2021 Ford Expedition
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4WD SUV, Max 4WD SUV
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 310 hp
- Transmission
- 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 8
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 17 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 209.8–222 in
- Curb weight
- 5,624–5,794 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 12 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 20.8% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Ford Expedition is a standard SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 210 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,624 lb (4WD SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 23 highway), 3% worse than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 241 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Expedition — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Expedition →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Jefferson County, Kentucky
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Expedition configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4WD SUV | 209.8 in | 79.9 in | 76.4 in | 122.4 in | 67.7 / 67.3 in | 5,624 lb | 50/50 |
| Max 4WD SUV | 222 in | 79.9 in | 76.4 in | 131.5 in | 67.7 / 67.3 in | 5,794 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 456 |
| Expedition MAX 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 456 |
| Expedition 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +1% | $3,550 | 476 |
| Expedition MAX 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -4% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Expedition SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.3% |
| 2021 Ford Expedition SUV 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 20.8% |

Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Expedition (this car) | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 GMC Yukon | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
| 2021 Dodge Durango | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2021 Toyota Sequoia | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Atlas | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 17 |
Recalls (12)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jun 24, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V402000 · 741,195 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
- Risk
- 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.
Structure › Interior Panels › Center Console · Jun 9, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V368000 · 548,463 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Expedition vehicles. The chrome plating on the center console may bubble and peel, resulting in sharp edges.
- Risk
- 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.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · May 27, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V344000 · 419,967 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
- Risk
- 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.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Mar 31, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V204000 · 422,613 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
- Risk
- Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Oct 24, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V729000 · 174,853 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
- Risk
- A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jan 31, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V048000 · 91,580 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.
- Risk
- Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S05.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Nov 8, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · 27,678 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual · Jun 9, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V420000 · 691,133 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
- Risk
- Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
Engine · May 17, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V346000 · 66,221 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 25, 2022. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Currently the remedy is available for vehicles equipped with heavy-duty radiator fan motors, and those letters were mailed July 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S36.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Apr 14, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V250000 · 652,996 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
- Risk
- Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
Air Bags › Sensor › Side Impact · Oct 15, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V805000 · 777 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.
Not every 2021 Ford Expedition is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Ford Expedition buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Power Train — 112 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 57 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 24 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 43,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Expedition. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Expedition years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Expedition | 18 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2025 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 38 |
| 2024 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 79 |
| 2023 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 65 |
| 2022 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 116 |
| 2020 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 18 | 425 |
| 2019 Expedition | 20 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 522 |
| 2018 Expedition | 20 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 382 |
| 2017 Expedition | 18 | 205.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 357 |
| 2016 Expedition | 18 | 205.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 217 |
| 2015 Expedition | 18 | 205.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 164 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →