2020 Ford Expedition Problems: 7 Known Issues

On the 2020-2021 Ford Expedition 3.5L EcoBoost V6, the battery junction box on 2020-2021 Expedition and Navigator models contains a printed circuit board that is susceptible to a high-current internal short. When the short occurs, the current load overheats the circuit board and can ignite an underhood fire. As of May 12, 2022, 12 of 16 potentially related fire reports involved vehicles that were parked with the ignition off, so the failure is not driving-dependent. Ford initially covered 2021 trucks built Dec 2020 - Apr 2021 (roughly 39,000 units), then expanded coverage to vehicles built Jul 27, 2020 - Aug 31, 2021. In 2025, recall 25V628 added 2020 model year trucks built Nov 17 - Dec 1, 2020, which the earlier coverage had not included.

On the 2015-2017, 2020-2024 Ford Expedition, different rear-camera recalls cover distinct Expedition populations. Amended 25V315 covers certain 2022–2024 vehicles with affected SYNC 4 software: a display freeze, blackout or reboot can interrupt the reverse image. Its July 2025 filing lists 18,140 Expeditions within 1,076,138 vehicles. Recall 25V442 covers certain 2020–2021 vehicles with a missing or lingering camera image. Recall 25V048 covers certain 2021 vehicles with intermittent, absent or poor-quality video. Recall 25V572 covers certain 2015–2017 cameras with inverted, distorted or blank images and expands 25V270, which included certain 2015 Expeditions. Camera loss or distortion can reduce rear visibility; an image remaining after reversing can also distract the driver. A model year alone does not establish that every campaign applies.

On the 2018-2020 Ford Expedition, ford SSM 50154 states that some 2018-2020 Expedition (and Navigator) vehicles equipped with power running boards may have the boards disabled, with the cluster feature setting changed from Auto to Off, DTC U3003:16 stored in the running board control module, and with or without an illuminated charging system indicator lamp. Ford attributes this to a low battery voltage event or a fully discharged battery, not to a failed motor or module.

On the 2018-2021 Ford Expedition 3.5L EcoBoost V6, on 2018-2021 Expeditions built with the 10R80 ten-speed and park-by-wire shifter, the transmission parking pawl can temporarily engage while the vehicle is still moving when certain shifts are commanded. The momentary engagement damages the park system components, and once the park mechanism is damaged the transmission may not actually hold the vehicle in Park - the truck can roll away after the driver selects P and exits. Ford estimates roughly 1% of the recall population actually carries the defect, but warning behavior depends on the failure: Ford describes a wrench light and automatic electronic parking-brake application when the range sensor does not reach Park. Rollaway detection may not operate after the control module has gone to sleep. This is the mechanical park system, not the well-known torque-converter shudder, and the two have entirely different remedies.

On the 2018-2022 Ford Expedition, certain 2018–2022 Expeditions have front seat-belt retractor pretensioners with a legacy propellant/stabilizer mixture that can degrade in high heat. Corrosive by-products can damage internal components and cause unintended deployment. A deployment locks the belt against extension/retraction and can itself injure an occupant through rapid tightening. Ford identifies an airbag malfunction lamp before deployment. Recall 26V344 / 26S34 supersedes 24V099 and 25V197 and includes their populations.

On the 2018-2020 Ford Expedition 3.5L EcoBoost V6, the 2nd-generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in 2018-2020 Ford Expedition (Gen 4) addressed the timing chain stretch issue of early-generation 3.5L EcoBoost engines (2011-2016) but introduced a new problem: VCT (Variable Camshaft Timing) unit wear that causes a distinctive ticking/tapping rattle on cold starts after a 6+ hour soak. The rattle typically lasts 2-5 seconds and comes from the top front of the engine. Ford issued TSB 23-2143 (superseding 22-2200) addressing the condition for 2018-2020 Expedition/Navigator built on or before November 30, 2019, recommending replacement of all four VCT units. The cam phasers become sticky when oil drains back overnight, then rattle until fresh oil pressure reaches them.

On the 2018-2024 Ford Expedition, the chrome plating on the center console trim of 2018-2024 Expeditions built between March 14, 2017 and December 3, 2024 can bubble and peel, leaving exposed sharp edges where occupants rest hands and arms. Ford's June 9, 2026 Part 573 report records awareness globally of one accident and 65 injuries, including hand and finger lacerations, some requiring professional medical attention. The trim may have been made with supplier process parameters outside Ford's specification. The campaign covers 548,463 vehicles, with 12.8% estimated to carry the defect.