Some 2018-2022 Expedition vehicles may exhibit a condition of intermittent headlamp operation while the vehicle is OFF and have diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1533 stored in the body control module (BCM). This may be due to the internal logic within the headlamp switch. To correct this condition, replace the headlamp switch (service base part number: 11654). Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 417-01.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford Expedition lighting problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Ford Expedition have filed 22 NHTSA complaints about the lighting at roughly $250 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
| Model year | lighting complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Expedition | 3 |
| 2018 Expedition (this page) | 22 |
| 2019 Expedition | 9 |
| 2020 Expedition | 4 |
| 2022 Expedition | 3 |
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Ford Expedition we track for lighting problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 22.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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 2018-2022 Expedition vehicles may exhibit a condition of intermittent headlamp operation while the vehicle is OFF and have diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1533 stored in the body control module (BCM). This may be due to the internal logic within the headlamp switch. Switch and/or module replacement will not resolve this condition. Headlamp operation is not affected while the vehicle is ON. A new headlamp switch is currently under development to correct this condition. Let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule a follow-up appointment in May 2023, when parts are expected to become available. Follow up with the customer to confirm the appointment once OASIS i
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 20182021 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit inoperative reverse lamps with DTC B1277 stored in the body control module (BCM). The vehicle may also exhibit the auto dimming rear view mirror becoming dark as soon as the key is turned on or is inoperative. This may be due to incorrect wiring of an aftermarket 5 pin jumper connector from a non-Ford windshield supplier that is causing a short to ground. To correct this condition, inspect if the windshield was recently replaced and verify the circuits in the 5 pin jumper connector located between connector C9440 and C9224 are routed in the correct pin location and adjust as necessary. Refer to the Wiring Diagram, Cell 124-10.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Ford Expedition has two distinct lighting problems that owners call out as safety concerns. First, the standard halogen headlamps are anemic. Multiple owners say they cannot see the road ahead, obstacles, or even their own driveways at night. The projector design creates a harsh horizontal cutoff line—everything below it is lit, everything above is pitch black. This isn't a matter of aiming; dealers have tried adjusting them as high as possible without fixing the core issue. On unlit roads, in rain, or at highway speeds, visibility is genuinely poor. Owners note the optional LED system is significantly brighter and appears to solve this problem, but Ford does not allow retrofit installation on halogen-equipped models.
Second, the passenger-side daytime running light (DRL) LED strip routinely fails, typically with the lower two-thirds going dark while the top portion still illuminates. Owners call this widespread across the model line and report no dash warning of the failure. The only repair is replacing the entire headlamp assembly—$1,200 or more plus labor—an expensive fix for a lights-out condition. Both issues emerged early in ownership with no manufacturer response documented in these complaints.
Failure modes owners describe
Dim halogen low-beam headlights
Standard halogen headlamps produce inadequate forward illumination with poor road visibility, especially on unlit roads. The projector design creates a sharp horizontal cutoff line above which is completely dark, limiting sight distance and peripheral visibility. Owners report inability to see obstacles, road signs, oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or even their own driveways from the road.
When: All 2018 model year Expeditions with standard halogen headlamps; issues evident from initial purchase and nighttime driving
Symptoms owners cite: Very dim low-beam output; Sharp horizontal cutoff with area above the line completely dark; Short sight distance ahead of vehicle; Poor peripheral visibility; Inadequate visibility on unlit roads, in rain, or at night; Insufficient illumination to see obstacles, debris, or wildlife in time to avoid them
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer adjustment of headlamp aiming did not resolve issue. LED headlamp upgrade available as optional equipment but not retrofittable to halogen models; costs cited as $1,200+ for full headlamp assembly replacement in some instances.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford offers optional LED headlamp system as brighter alternative; halogen-equipped models cannot be retrofitted with LED system. Dealer assured one owner lights are functioning as designed.
Passenger-side daytime running light (DRL) LED failure
The LED daytime running light strip on the passenger-side headlamp assembly partially or completely fails to illuminate. Common pattern shows lower two-thirds of the LED strip not lighting or burning out, leaving only upper portion illuminated. Owners report this as widespread across multiple 2018 Expeditions.
When: Failure occurs early in vehicle ownership, some noted shortly after purchase of used vehicles; no specific mileage reported
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger-side DRL completely or partially dimmed; LED strip half or partially burnt out; Lower 2/3 of LED strip not illuminating; DRL only lit at top strip; Bulb may appear purple-tinted
Repairs/costs cited: Only repair method cited: replace entire passenger-side headlamp assembly at cost of $1,200 or more plus labor. No field repairs or individual LED bulb replacements mentioned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives. Owners note this is described as a common, widespread issue affecting thousands of 2018 Ford Expeditions.
Backup camera guide lines not displaying
Backup camera on-screen guide lines fail to display during reverse operation. One owner reported lines appeared once after system master reset but have not reappeared despite repeated attempts.
When: Occurred on certified used 2018 Expedition; timing not specified beyond initial discovery
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera guide lines do not display on screen; Lines appeared once after Sync system reset, then ceased to appear
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
DRL failure is widespread across ford vehicles and should be addressed by the manufacturer.
The halogen headlights in my 2018 Ford expedition limited are too dim and unsafe for roads that are not lit or for driving in the rain on any road. I cannot see the road well and I feel that the halogen bulbs are not a good enough option in a 60k+ vehicle. I am extremely disappointed in Ford motor company for cutting corners and not making the LED headlight housing standard for all of their…
Had lighting trouble with your 2018 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 lighting problem on the 2018 Ford Expedition?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 22 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 17,975 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 $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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/2018/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.