Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford Expedition electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Ford Expedition have filed 80 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 90,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
80
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Expedition | 7 |
| 2014 Expedition | 11 |
| 2015 Expedition | 43 |
| 2016 Expedition | 29 |
| 2017 Expedition (this page) | 80 |
| 2018 Expedition | 23 |
| 2019 Expedition | 10 |
| 2020 Expedition | 21 |
| 2021 Expedition | 19 |
1crash
5fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 80 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Ford Expedition, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 21 model years of Ford Expedition we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 80.
Owners have filed 80 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of softwar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app through the TCU Embedded Modem. If this message appears, the vehicle may be equipped with a fleet telematics module. Replacement of the TCU or TCU related repairs will not prevent this message from appearing. Refer the customer to in app FordPass Guides or LincolnWay Concierge Teams to aid with fleet telematics removal. Open app, select Account > Help > CHAT or CALL option.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privac
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Expedition has a serious blower motor overheating defect that Ford's recall (22V648000, issued August 2022) does not fully fix. The recall replaces only the motor itself; it does not cover the burned electrical connectors, melted pigtail wiring, or damaged climate control boards that result from the original overheating. Owners report the motor failing again within weeks or months of the recall repair, then being charged $220–$800 for diagnostics and parts not covered by the recall. In extreme cases, the overheating has caused fires under the dashboard.
Parts for the recall itself remained unavailable for six months to over a year after the recall was issued, forcing owners to operate vehicles with a known fire hazard. Multiple owners also report a cascade of electrical failures after the recall service—non-functional USB ports, GPS/audio dropouts, power seat failures, and door lock malfunctions—often accompanied by exposed wiring and improperly reinstalled interior panels at the dealership.
Beyond the blower motor, owners cite brake pedal unresponsiveness, backup camera intermittent blackouts or distortion, parking sensors firing false alarms, and throttle body limp-mode events with no available recall. Dealerships and Ford have consistently refused to expand coverage or acknowledge that the collateral damage to secondary components stems from the original defective blower motor.
Same Ford Expedition electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Blower Motor Overheating & Fire Risk
Front HVAC blower motor overheats internally, causing burned electrical connectors, melted wiring harnesses, and in extreme cases, ignition inside the dash or under the glove box. The root cause appears to be inadequate thermal design or component quality in the motor assembly itself.
When: Variable; occurs across multiple years of ownership, often within months after recall replacement; reported at mileage ranging 50,000–150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell coming from blower/vents; Smoke visible from dash vents or defroster; Blower motor intermittently inoperable; Blower stuck on high speed only; Hot-to-touch or too-hot-to-touch electrical connector; Complete loss of A/C or heating function; In extreme cases: flame visible under dash or glove box, vehicle fire
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 22V648000 replaces only the blower motor (~$0 under recall). Owners report subsequent failures require separate paid replacement of: blower motor resistor/switch (e.g., YH-1829), pigtail connector (wiring harness), and climate control board (e.g., FL1Z-19980-K). Individual repairs cited at $220–$802 diagnostic + parts; parts often backordered with no ETA. One owner reports $758 labor quote for climate control board alone.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 22V648000 (NHTSA Campaign Number, issued Aug 2022) replaces blower motor only. Ford consistently informs owners that burned connectors, resistors, pigtail connectors, and control boards are not covered under the recall. One technician mentioned Ford developed a 'heavy duty' grounding wire for the connector but confirmed it is not covered under any existing program. Some dealers refused repair; others charged out-of-pocket. Parts shortages caused months-long delays and incomplete repairs.
Recall Parts Unavailability & Prolonged Delays
Recall 22V648000 parts (blower motor) remained unavailable for months to over a year after the recall was issued in August 2022. Owners unable to get vehicles repaired during this period continued operating vehicles known to pose fire risk.
When: August 2022 onward; some owners reported parts still unavailable as of mid-2023 and into 2024; delays ranging 6–18+ months
Symptoms owners cite: Recall letter received but dealer unable to schedule repair due to parts shortage; Multiple callback attempts over months with no progress; Owners told parts on nationwide backorder with no ETA; Continued operation of vehicle with known blower motor overheating risk; Vehicle unavailable for repair; rental car costs borne by owner or dealership reluctance to provide
Repairs/costs cited: Owners reported out-of-pocket rental car costs while waiting for parts; some dealers offered temporary repairs for a fee; one owner reported dealer's suggestion to visit a junkyard for used parts. Several owners stated they waited 6–10+ months with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford communicated estimated parts availability in waves (e.g., 'second quarter 2023'), but many owners never received follow-up confirmation. One owner stated Ford told them the vehicle is safe to drive despite the risk of spontaneous combustion. No widespread compensation or extended loaners documented.
Inadequate Recall Scope—Collateral Component Damage Not Addressed
Original blower motor overheating causes secondary damage to pigtail connectors, resistor switches, and climate control boards due to heat transfer and electrical stress. Recall does not cover these damaged components, leaving the circuit incomplete or unstable even after motor replacement.
When: Discovered weeks to months after recall repair; failure mileage 50,000–150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Blower fails again days to weeks after recall motor replacement; Blower works only on high speed; speed controls unresponsive; Intermittent blower operation requiring manual tapping of connector wires to function; Melted or fused connector pins and wiring harness; Climate control buttons non-responsive despite motor replacement
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had to manually tap the connector wires under the dashboard each time they wanted to use the A/C or heater. Replacement parts include Motorcraft YH-1829 blower motor switch/resistor (pigtail connector), climate control board FL1Z-19980-K. Costs for these repairs reported at $595–$802 per visit; climate control board replacement labor alone quoted at $758.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford explicitly stated in recall documents that only the blower motor was to be replaced; related electrical components were not included. Dealers informed owners of this limitation, and one dealership showed the owner how to manually tap the connector as a workaround. Manufacturer refused to expand recall or cover related damage.
Backup Camera Intermittent/Distorted Image
Rearview/backup camera fails to display or displays distorted/blank image, impairing safe reverse operation. Appears linked to water ingress and corrosion in camera electronics or poor sealing around the camera assembly.
When: Variable, some pre-existing and some post-recall; reported at mileage 50,000–130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera displays blank or fuzzy image; Camera intermittently inoperative when in reverse; Image distorted or absent when needed for safe backing; Near-miss or safety concern during reversal; Water visible or corrosion noted in camera wiring/door panel
Codes mentioned: Related to NHTSA Campaign 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention) and others
Repairs/costs cited: Water corrosion noted in door panel. One owner reported camera suddenly failed during reversal. Dealers unable to diagnose or blamed rain. Parts noted as potentially obsolete by one dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V315000 references the back-over prevention system but does not clearly address camera waterproofing. One dealership declined repair citing obsolete parts. No evidence of warranty coverage or expanded recall for this issue in the 2017 model.
Multiple Electrical System Failures Post-Recall
After blower motor recall, owners report a cascade of electrical failures: USB ports non-functional, navigation/GPS malfunction, clock resets, audio system loss, remote start failure, power seat inoperability, door lock buttons non-responsive, and parking sensors firing false alarms. Suggests underlying electrical stability issues or incomplete diagnostics during recall service.
When: Post-recall or concurrent with blower motor issues; mileage 50,000–130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: USB charging ports and auxiliary plugs non-functional; GPS/navigation system malfunction or stops working; Audio/infotainment system stops working; Dashboard clocks reset repeatedly; Remote start fails while keyfob lock/unlock still works; Power seat non-responsive on startup/shutdown; Door lock buttons non-functional; alarm sounds on driver door open; Parking sensors/side-view mirror sensors firing false alarms while driving; Blinking or dim instrument panel; blank display occasionally; SYNC system fails to update
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported exposed wiring and tools left inside vehicle after recall service; interior sections removed and improperly reinstalled. Another owner states service required only blower motor replacement but cascading failures continued. No documented repair costs for these secondary failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships informed owners that these issues are outside the scope of the blower motor recall and parts are obsolete or unavailable. One dealership suggested junkyards as a parts source. Ford Corporate contacted but provided no remedy in at least one case. Manufacturer referred some owners to NHTSA Hotline.
Throttle Body Assembly Failures—Limp Mode & Power Loss
Electronic throttle body enters limp mode (wrench light on dash), vehicle loses power and violently shakes during highway and city driving. Constitutes a serious safety hazard; no recall documented; owner notes Ford has extended warranty on some vehicles (EcoBoost models) to 10 years/150,000 miles but not this one.
When: Multiple occurrences; one vehicle experienced at least 5 incidents; reported at 88,000 miles with ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loses power while driving; Violent shaking of entire vehicle; Wrench light (powertrain fault) illuminates; Vehicle forced to pull to roadside; Wrench light disappears after restart; Recurrence after multiple repairs
Codes mentioned: No codes initially; code eventually appeared after 5+ occurrences
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic and Ford dealership initially unable to diagnose without fault codes. One owner's issue was repaired June 23, 2022 after code finally appeared. Repair costs not documented. Another owner with 88,000 miles continues to experience limp mode.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No evidence of recall. Ford dealership unable to troubleshoot without diagnostic codes. No warranty extension documented for 2017 models despite known issue in EcoBoost engines.
Rear Window Defroster Terminal Detachment
Rear window defroster terminal (electrical contact) detaches from rear glass while vehicle is in use (including while defroster is operating). Two failures documented on same vehicle: first replacement glass failed after 13 months; second failure after similar duration. Suggests design or manufacturing defect in terminal adhesion or glass preparation.
When: First failure 12/26/2017 (initial installation); second failure 01/28/2019 (13 months later); potential third pattern with subsequent replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Defroster terminal comes loose and falls off glass; Occurs both during and after defroster use; Repeated failures on replacement glass
Repairs/costs cited: Crest Ford (Flatrock, MI) replaced rear glass under warranty in 12/2017. Second failure 01/2019 denied by Ford and dealership (vehicle over 36,000-mile warranty). Owner paid local glass shop $262 for third replacement (03/2019).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Motor Company initially refused coverage, stating issue is outside warranty. No recall issued. Manufacturer declined reimbursement to owner despite repeated failures on factory replacement glass.
Climate Control Blower Inoperability—Intermittent Function
Front HVAC blower fails to operate consistently; behaves intermittently, turning on and off while driving over bumps or randomly. Replacement under recall has not permanently resolved issue for some owners, who report need for second or third replacement within months.
When: Reported across multiple time periods; one owner required second replacement 8 months after first; mileage 65,000–150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Blower fails to operate on demand; Blower randomly turns off and on while driving; Blower turns off while driving over bumps; No air output despite A/C/heat engaged; Intermittent function persists even after recall replacement; A/C or heating unavailable in hot climates (e.g., Florida 100°F conditions)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had blower replaced November 2022, failed again by July 2023 (8 months); dealer attempted second replacement with temporary parts while waiting for permanent part; no permanent resolution as of report date. Another owner waited 6+ months for part availability between first and second replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers offered temporary repairs (some with fees) and stated permanent parts were backordered. One owner offered rental car reimbursement contingent on owner paying out of pocket first. Manufacturer has not prevented repeated failures or offered alternative solutions.
Instrument Panel Dimming/Blank Display & Camera Failures
Instrument panel becomes partially illuminated, extremely low-lit, or blank; accompanied by backup camera blinking or becoming inoperable. Vehicle requires restart to return to normal. Appears to be electrical stability issue affecting multiple dash circuits.
When: Occasional/intermittent; reported at 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel partially illuminated or extremely dim; Instrument panel goes blank; Backup camera blinking or inoperable; Camera fails to provide image when needed; Vehicle requires restart to restore normal function
Codes mentioned: Related to NHTSA Campaign 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to determine cause; one dealer blamed rain. No diagnosis completed at second dealer visited (Peltier Ford, Longview TX). No repair documentation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer opened a case but no resolution documented. Dealers unable to diagnose; no TSB or recall identified.
Brake Pedal Unresponsiveness—Intermittent Failure
Brake pedal depressed but vehicle fails to respond; issue intermittent and resolves only after releasing and re-depressing brake pedal. Creates serious safety risk on roadways.
When: While driving at various speeds; reported at 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed; vehicle does not decelerate; Issue intermittent and sporadic; Second pedal depression results in normal braking; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; recall parts unavailable at time of report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued but parts not available. No alternative repair offered. Manufacturer not notified of this specific failure.
Parking Sensor False Alarms & Side-View Mirror Sensor Malfunction
Parking sensor and side-view mirror sensors fire false alerts while driving on streets and highways with no vehicles nearby. Creates driver confusion and reduced trust in safety systems; affects ability to safely change lanes and park.
When: Sporadic, occurring almost every time vehicle is driven; early in ownership (2 weeks after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Parking aid beeps/alerts while driving on empty streets or highways; No vehicles in proximity when alert sounds; Sensor behavior inconsistent and unpredictable; Driver cannot trust sensor accuracy for lane changes; Sensor fires almost every drive
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; dealership unable to diagnose or offer explanation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership visited twice; no diagnosis or explanation provided; personnel reportedly laughed and stated 'I don't know.'
Excessive Blower Motor Noise Post-Recall
After recall blower motor replacement, blower assembly produces abnormally loud noise or roaring sound, particularly at idle or on high speed. One case caused battery drain; in another, entire vehicle vibrated at high fan speed.
When: Post-recall; reported at 57,120–138,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely loud roaring sound from blower while parked; Abnormally loud blower assembly noise on high speed; Entire vehicle vibration including steering wheel and floorboard when fan on high; Battery drain after extended roaring sound
Repairs/costs cited: In vibration case, dealer claimed vehicle was operating as designed. In roaring/battery drain case, dealer informed owner repairs would be at owner's expense after confirming prior repair under recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers refused further repair or warranty coverage, citing vehicle operating as designed. Manufacturer confirmed VIN no longer under recall and referred owner to NHTSA Hotline.
A/C Blower Burning Passenger—Thermal Injury
Front blower assembly overheated and burned a passenger's leg while vehicle was in use. Vehicle continued to overheat after prior recall repair.
When: Approximately 91,500 miles; after prior recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal smoky odor from vehicle on startup; Front blower overheated and caused thermal burn to passenger; Medical attention not needed but injury documented; Failure recurred after prior recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired; no repair documentation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but referred owner to NHTSA Hotline for assistance; no recall expansion or remedy documented.
Multiple Electrical Failures After Recall Service—Exposed Wiring & Improper Reassembly
Post-recall service resulted in exposed wiring under dashboard, tools left inside vehicle, and interior sections removed and improperly reinstalled. Dealership later claimed to address exposed area and attempted to source obsolete parts.
When: Post-recall (August 2023 onwards); mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Exposed wiring under dashboard after service; Tools left inside vehicle; Interior panels removed and improperly reinstalled; Hot air blowing spontaneously at full force; Cannot stop hot air output; Audio system stopped working; Navigation system stopped working; Clock resets; Burnt plastic smell; Loud clicking noises
Repairs/costs cited: Service manager closed exposed area and removed tools; attempted to source obsolete parts. No resolution; issues persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Corporate contacted after month-long follow-up; no remedy provided. Dealership cited parts as obsolete and unavailable; suggested junkyard as parts source.
Synthesized from 80 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Two weeks after purchasing my car I attempted to start it one morning. I got in the car and proceeded to put my foot on the break pedal and push to start. When doing that the engine did not start and the lights were flickering. I got out of the car took the key with me and the lights still flickered on and off. I had to get it jumped to take it to sun stare Ford. Who stated nothing was wrong with…
Backup camera displays video while drive forward. Almost like having a tv in front seat. Dealer can not recreate. Happened intermittently. Also goes blank and fuzzy intermittently which there is recall for on 2019 and 2020 models.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that there was a burning odor detected inside the vehicle. Additionally, the blower became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was…
Electronic throttle body will go into a limp mode and has no power to accelerate. This happens while driving down the street or highway and you might have enough power to pull to side of the road or street and not get run over. I have seen other reports of this and Ford extended their warranty on some vehicles to 10 years or 150,000 miles. These are mainly the eco boost motors. My vehicle has…
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 Ford Expedition?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2017 Ford Expedition?
It's a meaningful issue. 80 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 65,000 and 121,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 121,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Ford/Expedition.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.