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 ↗2019 Ford Expedition engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Ford Expedition have filed 96 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 74,000 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
96
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Expedition | 16 |
| 2016 Expedition | 23 |
| 2017 Expedition | 29 |
| 2018 Expedition | 83 |
| 2019 Expedition (this page) | 96 |
| 2020 Expedition | 18 |
| 2021 Expedition | 25 |
| 2022 Expedition | 3 |
| 2023 Expedition | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 96 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Ford Expedition, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 96 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 #2 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
Owners of 2019 Expeditions report a relentless pattern of cam phaser failure and engine shudder, often beginning with a loud rattling or knocking sound at cold start. The rattle typically vanishes once the engine warms, but it returns and worsens. Many owners took their vehicles to Ford dealers and received notices of Customer Satisfaction Programs 21B10 (PCM reprogram) or 21N03 (cam phaser replacement), yet found their VINs excluded or the reprogram ineffective—the rattle and rough idle persisted or recurred.
When cam phasers fail and remain unrepaired, the damage compounds: timing chains stretch and snap, causing catastrophic loss of motive power (one owner lost steering ability mid-highway). Check engine codes P0021, P0014, and P0018 are common. Engine replacement estimates range $10,000–$18,222, with parts heavily backordered; owners report 250+ vehicles waiting for engines.
Several owners had cam phasers replaced under warranty only to face the same failure again at higher mileage—Ford refused repeat coverage. Transmission slipping, overheating to 230–240 degrees, and catalytic converter inefficiency are also documented, often following software updates owners say made things worse. Across nearly 91 complaints, owners describe months waiting for appointments, long waits for parts, and repeated denials of assistance once the initial 60,000-mile powertrain warranty expired.
Same Ford Expedition engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Cam Phaser/VCT System Failure
Cam phasers, VCT phasers, and related solenoids fail prematurely, causing rough idle, rattling/knocking at cold start or throughout operation, engine shudder, and eventual loss of power. This is the dominant failure across the complaint cluster.
When: Typically 20,000–121,000 miles; many within first 60,000 miles of coverage; recurrence after repair common between 67,000–113,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling or knocking sound at cold start; Abnormal rattling during acceleration or highway driving; Engine shudder and rough idle; Hard starting or slow cranking in cold weather; Check engine light (often P0021, P0014, P0018 reported); Loss of motive power while driving
Codes mentioned: P0021, P0018, P0014
Repairs/costs cited: Cam phaser replacement ranges $2,000–$4,000+ out-of-pocket when out of warranty; some owners cite 250+ vehicles on backorder waiting for parts; timing chain and tensioner replacement also required in advanced cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03 (Cam Phaser Replacement) and 21B10 (PCM Reprogram) issued but VINs frequently excluded; many owners reported program expired or vehicle not covered; Ford denied coverage for repeat failures after first repair; no formal recall issued despite widespread complaints.
Timing Chain and Associated Components Failure
Timing chain stretches, tensioners fail, and related timing components (e.g., pistons) degrade or snap. Often secondary to or concurrent with cam phaser failure. Can result in catastrophic engine damage requiring complete engine replacement.
When: 80,000–130,000 miles; some cases very late (up to 150,000 miles); timing chain failure often follows cam phaser neglect.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clanking or rattling from engine during cold start or driving; Black smoke from exhaust; Loss of all mechanical power and steering ability; Engine running rough with check engine light; Stretched timing chain detected on diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required in catastrophic cases; estimates $10,000–$18,222 including labor and core charge; parts heavily backordered; one owner reported 250+ vehicles waiting for engines with November 2023 estimated availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denied coverage; powertrain warranty (60,000 miles) expired in all reported cases; referred owners to NHTSA Hotline.
Engine Misfires and Reduced Power
Individual cylinder misfires, loss of compression, and inability to reach full throttle. Often accompanied by check engine light and related to cam phaser/VCT failure but sometimes involving O2 sensors and catalytic converter issues.
When: 28,000–118,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Fifth cylinder misfire or multiple cylinder misfires; Vehicle cannot exceed 60 MPH or achieve full acceleration; Check engine light solid or blinking; Engine shaking and hard idle; Loss of power while accelerating
Codes mentioned: P0021, P0018, P0014
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug and coil replacement attempted with no improvement; ultimately required engine replacement or cam phaser/VCT work; one owner cited $10,000+ engine cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denied coverage; suggested powertrain warranty had expired; no assistance provided.
PCM/Software Reprogramming Ineffectiveness
Ford issued PCM reprogram (Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10/21N08 and software update 24E13) intended to address cam phaser rattle and engine shudder, but reprogramming did not resolve the underlying issue and in some cases was immediately followed by new failures.
When: Shortly after reprogram or update performed; failures emerge or recur within days to months.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shudder continues after PCM reprogram; Rattling persists or worsens after reprogram; Transmission slipping out of gear and hesitating after software update; Vehicle unable to start after reprogram; Loud thud from engine compartment immediately after return from reprogram service
Repairs/costs cited: Reprogramming did not fix underlying hardware failure; cam phaser or timing chain replacement ultimately required; one owner waited months for reprogram appointment only to find cam phasers and timing chain already failed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued programs 21N08, 21B10, 21N03, and 24E13; some owners reported long wait times for appointments (months); Ford refused to extend warranty or provide additional repair assistance after reprogram failure; referred owners to NHTSA Hotline.
Oil Pump and Oil Pan Failure
Oil pump fails and oil pan leaks, resulting in low oil pressure warning and gauges in the red zone.
When: 84,000 miles (one reported case).
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine and low oil pressure warning lights illuminated; Oil gauge in the red; Possible secondary to cam phaser or other engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pump and oil pan replacement required; repair cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer aware but provided no assistance; repair pursued.
Catalytic Converter Inefficiency and Sensor Failure
Catalytic converters fail (low efficiency code), and catalytic converter sensors malfunction. One case linked to emissions recall 24E13.
When: 120,000 miles and beyond; post-recall service.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Low emissions signal / efficiency code P00C6; Defective catalytic converter diagnosed
Codes mentioned: P00C6
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement performed; one owner reported similar issue on five other Expeditions at same dealership post-recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24E13 issued for emissions; Ford claimed low efficiency would have been caught during inspections; refused to cover repeat catalytic converter failures post-recall.
Transmission Slipping and Shift Cable Bushing Failure
Transmission slips out of gear, hesitates on acceleration, and shift cable bushing fails. One case directly followed a software update (24E13).
When: Post-software update; 69,401 miles reported; also reported at higher mileage with engine issues.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping while driving and shifting into gear; Hesitation when depressing accelerator pedal; Vehicle shuddering and jerking during gear shifts; Intermittent stuttering at various speeds (suspected transmission-related)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission shift cable bushing replacement and full transmission replacement recommended/required; one owner reported four-month wait for transmission replacement; cost $10,000+ for engine alone (separate from transmission).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24E13 issued for software update; transmission failure not initially attributed to the update; owners referred to NHTSA Hotline; some owners waited months for parts.
Engine Overheating
Engine overheats to 230–240 degrees while driving and at idle, sometimes concurrent with stalling and reduced power issues.
When: 28,000 miles (one reported case).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating to 230–240 degrees Fahrenheit; Engine shuddering while driving; Vehicle stalling at various speeds; Inability to exceed 60 MPH
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump, TCM, battery, and unknown parts replaced but failure persisted; cam phaser replacement ultimately diagnosed as necessary; full repair cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial dealer replaced water pump and other components without resolving overheating; second dealer diagnosed cam phaser failure; Ford denied campaign coverage; referred to NHTSA Hotline.
Synthesized from 96 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the VIN was not included in Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N03 (Cam Phaser Replacement). The vehicle was not repaired.…
While driving lost power, could not drive, exhaust valve failure
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that there was a ticking sound coming while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that the ticking sound was consistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Number: CSP - 21N03 - Supplement 4. The manufacturer was…
August 08, 2023 on highway while driving, powertrain malfunction/reduced power warning appear, followed by a pre-collision assist failure and an electrical fault with turbocharger sensor. Pulled over, waited 30 minutes, restarted and all warnings went away. 9/11/23 vehicle diagnosed with cam phaser failure. 11/22/23 cam phaser repair completed. 11/23/23 while driving on highway, same series of…
Had engine trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Ford Expedition?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 96 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 66 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 61,941 and 94,000 miles, with the median around 74,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,941; a quarter make it past 94,000. 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/2019/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.