Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2020 | 6 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2019 | 9 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2018 | 25 | 7% | 19,000 miles |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% | 9,000 miles |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% | 12,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% | 3,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% | 15,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% | 9,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% | 95,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% | 71,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% | 109,000 miles |
| 2003 | 12 | 2% | 33,000 miles |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% | 155,000 miles |
| 2001 | 8 | 1% | 108,000 miles |
| 2000 | 17 | 2% | 150,000 miles |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% | 61,000 miles |
| 1998 | 26 | 3% | 100,000 miles |
| 1997 | 20 | 2% | 113,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The component that failed is the left front driver side headlight of the vehicle, resulting in low visibility and inability to see or drive the vehicle in it's current condition at night. The only "warning" that could potentially have been a "warning", was the blinker began rapidly blinking the day before the headlight stopped functioning; the blinker no longer worked in the headlight but still worked on the driver mirror and back taillight. By the next day, the driver side headlight no longer functioned. It is my knowledge that Ford has a lifetime guarantee on the headlights for this make, model, and year of vehicle. Due to this not functioning, I would like to get it properly replaced under warranty or guarantee of Ford.
Rear cabin lights do not come on when doors are opened. When manually turned on, at times, rear cabin lights will turn on and not be able to be turned off. This created a hazard while driving at night/early morning. We had to cover interior lighting to be able to drive safely. I feel this is a product issue. Dealer said it's normal working order.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the front headlights were very dim while in use. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the projector inside the headlight assemblies were defective, causing the headlights to not illuminate as needed. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The aluminum around the cup holders has been peeling for over a year. It sliced my finger and my [redacted] foot. It is VERY sharp and I am currently holding it down with tape. There is a safety recall but no solution. When will there be a solution for this? Next, all my seatbelts immediately lock once retracted out to buckle. This makes moving around in the seat hard since it automatically locks and when trying to buckle. If you don't pull it out far enough to buckle, it will lock where it is and you have to retract it back to unlock it. There is a recall for this too with the front seat belts but it specifically happens with my back seatbelts. This has happened since I bought the car in 2020z
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that the front driver's side and passenger's side headlight assemblies had experienced cracks and chips causing moisture to enter the headlight assemblies. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was concerned that the moisture inside the headlight assemblies would cause the front headlights to eventually fail. The failure mileage was 70,354.
The passenger side daytime running light has burned out. Daytime running lights are a safety feature for myself and other drivers. The problem happens 100% of the time. The dealership has inspected the issue and suggest replacing the entire headlight assembly. It happened January 2025 and No warning lights came on. It was brought to my attention by another driver in traffic
Just purchased a certified used vehicle. 1) passenger DTRL is half way burnt out. Upon reading tons of forums online, I'm seeing this is a VERY COMMON issue. 2) the back up guide lines on the back up camera does not show. After master reset of the sync system , the lines appeared once. Since then it has not shown ever again.
Passenger side daytime running lights (DRL) have dimmed, diminishing daytime visibility . LED bulb may be out. Seems to be a common problem per other Expedition owners. There were no warnings or messages stating problem. The only way to fix the problem is by replacing the entire headlamp assembly ($1,200 plus labor).
Related recalls (5)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Expedition, 2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD vehicles. The headlight assemblies may contain a contaminated LED chip, which can result in a loss of daytime running lights, parking lights, high beams or low beams.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles.
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026.
Exterior lighting › Back up lights
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.
Remedy: 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.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Ford is recalling 1,357 my 2009 expedition and navigator vehicles for failing to comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the brake stop lamp switch May be improperly adjusted.
Remedy: Dealers will adjust the brake stoplamp switch free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2009. Owners May contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 or www.ownerconnection.com.
Exterior lighting
Vehicle description: Mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of FMVSS 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to Ford, the vehicles were…
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Expedition years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (26), 2018 (25), 1997 (20), 2000 (17) and 2003 (12) model years. Headlight complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Ford Expedition headlight problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 26V-606 (headlights, Sep 22, 2026); 26V-104 (tail lights, Feb 20, 2026); 12V-190 (back up lights, May 3, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Expedition headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (20 mentions), followed by the turn signal (7).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.