Liftedford89
Active Member
2008 and up don't have the 2 piece spark plug. I did a spark plug change in my 2010 and had no problem. It was a 1 piece motorcraft plug.
What to look for when buying a gen3 expy
- Thread starter JUST4FUN
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someguynamedmatt
Member
Purchased our 2008 Expy (build date late 2007) in Sept/Oct2013 from a Subaru dealer for 13k. Standard length XLT w/ 4X4, leather, aftermarket nav and rear seat entertainment with 93k. Currently has 156k.
Things that the dealer has fixed / replaced under extended warranty:
Fuel pump. Went bad about 3 months after buying it.
A single ignition coil pack and spark plug.
Things I have taken care of:
SCT tuner by Mike at 5 star tuning
4X4 actuator motor. (This was probably the EASIEST actuator/fix on this vehicle I've ever had to do. I think it took me 10 minutes) Fixed the 4X4 wrench icon.
All plugs. My 2008 had the 2 piece design. Went with the updated plugs about a year ago.
All coil packs. Dealer replaced 1 as seen above, so I wanted them all done. Should've done it when I did the plugs, but didn't have the funds to do everything at once. Replaced with ACCEL supercoils.
Battery about a year ago.
Power to headlights will dip below 12v on occasion with engine running. Alternator and battery are constant 14.4, so there is something going on. Fixed this using cheap relays to pull power straight from battery.
Leaky hose above pass side head. Fixed with parts from autozone in about 10 minutes. Common failure.
Wheels and tires, of course.
Various exterior modifications, stereo work, added several USB outlets, with plans to add more.
What I have noticed since purchasing it 3 years ago:
Lack of power / surging was fixed by plug change and coil upgrade.
With the tuner, it is very sensitive to fuel. Engine/tune prefers Exxon, Valero or Shell. Wal-Mart/Murphy's gas, grocery store gas and some others make it ping and knock when under heavy
acceleration, and there seems to be *some* power loss according to ButtDyno Mk.1
I carry the tuner with me, so if there is any loss of programming, which has never happened, I can reboot the system completely.
Turning off traction control seems to release more engine power.
It eats tires fairly quickly. Even wear, but standard grade tires seem to last 30-40k miles instead of 50-60k.
How and what has been maintained:
I do all my own oil changes with FoMoCo semi synth oil and filters since it's actually cheaper than aftermarket every 4.5-6k. I can actually hear when it's time to change the oil. The cam/lifter noise becomes more staccato, to use a musical term. Noticeable is not the right term, since it is always there. That's when I know it's time to change the oil. And, yes, I do know what the failed cam phaser sounds like.
Intake air filter.
Trans fluid was done at 120k.
Issues remaining with the truck:
Minor paint bubbling on rear lift gate.
Clear coat peeling from BOTH front and rear bumpers.
The dreaded power seat issue of missing teeth.
Water in doors not draining properly after heavy rain. (There is a fix, but not for the faint of heart)
Want/need to replace shocks with a Rancho 9000's for the lift.
Minor trim finish bubbling/peeling in places.
My recommendations when looking for one:
Check and SMELL the engine oil. If it is overly sweet or has a tangy (think sweet and sour chicken from your local chinese place) or burned smell, stay away.
Stay away from the power boards if at all possible. Go with nerf bars. Zero maintenance required.
When driving one, turn off traction control and floor it. Any, and I mean ANY hesitation will manifest itself before and after the 1-2 shift. Floor it to get a 3-2 downshift for more hesitation indicators. If you have it make them swap all 8 plugs AND coils.
Try to get a late '08 and above to avoid the 2 piece plug.
Trans fluid/filter is around $129 to change, get it done if it hasn't been done already and you are over 50k.
Try to avoid the rear air ride suspension. Those are problematic and expensive to fix. Mostly on high end trim levels and Navigator's. Can be replaced with standard struts, but will set a code.
Cam phaser noise = avoid, unless they are fixing it before you drive away.
Things that the dealer has fixed / replaced under extended warranty:
Fuel pump. Went bad about 3 months after buying it.
A single ignition coil pack and spark plug.
Things I have taken care of:
SCT tuner by Mike at 5 star tuning
4X4 actuator motor. (This was probably the EASIEST actuator/fix on this vehicle I've ever had to do. I think it took me 10 minutes) Fixed the 4X4 wrench icon.
All plugs. My 2008 had the 2 piece design. Went with the updated plugs about a year ago.
All coil packs. Dealer replaced 1 as seen above, so I wanted them all done. Should've done it when I did the plugs, but didn't have the funds to do everything at once. Replaced with ACCEL supercoils.
Battery about a year ago.
Power to headlights will dip below 12v on occasion with engine running. Alternator and battery are constant 14.4, so there is something going on. Fixed this using cheap relays to pull power straight from battery.
Leaky hose above pass side head. Fixed with parts from autozone in about 10 minutes. Common failure.
Wheels and tires, of course.
Various exterior modifications, stereo work, added several USB outlets, with plans to add more.
What I have noticed since purchasing it 3 years ago:
Lack of power / surging was fixed by plug change and coil upgrade.
With the tuner, it is very sensitive to fuel. Engine/tune prefers Exxon, Valero or Shell. Wal-Mart/Murphy's gas, grocery store gas and some others make it ping and knock when under heavy
acceleration, and there seems to be *some* power loss according to ButtDyno Mk.1
I carry the tuner with me, so if there is any loss of programming, which has never happened, I can reboot the system completely.
Turning off traction control seems to release more engine power.
It eats tires fairly quickly. Even wear, but standard grade tires seem to last 30-40k miles instead of 50-60k.
How and what has been maintained:
I do all my own oil changes with FoMoCo semi synth oil and filters since it's actually cheaper than aftermarket every 4.5-6k. I can actually hear when it's time to change the oil. The cam/lifter noise becomes more staccato, to use a musical term. Noticeable is not the right term, since it is always there. That's when I know it's time to change the oil. And, yes, I do know what the failed cam phaser sounds like.
Intake air filter.
Trans fluid was done at 120k.
Issues remaining with the truck:
Minor paint bubbling on rear lift gate.
Clear coat peeling from BOTH front and rear bumpers.
The dreaded power seat issue of missing teeth.
Water in doors not draining properly after heavy rain. (There is a fix, but not for the faint of heart)
Want/need to replace shocks with a Rancho 9000's for the lift.
Minor trim finish bubbling/peeling in places.
My recommendations when looking for one:
Check and SMELL the engine oil. If it is overly sweet or has a tangy (think sweet and sour chicken from your local chinese place) or burned smell, stay away.
Stay away from the power boards if at all possible. Go with nerf bars. Zero maintenance required.
When driving one, turn off traction control and floor it. Any, and I mean ANY hesitation will manifest itself before and after the 1-2 shift. Floor it to get a 3-2 downshift for more hesitation indicators. If you have it make them swap all 8 plugs AND coils.
Try to get a late '08 and above to avoid the 2 piece plug.
Trans fluid/filter is around $129 to change, get it done if it hasn't been done already and you are over 50k.
Try to avoid the rear air ride suspension. Those are problematic and expensive to fix. Mostly on high end trim levels and Navigator's. Can be replaced with standard struts, but will set a code.
Cam phaser noise = avoid, unless they are fixing it before you drive away.
Last edited:
2009 Expedition EL XLT, tow package, 4x4, 130,000 miles. Just picked it up.
both front window motors had to be addressed by selling dealer
Had a lot of engine codes that were supposedly addressed - antitheft and battery related power stuff.
O2 Sensor
Does have some peeling, bubbled paint on rear lift gate.
Have only driven it once (90 miles).
both front window motors had to be addressed by selling dealer
Had a lot of engine codes that were supposedly addressed - antitheft and battery related power stuff.
O2 Sensor
Does have some peeling, bubbled paint on rear lift gate.
Have only driven it once (90 miles).
Check that all windows go up and down.
Check the air filter that it is reasonably clean.
Have your used car inspector ascertain the last time the oil was changed. 16,000 miles on mine! Make sure they check for the common issues discussed here - coil packs, etc.
Check the Yelp, BBB, Google+ and car site reviews on the dealer. Avoid those with low reviews or reports that the dealer sells cars with obvious problems and won't fix them
Stay away from dealers that only let you test drive it on their lot "for insurance" or whatever reasons.
Do NOT buy the Expedition As-Is. Even if they offer a warranty from a crappy 3rd party, it may override the "As-Is" requirements in small claims court. Courts frown on implied warranties that are not honored.
Get everything critical in writing from dealer.
Check all fluids for potential problems.
Avoid 2007-8 and 2012 (Consumer Reports) for reasons that may become obvious if you ignore.
Check the air filter that it is reasonably clean.
Have your used car inspector ascertain the last time the oil was changed. 16,000 miles on mine! Make sure they check for the common issues discussed here - coil packs, etc.
Check the Yelp, BBB, Google+ and car site reviews on the dealer. Avoid those with low reviews or reports that the dealer sells cars with obvious problems and won't fix them
Stay away from dealers that only let you test drive it on their lot "for insurance" or whatever reasons.
Do NOT buy the Expedition As-Is. Even if they offer a warranty from a crappy 3rd party, it may override the "As-Is" requirements in small claims court. Courts frown on implied warranties that are not honored.
Get everything critical in writing from dealer.
Check all fluids for potential problems.
Avoid 2007-8 and 2012 (Consumer Reports) for reasons that may become obvious if you ignore.
Walt460
Member
Really, 2012 Expeditions have issues that 2011 do not have?
Snag
Full Access Members
Walt,
not sure how rcanfiel came up with that deduction. He just bought a real bummer of a rig a couple weeks ago. You can see his post scammed or clueless
Welcome to the site, a lot of experienced folks
Gary
not sure how rcanfiel came up with that deduction. He just bought a real bummer of a rig a couple weeks ago. You can see his post scammed or clueless
Welcome to the site, a lot of experienced folks
Gary
Walt460
Member
Consumer Reports list the 2012 Expedition as a vehicle to avoid, noting worst-in-class reliability (large SUV). Without subscribing to CR, I can not find any details but should be based on owner's reports for the need to do repairs plus factory recalls that require a dealer visit.
Snag
Full Access Members
Any of these rigs from 05 on can be a challenge, especially the 3 valve engine models. They have had a history of engine and transmission problems. There are a number of people on site with low mileage with engines needing replaced, one guy has 99k and engine shot. And there are others with 250k+- with no problems.
All the Expeditions now have the v6 turbo models, some I worry with upcoming problems. It appears Ford is throwing all their eggs in one basket. I hope the turbo is not a dud
All the Expeditions now have the v6 turbo models, some I worry with upcoming problems. It appears Ford is throwing all their eggs in one basket. I hope the turbo is not a dud
Walt460
Member
Snag,
The 3.5L Eco has been in the F150 since 2011, and some issues were addressed in a 2013 revision and even more for 2015. So the 2015-up Expeditions "should" have a solid powertrain with the 3.5L Eco and 6R80.
The 3.5L Eco has been in the F150 since 2011, and some issues were addressed in a 2013 revision and even more for 2015. So the 2015-up Expeditions "should" have a solid powertrain with the 3.5L Eco and 6R80.
Snag
Full Access Members
I hope they are successful with the turbo engines. I had a couple past associates with them and really liked the engine, although still new. My son in law was wanting to buy one because of the performance of the one they have in their BLM fleet. But the newer models are so expensive they settled on the 2010 Expedition XLT with the 5.4. He did say their BLM Expedition v6 turbo has much more power then the 2010.
When my son first contacted me about wanting the v6 turbo I did do a little research and one I bring up a lot is Brian with FordTechMakuLoco who does a lot of Ford Videos. He was saying some of the versions are having carbon buildup problems. Sounds like Ford has changed some things on the years with the different generations. I really, really want to have Ford see success with this engine as it looks like the near future of Ford engines.
When my son first contacted me about wanting the v6 turbo I did do a little research and one I bring up a lot is Brian with FordTechMakuLoco who does a lot of Ford Videos. He was saying some of the versions are having carbon buildup problems. Sounds like Ford has changed some things on the years with the different generations. I really, really want to have Ford see success with this engine as it looks like the near future of Ford engines.
Funstuie
Active Member
What's so wrong with 07 models?
NevadaGeo
Full Access Members
There is nothing "wrong" with the '07s, but the '15-'17 has the V6 twin turbo as standard engine. It is a fantastic upgrade and seems to be made for the Expedition. IMHO
jeff kushner
Full Access Members
I have had plenty of experience with turbochargers having restored a vintage bike with one and I completely rebuilt the turbo itself. Very simple devices although some of the new variable-vane devices are a bit more complicated, thankfully, that doesn't apply to the ones in our Expy's (or any that Ford uses in it's regular models). Balance is everything to a turbo since they spin at speeds of 210,000RPM....no, you didn't read that wrong. Garrett & Borg Warner both make solid turbos so that should give you comfort.
The big thing with turbo's is to run CLEAN oil. Even though Ford is recommending that we owners allow the "computer" to tell us when to change the oil, I would caution owners to wait no longer then 6K between changes due to the 1/2 size filters used in the 3.5. I'm guessing the turbos will need to be rebuilt around the 150K mark if the oil is kept clean, less if driven hard but that's not(and wasn't) a deal-breaker for me because I know that removing & replacing will be the most difficult part of the job.
From everything I've read, the current rendition of the 3.5 and the new version available on the '18 models should perform excellently and outlast the previous 5.4's and neither appears to have any issues to the degree of the head gasket & cam phaser issues of old.
I owned two previous Expy's both with the 5.4 and liked them both despite their issues but this new engine is to be driven to be believed. It's missing the sound of the "American V8" but it makes up for that and more.
One thing to keep in mind when buying a used engine/car.....it takes a lot of abuse to ruin a big V8 and takes a lot less to ruin a smaller engine....for anyone considering buying a used ecoboost, keep that in mind as you shop.
Does that mean any Tom or Dick can waltz into any used car lot and grab the first 3.5 Expy that they fancy and be assured of trouble-free driving for years? Absolutely not...there will always be lease cars who's oil was never changed, lessee's who abused the crud out of the truck because it wasn't "theirs" and so on. Do your due-diligence on any used car & remember the golden rule about used cars/trucks....they sold it for a reason!
jeff
The big thing with turbo's is to run CLEAN oil. Even though Ford is recommending that we owners allow the "computer" to tell us when to change the oil, I would caution owners to wait no longer then 6K between changes due to the 1/2 size filters used in the 3.5. I'm guessing the turbos will need to be rebuilt around the 150K mark if the oil is kept clean, less if driven hard but that's not(and wasn't) a deal-breaker for me because I know that removing & replacing will be the most difficult part of the job.
From everything I've read, the current rendition of the 3.5 and the new version available on the '18 models should perform excellently and outlast the previous 5.4's and neither appears to have any issues to the degree of the head gasket & cam phaser issues of old.
I owned two previous Expy's both with the 5.4 and liked them both despite their issues but this new engine is to be driven to be believed. It's missing the sound of the "American V8" but it makes up for that and more.
One thing to keep in mind when buying a used engine/car.....it takes a lot of abuse to ruin a big V8 and takes a lot less to ruin a smaller engine....for anyone considering buying a used ecoboost, keep that in mind as you shop.
Does that mean any Tom or Dick can waltz into any used car lot and grab the first 3.5 Expy that they fancy and be assured of trouble-free driving for years? Absolutely not...there will always be lease cars who's oil was never changed, lessee's who abused the crud out of the truck because it wasn't "theirs" and so on. Do your due-diligence on any used car & remember the golden rule about used cars/trucks....they sold it for a reason!
jeff
ExpeditionAndy
Full Access Members
Are there any issues with rusting radiator supports on the 3rd gen models? I know it was a big problem for my 05.
jeff kushner
Full Access Members
Andy,
I spend many hours searching through the threads on this and another forum looking for issues with the TT 3.5 and non-engine issues with the 12-16 models and don't recall ever seeing anything about the rust issues we all know about that plagued the earlier models. I ended up junking my '99 due to the entire undercarriage being rusted out.
jeff
I spend many hours searching through the threads on this and another forum looking for issues with the TT 3.5 and non-engine issues with the 12-16 models and don't recall ever seeing anything about the rust issues we all know about that plagued the earlier models. I ended up junking my '99 due to the entire undercarriage being rusted out.
jeff
ExpeditionAndy
Full Access Members
Thanks Jeff, I had Ziebart spray some of their rustproofing spray inside my radiator supports while I had the headlights out, just as a precaution. 
JExpedition07
That One Member
Check paint condition on hood and tailgate. Listen to engine and make sure it's smooth. 3v 5.4 is a great engine as long as you take care of it (many of these engines in My family, speaking from experience with them). Once you get it change your oil religiously and replace the filter every change. I love the ecoboost but it doesn't have that good V8 sound in my opinion.
NevadaGeo
Full Access Members
[QUOTE="JExpedition07, I love the ecoboost but it doesn't have that good V8 sound in my opinion.[/QUOTE]
That is true. The 3.5 TT has a purrrr to it and a put-put-put sound at idle that I think sounds like a Porsche or some other high-compression sports car engine. I like it!!! I miss the throaty V8 sound, but the TT is a technological advance in Fords that will be hard to beat!
That is true. The 3.5 TT has a purrrr to it and a put-put-put sound at idle that I think sounds like a Porsche or some other high-compression sports car engine. I like it!!! I miss the throaty V8 sound, but the TT is a technological advance in Fords that will be hard to beat!
Hello everyone. Anymore info on this? Going to look at a 2012 XL 4X4 today...maybe
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