In the affordable full-size SUV class, the options might seem limited, yet the competition among the vehicles is fierce. Based on the underpinnings of the Ford F-150, the Ford Expedition is a consistent option in the segment. Into its 2013 iteration, the American option upholds its capaciousness, practicality, and precise handling capabilities. It is one of the more functional options with its impressive towing capacity and adds to its versatility with its available long-wheelbase version. Though it is limited by its engine performance and substandard material quality, Expedition’s oneness lies in its reliability. Its safety scores are competitive, but it is the hassle-free ownership experience that allows the SUV to draw a distinction. In the current MY, the vehicle has only 62 complaints and is yet to be recalled by the brand. None of its issues are highly concerning and even their impact seems limited. A 2013 Ford Expedition for sale is available at $40,600 and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the GMC Yukon, the Toyota Sequoia, and the Chevrolet Tahoe. On top of that, the "HOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS' noticed that the variable timing solenoid are prone to malfunction causing poor acceleration. To know more about the 3rd gen problem, click on the video:
2013 Ford Expedition User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Non-deployment of airbags: In the current iteration, buyers of the 2013 Expedition have reported the non-deployment of airbags, both on NHTSA and unofficial forums. IN the listed instances, complainants have recorded the failure of the airbags to deploy in case of a crash, which has resulted in injuries to the occupants.
Mechanical Complaints
- Improper functioning of the powertrain: In the 2013 Ford Expedition problems list, the issues with the inadvertent downshifting are most commonly recurring. At highway speeds, complainants have recorded the vehicle dropping to the first gear, unexpectedly, which results in the vehicle jerking, losing speed, and slowing down excessively, increasing the risk of a crash. While a problem with the OSS sensor causes the problem and results in the check engine light illuminating, restarting the vehicle is the only solution available as of now, however, it is only temporary.
- Failure of suspension unit: In a handful of cases, buyers of the 2013 Ford Expedition have reported the front and rear struts failing at lower mileage. Due to a crack, the struts leak oil, which affects the overall performance of the vehicle. As a result, they need to be replaced. However, in one known case, even the replacement struts have failed inadvertently, which warrants Ford to investigate the matter.
- Vehicle Speed Control: When in motion, buyers of the 2013 Expedition have either reported the vehicle losing speed and failing to accelerate, or activating the cruise control and accelerating independently. Both situations are hazardous and can result in a crash. In one case, the sudden loss of motive power resulted in the vehicle flipping over causing injuries that required medical attention.
Electric System Complaints
- Malfunctioning electric system: Randomly, complainants have reported the full-size SUV’s dashboard showing the speedometer at 0 and the fuel tank to be empty when the vehicle is in motion. This is followed by the vehicle entering into a limp mode and functioning on reduced power. While no reason for the malfunction is yet known, Ford has introduced a service bulletin for a similar issue.
Structural Complaints
- Explosion of sunroof: In some cases, on NHTSA and other trusted platforms, buyers have reported the sunroof exploding inadvertently. Without impact or incidence, the sunroof shatters and flies outward, which creates an explosion-like sound. While no injuries have yet been reported, a damaged sunroof does qualify as a safety concern.
2013 Ford Expedition Recalls
There are no recalls for the 2013 Ford Expedition yet.
Should you buy the 2013 Ford Expedition?
Like most model years that have been almost-inch perfect in their ownership experience, the 2013 Ford Expedition delivers the best bang for the buck. It is highly dependable and for a vehicle that sells close to 40,000 units, the complaints seem rather constricted. While there are some recurring issues, most problems are easily dealt with, thanks to the brand’s proactiveness. Even the Expedition recalls list is far from concerning, with no recalls made yet, the full-size SUV carves a niche for itself. Its reliability complements its overall performance and though acceleration and interior quality do seem underwhelming, both the 2013 Expedition and 2013 Expedition Max are promising options for buyers not looking to splurge exorbitantly.
