Buy Ford Expedition Grilles

Quick Facts

The Ford Expedition grille-also called the front grille, radiator grille, or simply the nose grill-sits at the very front of the SUV. Its slotted design lets cool air flow to the radiator while shielding it from rocks and bugs (Wikipedia). Later Expedition models add smart features like active grille shutters and a forward camera, turning a once-simple plastic grid into a tech hub .

Function & Benefits

• Airflow management - The openings guide fresh air to the radiator and intercooler to keep engine temps steady, which helps fuel economy.
• Protection - Thick ABS ribs block stones and road trash that could puncture the condenser or radiator.
• Style cue - Ford restyles the grille each generation to give the Expedition its bold "face." 2024-plus versions wear a wider, mesh-heavy pattern , while the refreshed 2025 lineup gets a slimmer surround and new LED back-lighting around the emblem .
• Aerodynamics - Active shutters in 2018+ models close at highway speed, smoothing airflow and cutting drag .

Model Fit & Style

• 1997-2002 (1st gen) - Narrow horizontal bars; emblem on top rail.
• 2003-2006 (facelift) - Deeper honeycomb openings.
• 2007-2014 (2nd gen) - Taller frame with thick three-bar look.
• 2015-2017 (refresh) - Chrome five-bar grille on XLT; Platinum adds satin finish .
• 2018-2024 (3rd gen) - Switch to large mesh; active shutters standard. Timberline trim gains dark "brick" inserts .
• 2025 (next gen) - New grille with thinner surround, matrix LEDs, and radar panel in the center badge .

Materials

Most Expedition grilles use injection-molded ABS plastic for light weight and impact resistance. Some premium or aftermarket units add brushed aluminum or stainless mesh for extra strength. ABS accepts paint well when scuffed and treated with adhesion promoter .

Smart Tech

• Active grille shutters open or close in under 20 seconds after start-up to balance cooling and aero .
• Forward camera for the optional 360-degree view sits just below the blue-oval badge .
• Radar sensor for Adaptive Cruise Control hides behind a smooth center panel; dirt or snow on the grille can disable the system .

Installation

DIY removal on 2018+ models takes about 30 minutes: pop 7 push-pins, remove four 10 mm bolts, then lift the grille straight out . Always unplug the camera and shutter motor first. Re-use original clips when possible to prevent rattles.

Care Tips

• Hose off bugs promptly; acidic residue can dull chrome.
• For deep cleaning, use a soft wheel brush or a foam cannon as shown in this how-to video .
• Touch-up chips with body-color paint; ABS accepts primer after a light sanding .

Trouble Signs

• Broken slats or missing clips let the grille vibrate.
• Flaking chrome means UV damage; repaint or wrap.
• "Grille Shutter Fault" on the dash points to a jammed shutter motor .
• Camera fog or radar errors often trace back to grime covering the center panel .

Upgrade Ideas

Owners often swap to mesh or "Raptor-style" grilles for a bolder look. Black-out vinyl kits let you delete factory chrome without replacing the part. Always verify the new piece has openings for your camera and shutter motor to avoid warning lights.

Safety & Law

LED accent lights or light bars mounted in the grille must comply with FMVSS 108, which limits color and brightness . To see if your Expedition has an open safety recall that may affect the grille or front camera wiring, use the free VIN checker at NHTSA .

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the front grille actually do?
A: It lets cool air reach the radiator and intercooler while blocking debris. (Wikipedia)

Q: Are the 2015-2017 grilles interchangeable with 2018-2024 models?
A: No. Ford reshaped the hood and headlights in 2018; mounts and size changed.

Q: Do I need to remove the bumper to swap the grille?
A: On 2018+ Expeditions, the grille unbolts first; the bumper can stay on .

Q: How do active grille shutters save gas?
A: They close at highway speed, making the SUV slice through air more easily, which improves fuel economy and warms the engine faster in winter .

Q: My adaptive cruise stops working in snow-why?
A: Ice on the grille blocks the radar panel, so the computer turns the system off until the lens is clean .

Q: Can I paint the plastic grille myself?
A: Yes. Clean, scuff, spray an adhesion promoter, then apply primer and paint designed for plastics .

Q: Is there a recall on Expedition grilles?
A: None specific to the grille shell, but you can check any open recalls for your VIN on the NHTSA site .

Q: Will adding LED strips in the grille pass inspection?
A: Only if the lights meet FMVSS 108 rules on color (white or amber front-facing) and brightness .

Q: What tools do I need to remove the grille?
A: A clip puller, 10 mm socket, and a trim-safe plastic pry tool handle the job on most years .

Q: Does the 360° camera use the grille?
A: Yes-one of four cameras sits in the center of the grille emblem to create the bird's-eye view .

Need more help with Ford Expedition body parts or fitment? Use the links above to the official regulations, recall database, and Ford press releases for the most reliable information.