2013 Ford Expedition problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Expedition, most often about transmission & drivetrain. There are 0 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 43
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 1
- Median mileage
- 123,500 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Transmission & Drivetrain is the most-reported problem area, named in 25 of 43 complaints (58%).
- Engine (6) and electrical system (4) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 123,500 mi.
- Owners reported 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury.
- NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
- It ranks 13th of 22 Ford Expedition model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 8% more complaints than the 2012 model year (40).
2013 Ford Expedition problems by category
- 25 complaints
- Engine6 complaints
- Other / Unknown5 complaints
- Electrical System4 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control3 complaints
- Wheels & Tires2 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers2 complaints
- Airbags · 1 crash2 complaints
- Brakes1 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion1 complaints
- Steering1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power train | 24 |
| Engine | 5 |
| Unknown or other | 4 |
| Electrical system | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 |
| Wheels | 2 |
| Air bags | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2013 Ford Expedition recalls (0)
No recalls on file.
NHTSA defect investigations
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident cla…
Recent 2013 Ford Expedition complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Jul 13, 2026147,300 miTXTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and unexpectedly downshifted to first gear before the vehicle veered over into the next lane. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and steer it back into the correct lane. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign…
NHTSA complaint #11749980 · source - Filed Jul 13, 2026146,500 miTXTransmission & Drivetrain
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…
NHTSA complaint #11749972 · source - Filed May 5, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, there was a sudden unattended downshift of the vehicle. The speedometer went to zero. The RPM increased without acceleration. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11735744 · source - Filed Jan 12, 2026IDTransmission & Drivetrain
Was never notified of the recall pertaining to my vehicle. Upon research I contacted the dealership to have the recall fixed. First issue was they offere complimentary pickup and delivery which I scheduled and they did not show up, aswell as the call that was supposed to happen, and they tell me the recall is out of its extended warranty. I contacted Ford service department and they said the same as its out of extended warranty. This is a safety concern as Ford is aware of…
NHTSA complaint #11710465 · source - Filed Aug 23, 2025INEngine
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,…
NHTSA complaint #11682595 · source - Filed Jul 3, 2025VATransmission & Drivetrain
This has been a great vehicle. We were going down a road around 60 mph and with no warning or symptom the car downshifted from 6th to 1st gear. This caused the rear end to lock up causing the tires to squeal and spin the car around sideways in the road. Luckily nothing was coming. This could have easily been a deadly accident if something was coming. The dealer has said the lead frame was bad a needed to be replaced. They have quoted $1,200. The vehicle only has 117,000…
NHTSA complaint #11671030 · source - Filed Mar 11, 2025117,000 miMSTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle downshifted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also noticed that the instrument panel became inoperable and would not function properly when the contact attempted to shift gear. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the output speed sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The…
NHTSA complaint #11647731 · source - Filed Feb 28, 2025MDAcceleration & Cruise Control
2/13/19- Ford Issued Recall on 2013 Ford Expedition for OSS failure and downshift 2/20/19- I go to the Preston Ford Mazda dealership, Maryland. I view and test drive a 2013 Ford Expedition, during the test drive the RPMs ran high on the Expedition and it felt sluggish and “off” crossing a road, and at one point it jumped, and the wrench symbol came on as we were returning. My concern was shrugged off by my salesman, as he said ‘maybe Fords are just like that’. As we…
NHTSA complaint #11645524 · source
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Other 2013 Ford models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology