Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2013 Ford ExpeditionRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 92 owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Expedition. Most complaints involve power train (43) and engine (10). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
15–16mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
92
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 Ford Expedition as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

92 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2013 – Jul 2026
  1. Power train43
  2. Engine10
  3. Electrical system10
  4. Vehicle speed control7
  5. Suspension5
  6. Service brakes4
  7. Air bags3
  8. Visibility2
  9. Wheels2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Expedition model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1997868
1998851
1999970
2000942
2001609
2002383
2003655
2004297
2005315
2006299
2007215
2008146
200928
201058
201171
2012118
201392
201472
2015164
2016217
2017358
2018383
2019521
2020426
2021241
2022116
202365
202479
202538
202610
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
4
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

43 reports
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, causing the vehicle to shake and jerk abnormally. The speedometer was fluctuating, and the transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the parents' residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01 (Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,500.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 13, 2026Power trainODI 11749972

Engine

10 reports
“2013 Ford Expedition Limited 5.4 engine. The vehicle was purchased new with an extended warranty with all services performed by Ford dealer. On or about [XXX], with no warning or indication of problem the vehicle experienced what was determined to be a catastrophic internal engine failure, with only 93840 miles. The engine problems were known by Ford Motor Company as replacement engines had design changes and modifications. The engine failure resulted in an immediate stop, which occurred on a 4-lane state road with a fifty-five MPH limit. Fortunately, no vehicles were in close proximity at the time. Dense traffic, at speed, could have resulted in a multivehicle accident. The vehicle required flatbed towing to a service center. Ford Motor Company has not taken action (recall) to address the engine problems, nor has Ford offered reimbursement to customers for replacement engine cost. Ford Motor Company receives the defective engine back when a replacement engine is purchased. The cost was near $8K.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 23, 2025EngineODI 11682595

Electrical system

10 reports1 fire
“When driving veh wrench light came on veh jerks and drops down to first gear rpm and speed gauges go out for second had to pull over cut veh off and cut it back on to get it home this happened several times took it to the closes shop they said it the transmission speed sensor loosing connection with the computer.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2024Power train, Electrical systemODI 11596589
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
5.4L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd
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 Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Expedition 2WD FFV
Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$4,000554
Expedition 4WD FFV
Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
131815$4,300606
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Ford Expedition EXTENDED SUV 4x4
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
2 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Ford Expedition EXTENDED SUV 4x2
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
2 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.2%
Overall
4 / 5
Ford Expedition SUV 4x2
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
2 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.2%
Overall
4 / 5
Ford Expedition SUV 4x4
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
2 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 7338Vehicle 7337Vehicle 7336
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2013 Expedition questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Expedition have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.

What are the most common 2013 Ford Expedition problems?

Owners filed 92 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (43), engine (10), electrical system (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 Ford Expedition get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Ford Expedition at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2013 Ford Expedition?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Ford Expedition 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026