Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2017 Ford Expedition ELRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 272 owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Expedition EL. Most complaints involve electrical system (70) and power train (38). 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
272
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2017 Ford Expedition EL as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
272 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2016 – Aug 2025
- Electrical system70
- Power train38
- Service brakes37
- Engine33
- Service brakes, hydraulic31
- Visibility27
- Vehicle speed control19
- Fuel/propulsion system19
- Wheels16
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
70 reports2 crashes5 fires
“Rear blower motor caught on fire, causing smoke to cover the inside of the vehicle. Part had to then be removed from the car. Melted plastic around the inside of the fan and motor. Also we have replaced the blower motive in the front of the vehicle that was under recall and it has continued to let's burn wires underneath the dash whete it plugs in so i dont believe the blower motor in front was the issue!”
Power train
38 reports2 crashes
“For 1.5+ years, the transmission will unexpectedly and suddenly downshift into 1st gear without warning. Which causes a sudden deceleration. No warning lights before it happens. It occurs randomly and at different speeds. It has happened over 20 times. I've experienced it happening at speed ranging from 35mph to 65mph. The gear shifter was in the drive position each time this issue occurred. The suv is the 2017 ford expedition EL with the 3.5L ecoboost engine with 6 speed automatic transmission. No check engine light before or after the issue (so no OBD2 code to read) a big yellow warning appears during/after saying "see manual". Sometimes the issue will resolve in a few seconds. The suv has not been to the dealership yet for this issue. But i will be contacting ford today.”
Service brakes
37 reports2 crashes
“brakes were functional at time of parking suv. upon reentering and starting vehicle, the add brake fluid light and alert came on. the brake peddle was non existent with feel. the brake reservoir was empty but no visual leaks from any of the brake calipers or lines were evident. after refilling the brake master cylinder to the full line. the fluid again drained to an unknown location with no visual leaks.”
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 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 535 |
| Expedition EL 4WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 543 |
- 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.
2017 Expedition EL questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Expedition EL have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2017 Ford Expedition EL problems?
Owners filed 272 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (70), power train (38), service brakes (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Ford Expedition EL get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Ford Expedition EL at 16–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2017 Ford Expedition EL?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Ford Expedition EL 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026