Makes›Ford›Expedition›2008

2008 Ford Expedition

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Ford Expedition
Pictured: 2022 Ford Expedition Platinum unmarked unit, front 4.14.23. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4WD SUV Xlt/Eddie Bauer/Limited/Ki, Max 4WD SUV Eddie Bauer/Limited/Ki
Engines
5.4L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
14 combined · 12 city / 18 hwy
Length
206.7–221.3 in
Curb weight
5,805–6,155 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 14 MPG combined, 26% below the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG.
  • No AWD or 4WDTwo-wheel drive only, unusual for a SUV -.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Ford Expedition is a SUV - offered with a 5.4L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 207 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,805 lb (4WD SUV Xlt/Eddie Bauer/Limited/Ki).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 14 MPG combined (12 city / 18 highway), 26% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.

What changed for 2008

  • New body dimensions: 14.6 in shorter, wheelbase −12.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Expedition →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4WD SUV Xlt/Eddie Bauer/Limited/Ki206.7 in78.7 in77.2 in118.9 in66.9 / 67.3 in5,805 lb50/50
Max 4WD SUV Eddie Bauer/Limited/Ki221.3 in78.7 in77.6 in131.1 in66.9 / 67.3 in6,155 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Expedition 2WD5.4L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-26%$4,800635
Spend $12,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2008 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Ford Expedition under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Ford Expedition (this car)14 MPGNot rated0
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated5
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe21 MPGNot rated3
2008 GMC Yukon21 MPGNot rated3
2008 Dodge Durango16 MPGNot rated2
2008 Ford Taurus22 MPGNot rated1
2008 Toyota Sequoia15 MPGNot rated8

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Expedition.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Ford Expedition is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

60Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
9Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
97,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Structure › Body17
Service Brakes13
Unknown Or Other9
Electrical System6
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Air Bags2
Visibility/Wiper2
Suspension2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/04: 118/05: 118/08: 118/09: 118/10: 119/01: 119/02: 119/03: 219/04: 119/06: 219/08: 119/09: 119/11: 220/02: 220/08: 220/10: 121/08: 122/02: 122/04: 222/05: 123/02: 125/07: 125/08: 126/02: 118/0418/0919/0219/0619/1120/1022/0425/07max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Ford Expedition buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Structure › Body — 17 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  3. Service Brakes — 13 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 97,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Ford Expedition. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Expedition years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Expedition18–Not rated20
2026 Expedition19209.8 inNot rated210
2025 Expedition19209.8 in★★★★★638
2024 Expedition19209.8 in★★★★★779
2023 Expedition19209.8 in★★★★★865
2022 Expedition19209.8 in★★★★★12116
2021 Expedition19209.8 in★★★★★12241
2020 Expedition19209.8 in★★★★★18425
2019 Expedition20209.8 in★★★★★11522
2018 Expedition20209.8 in★★★★★14382
2017 Expedition18205.9 in★★★★★4357
2016 Expedition18205.9 inNot rated3217

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →