# Ford Expedition check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 161 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (44) - **Related recalls:** 10 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 161 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Ford Expedition (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (44). There are **10 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Ford Expedition check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 15 | 164 | 9% | | 2016 | 19 | 217 | 9% | | 2017 | 20 | 358 | 6% | | 2018 | 33 | 383 | 9% | | 2019 | 44 | 524 | 8% | | 2020 | 17 | 428 | 4% | | 2021 | 10 | 242 | 4% | | 2022 | 1 | 117 | 1% | | 2023 | 2 | 65 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Ford Expedition recalls related to the check engine light **[26V402000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V402000)** (2018-2021 models, reported 2026-06-24): Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** 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, anticipated in April... **[25V455000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V455000)** (2022 models, reported 2025-07-07): An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. **[25V198000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V198000)** (2024-2025 models, reported 2025-03-28): A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. **[24V851000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V851000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-12-20): A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. **[23V128000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V128000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-02-24): A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. **[20V263000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V263000)** (2019 models, reported 2020-05-09): If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. **[20V197000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V197000)** (2020 models, reported 2020-04-03): 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. **Remedy:** 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. **[18V392000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V392000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-06-12): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and associated components, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2018. **[18V214000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V214000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-04-04): 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 different gear. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied before the vehicle is exited, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario... **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the shift cable locking clip and properly seat it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. **[18V213000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V213000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-04-04): 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 exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ford Expedition owners report - "Problem 2: After I did my first oil change I had driven about 2500 miles when the cars engine light came on and I take it to the dealer and they found that the engine oil was too low. They did an oil consumption test and the test shows 1 quart of oil lost for every 1500 miles driven. They find no oil leaks. I'm..." -- owner of a 2023 Ford Expedition, complaint filed 2024 - "Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to Discount Tire to inflate the tire. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced, and..." -- owner of a 2022 Ford Expedition, complaint filed 2024 - "No check engine light or other indication of a problem. The Ford dealer told us that the CDF drum of the transmission needed to be replaced. It is a known defect due to poor engineering design. This is very common problem in 2020 and 2021 Expeditions and F150 vehicle." -- owner of a 2021 Ford Expedition, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ford Expedition check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 10 related recalls (26V402000, 25V455000, 25V198000, 24V851000, 23V128000, 20V263000, 20V197000, 18V392000, 18V214000, 18V213000) covering 2018-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Expedition years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Expedition model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 44 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Expedition with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Ford Expedition has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ford dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Ford Expedition warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-expedition): 47 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-expedition): 85 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-expedition): 50 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-expedition): 5 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-expedition): 14 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Ford Expedition - [Ford Expedition specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-expedition) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-expedition Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.