How common are engine problems in the 2018 Ford Expedition?

NHTSA lists 126 engine-related complaints out of 375 total complaints for the 2018 Expedition, or 34% of all complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Ford Expedition engine?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area on the 2018 Expedition.

At what mileage do 2018 Expedition engine problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 80,000 miles.

What specific engine failures do 2018 Expedition owners report?

Owners describe cold-start rattling linked to timing chain or cam phaser wear, high pressure fuel pump weld fractures causing rough running and white smoke, and at least one case of overheating that blew a head gasket.

Does the 2018 Expedition have more engine complaints than other Expedition years?

Yes. The 34% share of complaints tied to the engine in 2018 is higher than every other model year listed, including 2019's 28% and 2017's 16%.

2018 Ford Expedition Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 126 of 375 complaints (34%) filed on the 2018 Ford Expedition, the highest share of any model year. Owners report startup rattling tied to timing chain/cam phaser wear, high pressure fuel pump failures, and overheating leading to blown head gaskets, with a median failure mileage of 80,000. No related recall is listed for this issue.

Engine complaints: 126; 34% of 375
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 80,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe a rattling or chattering noise on cold startup, sometimes lasting several seconds, which owners tie to a loose timing chain or cam phaser wear.
Some owners report high pressure fuel pump welds fracturing, causing rough running on startup and white smoke from the tailpipe.
One owner reported the engine overheating and blowing a head gasket at 91,000 miles.
A separate owner reported high carbon monoxide output from the engine compartment reaching the cabin.
One owner said the engine felt underpowered for the vehicle's size given the 6-cylinder configuration.

When 2018 Ford Expedition engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 16, 2018, latest Sep 11, 2026.

126 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q2 (19).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Ford Expedition

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Expedition model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20109 (16%)
201118 (25%)
201228 (24%)
201317 (18%)
201414 (19%)
201542 (26%)
201653 (25%)
201758 (16%)
2018126 (34%)
2019142 (28%)
202064 (15%)
202166 (28%)
202218 (16%)
202313 (20%)
202413 (17%)
20253 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2018 Ford Expedition?: NHTSA lists 126 engine-related complaints out of 375 total complaints for the 2018 Expedition, or 34% of all complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Ford Expedition engine?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area on the 2018 Expedition.
At what mileage do 2018 Expedition engine problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 80,000 miles.
What specific engine failures do 2018 Expedition owners report?: Owners describe cold-start rattling linked to timing chain or cam phaser wear, high pressure fuel pump weld fractures causing rough running and white smoke, and at least one case of overheating that blew a head gasket.
Does the 2018 Expedition have more engine complaints than other Expedition years?: Yes. The 34% share of complaints tied to the engine in 2018 is higher than every other model year listed, including 2019's 28% and 2017's 16%.