NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Expedition Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Expedition scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Ford Expedition MAX achieves a NHTSA Safety Index score of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong safety band. This rating is primarily driven by its excellent performance in structural crash tests. However, this strong protection is tempered by a notably weak profile in avoidance technology, presenting a significant area for improvement. The vehicle currently faces one active recall that owners should address.
The 2026 Ford Expedition MAX received a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Ford Expedition ranks 125 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 125 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ford Expedition?
The 2026 Ford Expedition MAX received a 3 out of 5 star rollover rating from NHTSA, indicating a 20 percent risk. This characteristic is consistent with large, body-on-frame SUVs and should be a primary consideration for prospective buyers. The overall Safety Index for the 2026 model year stands at 83/100, a minor decline from the 2025 model's 84/100, yet remaining within the Strong band. This marginal drop does not reflect a change in the vehicle's structural crash performance. The Expedition MAX secured 62 out of a possible 70 points in crash protection, underpinned by its 5-star frontal and side impact ratings from NHTSA. The primary factor in the Safety Index's slight reduction is the avoidance-technology score of 2 out of 10. This is attributed to the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning; only electronic stability control is included as standard. The vehicle’s defect record contributes 19 out of 20 points, reflecting a single recall campaign rather than widespread safety defects. This recall addresses the integrated trailer brake control across a broad range of Ford vehicles, a critical detail for any buyer intending to tow.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ford Expedition perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ford Expedition MAX earned a strong 5 out of 5 stars overall from NHTSA, including perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests. The vehicle’s rollover performance stands as a notable exception; it received 3 out of 5 stars, with NHTSA identifying a 20 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test, however, did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21403
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Ford Expedition have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers the 2026 Ford Expedition MAX. It targets the electrical system, specifically the integrated trailer brake control, and spans a broad range of Ford trucks and SUVs from model years 2021 through 2026. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ford Expedition?
Six owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for this model year. Unverified allegations cluster around wheels and steering, each drawing three reports, with additional unverified allegations touching the electrical system, service brakes, and suspension. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these reports.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ford Expedition?
A current-model-year vehicle with an open recall should raise immediate concern, and buyers must run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. The integrated trailer brake control recall requires confirmation of remedy completion, as this is not guaranteed at the point of sale and transfers with the vehicle.
- The 2026 model year carries one active NHTSA recall targeting the integrated trailer brake control, a component directly relevant to owners who tow with this vehicle.
- The Safety Index fell one point from 84 in 2025 to 83 in 2026, a marginal shift within the same Strong band, not a meaningful safety deterioration.
- The avoidance-technology score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning as standard features on this model year, which meaningfully caps the overall index despite strong crash-test results.
- NHTSA's rollover rating for this model year is 3 out of 5 stars with a 20 percent calculated rollover risk, the lowest-rated dimension in the crash-test profile and a data point specific to this large SUV configuration.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ford Expedition places
The 2026 Ford Expedition qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ford Expedition safety questions
Was the 2026 Ford Expedition crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Ford Expedition, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 2026 Ford Expedition crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Ford Expedition have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Ford Expedition. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Ford Expedition?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ford Expedition. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Expedition years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21403), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Expedition 2026.
- 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 125 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.