Ford Expedition U324 (2006–2014)
Generation-specific owner insights from 98+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
1,157
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2006–2014
16
recall campaigns
power train
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2006-2014 U324 Expedition generally regard it as a comfortable, spacious, and capable full-size SUV that is reliable when properly maintained, but the 5.4L 3-valve Triton V8 dominates the conversation with recurring warnings about cam phasers, timing components, and spark plugs.
19 problems reported (1 very frequent, 9 recurrent, 9 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCam phaser rattle and wear
- RecurrentTiming chain, tensioner, and guide failures
- RecurrentSpark plug issues (two-piece design, ejection, breakage on removal)
+ 16 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentLeaking exhaust manifolds
- RecurrentRear liftgate paint peeling on aluminum surfaces
- RecurrentRear suspension multi-link control arm and bushing wear causing uneven tire wear
- RecurrentUpper and lower ball joint wear
- RecurrentStarter hanging or staying engaged, risking flywheel damage
- RecurrentCoolant boiling / suspected head gasket or faulty radiator cap
- RecurrentBluetooth/SYNC connectivity and USB media compatibility problems
- Isolated6R80 transmission cooler lines snapping
- IsolatedRoller follower seizure causing knock
- IsolatedShift lock solenoid noise in the center console
- IsolatedBrake fluid level warning from pad wear
- IsolatedOil leaks collecting on control arm bushings
- IsolatedCD player failure
- IsolatedAlternator failure leaving vehicle stranded
- IsolatedBlower motor failure
- IsolatedInterior water leaks from sunroof drains or rear hatch
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus, though a partial signal favors 2014 as the best year of this generation, with owners specifically recommending "2014-ish" to get the best version of the 5.4L iteration. Later years (2011-2014) are generally preferred over 2007-2008.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon XL, Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Tundra.
Is a 2006–2014 Expedition right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2006-2014 U324 Expedition generally regard it as a comfortable, spacious, and capable full-size SUV that is reliable when properly maintained, but the 5.4L 3-valve Triton V8 dominates the conversation with recurring warnings about cam phasers, timing components, and spark plugs. Many owners praise the interior space, third-row room, towing capability, and long-term durability, with several reporting 200,000+ miles. Sentiment splits along model years: later examples (roughly 2011-2014) are viewed more favorably, while 2007-2008 are frequently flagged as the riskiest years of the run. A vocal minority considers the 5.4 3-valve a dealbreaker and steers buyers toward 2015+ EcoBoost models instead.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Expedition as more spacious than the Suburban, particularly in third-row adult room, and often frame the choice against the Suburban/Tahoe as a tradeoff between Ford's cam phaser concerns and GM's Active Fuel Management failures. Against the Sequoia, owners see the Toyota as more reliable long-term but more expensive and dated, with the Expedition offering better value. Some owners note the Expedition feels more top-heavy and truck-like than a Suburban. Against the Jeep Patriot, owners consider the Expedition better built. Several owners cross-shop the F-150 and note the Expedition is more compact with more usable interior space.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend targeting a 2014 or late-model-year example of this generation to get the most refined version of the 5.4L. The EL (extended wheelbase) is recommended for those wanting more cargo space. Owners advise prioritizing well-maintained, documented examples over specific trims, and note that Limited trims include the heavy-duty tow package with trailer brake controller. Insufficient owner data available on specific trim preferences beyond these points.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who need maximum interior space, three-row adult seating, and strong towing capability on a budget. Owners strongly advise preferring 2011-2014 over 2007-2008, and avoiding the earliest 3-valve years. A pre-purchase inspection is repeatedly recommended, with attention to timing components, cam phasers, spark plugs, rear suspension, and rust. Owners suggest checking maintenance records and preferring one-owner or well-documented vehicles. Buyers considering ex-fleet or public-service vehicles are warned to check engine hours and idle time, since these accumulate far more wear than the odometer shows.
Remarks
Owners repeatedly note that the 5.4L 3-valve's reputation makes mechanics reluctant to work on higher-mileage examples, and that timing component repairs can run around $4,000. Several owners report 200,000+ mile examples still running well with maintenance. The SYNC infotainment system is widely described as wonky and frustrating, with owners resorting to USB cables, factory resets, and FAT32-formatted drives. Paint corrosion warranty coverage is reported to require perforation, not surface bubbling. Analysis based on approximately 98 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 72 | 0 | power train |
| 2013 | 92 | 0 | power train |
| 2012 | 118 | 3 | power train |
| 2011 | 71 | 0 | power train |
| 2010 | 116 | 0 | power train |
| 2009 | 28 | 1 | structure |
| 2008 | 146 | 4 | structure |
| 2007 | 215 | 2 | service brakes |
| 2006 | 299 | 6 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2012 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 16V248000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
2012 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 12V190000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
2012 · seats:mid/rear assemblycampaign 12V034000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.
2009 · exterior lighting:brake lights:switchcampaign 09V232000
FORD IS RECALLING 1,357 MY 2009 EXPEDITION AND NAVIGATOR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY BE IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED. THIS MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN BRAKE STOPLAMP ILLUMINATION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. IN SITUATIONS OF VERY MILD BRAKE APPLICATION, THE BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE.
2008 · tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemscampaign 08V166000
FORD IS RECALLING 158 MY 2008 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) AND THE LIMO BUILDERS PACKAGE FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, Z"TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS." THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS INCREASED FROM 35 PSI TO 40 PSI WITHOUT A COMMENSURATE UPDATE TO THE TPMS CALIBRATIONS.
2008 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 08V058000
FORD IS RECALLING 123,632 MY 2007-2008 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES. THE DOOR HANDLE HOUSING EMBOSSMENT RETAINING THE BOTTOM OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SPRING ON ALL SIDE DOORS MAY FRACTURE DURING NORMAL CUSTOMER USAGE. THIS CAN RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT SPRING FORCE TO RETURN THE HANDLE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THE HANDLE MAY BE LOOSE CAUSING A RATTLE OR NOISE AND THE HANDLE MAY NOT RETURN TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO PROVIDE A DELAYED RESISTANCE WHEN ACTUATING THE HANDLE PRIOR TO OPENING THE DOOR.
2008 · service brakes, air:antilock:control unit/modulecampaign 07E105000
CERTAIN CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE ABS AND ESC CONTROL MODULES SOLD FOR INSTALLATION ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME OF THE HYDRAULIC VALVES IN THE ESC MODULE WERE BUILT WITH EXTRA CHECK BALLS.
2008 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 07V541000
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ASSEMBLED.
2007 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 08V058000
FORD IS RECALLING 123,632 MY 2007-2008 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES. THE DOOR HANDLE HOUSING EMBOSSMENT RETAINING THE BOTTOM OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SPRING ON ALL SIDE DOORS MAY FRACTURE DURING NORMAL CUSTOMER USAGE. THIS CAN RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT SPRING FORCE TO RETURN THE HANDLE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THE HANDLE MAY BE LOOSE CAUSING A RATTLE OR NOISE AND THE HANDLE MAY NOT RETURN TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO PROVIDE A DELAYED RESISTANCE WHEN ACTUATING THE HANDLE PRIOR TO OPENING THE DOOR.
2007 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railcampaign 08V057000
FORD IS RECALLING 57,199 MY 2006-2007 E-150, E-250, E-350, AND MY 2007 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L ENGINES. THE FUEL RAIL CROSS-OVER HOSE MAY CONTAIN WEAK AREAS. AS A RESULT, THE HOSE MAY CRACK, WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL ODOR AND/OR FUEL LEAK.
2006 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E064000
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
2006 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
4 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.