2020 Ford Expedition: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 Ford Expedition: 18 recalls, 421 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
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Recalls
18 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats, Seats Vehicle recall #19V633000 · 2019 · 639,137 vehicles
What's wrong: Also included are certain 2020 Ford explorer and Lincoln aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms May be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) numbers 202, "head restraints" and 207,…
Why it matters: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism May have reduced strength and May not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #20V197000 · 2020 · 55,158 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission shift cable lock clip May not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
Why it matters: If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V217000 · 2020 · 1,355 vehicles
What's wrong: The front passenger seatbelt buckle's belt tension sensor (bts) May malfunction and May result in the seat occupant being misclassified.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the restraint system May not provide the intended level of protection, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seatbelt buckle, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020.
Forward collision avoidance, Forward collision avoidance Vehicle recall #20V262000 · 2020 · 25,081 vehicles
What's wrong: Vehicles built with the optional radar-plus-camera pre-collision assist system are not affected. Due to incorrect coding of interfacing modules, the pre-collision assist feature is not enabled, and the driver cannot access the menu functions necessary to enable the pre-collision assist feature.
Why it matters: If the driver is unaware that the pre-collision assist feature is not enabled, they May rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram software for the body control module, antilock braking system, instrument panel cluster and headlamp control modules, and reset the tire pressure monitor system, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020.
Seats Vehicle recall #20V366000 · 2020 · 2,620 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: An improperly welded headrest bracket May have reduced strength and May not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V574000 · 2020 · 123 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt tension sensor May incorrectly classify a child occupant as an adult.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the incorrect classification would enable the passenger air bag to deploy instead of disabling it, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2020.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #20V575000 · 2020 · 620,246 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera May intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #22V250000 · 2022 · 652,996 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper arms May break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Why it matters: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022.
Equipment Vehicle recall #23V420000 · 2023 · 691,133 vehicles
What's wrong: The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "head restraints."
Why it matters: Without instructions, the head restraints May be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail the owner's manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #24V099000 · 2024 · 77,574 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat May inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Why it matters: Seat belts that do not retract or extend May fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024.
Equipment Vehicle recall #24V852000 · 2024 · 27,678 vehicles
What's wrong: The air bag warning label May be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners May call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24c39.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #25V197000 · 2025 · 112,951 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat May inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Why it matters: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025.
Electrical Vehicle recall #25V346000 · 2025 · 556 vehicles
What's wrong: The pre-collision assist features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, are not functional due to a software error.
Why it matters: Inoperative pre-collision assist features that fail to perform as expected can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2025.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V442000 · 2025 · 200,237 vehicles
What's wrong: A software error May cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image May remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Why it matters: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse May distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025.
Engine Vehicle recall #25V628000 · 2025 · 4,632 vehicles
What's wrong: A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.
Why it matters: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will…
Seat belts Vehicle recall #26V344000 · 2026 · 419,967 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat May inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Why it matters: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #26V368000 · 2026 · 548,463 vehicles
What's wrong: The chrome plating on the center console May bubble and peel, resulting in sharp edges.
Why it matters: Vehicle occupants May contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the center consoles as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #26V402000 · 2026 · 741,195 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission park pawl May engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Why it matters: Park system damage May result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 26 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (263): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (207), warning light on (60), noise or vibration (58).
- Other / unknown (58): the most common themes are noise or vibration (10), stalls / loses power (10).
- Engine (51): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (15), warning light on (11).
- Seat belts (39): the most common themes are warning light on (13).
The 2020 Ford Expedition has 421 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 36 Expedition model years for complaints (1.6× the average Expedition year). Complaints peaked in 2024 (116 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 62,967 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (510 complaints, 11 recalls), 2021 (237 complaints, 12 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 Ford Expedition.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 Ford Expedition have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 18 vehicle recalls for the 2020 Ford Expedition. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 Ford Expedition problems?
Owners have filed 421 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (263), other / unknown (58), engine (51).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Ford Expedition get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic (S10)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 Ford Expedition repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.