FordExpedition2018Overview/ford/expedition/2018/base/

2018 Ford Expedition

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Expedition.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic (S10)

The 2018 Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV built on Ford's body-on-frame platform, powered by a longitudinally-mounted engine and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 city, 24 highway, and 20 combined mpg. For maintenance, owners should budget approximately 6.0 quarts of 5W-30 engine oil per service. Across its 358 reported owner complaints and 12 recalls—a notably lower complaint volume than the model's 1999 peak of 1,007 complaints—the Power Train category emerges as the most frequent source of issues, suggesting that while the Expedition has improved substantially since its higher-complaint years, powertrain-related concerns warrant closer attention during pre-purchase evaluation.

Model year202520242023202120202019201820172016

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque150 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy17/24/20 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · w/o Intelligent Access: 650 CCA; w/Intelligent Access: 750 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · w/o Intelligent Access: 650 CCA; w/Intelligent Access: 750 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnPWMOEM · verified
Tire sizeP275/65R18OEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S10)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length209.8 in
Overall width79.9 in
Overall height76.4 in
Wheelbase122.4 in
Curb weight5624 lb
Track (front / rear)67.7 / 67.3 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)50/50

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined17 / 24 / 20 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Expedition of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.7–6.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.70 sec — 2018 Platinum
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2018Platinum 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.70 sec14.40 sec400 hp4x4
2018Max Platinum 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.90 sec14.60 sec400 hp4x4
2018XLT FX4 3.5L Twin-Turbo V66.20 sec14.80 sec375 hp4x4
2018Max Platinum 3.5L Twin-Turbo V66.90 sec15.30 sec400 hp4x4
2022Limited Stealth Performance Edition 3.5L Twin-Turbo V64.90 sec13.70 sec440 hp4x4
2022Timberline 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.10 sec13.80 sec440 hp4x4
2022Timberline 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.30 sec14.00 sec440 hp4x4
2022Max XLT 3.5L Twin-Turbo V66.10 sec14.60 sec380 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-30 engine oil, Synthetic · 75W-85 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 20.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity13.1
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilSynthetic · 75W-85
Engine Coolant Capacity18.0-18.5
Engine Oil5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity6.0 qt
Power Steering FluidEPS
Transfer Case FluidSAE 75W

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)Stage 1: 30 lb.ft
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)14.75 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts59.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug20.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts150 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts150 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts150 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub258 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub20.0
Rear Wheel Hub184.0
Rear Wheel Hub184.0

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap.030 in
Spark Plug Torque11 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity2.31 lbs
Oil TypeYN-35
Oil Capacity6.10 oz
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity2.31 lbs.
Oil TypeMotorcraft YN-35 compressor oil
Oil Capacity6.10 oz

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum44.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum73.0 psi
RPM44.0-73.0 rpm
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum44.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum73.0 psi
RPM44.0-73.0 rpm

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 27; Rear: 26
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 184; Rear: 258
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 27; Rear: Replace bolts, 26
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 184; Rear: 258
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.260; Rear: .886
Maximum Rotor Runout.002
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.260; Rear: .886
Maximum Rotor Runout.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
171.0 inch lbs.71 in
245.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
117.0 ft. lbs.17 ft. lbs
232.0 ft. lbs.32 ft. lbs
390.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees, Step 3: 6037 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees, Step 3: 6037 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Bolts 1-8: Step 1: 15 ft. lbs.

226 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
3Turn 90 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees90 degrees
5Turn 45 degrees. Bolt 9: 7.445 degrees
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
17.4 ft. lbs.7.4 ft. lbs
2Turn 45
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Install New Manifold Studs: 13.3 ft. lbs.

114 ft.lbs.14 ft.lbs
218
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
17.4 ft. lbs.7.4 ft. lbs
2Turn 45
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Install New Manifold Studs: 13.3 ft. lbs.

114 ft.lbs.14 ft.lbs
218
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Cap bolts

124.0 ft. lbs.24 ft. lbs
2135.0 degrees; Side bolts135 degrees
133.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
290.0

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Expedition marks the launch of the model's fourth generation and sits at the leading edge of a sharp upward trend in federal activity: complaints hold near the 2017 level at 358, but recalls jump to 12 from just 4 the prior year and TSBs rise to 165 from 115. This escalation continues through 2020, which peaks at 370 complaints, 16 recalls, and 176 TSBs before moderating in 2021 with 214 complaints and 12 recalls. The 2018 complaint profile concentrates in Power Train (101), Engine (56), Suspension (22), and Exterior Lighting (21), with seven crash and two fire complaints recorded; the data does not specify root causes for these categories. Compared with the low-activity 2009–2014 period (28–116 complaints, 0–3 recalls), the modern generation shows substantially higher regulatory engagement. The 2018 model year carries the highest recall count of the generation's first four years and the second-highest TSB volume, signaling an active remedy phase for the new architecture. Buyers should expect a higher likelihood of recall-related service visits than in prior generations, but the declining trajectory after 2020 suggests many early issues were addressed.

12
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
165
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
358
Owner complaints
7 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 358 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train101
Engine56
Suspension22
Exterior Lighting21
Unknown Or Other19
Engine & Engine Cooling18
Power Train,Engine13
Electrical System9

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 14 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V392000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 12/06/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI V6 engines. These vehicles have high pressure fuel pump assemblies with welds that can… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and associated components, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2018. Owners may contact Ford…

18V805000Seats:Mid/Rear AssemblyReported 14/11/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition vehicles. The second row center seat track assemblies may be missing one or both of the J-Channel reinforcement brackets… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row center seat for any missing J-channel reinforcement brackets, replacing the center seat frame assembly as…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 165 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
25N172026-03-25Unknown Or OtherAdvance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year…
TSB 25-25702025-11-26Electrical SystemThis article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles…
SSM 543662025-11-11Power TrainSome 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic…
TSB 25-24762025-10-30Power TrainThis bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2132. Reason for update: update the Part List Description…
24E132025-05-05Unknown Or OtherOn your vehicle, the OBD monitoring system for the catalytic converter may not be…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Expedition. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Expedition take?

6.0 qt of 5W-30 Meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A or equivalent., per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Expedition have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Expedition get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined mpg.