Ford Expedition U3542 (2014–2017)
Generation-specific owner insights from 158+ 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 space, towing capability, comfort on road trips, and the 3.5L EcoBoost engine that replaced the old V8 starting in 2015.
13 problems reported (4 recurrent, 9 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentCam phaser wear or noise on the 3.5L EcoBoost
- RecurrentTransmission shudder, bogging in fourth gear, or harsh downshifts on the 6R80
- RecurrentTransmission fluid never serviced on high-mileage examples
+ 10 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentSync system failures including dropped Bluetooth
Missing menus, and unresponsive units requiring resets.
- IsolatedExhaust manifold issues on the 3.5L EcoBoost
- IsolatedTailgate rust and corrosion bubbling, with warranty coverage denied absent perforation
- IsolatedWheel bearing noise
- IsolatedCarbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection
- IsolatedMisfires and coil or spark plug wear on higher-mileage examples
- IsolatedIWE (integrated wheel end) failures
- IsolatedMyKey speed warning appearing unexpectedly on the display
- IsolatedGear indicator remaining on the instrument display
- IsolatedRubbing noise from the front end
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: owners repeatedly point to 2015 and newer as the years to buy because that is when the 3.5L EcoBoost replaced the 5.4L V8, and the 2017 model year is noted as the final and most refined year of this body style. The King Ranch and Platinum trims draw favorable mentions for appearance, and the EL extended-wheelbase version is recommended when maximum cargo space is the priority.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon / Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Land Cruiser.
Is a 2014–2017 Expedition right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2014-2017 Expedition generally speak positively about it, praising its space, towing capability, comfort on road trips, and the 3.5L EcoBoost engine that replaced the old V8 starting in 2015. The most common criticisms are the dated exterior and interior styling, a "trucky" body-on-frame ride, and fuel economy that is poor in absolute terms even if better than the V8 it replaced. Several owners note the 2017 model year as the last of this body style, and the 2015 refresh (EcoBoost engine plus minor interior and exterior updates) is treated as the meaningful dividing line within the generation. Safety is a recurring point of pride, with one owner crediting the vehicle with saving their life in a severe frontal crash.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Expedition as the relative bargain in the full-size body-on-frame SUV segment, noting it out-tows the Suburban, has more cargo room, better seating packaging, and a better ride and frame while costing less. The Suburban and Yukon XL are consistently named as the only true size peers, with the Expedition EL offering roughly ten cubic feet more cargo room than a Suburban and a better third row. Against the Sequoia, owners consider the Expedition more up-to-date and more fuel efficient, though some concede the Sequoia has a quality and durability reputation. Against the Armada, owners regard the Expedition as more reliable and cheaper to repair. Several owners note that a minivan beats all of these for pure people-hauling, and that the Expedition's body-on-frame design carries real drawbacks in handling, braking, fuel economy, and space efficiency compared to unibody crossovers.
Recommended configurations
Owners advise buying 2015 or newer to get the EcoBoost engine, and note that the 2017 is the last year of this body style. For towing, owners state that Limited trims and above include the heavy-duty tow package with an integrated trailer brake controller. The EL is recommended for those who need Suburban-like space. Owners suggest full synthetic oil changed every 5,000 miles rather than following long factory intervals, and a transmission fluid and filter service on any high-mileage example. Buyers are advised to confirm whether the vehicle has Sync 3, which owners say was available on 2016 and 2017 models and is a significant usability upgrade over earlier Sync systems.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who need maximum cargo space, three rows, and serious towing capacity and are willing to accept truck-like ride, dated styling, and high fuel consumption. Owners recommend 2015-2017 over 2014 for the EcoBoost engine, and the 2017 as the final and best-developed year of the body style. Buyers should prefer well-maintained examples with documented oil changes, be aware that many used Expeditions are ex-rental or fleet vehicles that may have been driven hard, and have a pre-purchase inspection done. Specific inspection items owners raise include cam phaser noise, exhaust manifold issues, transmission shudder or bogging in fourth gear, and the condition of the Sync system.
Remarks
Owners repeatedly note that the 3.5L EcoBoost in this longitudinal, rear-wheel-drive application has an external water pump, unlike the transverse version of the same engine, and treat this as a meaningful reliability advantage. Several owners describe the Expedition as essentially an F-150-based SUV with a more usable interior than a crew cab truck. One owner reported a severe frontal collision in which all airbags deployed, the vehicle automatically called emergency services, and the cabin held up, crediting the vehicle with saving their life. Owners also note that the paint is thin and prone to chipping over long-term ownership. Analysis based on approximately 158 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.