Ford Expedition Door Lock & Latch Problems

Owners have filed 91 complaints about locks & latches problems with the Ford Expedition — 1% of all Expedition complaints. The worst model years are 1997 (26), 2003 (11) and 1998 (9). Problems typically start around 73,000 miles. One related recall has been issued.

91complaints
1997worst year
73ktypical miles
1related recalls
0crashes
0fires

Door Lock & Latch complaints by model year

’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26’2726929731122342114311
Door Lock & Latch complaints per model year, Ford Expedition.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
202312%—
202110%30,000 miles
201931%62,000 miles
201841%—
201710%5,000 miles
201311%50,000 miles
201123%115,000 miles
200843%73,000 miles
200731%52,000 miles
200621%77,000 miles
200521%—
2003112%58,000 miles
200231%50,000 miles
200171%80,000 miles
200091%122,000 miles
199920%78,000 miles
199891%169,000 miles
1997263%65,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Doors › Latch
    55
  • Hatchback/liftgate › Lock
    3
  • Hood › Latch
    2

Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    816%
  • 25k–50k
    1224%
  • 50k–75k
    1224%
  • 75k–100k
    816%
  • 100k–150k
    510%
  • 150k+
    510%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that occasionally while her husband drives at various speeds, the vehicle would fail to accelerate as intended when depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated the rear truck door had fallen on her husband's head a few times in the past and would only open halfway. Minor injuries were sustained but medical attention was not sought. No warning light illuminated. On occasion, the contact mentioned that the automatic step on the front passenger side would not lower as intended and would remain up while pressing the switch. The contact also stated that the front hood does not remain open independently and would shut. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. …

2019 Expedition · Hood › Latch · 65,000 miles · Jan 2022 · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the rear driver's side door failed to latch when closed, causing the door to fly open. The contact stated that he used a rope to tie the door to another door to keep the door securely closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was inspected. The dealer determined that the door handle assembly needed to be replaced and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

2019 Expedition · Doors › Latch · 62,000 miles · Jan 2024

In below-freezing weather, the driver's side door latch of our 2018 Ford Expedition cannot be operated from the inside or outside of the vehicle, greatly limiting the occupant's ability to enter or exit the vehicle. A Ford technician advised today that the latch would need to be replaced. There were no indicators of a malfunction. Similar year Ford F-150s are covered for this issue by Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program 18N03. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10148744-9999.pdf

2018 Expedition · Doors › Latch · Jan 2023

The rear doors don't unlock frequently. They won't open from inside or outside often and require repeated unlocking of locks. The manual lock pulls on top of panel are too recessed to grab and pull. The drivers door never comes up at all.

2018 Expedition · Feb 2023

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Expedition. While driving 15 MPH, the driver's door suddenly opened. The contact had to hold the door shut until she arrived home. Sheehy Ford Lincoln of gaithersburg (901 n frederick ave, gaithersburg, md 20879, [phone]) stated that an unknown recall expired from the previous owner; therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 178,000.

2008 Expedition · Doors › Latch · 178,000 miles · Jan 2019

Power rear hatch failure - after opening rear door, it would immediately come back down with the motor. If someone was standing at the rear of the vehicle, it would hit them, and stop, but would not go back up. This kept repeating for several weeks until the door no longer opened via the power opener. When taken to the dealer, all they found was that the door had "lost it's programming" and they reprogrammed it, but the problem has starting occurring again.

2008 Expedition · 49,000 miles · Apr 2010

2007 Ford Expedition. Consumer writes in regards to engine locking issue. The consumer stated the vehicle stopped on a busy highway without any warning. The vehicle had less than 125,000 miles on it. The consumer stated that door handles were peeling and cutting the owner. The handles were repaired under warranty but, the failure recurred. Updated 04/10/2017

2007 Expedition · 125,000 miles · Jan 2017 · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that on three different occasions, the front driver, rear and passenger front door handles fractured, causing the contact to have to open the window and open the door with the exterior door handle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised him that he needed to replace the door handles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. Updated 12/16/11 the consumer stated three out four door handles failed which were made out of cheap plastic. A few months ago, both front regulators for the power windows failed. Updated 12/23/11

2007 Expedition · 52,000 miles · Mar 2011

Related recalls (1)

Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch

NHTSA recall 08V-058 · Feb 5, 2008 · 123,632 vehicles

Ford is recalling 123,632 my 2007-2008 expedition and Lincoln navigator vehicles. The door handle housing embossment retaining the bottom of the interior door handle spring on all side doors May fracture during normal customer usage. This can result in insufficient spring force to return the handle to the fully closed position.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the interior handle spring on all side doors. The recall began on March 5, 2008. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford Expedition years have door lock & latch problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (26), 2003 (11), 1998 (9), 2000 (9) and 2001 (7) model years. Door Lock & Latch complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 1997.

Is there a recall for Ford Expedition door lock & latch problems?

Yes — 1 recall, including 08V-058 (latch, Feb 5, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Ford Expedition door lock & latch problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the doors › latch (55 mentions), followed by the hatchback/liftgate › lock (3).

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.