Ford Expedition 4th Gen
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The fourth-generation Expedition is a genuinely huge full-size SUV: up to eight seats, cavernous cargo room, and tow ratings well past 9,000 lb. The twin-turbo 3.5 EcoBoost V6 is the star, delivering more low-end grunt than many V8s while staying smooth and surprisingly eager for the mass it hauls. The aluminium body borrowed from the F-150 saves weight and resists rust better than old steel trucks. The biggest warning before buying: the 10-speed automatic is prone to the well-known low-speed shudder. Always test drive with slow take-offs and gentle throttle tip-in; if a fluid flush with the correct spec oil doesn't cure it, repairs get expensive. Common trouble spots: heater hoses leak and cause coolant loss, shock absorbers wear early, and the rear air suspension bags lose pressure — a recurring cost risk. The water pump is chain-driven and internal to the engine, so replacement is a labour-heavy engine-out job that should be budgeted for preventively. Several recalls apply: wiper arms that snap (26V204), seatbelt pretensioners that lock up (24S06), and the trailer module losing communication (26V104). Electrical gremlins pile on: power running boards stick, the power-fold third-row seat motor fails, SYNC3 freezes, the HVAC blend door actuator clicks, the panoramic sunroof leaks, and the BLIS blind-spot radar throws faults. Buying tips: confirm every recall has been completed, check the air suspension both static and loaded, demand transmission service history, and look under the truck for coolant traces from the heater hoses. A well-maintained Expedition with recalls done and a healthy transmission is a confident hauler and tow vehicle.
Engine Overview
The Ford Expedition 4th Gen is available with one engine variant at 375 hp.
3.5L twin-turbo V6, Gen 2 from 2017 — the big change was adding port injection alongside direct injection, which eliminated the carbon buildup problem. In High Output Raptor trim it makes 450 hp, standard tune gets 375-400 hp. Not an emotional engine — it sounds like an efficient twin-turbo V6, which is exactly what it is. But the torque from 2,500 rpm onwards is relentless, holding flat until 5,000 rpm before falling off a cliff. Cam phaser failure on 2017-2020 is THE topic: cold-start rattle, worst case chain skip. Ford CSP 21N03 expired, repair costs $3,000-5,000. Exhaust manifold studs snap from turbo heat cycling. Plastic valve covers crack around 60k miles — an engineering choice that should have been aluminum. Wastegate rattle is cosmetic but annoying. Different 10R80 calibration in the Raptor. Oil changes every 5,000 miles with full-synthetic 5W-30.
- !! Cam Phaser Failure (2017-2020) from 80,000 km
THE Gen2 topic: hydraulic phasers fail from ~50k miles. Ford CSP 21N03 (expired). $3-5k repair. July 2018 and October 2019 revisions improved the parts.
Symptoms: Knock/tick at warm idle, CEL P0011/P0012 - !! Exhaust Manifold Warps — Studs Break from 90,000 km
Turbo heat + original design with too few studs → warping and breakage. Ticking on cold start.
Symptoms: Ticking/squeaking on cold start - !! Turbo Coolant Line Leak from 80,000 km
The bi-turbo coolant supply and return lines become brittle from thermal cycling and leak. Sudden coolant loss under load can cause overheating — especially dangerous when towing.
Symptoms: Sweet smell, low coolant without visible puddle, overheat warning while towing
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 10-Speed Auto Shudder Same 10R80 issue as F-150: vibration at 35-45 mph, CDF clutch drum, TSB 20-2028. Symptoms: Vibration at part throttle, harsh gear changes from 80,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Expedition 4th Gen (2018–2024) — 6 engine-related and 15 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Cooling, Suspension, Brakes.
Expedition (EcoBoost-3.5-V6-Gen2, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: Cam Phaser Failure (2017-2020), Exhaust Manifold Warps — Studs Break, Turbo Coolant Line Leak. Power: 375 PS.
What to watch out for with the Ford Expedition? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Expedition 4th Gen have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Expedition 4th Gen? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Ford Expedition 4th Gen engine is the most fun? +
Is the Ford Expedition 4th Gen worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford Expedition 4th Gen? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee