This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford Expedition wheels problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Ford Expedition have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the wheels at roughly $400 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See wheels across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$400
| Model year | wheels complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Expedition | 3 |
| 2017 Expedition (this page) | 14 |
| 2018 Expedition | 8 |
1crash
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 14 wheels complaints filed for the 2017 Ford Expedition, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 4 model years of Ford Expedition we track for wheels problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 14.
No new NHTSA wheels complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering wheels 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.
Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to remove and cap the vacuum supply line.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2018 F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit an intermittent grinding noise while driving in 2-wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration. This may be due to a loss of vacuum to the integrated wheel end (IWE) actuators and/or wear of the IWE components. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2018 F-150/Expedition/Navigator 4x4 vehicles may exhibit an intermittent grinding noise coming from the right front or left front wheel area while accelerating in 2WD mode. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07, Diagnosis and Testing Symptom Chart - NVH > The front axle makes noise in 2H mode only and generally under heavy throttle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Ford Expedition has a consistent lug nut problem: the factory two-piece design swells and expands, typically between 40,000 and 100,000 miles. The aluminum cap portion separates from the nut body, making standard sockets either too small or too large to fit. Technicians must hammer the socket onto the nut to remove it, and repeated removal attempts strip the nuts further.
Owners report this affects all 24 lug nuts (six per wheel, four wheels). The failure makes roadside tire changes impossible—you cannot loosen or tighten the nuts with standard equipment. One owner's spouse was stranded when a front tire went flat; AAA couldn't remove the lug nuts either and the vehicle required a tow.
One complaint describes a rim explosion at 40 mph and 19,000 miles, causing the vehicle to crash into a utility pole and resulting in five occupants sustaining concussions. The narrative does not explicitly link this to lug nut failure, but the connection is implied.
Ford has not issued a recall. The manufacturer tells owners this is wear and tear, not warranty-covered, forcing owners to pay out-of-pocket to replace all 24 lug nuts with either Ford's newer design or aftermarket one-piece alternatives. Owners note tire shops are familiar with the problem and see it frequently across the model.
Failure modes owners describe
Swollen/Expanded Lug Nuts
Factory two-piece lug nuts swell and expand over time, causing the socket (both factory-supplied and standard sizes) to not fit properly. The aluminum cap portion of the assembly detaches or warps, preventing removal or proper tightening. Occurs across all 24 lug nuts on the vehicle.
When: 40,000 to 100,000 miles; can occur within 4-5 years
Symptoms owners cite: Lug nut socket does not fit properly; standard socket is too small, next size up is too large; Technicians must tap socket with hammer to force it onto the nut; Two-piece cap detaches from the nut body; Lug nuts become stripped during removal attempts; All four wheels affected (24 total nuts)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of all 24 lug nuts with new Ford lug nuts or aftermarket one-piece lug nuts. Owners report this is not covered under warranty. Parts cost and labor vary by shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford informed owners the failure is a wear-and-tear issue and not covered under warranty. One owner was advised to file NHTSA complaint. No recall issued; some owners reference Recall #22V150 but that addresses brake master cylinder, not lug nuts.
Rim Explosion
Front driver-side rim exploded while vehicle was in motion at 40 mph. Caused by circumstances not detailed in the narrative; possible relation to lug nut failure allowing wheel to become loose, but no explicit causal link stated by owner. Resulted in severe structural damage and multiple injuries.
When: 19,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rim exploded without warning; Flying debris perforated airbag sensors; Flying debris struck driver and passenger; Driver rendered unconscious; Vehicle veered off roadway and crashed into utility pole
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed destroyed and towed to salvage yard. No diagnosis performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified; dealer was not. No recall or response documented.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front tire became flat. The contact pulled to the side of the road to replace the driver's side front tire; however, she was unable to remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench. AAA arrived on the scene but was also unable to remove the lug nuts. AAA informed the contact that…
Had wheels 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 wheels problem on the 2017 Ford Expedition?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $400.
At what mileage does the wheels typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, wheels issues most often appear around 66,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $400 for wheels 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 wheels?
No active recalls currently cover wheels 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.