Is the 2020 Ford EXPEDITION reliable?

The 2020 Ford EXPEDITION has 467 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Ford EXPEDITION?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (227 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (53 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (47 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Ford EXPEDITION?

Yes, there are 18 recall(s): SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, SEAT BELTS, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), SEAT BELTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL, SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, ENGINE, SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER, STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:CENTER CONSOLE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Ford EXPEDITION?

The 2020 Ford EXPEDITION gets 19 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2526. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Ford EXPEDITION?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Ford EXPEDITION is approximately $1,652/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Ford EXPEDITION

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2020 Ford EXPEDITION has 467 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.9x the segment average of 163. The most common issue is transmission problems (49% of all complaints), specifically: at 70+ mph the automatic transmission tried to drop into 1st gear while on the interstate in a passing lane with heavy traffic all around. it had a loud and physical clunk then began to lose power. it was erratic, disorienting and distracting. the sudden change in behavior of the vehicle could have . There are 18 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 12 fire reports filed.

12 fire reports 3 crash reports 14 injuries

467

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

2.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

227 complaints

49%

• At 70+ MPH the automatic transmission tried to drop into 1st gear while on the interstate in a passing lane with heavy traffic all around. It had a loud and physical clunk then began to lose power. It was erratic, disorienting and distracting. The sudden change in behavior of the vehicle could have
• The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the gear shifter suddenly dropped, the RPM revved up, and there was a thumping noise and a shift system malfunction warning light illuminated. The failure occurred when the contact attempted to accel
• The contact's husband owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 65-70 MPH on cruise control, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted, skipped a gear, and lurched forward several times. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle would skip

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 3 fire reports

“At 70+ MPH the automatic transmission tried to drop into 1st gear while on the interstate in a passing lane with heavy traffic all around. It had a loud and physical clunk then began to lose power. It was erratic, disorienting and distracting. The sudden change in behavior of the vehicle could have ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Ford EXPEDITION

Based on 113 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 60K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Earlier than typicalmedian 4K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Earlier than typicalmedian 43K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Reported earliermedian 50K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Reported earliermedian 50K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 60K mi · 45 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 94K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (18)

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY23/06/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The attachment bracket for the driver's side second-row seat headrest may not have been sufficiently welded to the seat frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Risk: An improperly welded headrest bracket may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began July 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C12.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Ford EXPEDITION

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,527

Per month

$211

Per mile

21.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Ford EXPEDITION

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,652

Full coverage / month

$138

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1652

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford EXPEDITION Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2020 EXPEDITION, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 467 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: At 70+ MPH the automatic transmission tried to drop into 1st gear while on the interstate in a passing lane with heavy traffic all around. It had a loud and physical clunk then began to lose power. It was erratic, disorienting and distracting. The sudden change in behavior of the vehicle could have
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: At least 5 different times while driving I go to push the accelerator and the gear seems to slip and an awful sound like gears grinding is heard. I always feel like my transmission is going to fall out from under the car. It prohibits the car from moving and I have almost been hit from behind becaus
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHILE DRIVING ON A CLEAR DAY ON THE INTERSTATE (NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME) THE REAR PORTION OF THE VISTA PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED, SENDING GLASS EVERYWHERE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: AT 1000K MILES THE ELECTRICAL PANELS ON THE CAR LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. WHEN IT WAS PULLED OVER AND PLACED INTO PARK, IT JUMPED. WE CALLED THE DEALER TO BE TOLD IT WAS A GLITCH AND WOULD WORK ITSELF OUT. THE NEXT TIME, WE TOOK PICTURES AND THEY MISDIAGNOSED IT TWICE. THE THIRD TIME, THEY S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 18 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)