2012 Ford Expedition recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Ford Expedition and 118 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (64), electrical system (20), vehicle speed control (18). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #7 of 14 Expedition model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (206). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 7.2 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Ford Expedition. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · automatic transmission
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Risk: An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
Power train · automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 ford f-150, 2012 expedition and lincoln navigator, and 2012-2013 mustang vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard nos. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" and 108 lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment. these vehicles may have a transmission range sensor (trs) that was calibrated out of specification for reverse gear.
Risk: If this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever in the reverse r position and the vehicles transmission does go in reverse, the r may not illuminate on the dashboard of the f-150, expedition, or navigator models and/or the backup lamp on the rear of the f-150, expedition, navigator, or mustang vehicles may not illuminate. These conditions increase the risk of a crash or a pedestrian being struck due to the vehicles not signaling it is in reverse.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 11, 2012. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Seats · mid/rear assembly
Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 expedition and lincoln navigator vehicles, manufactured from november 19, 2011, through december 2, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 202, "head restraints." these vehicles may have inadequate welds on the head restraint support brackets for the second row, right-hand seat.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat head restraint may not provide the required strength, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the head restraints as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on february 21, 2012. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
vehicle shifting erratically and shows fuel mileage low and loss of speedometer
vehicle shifting erratically and shows fuel mileage low and loss of speedometer
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the occupants to lunge forward. The tires squealed and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was turned off but failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Nu…
Safety ratings
2012 Ford Expedition EXTENDED SUV 4x4
2012 Ford Expedition EXTENDED SUV 4x2
2012 Ford Expedition SUV 4x4
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Ford Expedition.
Expedition 2WD FFV
Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.4 L
Gasoline or E85
Expedition 4WD FFV
Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.4 L
Gasoline or E85
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Expedition have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Ford Expedition, most recently for power train · automatic transmission (04/27/2016). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Expedition?
Based on 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (64), electrical system (20), vehicle speed control (18).
Is the 2012 Ford Expedition safe?
The 2012 Ford Expedition earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Ford Expedition?
The 2012 ranks #7 of 14 Expedition model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (206). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 7.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Expedition get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Ford Expedition range from 15 to 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Ford Expedition in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: EXPEDITION, Expedition.