Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2015 Ford Expedition ELRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 143 owner complaints for the 2015 Ford Expedition EL. Most complaints involve electrical system (38) and engine (29). The EPA rates it 16–17 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
16–17mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
143
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2015 Ford Expedition EL as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
143 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2015 – Jul 2025
- Electrical system38
- Engine29
- Power train26
- Fuel/propulsion system19
- Visibility16
- Vehicle speed control15
- Service brakes8
- Structure8
- Back over prevention6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
38 reports3 fires
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System). The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, with the A/C activated, the vents stopped blowing air. The contact unplugged the pig tail off the resistor under the passenger’s side dashboard. The contact stated that the pig tail was red hot and burned. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the motor blower needed to be replaced; however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was 244,000.”
Engine
29 reports3 fires
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while attempting to drive from being stationary, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The contact stated that the timing chain had been replaced on two separate occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.”
Power train
26 reports2 crashes
“Vehicle will shift in and out of gears randomly while driving I’m concerned about driving on the highway and getting into or causing an accident because it happens at random and then stops No lights on dashboard and vehicle just passed inspection I believe it is a problem with the TCM and there has been an extended warranty issues for the same part in different models for ford including the fiesta and focus I believe”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition EL 2WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 524 |
| Expedition EL 4WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $3,900 | 541 |
- 17mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Ford Expedition EL EXTENDED SUV 4x4
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 19.8%
Overall
5 / 5
Ford Expedition EL EXTENDED SUV 4x2
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.2%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2015 Expedition EL questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Ford Expedition EL have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2015 Ford Expedition EL problems?
Owners filed 143 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (38), engine (29), power train (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2015 Ford Expedition EL get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Ford Expedition EL at 16–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2015 Ford Expedition EL?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Ford Expedition EL 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026