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2016 Ford Expedition: problems, recalls and what it’s worth

Known weak spot on this generation: 3.5L EcoBoost (1st gen) — cam phasers, intercooler condensation. 3 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 22% about brakes.

Before you buy A 1–2 second rattle on cold start-up, a stumble under boost after highway cruising in humidity. Ask about phaser or timing work.

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Known problems on the 2016 Ford Expedition

3.5L EcoBoost (1st gen) — cam phasers, intercooler condensation $1,200–$3,500 to fix

If equipped with the 1st-gen 3.5 EcoBoost: a cold-start cam-phaser rattle (Ford revised the phasers and did a TSB), and a hard-throttle stumble/misfire in humid weather from condensation pooling in the intercooler. Timing chains and the water pump (internal on some) also wear.

Check for: A 1–2 second rattle on cold start-up, a stumble under boost after highway cruising in humidity. Ask about phaser or timing work.

Basis: Ford cam-phaser TSBs; NHTSA condensation complaints; class actions

Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.

2016 Ford Expedition recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Expedition. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.

2016 Ford Expedition safety investigations and free repairs

No open safety investigations.

No warranty extensions listed.

Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.

2016 Ford Expedition safety and fuel

5 of 5 starsNHTSA overall crash rating
17–18 mpgEPA combined, depending on engine and drive
$3,600–$3,800 a yearEPA fuel-cost estimate (15,000 miles a year)

From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.

What owners complain about

216 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.

Brakes22%
Engine & cooling18%
Transmission & drivetrain17%
Electrical15%
Driver-assist systems10%

Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.

Other Ford Expedition years

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Looking at a 2016 Ford Expedition for sale?

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The full report adds this car’s market value and what to offer.