Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
ProblemsByVinFile / 2020-FORD-EXPEDITIONNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Ford
2020 Ford Expedition problems
The 2020 Ford Expedition has 379 NHTSA owner complaints and 18 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2020 Ford Expedition has 379 NHTSA owner complaints and 18 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 239 complaints, typically surfacing around 61,376 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Significant reliability concerns on file. Read the trouble spots before buying.
0
Critical
18
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2020 Expedition?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Reliability score 3.6/10 — below the segment average
18 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2020 Ford Expedition SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2020 Ford Expedition? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 239 owner reports
· tends to show around 61,376 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 21 owner reports
· tends to show around 59,186 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 18 owner reports
· tends to show around 86,565 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
seatbelts — 18 owner reports
· tends to show around 78,250 mi · ~$500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 59,186 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 18 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 3.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Embed this reliability snapshot
Free to use on your site, post, or video — just keep the "Source" credit line below the chart. Preview the widget →
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2020 Expedition· visibility
Tl* the contact owns a 2020 Ford expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary in the driveway after being started remotely, while entering the vehicle, the contact stated that the rear windshield shattered independently. The contact called mainer Ford…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH the "Power Train malfunction" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel as the vehicle went into LIMP mode. The contact stated that the vehicle would fail to accelerate when the accelerator…
On Monday, December 16, 2024 I brought my vehicle in for diagnostic services due to a 'metal on metal' noise causing a vibration in the gas pedal, and loss of power when vehicle reached 2000 rpms. This vehicle is hazardous to drive and leaves the vehicle behind me without any…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed catalyst converter. The contact…
Had a problem with your 2020 Ford Expedition?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Expedition vehicles
Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the center consoles as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S38. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 10, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 3.6 out of 10 based on 379 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Ford Expedition has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2020 Ford Expedition?
The 2020 Ford Expedition is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Reliability score 3.6/10 — below the segment average; 18 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2020 Ford Expedition?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 239 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 61,376 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2020 Ford Expedition a good used car to buy?
It scores 3.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 379 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 61,376 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2020 Ford Expedition?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 239 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 61,376 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 61,376 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Expedition has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2020 Ford Expedition?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 379 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Ford/Expedition.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
We are not affiliated with Ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we
may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
