For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford Expedition engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Ford Expedition have filed 83 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 80,000 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
83
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Expedition | 4 |
| 2015 Expedition | 16 |
| 2016 Expedition | 23 |
| 2017 Expedition | 29 |
| 2018 Expedition (this page) | 83 |
| 2019 Expedition | 96 |
| 2020 Expedition | 18 |
| 2021 Expedition | 25 |
| 2022 Expedition | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 83 engine complaints filed for the 2018 Ford Expedition, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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.
What stands out
Owners have filed 83 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 18 model years of Ford Expedition in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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 2017-2020 F-150 and 2018-2020 Expedition/Navigator vehicles built on or before 30-Nov-2019 and equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5 seconds. Some vehicles may also exhibit an intermittent condition with no auto restart during auto-start-stop operation with or without diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P164C present in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to a worn variable camshaft timing (VCT) unit. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the VCT units.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2017-2020 F-150 2018-2020 Expedition/Navigator vehicles built on or before 31-Oct-2019 and equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5 seconds. This may be due to a worn variable cam timing (VCT) unit. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the VCT units.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150, 2018-2020 Expedition, and 2018-2020 Navigator Vehicles Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine - Cam Phase Replacement. Parts Requirements / Order information - Intake Gaskets HL3Z-9439-A should be inspected and only replaced if damaged. It is no longer required to replace these gaskets.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2022 F-150, 2017-2022 F-Super Duty and 2018-2022 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit poor air conditioning (A/C) performance, loss of airflow and/or engine cooling fans running continuously from high A/C pressures. This concern may be from the evaporator freezing up due to the evaporator temperature sensor being biased. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the evaporator temperature sensor.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Ford Expedition 3.5L EcoBoost engine shows a pattern of repeated failures centered on the variable valve timing (cam phaser) system. Owners report a distinctive loud rattling, clanking, or grinding sound during cold starts that typically fades once the engine warms up. This often appears as early as 25,000 miles and recurs even after dealer repair. Many owners have had cam phasers replaced under Ford's TSB or Customer Satisfaction Programs 21B10 and 21N03, only to experience identical symptoms months or years later. Some dealers claim replacement parts have different part numbers and will not cover a second repair. A few owners report more severe outcomes: loss of engine power during acceleration on the highway, engine overheating, coolant leaks, timing chain damage, catalytic converter failure, and cylinder misfires with low compression. One owner described a dangerous 3-second loss of throttle response during freeway merging. Another lost all power and had to restart mid-drive. The Auto Start/Stop system has shut the engine down unexpectedly in some cases. Most owners report that their VINs fall outside the coverage limits of available customer satisfaction programs, leaving them responsible for repair costs ranging from $3,000 to $5,500.
Same Ford Expedition engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Cam Phaser Rattle and Failure
Variable valve timing (VCT/cam phaser) system produces loud rattling, clanking, or grinding sounds on cold starts, sometimes persisting intermittently. Owners report multiple failed repairs with identical symptoms recurring after dealer service. Dealer claims some vehicles fall outside recall/CSP VIN coverage; parts are replaced with different part numbers that owners state are faulty designs (HL3Z vs. redesigned ML3C units).
When: 25,000–140,000 miles; symptom onset varies; recurrence common 6 months to 2 years after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling, clanking, or grinding sound on cold start; Noise fades after engine warms; Check engine light (sometimes); Noise recurs intermittently while driving; Engine idle issues and reduced power (some cases)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illuminated (specific codes not detailed in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Cam phasers replaced under TSB and Customer Satisfaction Programs 21B10, 21N03; owners cite parts HL3Z-6C525 as faulty, ML3C as redesign. Costs $3,000–$5,500 for out-of-warranty repairs. Multiple repeat repairs performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued; Customer Satisfaction Programs 21B10 (PCM reprogram), 21N03 (cam phaser replacement with mileage cap ~70k); some vehicles excluded from VIN coverage; extended warranty with limits; dealers refusing second repairs citing part number changes
Loss of Engine Power / Throttle Unresponsiveness
Complete loss of throttle response for several seconds during acceleration or stalled power output. One owner reported 3-second lag during interstate merge with traffic approaching; another experienced 10-second gear slip at 70 mph. Ford reprogram was performed in one case; another case resolved after automatic transmission reset.
When: Highway driving; one case at 96,000+ miles; timing variable
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of throttle response when accelerating (3–10 seconds); Transmission failure to engage gear; Vehicle unable to accelerate on highway; Power cut from both engine and transmission (described as if engine off)
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealer reprogram of powertrain control module performed; cost not disclosed. Unresolved in some instances.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Reprogram of powertrain control (PCM) performed; dealer initially stated no database records; case filed with manufacturer after customer escalation
Auto Start/Stop System Unwanted Shutdown
Engine shuts down unexpectedly while stopped or coming to a stop with Auto Start/Stop engaged. Message 'Auto StartStop Shift to P, then Restart Engine' appears; restart required.
When: Cold starts; within first couple miles of driving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while stopped or stopping; System message requiring restart; Occurs 3–4 times in recent weeks; Happens more on cold starts despite mild ambient temps
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealers unresponsive or unable to schedule powertrain service for several months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; local dealer appointments unavailable
Timing Chain Wear and Damage
Timing chain loosens, producing rattle or chatter sounds. Some owners report timing chain was found to be defective and requiring replacement. Chatter occurs on cold starts and after vehicle sits for hours. Damage may cascade from cam phaser failure.
When: 40,000–107,000 miles; cold starts or after sitting
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattle or chatter on cold start; Timing chain slack reported by mechanics; Sound dissipates after warmup
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement required in some cases; independent mechanic diagnosis common. Repair costs embedded in broader engine work or not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific coverage noted; referred to NHTSA
Engine Overheating and Coolant System Failure
Engine overheats unexpectedly, with one owner reporting temperature spike to nearly 300°F. Heater hose failure and coolant leaks reported. One case involved water pump replacement at 40,000 miles.
When: 40,000–100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature gauge reading dangerously high; Heater hose blows while driving; Coolant level drops; Coolant leaks visible under vehicle; Abnormal knocking or loud sounds coinciding with overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replaced (40k mi case); hoses and solenoid replacement cited. Repairs not always completed due to cost or coverage denial.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case opened by manufacturer; referred to NHTSA
Catalytic Converter Failure and Emissions Issues
Check engine light accompanied by catalytic converter failure diagnosis. Owners report sustained service engine light due to cam phaser issues triggering catalytic converter degradation. One owner cited emissions release and recall CSP 10201090.
When: 51,000–156,000 miles; often concurrent with cam phaser failure
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (emissions-related codes implied); Catalytic converter failure; Emissions warning via Ford app; Service engine error message
Codes mentioned: Emissions/catalytic converter code (specific codes not itemized), Emission Recall 24E13 referenced in one complaint
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement needed; cost not specified. Often deferred due to recall/warranty coverage gaps.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: CSP 10201090 referenced; one owner's VIN not covered. Referred to NHTSA.
Cylinder Misfire and Internal Engine Failure
One owner reported cylinder 4 misfire with low compression at 122,000 miles on a well-maintained vehicle, indicating premature internal engine damage. Owner suspects early engine failure.
When: 122,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder 4 misfire code; Low compression detected; Premature internal engine wear suspected
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 4 misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement or major rebuild likely required; owner reports high repair cost burden
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; owner requesting recall consideration
Transmission Slippage and Hard Shifting
10-speed automatic transmission loses gear engagement during acceleration, causing 10-second power loss on highway at speed. Owner also reports hard gear shifts causing vehicle jumping multiple times during short drives.
When: During highway driving (70 mph); recurring over weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission gear fails to catch during acceleration; 10-second loss of power and vehicle slowdown; Hard gear shifts with noticeable vehicle jumping; Multiple hard shifts during a 15-minute drive
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet repaired; owner reports extreme danger on interstate
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Engine Oil Leak
One owner reported fluid leak concern from engine with multiple warning lights illuminated. Diagnosis of engine oil leak made by dealer.
When: 124,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unknown warning lights illuminated; Fluid leak visible from engine compartment; Concern over leak severity
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer referred to NHTSA; not repaired by dealer; manufacturer not contacted by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer referral to NHTSA only
Coolant Hose Failure
Coolant hoses fail and require replacement. One case involved coolant leaks under the vehicle with loss of power during highway driving.
When: 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leak underneath vehicle; Vehicle loss of motive power and acceleration failure; Intermittent power issues at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant hoses diagnosed as faulty; replacement needed. Cause of power loss undetermined; repairs pending.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer notified; no assistance offered. Manufacturer not yet contacted.
Unwanted Acceleration (Auto Throttle Hold)
Vehicle continues to accelerate even when driver's foot is released from gas pedal. One owner's wife experienced this; vehicle continued accelerating until braking triggered transmission reset.
When: October 2022 (after PCM reprogram)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without driver input; Foot lifted from gas but acceleration continues; Transmission 'shift' and 'reset' triggered by braking
Repairs/costs cited: Occurred once post-reprogram; self-resolved after braking
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Previous PCM reprogram performed for unrelated power loss issue; this incident separate
Synthesized from 83 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Faulty Cam phasers The cam phasers in this vehicles makes an undesirable noise, such as a rattle when starting the engine or a knocking noise when idling. Vehicle has at times experiences Poor acceleration, Rough engine running, Tapping or rattling noise when the engine is idling and hot
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound was more evident at the initial start-up. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the cam phasers had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clunking sound while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving a undisclosed speeds, the engine overheated. The contact stated that there was an extremely loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was…
Had engine trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Ford Expedition?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 83 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 44 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 57,000 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,000; a quarter make it past 110,000. 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/2018/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.