2019 Ford Expedition: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

2019 carries the heaviest complaint load of the fourth generation, widespread 10-speed harsh-shift and hesitation reports plus seat-belt and engine concerns; excellent space and capability undercut by drivetrain reliability. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 Ford Expedition ranged from $48,530 to $73,365 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10

Mixed track record

Sources (4)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=expediti…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/expedition
lemonlawhelp.comhttps://lemonlawhelp.com/manufacturers/ford/10-speed-transmission/
classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/blog/class-action-filed-over-ford-10r80-automatic…

Known issues

The 10-speed (10R80) automatic is the defining fourth-generation defect: harsh and erratic shifting, hard downshift clunks, hesitation, slipping and occasional power loss; PCM reflashes often do not fully resolve it, and a class action covers the 10R80.

widespread · 223 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–100k miles · transmission
3.5L EcoBoost engine complaints, cam-phaser rattle, coolant/oil concerns and limp-mode events, accompany the early fourth-gen trucks.

occasional · 64 NHTSA complaints · engine
Electrical and SYNC infotainment glitches are a recurring early fourth-gen complaint.

occasional · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (5)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=expediti…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/expedition
lemonlawhelp.comhttps://lemonlawhelp.com/manufacturers/ford/10-speed-transmission/
classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/blog/class-action-filed-over-ford-10r80-automatic…
lemonlawassist.comhttps://lemonlawassist.com/car-issues/ford-expedition-transmission-problems/

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Powerful, refined 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and genuinely capable towing.
Lighter aluminum body with class-leading interior room and cargo space.
Modern technology, comfortable ride and strong resale demand.

Cons

High fuel, repair and insurance costs.
10-speed automatic harsh/erratic shifting is a widespread, often-unresolved complaint.
Large footprint is cumbersome in tight spaces and parking.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
XL	$48,530	discontinued	—	—
XLT	$52,130	discontinued	—	—
Limited	$63,015	discontinued	—	—
Platinum	$73,365	$70,550	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-ford-expedition-price
iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-expedition-price

Depreciation

2019 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($48,530). Higher trims started higher (up to $73,365), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 33% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-expedition/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $850–900/yr
Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $2,000–2,100/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/expedition
moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/ford-expedition-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2019 Ford Expedition have?

Documented issue patterns include: The 10-speed (10R80) automatic is the defining fourth-generation defect: harsh and erratic shifting, hard downshift clunks, hesitation, slipping and occasional power loss; PCM reflashes often do not fully resolve it, and a class action covers the 10R80; 3.5L EcoBoost engine complaints, cam-phaser rattle, coolant/oil concerns and limp-mode events, accompany the early fourth-gen trucks; Electrical and SYNC infotainment glitches are a recurring early fourth-gen complaint. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2019 Ford Expedition reliable?

How much did the 2019 Ford Expedition cost new?

Between $48,530 and $73,365 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Ford Expedition expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $850–900/year as mileage climbs.

Checking a listing right now?

The CarVitals extension runs this report automatically on any CarMax listing you open, with the listing's exact price, mileage, and trim filled in for you.

Add to Chrome · Free

No account needed for the check. It runs on the car's details.

Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.