2016 Ford Expedition: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
2016 is among the better-reviewed third-gen EcoBoost years, though brake and electrical complaints persist; strong power and towing offset by high running costs. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Ford Expedition ranged from $41,135 to $60,335 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
2016 is among the better-reviewed third-gen EcoBoost years, though brake and electrical complaints persist; strong power and towing offset by high running costs.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=expediti…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/expedition
- sealight-led.comhttps://sealight-led.com/blog/ford-expedition-reliability-and-common-problems…
Known issues
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Brake complaints (premature wear, booster/ABS concerns) rise across 2016–2017.
occasional · 67 NHTSA complaints · brake
-
Early 3.5L EcoBoost V6 trucks (notably 2015) report premature spark-plug failure and limp-home power loss before later running improvements.
commonly reported · 28 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–100k miles · engine
-
EcoBoost timing/cam-phaser rattle on cold start is reported on the twin-turbo V6.
occasional · engine
-
Electrical and SYNC/module faults are the single largest 2017 complaint category.
occasional · 80 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=expediti…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/expedition
- cherishyourcar.comhttps://www.cherishyourcar.com/ford-expedition-engine-problems/
- sealight-led.comhttps://sealight-led.com/blog/ford-expedition-reliability-and-common-problems…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Quiet, comfortable cabin with abundant space for people and gear.
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 adds strong, more efficient power and high tow ratings.
Cons
- Higher-than-average repair and insurance costs.
- Still poor real-world fuel economy for a vehicle this size.
- Early EcoBoost spark-plug and power-loss complaints, plus 2017 power-steering reports.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL | $41,135 | discontinued | — | — |
| XLT | $45,435 | discontinued | — | — |
| Limited | $55,145 | discontinued | — | — |
| King Ranch | $59,375 | $82,695 | — | — |
| Platinum | $60,335 | $70,550 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-ford-expedition-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-expedition-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($41,135). Higher trims started higher (up to $60,335), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-expedition/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $850–900/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,100–2,200/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/expedition
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/ford-expedition-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 Ford Expedition have?
Documented issue patterns include: Brake complaints (premature wear, booster/ABS concerns) rise across 2016–2017; Early 3.5L EcoBoost V6 trucks (notably 2015) report premature spark-plug failure and limp-home power loss before later running improvements; EcoBoost timing/cam-phaser rattle on cold start is reported on the twin-turbo V6; Electrical and SYNC/module faults are the single largest 2017 complaint category. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Ford Expedition reliable?
2016 is among the better-reviewed third-gen EcoBoost years, though brake and electrical complaints persist; strong power and towing offset by high running costs.
How much did the 2016 Ford Expedition cost new?
Between $41,135 and $60,335 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Ford Expedition expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $850–900/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.