10-speed transmission and cam phaser trouble
The 2018 Expedition has the highest complaint rate of any year. Harsh 10-speed shifts and cam phaser rattle on the EcoBoost are the main problems.
Updated November 2026 · based on 383 owner complaints and 14 recalls
701 1.7x the Expedition average
14 free to fix at a dealer
Every Expedition year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2018 Expedition
Top problems and what they cost
Transmission harsh shifts
Harsh shifting, clunks and failures from the 10-speed.
Fix: Software update $150; transmission $4,000 to $6,000
Transmission and drivetrain
Cam phaser rattle
Rattle at cold start and check engine light.
Fix: Cam phasers $2,000 to $3,500
Engine
Recalls
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
In the event of a crash, a seat that moves may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
If the seat back is not adequately secured, and/or the seat occupant is improperly positioned, there can be an increased risk of injury in a crash.
Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been e...
If the window does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is found, it can increase the risk of injury.
If the gear shift cable clip becomes unseated or dislodged, the gear shift lever position may indicate that the transmission is in 'Park' when it may be in a...
Show all 14 recalls
Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Ford Expedition
- Start the engine cold and listen for rattle.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 84 complaints about cam phaser rattle on the 2018 Expedition, one of the worst years for it.
- Feel for harsh shifts in slow traffic.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 54 complaints about 10-speed transmission problems on the 2018 Expedition, one of the worst years for it.
- Ask for transmission software update records.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 54 complaints about 10-speed transmission problems on the 2018 Expedition, one of the worst years for it.
Questions
Is the 2018 Ford Expedition reliable?
10-speed transmission and cam phaser trouble. The 2018 Expedition has the highest complaint rate of any year. Harsh 10-speed shifts and cam phaser rattle on the EcoBoost are the main problems.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Expedition have?
14 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Ford Expedition problems?
Transmission harsh shifts; Cam phaser rattle.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Ford Expedition SUV 4x4. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.