Ford Expedition U3242 (2014–2017)
Generation-specific owner insights from 152+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
1,405
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2014–2017
10
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2014-2017 Expedition generally speak positively about it, praising its cargo space, towing capability, third-row room, and the 3.5L EcoBoost engine that replaced the old V8 starting in 2015.
16 problems reported (6 recurrent, 10 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentTailgate rust and corrosion bubbles
- RecurrentCam phaser issues on the 3.5L EcoBoost
- RecurrentCarbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection
+ 13 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentSYNC infotainment bugs, including dropped phone connections and missing menus
- Recurrent6R80 transmission shuddering and rough 4th gear behavior
- RecurrentTransmission fluid temperature running around 210 F
- IsolatedExhaust manifold issues
- IsolatedWater pump concerns on the 3.5L EcoBoost
- IsolatedThrottle body failure
- IsolatedWheel bearing noise
- IsolatedPaint chipping due to thin paint
- IsolatedMyKey speed warning appearing unexpectedly
- IsolatedGear indicator display issue
- IsolatedTelescoping steering column not present on some trims despite owner's manual
- IsolatedIgnition coil and spark plug wear requiring tune-up
- IsolatedIWE (integrated wheel end) replacement
The version owners recommend
Owners frequently point to 2016 and 2017 as the best-looking and most desirable model years of this generation, and the 2017 is noted as the final year of this body style. The 3.5L EcoBoost is widely preferred over the older V8 for its power and torque. The King Ranch and Platinum trims draw positive attention, and the EL (extended wheelbase) is favored by those needing maximum cargo space.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada.
Is a 2014–2017 Expedition right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2014-2017 Expedition generally speak positively about it, praising its cargo space, towing capability, third-row room, and the 3.5L EcoBoost engine that replaced the old V8 starting in 2015. Many describe it as a reliable, comfortable family hauler and a relative bargain compared to the Suburban and Yukon XL. Criticisms center on its dated exterior and interior styling, truck-like ride, and fuel economy, with some owners noting the platform felt overdue for a redesign by the end of this generation. The 2015 model year is repeatedly cited as the key changeover point, since it brought the EcoBoost engine and minor interior and exterior updates.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Expedition as a strong value in the full-size SUV segment, noting it out-tows the Suburban, has more cargo room, better seating packaging, and a lower price. The Suburban and Yukon XL are described as the only true size comparables, with the GM trucks seen as bigger and more comfortable by some, while others favor the Expedition's engine and third-row space. The Sequoia is often raised as a reliability alternative but criticized as dated for the money. The Armada is generally viewed as less reliable than the Expedition. Against the Telluride, owners weigh the Expedition's greater space and engine against the Telluride's warranty and fuel economy. Minivans are mentioned as better pure people-haulers but lacking the Expedition's towing and off-road capability.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, which arrived for 2015, over the previous V8. The EL extended wheelbase is suggested for those wanting Suburban-like space. Limited trims and above are noted as the way to get leather, and all Limiteds are said to include the heavy-duty tow package with a built-in trailer brake controller. For towing, owners emphasize the EcoBoost's capability, though one owner questioned its towing power. Full synthetic oil changed every 5,000 miles is strongly recommended, and owners advise confirming cam phaser and exhaust manifold service history on used examples.
General recommendations
Owners recommend this generation for buyers who need serious cargo space, three rows, and real towing capacity, particularly families and those hauling trailers or gear. The 2015 and newer models are preferred for the EcoBoost engine and updates, and 2016-2017 are cited as the most refined and best-looking of the run. Buyers are advised to check for cam phaser work, exhaust manifold issues, and to service the transmission fluid and filter, especially on high-mileage or ex-rental examples. A pre-purchase inspection is repeatedly encouraged, and owners note that many used Expeditions on the market are ex-rentals, which likely were not used for towing but may have been driven hard. Rust and corrosion, particularly on the tailgate, are worth inspecting on northern vehicles.
Remarks
Owners widely praise the Expedition's safety after a severe frontal crash in which all airbags deployed and the automatic 911 call feature activated, with the driver walking away unharmed. The 2017 model year is repeatedly noted as the last of this body style before the 2018 redesign. Several owners highlight that the 3.5L EcoBoost in this truck is the longitudinal version with an external water pump, unlike the transverse version found in other Ford products, which owners note as a meaningful distinction. Accessory discussions focus on WeatherTech floor mats, running boards, and roof racks. Analysis based on approximately 152 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 629 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2016 | 397 | 3 | service brakes |
| 2015 | 307 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2014 | 72 | 0 | power train |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2017 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assistcampaign 22V150000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
2017 · visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:fan/motorcampaign 22V648000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.
2017 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylindercampaign 25V236000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
2017 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V572000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
2016 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assistcampaign 22V150000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
2016 · visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:fan/motorcampaign 22V648000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.
2016 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V572000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
2015 · visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:fan/motorcampaign 22V648000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.
2015 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V270000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 F-250, F-350, F-450, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and MKC vehicles. The rearview camera printed circuit board terminal header connector may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image.
2015 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V572000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
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.