2008 Ford Expedition Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Ford Expedition has a complaint index of 55 and ranks 10th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Its top problem area is Structure & Body (26% of complaints), followed closely by Brakes (25%), with three recalls on record.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #10 of 21 Expedition years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 146
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 24
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 20
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14
- 12 city / 18 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 20 / 2
Top 2008 Ford Expedition problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body38 (26%)
- Brakes36 (25%)
- Engine20 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (10%)
- Other13 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (8%)
- Electrical System9 (6%)
- Fuel System9 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers9 (6%)
- Airbags4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle rolling backward unexpectedly while parked, even with the transmission shut off, sometimes striking nearby objects.
- Some describe a knocking or lunging transmission at low speeds, with the vehicle jerking forward unexpectedly.
- Multiple owners describe sudden, unintended acceleration after shifting into drive or reverse, in some cases resulting in crashes and pedestrian injuries.
- Owners report rear-end instability and shaking at highway speed after new tire installation, leading to loss of control.
- Some describe brake failure or reduced stopping power after dealer brake line work, resulting in rear-end collisions.
- A floor mat retention hook was described as poorly designed, allowing the mat to bunch up under the brake pedal and interfere with braking.
2008 Ford Expedition recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 08V166000Apr 11, 2008Suspension, Wheels & Tires158 vehicles
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Ford is recalling 158 my 2008 expedition and lincoln navigator vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) and the limo builders package for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138, z"tire pressure monitoring systems." the tire pressure was increased from 35 psi to 40 psi without a commensurate update to the tpms calibrations.
Risk: The tpms indicator light will not illuminate when a tire pressure is is 25% below the 40 psi value stated on the tire placard label occurs.
Remedy: Dealers will reconfigure the tpms thresholds to the appropriate pressures. The recall began on april 23, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- NHTSA 08V058000Feb 5, 2008Structure & Body123,632 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Ford is recalling 123,632 my 2007-2008 expedition and lincoln navigator vehicles. The door handle housing embossment retaining the bottom of the interior door handle spring on all side doors may fracture during normal customer usage. This can result in insufficient spring force to return the handle to the fully closed position. The handle may be loose causing a rattle or noise and the handle may not return to the fully closed position. This condition may also provide a delayed resistance when actuating the handle prior to opening the door.
Risk: In the event of a side impact crash, the interior door handle may cause the door latch to open increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the interior handle spring on all side doors. The recall began on march 5, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- NHTSA 07V541000Nov 21, 2007Airbags45 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Certain vehicles fail to conform to the requirements specified in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the driver air bag module may not have been properly assembled.
Risk: This condition may prevent the driver air bag from properly deploying and reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace your driver air bag module free of charge. The recall began on november 20, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
2008 Ford Expedition fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 12 MPG
- Highway
- 18 MPG
- Combined
- 14 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Ford Expedition reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Expedition carries a complaint index of 55 and a Caution verdict, ranking 10th worst of 21 model years for this model.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Expedition?
- NHTSA data shows Structure & Body issues account for 26% of complaints and Brakes for 25%, followed by Engine problems at 14%.
- Does the 2008 Ford Expedition have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists three recalls for the 2008 Expedition, covering tire pressure monitoring system thresholds, a fracturing interior door handle spring, and an improperly assembled driver air bag module.
- How does the 2008 Expedition compare to other years?
- The 2008 model's complaint index of 55 is better than 2005, 2006, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, but worse than 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2023, and 2025, which carry Good or Best verdicts.
- What mileage do 2008 Expedition problems typically show up at?
- Median mileage at failure across all reported problems is 62,000 miles, with Structure & Body issues appearing around 71,883 miles and Brakes around 54,000 miles.