RoadVitals

2018 Ford Expedition Body & structure Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Body & structure reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
13
Latest Jul 21, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
4%
of 369 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 Ford Expedition submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 13 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming body or structure

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Body & structurePowertrain (other)Seat belts
Filed Jul 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V099000 (Seat Belts), 26V344000 (Seat Belts), 26V368000 (Structure), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11751868
Incident
Jul 21, 2026
Body & structurePowertrain (other)Seat belts
Filed Jul 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V197000 (Seat Belts), 26V344000 (Seat Belts), 26V368000 (Structure), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11749566
Incident
Jul 10, 2026
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Oct 10, 2025

The sunroof on my 2018 Ford Expedition is leaking at multiple points and has become stuck and inoperable. The dealership advised that the brackets are broken and the entire sunroof assembly must be replaced. The leak occurs in several areas across the Vista Roof, causing water to enter the cabin. This appears to be related to known design defects already referenced in multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 18-2374, TSB 19-2374, and TSB 21-2292). Details: I purchased this 2018 Ford Expedition on August 17, 2024, from Battlefield Ford in Culpeper, Virginia, where it underwent a Ford Blue Warranty inspection before sale. The vehicle had approximately 98,000 miles at purchase and now has around 109,000 miles. Shortly after purchase, I noticed water intrusion from the sunroof area. The vehicle was inspected at Sheridan Ford in Smyrna, Delaware, where technicians confirmed leaks at four separate points, broken sunroof brackets, and recommended complete sunroof replacement. In addition to the leaks, the sunroof is stuck and will not operate properly. Ford customer service was contacted, but they stated that no assistance or goodwill coverage would be provided. I find this unacceptable given the severity of the issue, the existence of related TSBs, and the potential safety hazards associated with electrical and visibility impairment due to water intrusion. The vehicle also required brake replacement shortly after purchase, despite being reported as low 3 mm during the Blue Warranty inspection, which raises additional concerns about the adequacy of Ford’s inspection process and potential oversight of critical components. Safety Concerns: Water intrusion may affect electrical components, airbags, or roof-mounted sensors, increasing the risk of malfunction or short circuits. The sunroof’s inability to close or seal properly could result in driver distraction, loss of visibility, or mold and corrosion inside the cabin.

NHTSA ID
11692517
Incident
Oct 3, 2025
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Jul 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that he had taken the vehicle to the dealer on four separate occasions due to moisture leaking from the panoramic sunroof. Due to the failure, the roof headliner needed to be replaced a second time. The contact stated that the panoramic sunroof had never been used and had remained covered. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ID
11531774
Incident
Jun 1, 2021
Mileage
20,000 mi
Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed Feb 8, 2023

In below-freezing weather, the driver's side door latch of our 2018 Ford Expedition cannot be operated from the inside or outside of the vehicle, greatly limiting the occupant's ability to enter or exit the vehicle. A Ford technician advised today that the latch would need to be replaced. There were no indicators of a malfunction. Similar year Ford F-150s are covered for this issue by Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program 18N03. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10148744-9999.pdf

NHTSA ID
11506311
Incident
Jan 1, 2023
Body & structure
Filed May 3, 2022

When getting things out of the Rear Cargo area the Lift Gate has come down unexpectedly and hit Me in the head. Several times the Rear Lift gate randomly opens when exiting or entering the car. Has hit my spouse and has come close to hitting other person walking in back of the vehicle. The Lift Gate came open barely missing the vehicle parked behind it. Would of damaged both vehicles Renegade Super C $300,000 and the Ford Expedition $85,000 along with possibly pinning and injuring the person behind the vehicle. Took the vehicle to a Ford Dealer and they ran diagnostic tests and looked for any faults and found nothing. We feel like we are driving a ticking time bomb and just missing a bullet each time we go to use the vehicle. Need immediate attention-

NHTSA ID
11463242
Incident
Feb 1, 2022
Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed Feb 10, 2022

Drivers door would not close. Took 10 months for the new door latch to get shipped to my local Ford dealer . They charged us $ 708.00 to do the repair .

NHTSA ID
11451328
Incident
Feb 25, 2021
Body & structure
Filed Dec 10, 2020

THIS IS OUR SECOND WINTER WITH THIS VEHICLE AND BOTH SEASONS DURING WINTER TEMPERATURES THE RIGHT REAR DOOR WILL NOT LATCH TO STAY SHUT. WE HAVE SMALL CHILDREN THAT RIDE IN THE REAR OF THIS VEHICLE, SO THIS MAKES THIS MUCH MORE OF A CONCERN. MY HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC AND TRIES EVERYTHING TO MAKE IT WORK AND IT HAS BEEN A HUGE HASSLE. ESPECIALLY FOR SUCH A NEW, EXPENSIVE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS AS WE ARE UNABLE TO GO ANYWHERE WITH A DOOR THAT WILL NOT SHUT!

NHTSA ID
11382822
Incident
Oct 1, 2020
Mileage
130,000 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Apr 23, 2020

THE RETRACTABLE/AUTOMATIC RUNNING BOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE INTERMITTENTLY DROPS DOWN WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK AND IN A STATIONARY POSITION FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. (IE. 2-3 HOURS AT REST) WHEN I RESTART THE VEHICLE AND OPEN/CLOSE THE DOORS, THEN SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, THE RETRACTABLE RUNNING BOARDS WILL GO BACK UP WHERE THEY BELONG...MOST OF THE TIME. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENS AGAIN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE (CRONIN FORD - HARRISON, OHIO) IN THE FALL OF 2019 AND THEY REPLACED THE RETRACTABLE RUNNING BOARD MOTOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ONLY. IN MARCH OF 2020, IT STARTED TO HAPPEN AGAIN, AFTER THE VEHICLE IS AT REST FOR 2-3 HOURS. I AM PLANNING TO TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN, BUT I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL BECOME A RECURRING PROBLEM WELL AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD IS OVER.

NHTSA ID
11322054
Incident
Mar 19, 2020
Mileage
23,500 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 20, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH VEHICLE REAR DOOR LATCH FAILED TO CLOSE SECURELY. THE CONTACT WHO WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC PURCHASED THE PART AT GRAHAM AUTO MALL DEALER, (1515 W 4TH ST, MANSFIELD, OH 44906) AND REPLACED THE LOCKING MECHANISM HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS MORE PREVALENT IN COLDER TEMPERATURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.

NHTSA ID
11310324
Incident
Dec 1, 2019
Mileage
125,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jan 22, 2020

THE REAR WINDOW DEFROST CONNECTORS DETACHED FROM THE REAR WINDOW, WHICH MEANS THE REAR WINDOW DEFROST DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE REAR WINDOW DEFROST SOLDER HAS DETACHED. THE FIRST TIME WAS THE DRIVER SIDE. I TOOK IT IN, AND OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP FIXED IT WITH A GLUE-ON REPAIR KIT. THE SECOND TIME IT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT IS CURRENTLY IN WARRANTY JAIL AGAIN AT OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP SO THEY CAN ATTEMPT TO FIX IT.

NHTSA ID
11301090
Incident
Dec 2, 2019
Mileage
29,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jan 22, 2020

IN COLDER TEMPERATURES, THE ENTIRE INTERIOR DOOR MECHANISMS FREEZE UP AND DO NOT ALLOW THE PASSENGERS TO EXIT OR ENTER THE VEHICLE. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TIMES THAT I HAVE HAD TO CRAWL TO THE BACK SEAT TO GET OUT OF MY VEHICLE. WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION?

NHTSA ID
11301086
Incident
Dec 2, 2019
Mileage
29,000 mi
Body & structurePowertrain (other)
Filed May 1, 2019
Crash reported

I WAS BACKING UP AND THE TRUCK TOOK OFF WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. I HAVE ABOUT 15K IN DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE FOUND A FEW OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM

NHTSA ID
11205021
Incident
May 1, 2019
Mileage
24,214 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .