Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Ford Expedition engine problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Ford Expedition have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 103,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Expedition | 7 |
| 2012 Expedition | 5 |
| 2013 Expedition | 6 |
| 2014 Expedition | 4 |
| 2015 Expedition (this page) | 16 |
| 2016 Expedition | 23 |
| 2017 Expedition | 29 |
| 2018 Expedition | 83 |
| 2019 Expedition | 96 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 16 engine complaints filed for the 2015 Ford Expedition, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method procedure. When an oil leak is present at a turbocharger oil supply or drain tube, remove the affected oil tube and inspect for damage, and replace the O-ring seals, pedestal gasket or oil tube as required. Refer to WSM, Section 303-04. For c
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. When specified in the WSM, the turbocharger oil supply filter must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control. If the blower motor speed control is determined to be the causal part, replacement of the electrical connector pigtail harness (14S411) to the blower motor speed control is also recommended to avoid repeat repairs. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for recommended splicing procedures. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cells 54/55 to obtain the se
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. For all turbocharged engine applications, the turbocharger oil supply filter (6C683 gas engine/6L625 connector style or 6A968 diesel engine) must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Expedition's 3.5L EcoBoost engine exhibits recurring failure modes that left owners stranded on highways and facing costly repairs. The most common complaint is electronic throttle body failure: vehicle loses all throttle response and enters limp mode while driving, forcing coasting to the shoulder, then power returns after restart. This failure happened at mileages ranging from 36,000 to 50,700 miles. One owner paid $560 out of pocket; another paid $500 at a dealer. Ford issued a mandatory extended warranty for throttle body defects on 2006 Explorers, 2008 Edges, and other models with identical powertrains, but explicitly excluded the Expedition. Ford Customer Service denies the issue exists despite multiple complaints citing diagnostic code P2112.
A second threat is timing chain failure. One owner had the timing chain replaced twice and eventually faced engine replacement. A dealer technician told another owner he's "seen a lot of these" but no recall exists. Owners also report coolant leaks where the coolant sensor fails to detect the leak because coolant evaporates before triggering the sensor, leaving the engine to overheat and destroy head gaskets. One parked vehicle caught fire at 103,000 miles with no prior symptoms.
Same Ford Expedition engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Throttle Body Failure
Throttle body stops responding to pedal input, causing sudden loss of engine power mid-drive. Vehicle enters limp mode or coasts to a stop; power returns after restart. Multiple owners report this mirrors recalls issued for other Ford models (Flex, Lincoln MKT) with the same powertrain but Expedition was excluded.
When: 50,700 miles; 36,000+ miles; highway speeds; intermittent across different mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of gas/throttle response while driving; Orange wrench light with limp-mode activation; Unable to accelerate or coasts to stop; Power returns after vehicle restart; Repeats multiple times in some cases
Codes mentioned: P2112
Repairs/costs cited: $560 throttle body replacement; $500 throttle body replacement at dealer; out-of-warranty repair costs cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued extended warranty for 2006 Explorer, 2008 Edge, and other models with same engine; Expedition excluded from recall despite same powertrain. Ford Customer Service denies issue exists.
Timing Chain Failure
Timing chain breaks or wears prematurely, causing engine stall and inability to restart. One owner reported timing chain replaced twice. Dealer acknowledged seeing this frequently but no recall issued.
When: 132,000 miles; unspecified timing on another case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving or at low speed; Rough running before stall; Will not restart after stall; Check engine light comes on
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement or rebuild required; timing chain replaced on two separate occasions in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealer stated 'they have seen a lot of these' but no official action.
Coolant Leak and Head Gasket Failure
Coolant leak causes engine to run hot and damage head gaskets. Coolant sensor fails to detect leak because coolant evaporates before sensor registers it, leaving only cool air over sensor. Requires engine replacement.
When: Check engine light appeared one day before discovery; vehicle properly maintained since 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Engine runs hot; Head gaskets fail
Repairs/costs cited: New engine required at 'significantly high cost'
Ignition Coil Failure (Cylinder 5)
Number five cylinder ignition coil fails, causing loss of throttle response and stalling. Occurs at low mileage.
When: 23,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal depresses but fails to respond; Sudden loss of speed; Service engine warning light illuminates intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition coil replacement at dealer
Engine Fire
Vehicle caught fire while parked with no prior reported issues. Fire originated from area between windshield and hood. Vehicle burned to frame. Cause not determined as vehicle destroyed.
When: 103,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke visible between windshield and hood; Vehicle burst into flames while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Catalytic Converter Failure
Catalytic converter requires replacement. Owner discovered unknown recall but vehicle VIN was not included in coverage.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown recall exists but does not cover this VIN
Cold Start Rattle and Rough Running
Engine produces loud rattling noise during cold starts that dissipates after about a minute. Separate report of engine lacking power and excessive noise during acceleration.
When: Cold starts
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling sound during cold start; Sound persists for about one minute; Lack of power during acceleration; Excessive noise during acceleration
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Engine lack of power and excessive noise during acceleration.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Ford expedition. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed but failed to respond. In addition, there was a sudden loss of speed and the service engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was informed that number five engine cylinder ignition coil failed. The vehicle was then taken to the…
Driving 45mph the stuttered quickly and the wrench symbol appeared on the dashboard. I had to put the car in Neutral and tranisted to the shoulder of the road, stopped and turned the vehicle off. This is not the first time this has happened. It happened to my wife and my daughter at separate times also.
2015 expedition 3.5 ecoboost stalls out while driving due to defective throttle body (code p2112). This should be a safety recall.
Had engine trouble with your 2015 Ford Expedition?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2015 Ford Expedition?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 59,000 and 132,000 miles, with the median around 103,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 59,000; a quarter make it past 132,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Ford/Expedition.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.