Ford Expedition U354 (2006–2014)
Generation-specific owner insights from 120+ 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
Owner sentiment for the 2006-2014 Expedition is mixed and heavily dependent on the 5.4L 3-valve V8, which dominates the discussion.
17 problems reported (3 very frequent, 7 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCam phaser rattle and failure
- Very frequentTiming chain, tensioner, and guide wear
- Very frequentSpark plug issues, including two-piece plugs breaking or ejecting on the 5.4 3V
+ 14 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentPoor fuel economy
- RecurrentRear liftgate paint peeling
- RecurrentRear suspension multi-link control arm and bushing wear causing uneven tire wear
- RecurrentExhaust manifold leaks
- RecurrentCoolant boiling and suspected head gasket failure
- RecurrentStarter staying engaged or hanging
- RecurrentSync/Bluetooth connectivity problems
- IsolatedRoller follower seizure
- Isolated6R80 transmission cooler lines snapping
- IsolatedShift lock solenoid noise
- IsolatedBrake fluid level warning from worn pads
- IsolatedFront upper control arm and ball joint wear
- IsolatedAlternator failure
- IsolatedOil leaks collecting on control arm bushings
The version owners recommend
Owners repeatedly steer toward 2014-ish model years as the best of this generation, with 2013-2014 cited as more reliable than later EcoBoost-equipped trucks in one owner's data. The 2007-2008 early years of the 5.4 3V are the most criticized. No single trim emerges as a clear consensus favorite, though Limited and King Ranch trims are mentioned positively.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Tundra.
Is a 2006–2014 Expedition right for you?
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Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the 2006-2014 Expedition is mixed and heavily dependent on the 5.4L 3-valve V8, which dominates the discussion. Owners praise the truck's comfort, spaciousness, third-row room, towing capability, and long-term durability when maintained, with several reporting 200k-300k+ miles. Criticism centers on the 5.4 3V engine's cam phaser, timing chain, and spark plug problems, plus poor fuel economy and dated styling. Later model years (2013-2014) are generally viewed more favorably than early ones (2007-2008), with owners repeatedly steering buyers toward 2014-ish examples as the best of this iteration.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Expedition as more spacious than the Suburban, particularly in third-row room, and generally cheaper than the Sequoia. Against GM's full-size SUVs, owners treat the two as roughly comparable in quality, with the Expedition's 5.4 cam phaser issues weighed against GM's Active Fuel Management concerns. The Sequoia is repeatedly described as more reliable but more expensive and harder to find at a given price. Some owners note the Expedition feels top-heavy and truck-like compared to competitors, and that it is thirstier than crossovers like the Pilot or Highlander.
Recommended configurations
Owners advise prioritizing a well-maintained example with full service records over a specific trim, and checking whether timing chains, phasers, and plugs have been done. Several owners recommend 2014-ish trucks to get the most sorted version of the 5.4 3V. One owner notes that if towing, Limited trims include the HD tow package with built-in trailer brake controller. Owners caution that the 5.4 3V requires strict oil change discipline.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who need maximum interior space, three usable rows, and strong towing on a budget, and who can tolerate poor fuel economy. Owners recommend avoiding early 2007-2008 examples if possible and favoring later 2013-2014 trucks. Buyers are strongly advised to get a pre-purchase inspection, verify maintenance history, check for timing component rattle on cold start, inspect the rear suspension and control arm bushings, and confirm the condition of the rear liftgate paint. Owners also warn that ex-fleet and public-service vehicles may have high idle hours not reflected on the odometer.
Remarks
A recurring theme is that the 5.4 3V engine defines the ownership experience for this generation, with some owners calling it Ford's worst engine and others defending it as reliable when properly maintained. Several owners note the platform is essentially an F-150-based body-on-frame SUV, which they credit for towing and durability but blame for truck-like handling and fuel consumption. Public-service and fleet examples are frequently discussed, with advice to check engine and idle hours. Analysis based on approximately 120 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.