Free used car buyer guide / Third-to-fourth generation transition / U324 to U553 / 2017-2020
Ford Expedition common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
7.4/10
3 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 3.5 ecoboost cam phaser cold-start rattle. Score methodology.
The 2017-2020 Expedition can be a brilliant towing and family SUV, but the buying logic changes at the 2018 redesign. The costly traps are 3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser rattle, 2018-2020 10R80 harsh shifts and valve-body/CDF repairs, turbo/cooling leaks on hard-used tow vehicles, launch-era seat/pretensioner and camera recalls, and air-leveling/suspension wear on heavy Max and Platinum examples. The safest money is a private-owner 2020 3.5 EcoBoost with documented cam phaser work, smooth 10-speed behavior and no towing abuse; the simpler 2017 can be attractive if you prefer the older 6-speed and the service file is strong. Owners should treat cold-start rattle and harsh engagement early, because both become much more expensive once ignored.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser
Best years
2018-2020
Best buys
- 2020 Expedition 3.5 EcoBoost with cam phaser proof, smooth 10R80 and private family use.
- 2017 late third-gen if you want the older 6R80 and can accept older cabin tech.
- Standard-wheelbase trucks with no heavy trailer history are lower risk than loaded Max tow rigs.
Inspect hard
- 2018-2019 launch-redesign trucks: cam phasers, 10R80, seat/pretensioner recalls and water leaks.
- Max/Platinum/Navigator-adjacent examples: check suspension height, towing wiring and rear HVAC.
- Any 3.5 EcoBoost with start-up rattle: verify Ford 21B10/21N03/21N08 history.
Avoid
- Cold-start cam phaser rattle plus no warranty or assistance paperwork.
- 10R80 with harsh Drive/Reverse engagement and repeat adaptive resets.
- Tow-used Expedition with overheating, turbo noise or transmission shudder.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Ford Expedition viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Ford Expedition should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
3.5L EcoBoost V6, 2017 tune with 6R80
2017
OLDER BUT STRAIGHTFORWARD
The 2017 is the last year before the aluminum-body redesign. It avoids the first Expedition 10R80 year, but age, turbos, cooling, timing components and rear suspension condition now matter more than brochure power.
3.5L EcoBoost V6, standard-output with 10R80
2018-2020 XLT/Limited
GOOD WITH PHASER AND SHIFT PROOF
This is the normal fourth-gen Expedition powertrain. It tows well and feels strong, but buyers must separate a smooth, updated truck from one with cold-start phaser rattle and a learning transmission hiding internal wear.
3.5L EcoBoost V6, higher-output Platinum tune
2018-2020 Platinum
BUY FOR CONDITION, NOT BADGES
The extra output is enjoyable but it often comes with heavier options, larger wheels and high towing expectations. A Platinum with perfect service can be excellent; a rattling, shifting, air-suspension-worn one is expensive in every direction.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2017
Final year of the previous-generation Expedition with 3.5 EcoBoost and 6-speed automatic.
Buyer: Worth considering for simplicity, but inspect rust, turbos, cooling and rear suspension as an older truck.
Owner: Age-related leaks and suspension wear now matter more than model-year reputation.
2018
All-new aluminum-body Expedition, new 10R80 automatic, updated 3.5 EcoBoost and modern cabin.
Buyer: Treat 2018 as a launch year. Cold-start and 10-speed tests are mandatory.
Owner: Document every transmission and phaser visit; they define resale.
2019
Second fourth-gen year with broader owner data on cam phasers and 10R80 behavior.
Buyer: A repaired 2019 can be good. An unrepaired rattling one needs a discount large enough for timing work.
Owner: If the rattle is intermittent, film multiple cold starts before the warranty visit.
2020
More mature pre-facelift production, still inside cam phaser and 10R80 service bulletin universe.
Buyer: Best target in this group if the service file is clean and the transmission shifts smoothly.
Owner: Keep phaser and transmission records with the car; buyers know the issues now.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser cold-start rattle
Affects
Mainly 2018-2020 Expedition/Navigator 3.5 EcoBoost, with related Ford CSP/TSB coverage.
Symptoms
Loud rattle on cold start, rough first seconds, timing codes, seller warming vehicle before viewing.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0-1,500 with assistance; EUR 2,000-7,000 retail.
Codes / scan clues
P0011, P0012, P0016, P0017, P0021, P0022 possible.
Root cause: Variable cam timing phasers can fail to hold position at start-up, causing timing rattle.
Quick check
- Arrive before the engine is started.
- Record the first three seconds of cold start.
- Ask for 21B10/21N03/21N08 or phaser replacement invoices.
- Scan cam timing data and stored codes.
Buyer note
Price any unrepaired rattle as a timing job.
Owner note
Film the symptom; intermittent rattle is easier to deny than to hear once.
Fault 2
10R80 harsh engagement, delayed shifts and valve-body/CDF faults
Affects
2018-2020 Expedition with 10R80 automatic.
Symptoms
Bang into Drive/Reverse, 3-4 flare, harsh downshift, limp mode, repeated adaptive reset.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-500 software/relearn; EUR 2,000-6,000 hardware repair.
Codes / scan clues
P0731-P0736, P076F, P07D9, P163E, P2700-series.
Root cause: Calibration, valve-body and internal clutch-control wear can prevent stable 10-speed shifting.
Quick check
- Road test cold and hot.
- Test Reverse, Drive, light throttle and highway kickdown.
- Scan TCM for ratio and clutch faults.
- Look for TSB 21-2315/22-2339 style repair records.
Buyer note
A reset is not a repair if the harsh shift returns.
Owner note
Report shift faults while repeatable and before towing season.
Fault 3
Turbocharger, coolant and charge-air leaks on tow-used 3.5 EcoBoost trucks
Affects
2017-2020 3.5 EcoBoost, strongest on heavy tow and high-heat use.
Symptoms
Whistle, underboost, coolant smell, oil residue at charge pipes, overheating under load.
Typical repair cost
EUR 500-1,500 hoses/sensors; EUR 2,000-5,500 turbo/cooling repairs.
Codes / scan clues
P0299, P0234, P00C6, P0087, misfire codes under load.
Root cause: Heat, boost pressure and towing load stress turbo plumbing, cooling connections and fuel delivery.
Quick check
- Inspect charge pipes and intercooler connections for oil spray.
- Check coolant level cold and after test drive.
- Drive under moderate boost and scan requested vs actual boost.
- Ask about towing weight and oil interval.
Buyer note
A tow SUV with boost leaks and old coolant residue needs more than a wash.
Owner note
Fix small coolant and boost leaks before a hot towing trip.
Fault 4
2018-2020 seat, restraint and pretensioner recall items
Affects
Selected fourth-generation Expeditions by VIN.
Symptoms
Open safety recall, SRS light, seat movement, pretensioner/belt campaign history.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 400-2,000 outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
RCM/SRS faults.
Root cause: Launch-era manufacturing and compliance defects affected selected restraint components.
Quick check
- Run NHTSA recall lookup for each VIN.
- Confirm SRS lamp self-test.
- Move all power seats through full travel.
- Scan RCM if any restraint message appears.
Buyer note
A family SUV should not be sold with open restraint recalls.
Owner note
Close safety campaigns before inspection or resale.
Fault 5
Rear camera, SYNC and parking-aid faults
Affects
2018-2020 Expedition with camera/SYNC equipment, VIN-specific recalls and TSBs.
Symptoms
Blank camera, frozen image, parking sensor faults, APIM reset, black screen.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall/update; EUR 300-1,500 retail.
Codes / scan clues
APIM, IPMB, PAM and network U-codes.
Root cause: Camera module, APIM software and wiring faults can interrupt rear visibility systems.
Quick check
- Select Reverse repeatedly and watch for delays.
- Check 360 camera if equipped.
- Scan APIM/IPMB/PAM.
- Run VIN for camera recalls and updates.
Buyer note
Camera faults are common enough to check but should not be ignored on a large SUV.
Owner note
Fix camera issues before sale; buyers use them during the viewing.
Fault 6
Air-leveling, rear suspension and heavy-wheel wear
Affects
2017-2020 Expedition, especially Max, Platinum and tow-used vehicles.
Symptoms
Sagging rear, compressor noise, uneven ride height, rear clunk, inner tire wear.
Typical repair cost
EUR 500-1,500 shocks/links; EUR 1,500-4,000 air or rear suspension work.
Codes / scan clues
Suspension height or compressor codes where equipped.
Root cause: Weight, towing, large wheels and load leveling wear rear suspension components faster than normal family use.
Quick check
- Park overnight and compare ride height.
- Inspect rear shocks, bags/links and compressor operation where equipped.
- Check rear tires for inner-edge wear.
- Road test over speed bumps for rear knock.
Buyer note
A Max with sagging rear suspension needs truck-level repair money.
Owner note
Replace worn rear components before towing; sway and tire wear get worse quickly.
Fault 7
Water leaks at roof, liftgate or rear quarter trim
Affects
2018-2020 Expedition, strongest on panoramic-roof and Max vehicles.
Symptoms
Damp cargo carpet, musty odor, fogging, headliner stains, liftgate trim water marks.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-900 drains/seals; EUR 1,500-4,000 if modules/carpets are damaged.
Codes / scan clues
Body U-codes if water reaches electronics.
Root cause: Large roof openings, liftgate seals and rear body trim can leak into cargo or headliner areas.
Quick check
- Lift cargo floor and feel insulation.
- Inspect headliner around roof opening and rear corners.
- Smell cabin before ventilation runs.
- Scan body modules if electrical glitches are reported.
Buyer note
Water in a modern Expedition can mean hidden module corrosion.
Owner note
Dry carpets only after finding the leak source.
Fault 8
Fuel delivery low-pressure faults after fuel line service
Affects
2017-2020 3.5 EcoBoost when fuel line/service procedure issues occur.
Symptoms
Stall, lack of power, low fuel rail pressure, hesitation after repair.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-800 diagnosis/line service; EUR 700-1,500 pump or rail work.
Codes / scan clues
P0087, P008A, P00C6.
Root cause: Ford service communications note low fuel pressure after repairs involving fuel line removal.
Quick check
- Ask about recent fuel line, injector or pump work.
- Scan for low-pressure and rail-pressure codes.
- Perform a hot restart after the test drive.
- Check fuel smell and line routing.
Buyer note
A fuel-pressure code after recent repair needs proof of proper procedure.
Owner note
After fuel-system work, return immediately for stall or low-pressure symptoms.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Ford recall printout and cam phaser CSP/TSB paperwork.
- Transmission service and 10R80 repair/update invoices.
- Tow history, hitch wiring records and cooling repairs.
- Oil-change records at realistic intervals.
Walk around
- Check rear suspension height and tire wear.
- Inspect charge pipes, coolant residue and oil leaks.
- Lift cargo floor and check for water.
- Inspect hitch, brake controller and underbody for towing stress.
In the car
- Confirm SRS, camera, SYNC and parking sensors.
- Operate all seats, rear HVAC and liftgate.
- Smell for damp carpet or coolant.
- Check warning lamps before start.
Test drive
- Hear a true cold start.
- Test 10R80 cold and hot engagement.
- Accelerate under boost and watch temperature.
- Brake from highway speed and listen for rear clunks.
Scan tool
- PCM cam timing, misfire and fuel pressure history.
- TCM ratio/clutch/adaptive history.
- APIM/IPMB/PAM camera faults.
- RCM/SRS and body low-voltage codes.
Bottom line
Buy: A documented 2020 3.5 EcoBoost with completed phaser work, smooth 10R80 and no towing abuse is the strongest pick. A clean 2017 is the conservative older choice if cabin tech matters less.
Avoid: Avoid any 2018-2020 Expedition with cold-start rattle, harsh 10-speed engagement, damp cargo area or a seller who cannot produce recall and timing paperwork.
Quick answers
Ford Expedition buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Ford Expedition 2017-2020 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser cold-start rattle; 10R80 harsh engagement, delayed shifts and valve-body/CDF faults; Turbocharger, coolant and charge-air leaks on tow-used 3.5 EcoBoost trucks. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Ford Expedition years are the best to buy?
2018-2020 stand out in this generation. A documented 2020 3.5 EcoBoost with completed phaser work, smooth 10R80 and no towing abuse is the strongest pick. A clean 2017 is the conservative older choice if cabin tech matters less.
Which Ford Expedition should I avoid?
Avoid any 2018-2020 Expedition with cold-start rattle, harsh 10-speed engagement, damp cargo area or a seller who cannot produce recall and timing paperwork.
Is the Ford Expedition 2017-2020 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.4/10 (buy with checks). 3 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 3.5 ecoboost cam phaser cold-start rattle.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Ford Expedition guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- ford-trucks.com: 2020
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10162408-0001.pdf
- ford.oemdtc.com
- static.oemdtc.com: MC-10205526-0001.pdf
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- repairpal.com: expedition
- reddit.com: 1bwmc7q
- Ford Truck Enthusiasts phaser discussion
- NHTSA complaints 2019 Expedition
- Ford Truck Enthusiasts Expedition forum
- NHTSA recall lookup
- NHTSA complaints 2020 Expedition
- NHTSA complaints 2018 Expedition