2012 Ford Expedition
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4WD SUV Xlt/Limited, Max 4WD SUV Limited
- Engines
- 5.4L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 205.9–221.3 in
- Curb weight
- 5,805–6,155 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 23% below the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Ford Expedition is a SUV - offered with a 5.4L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 206 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,805 lb (4WD SUV Xlt/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 23% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Expedition — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Expedition →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4WD SUV Xlt/Limited | 205.9 in | 78.7 in | 77.2 in | 118.9 in | 66.5 / 66.1 in | 5,805 lb | 50/50 |
| Max 4WD SUV Limited | 221.3 in | 78.7 in | 77.6 in | 131.1 in | 66.5 / 66.1 in | 6,155 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition 2WD FFV FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -23% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Expedition 4WD FFV FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -21% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Ford Expedition.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ford Expedition (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Ford Explorer | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Dodge Durango | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2012 Toyota Sequoia | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Nissan Armada | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 GMC Acadia | 19 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (3)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Apr 27, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V248000 · 153,581 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
- Risk
- An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights · May 3, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V190000 · 10,500 vehicles
- Problem
- 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. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 ÂLAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
- Risk
- IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE ÂRÂ POSITION AND THE VEHICLEÂS TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE ÂRÂ MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLEÂS NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
- Fix
- 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Feb 2, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V034000 · 569 vehicles
- Problem
- FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.
- Risk
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Fix
- FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Not every 2012 Ford Expedition is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Ford Expedition buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 61 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 14 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 95,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Ford Expedition. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Expedition years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Expedition | 18 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2025 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 38 |
| 2024 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 79 |
| 2023 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 65 |
| 2022 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 116 |
| 2021 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 241 |
| 2020 Expedition | 19 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 18 | 425 |
| 2019 Expedition | 20 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 522 |
| 2018 Expedition | 20 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 382 |
| 2017 Expedition | 18 | 205.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 357 |
| 2016 Expedition | 18 | 205.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 217 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →