4th gen common issues?

[minichunks]

I'm currently shopping for lightly used 4th gen Expeditions for my wife, and was hoping for a quick list of issues to look for in these trucks. Owning a 2016 F150, i'm familiar with freezing door locks and E-brakes. I know a 2018 Expedition i had as a rental in Denver suffered from the door lock issue. Any other issues i should be looking for? Oil leaks/consumption, transmission issues, shift dial issues? Would there be a reason to stay away from a 2018 vs 2019 vs 2020?

 

[Deadman]

Theres little to no changes in the years, except the early 18's had the plastic oil pans. The 18's built after April came with the aluminum oil pans on them.
Mostly cosmetic package changes in the later years..... Nothing real serious to look out for, at least nothing super common.....

 

[Gumby]

One thing for sure that seemed pretty common on 2018's (mine still is doing this).

• When remote started, the mirrors will begin to freak out and click away. There is an SSM that addresses that.

 

[dlcorbett]

Theres a few threads that go into the 4th gen problems in death. Quick summary:

Phantom liftgate, popping mirrors, glitchy sync with bt connection issues, moonroof rattle, cam phasers, leaking shocks.

These issues are few and far btw though. They were more common in the 18s, but later builds have less problems and it seems so far my20s are far more reliable and less problematic from the forums and consumer reviews.

 

[minichunks]

Thanks for the info guys. I've found some pretty good deals on 18s but am always leery of new model issues. Sounds like it's not much of a concern. Was there an issue with the oil pans(aside from being plastic) causing them to swap over to aluminum?

I've pretty much ruled out 2017 and older. After driving the 4th Gen once, there's no going back.

 

[scottdm]

2018's come with a CD player, 2019's and 2020's do not if that is important to you.

 

[Bmanxx13]

Cold start rattle (cam phaser issue).

Our 18 that we bought used is currently at the dealership to fix this under warranty. I believe the 19’s have a chance to have the cold start rattle issue as well. Not sure about the 20’s. From what I’ve read it doesn’t damage anything in the engine, but the sound is terrible. It’s like starting a tractor every morning.

I also thought we had an issue with the turbos since the engine would hesitate/stumble under heavy load, but the issue went away after replacing the spark plugs and properly gapping them.

Truck has been solid otherwise and we love it.

 

[Dice Roll]

April 8th is cutoff on the 19s getting cam phaser update.

what way to deal with this frozen locks issue? In old school stuff you could heat a key and sometimes melt the ice. I had two Lincoln’s that the door latch would stick once open and not latch back. Carried some lube spray for that and it unfroze those. How do you go about getting in expy? Tailgate any better?

 

[minichunks]

The problem with the freezing locks is not the handle or lock cylinder like in older cars. There is moisture actually getting into the mechanism in the door. I believe the fix in my F150 is to remove the door panel and put a "hood" over the mechanism so that moisture doesnt get to it. I put dynamat in my doors, so i'm not bringing it in for that recall. I just make sure i warm the truck up well before i get in it. Haven't had a problem in a few years. The Expedition will be my wifes truck, and will be parked in the garage, so it is less of an issue.

 

[lobsenza]

Why is April 8th the deadline for the 2019 Cam Phaser update?

 

[Deadman]

The ones built after that date probably had the updated parts......

 

[Bmanxx13]

Why is April 8th the deadline for the 2019 Cam Phaser update?

Likely updated parts.

I assume they’re installing the updated parts on my truck. They said the work will be done by tomorrow. Not sure how I would know if they used the new, updated parts though. I dropped off on Monday and will hopefully be picking up Wednesday.

 

[Daniel Drew]

Theres little to no changes in the years, except the early 18's had the plastic oil pans. The 18's built after April came with the aluminum oil pans on them.
Mostly cosmetic package changes in the later years..... Nothing real serious to look out for, at least nothing super common.....

One thing for sure that seemed pretty common on 2018's (mine still is doing this).

• When remote started, the mirrors will begin to freak out and click away. There is an SSM that addresses that.

new here but what is the SSM to fix the mirror issue?

 

[Gumby]

new here but what is the SSM to fix the mirror issue?

From what I can see it is: 47835

 

[Wangle]

Own 18 Ltd. We have had the mirror issue, but never addressed it. We had the HVAC go crazy, blowing hot air when cold was selected, blowing panel or upper when floor was selected, etc. replace control board and no issues since. The biggest problem is that since we can haul seven people we always end up taking my SUV.
We replaced a 2003 Eddie Bauer, 218k miles. LOVE this gen 4

 

[rjdelp7]

Cold start rattle (cam phaser issue).

Our 18 that we bought used is currently at the dealership to fix this under warranty. I believe the 19’s have a chance to have the cold start rattle issue as well. Not sure about the 20’s. From what I’ve read it doesn’t damage anything in the engine, but the sound is terrible. It’s like starting a tractor every morning.

I also thought we had an issue with the turbos since the engine would hesitate/stumble under heavy load, but the issue went away after replacing the spark plugs and properly gapping them.

Truck has been solid otherwise and we love it.

CAM PHASER PROBLEM? You mean the same issue the pre-2009 5.4l had/has. It is pathetic Ford, has made no engineering improvements in over a decade. I read that the Chevy ecotec 2.4 has the same issue. Phaser and timing chain problems. I say who ever 'designed' this, should be shot.

 

[Vipersinu2]

agreed,
Ford engines have plagued me for years.
I replaced 2 sohc 4.0 engine's in my explorer b/c timing chain failing, stuipid design.

3v cam phasers, spark plug cracking in head, exhause bolts breaking in head. All nightmare to fix.

Now I have 2019 Navigator with 10k that had cam phasers replaced.
Now I have deceleration timing chain rattle.

What is up with ford engines.

Should of listened to my neighbors to buy Toyota

 

[dlcorbett]

agreed,
Ford engines have plagued me for years.
I replaced 2 sohc 4.0 engine's in my explorer b/c timing chain failing, stuipid design.

3v cam phasers, spark plug cracking in head, exhause bolts breaking in head. All nightmare to fix.

Now I have 2019 Navigator with 10k that had cam phasers replaced.
Now I have deceleration timing chain rattle.

What is up with ford engines.

Should of listened to my neighbors to buy Toyota

Yea but we all kno all the toyota fs suvs are far inferior to the ford fs suvs

 

[Dice Roll]

Toyota does build better stuff. Has to fit your needs though. Sequoia is just too outdated and has smaller cargo area in back. They don’t build a heavy duty truck either. So it just depends on what you need. 4 door car? They’ve got you covered.

 

[Fozzy]

Just remember that most forum members come looking for answers to their problems. This particular forum hasn’t even broke 30K members and it covers from 1997 to current model Expys. All forums have haters and people that have had bad luck. In June of 2016 Ford announced they have sold one million Ecoboost powered F-150’s. They would have to redesign it if the failure rate was as high as forums lead you to believe. Also look at the sales numbers compared to forum members complaining about their problems or looking for answers. That’s a lot of cars and trucks. So take every complaint with a grain of salt, because most are just a grain inside a huge container.



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