2016 Ford Expedition engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Feb 5, 2026TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The failed components are called "cam phasers." It is a known problem with the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost Engine (that even Ford is aware of). The cam phasers can fail, causing the timing chain to fail at any moment. They rattle upon startup of a cold engine. The failure of the original engineering is causing owners of this vehicle, along with the F150 and others, to have to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 in order to replace these. The problem has been confirmed by the Ford…

   NHTSA complaint #11715780 · source
2. Filed Feb 2, 2026CADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperative. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was…

   NHTSA complaint #11715121 · source
3. Filed Jul 21, 2025VAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle stops accelerating randomly it’s been in the shop (Ford dealer) a few times and they are unable to pinpoint the issue. The warning lamps would come on after the vehicle fails to accelerate. It would lose power at any interval and coast until it’s fully stopped.

   NHTSA complaint #11674952 · source
4. Filed Mar 26, 2025148,000 miFLEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine made a knocking sound. No warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to the cam phasers; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11650809 · source
5. Filed Mar 25, 2025AZEngine

   I experienced the same problem you are investigating in F-150’s: I was traveling on the highway at 75 miles per hour on cruise control - there was a really loud thunk and the Expedition unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear, I hadn’t touched anything and there was no warning. It was really scary and has made me doubt the safety of this Expedition.

   NHTSA complaint #11650371 · source
6. Filed Mar 11, 2025PAEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving in the mountains and the vehicle was stuck in the middle of the road. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was…

   NHTSA complaint #11647586 · source
7. Filed Nov 19, 2024128,000 miINEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound on cold starts. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving from a complete stop and while coming to a stop. The contact also stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough idling. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11626187 · source
8. Filed Feb 16, 2024125,000 miKYEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that an unknown fluid was leaking from the vehicle in two locations. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and informed about a possible catalytic converter failure. The mechanic blew out the parts. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket was fractured, and the catalytic converter and vacuum pump needed to be…

   NHTSA complaint #11572289 · source
9. Filed Oct 5, 2023LAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   Sudden feel of a misfire putting truck into reverse, definitely caught my attention as vehicle has under 140k miles! Just had new Ford spark plugs and lifetime warrantied coil packs in the last 20 to 25k! it's had at least two if not three oil changes in the last 20k to 30k miles! Put vehicle into drive same felling of a misfire and doesn't take long it flashes the check engine light at me so I turn around to head back home and haven't really made it but around the corner…

   NHTSA complaint #11548363 · source
10. Filed Oct 2, 2023120,000 miTNEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 30 MPH, a loud explosion sound came from the engine compartment and engine oil began to leak from the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the turbo line had failed causing the turbo to strike the engine, creating a hole in the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine and turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…

    NHTSA complaint #11547803 · source
11. Filed Sep 21, 2023SCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The throttle body failed, and my car lost power as I was turning into traffic on the road outside of my subdivision. My car went from approximately 45-50 miles an hour to no acceleration. My car would only go forward at the speed at which it idles. It was very dangerous to me and to others because it was a sudden power failure. The problem was reproduced by the local Ford dealer. I don't know if the component has been inspected by anyone. The first time it happened, there…

    NHTSA complaint #11545890 · source
12. Filed Apr 14, 2023AZEngine

    Warped exhaust manifold leaking exhaust into main cabin, broken studs on engine block. Thousands of incidents of reported online.

    NHTSA complaint #11517101 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology