 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20308), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Expedition 2025.
- 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 126 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.