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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-FORD-EXPEDITIONNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Ford
2016 Ford Expedition problems
The 2016 Ford Expedition has 217 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2016 Ford Expedition has 217 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of October 2026). The most-reported system is brakes at 46 complaints, typically surfacing around 66,255 miles (~$450 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Expedition?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Powertrain: 35 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 53,000–95,000 mi
Electrical system: 30 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 116,467–140,000 mi
Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Ford Expedition SUV 4x4. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Ford Expedition? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
brakes — 46 owner reports
· tends to show around 66,255 mi · ~$450 to fix
powertrain — 35 owner reports
· tends to show around 70,404 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 30 owner reports
· tends to show around 117,191 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 23 owner reports
· tends to show around 86,210 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 70,404 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Expedition· cruise control
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford expedition. While driving 50 MPH, the wrench icon illuminated and the vehicle began to stall. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and was able to restart it after the failure. The contact took the vehicle to gator Ford (11780…
Rear camera is inoperable or intermittent. It has been for over a year. Ford finally issued a recall notice I believe in September 2025. They have still not corrected the problem or even sent a letter confirming when it will be completed. I feel there should be reasonable time…
Navigation system fails, does not route correctly. Fear for getting lost or not making appointments. Phone conversations via blue tooth on connected phones to auto will break up or drop preventing emergency calls.
I receive a recall 22S56 for the climate control blower motor it was replaced under warranty on 12/17/2024 about a year latter I noticed blower stopped working on 12/13/2025 coming from San Francisco because visibility was affected when defroster stopped working, then I called…
Had a problem with your 2016 Ford Expedition?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles
A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles
Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the second quarter of 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S56.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3
A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Ford Expedition reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Ford Expedition has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Ford Expedition?
The 2016 Ford Expedition is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 35 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 53,000–95,000 mi; Electrical system: 30 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 116,467–140,000 mi; Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Ford Expedition?
Inspect the brakes first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 46 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 66,255 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Ford Expedition a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 217 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is brakes. Typical failure occurs around 66,255 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Ford Expedition?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 46 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 66,255 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 66,255 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Expedition has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Ford Expedition?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 217 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Ford/Expedition.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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