Cam Phaser issue scaring me from buying

For the OP, wouldn't really fret about the cam phasers or wastegate rattle as long as you purchase a Ford extended warranty. I had my 2019 Expedition cam phasers swapped out and it still rattles for a minute or two on cold start up but they say it’s normal and not to worry so since I’m covered until 125,000 miles and until 2029, I don’t really care to be honest.

Awesome vehicle for towing, hauling the family, fuel economy, safety features, etc, as we all know. Cant beat it.

Honestly no gripes minus the rattle, it’s a really great combo of near luxury and utility. Eventually I’ll upgrade to the Navigator for a more refined luxury interior but I’d have zero hesitations buying this vehicle again.

All other manufacturers / models have issues. We all just complain very loudly about ours!

Deadman said:

That engine was probably built 6 months to a year prior to going in the vehicle, thats why I say buy a 2020.

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I'm sure it was, if not more. But I thought your last phaser repair was also after that. Maybe not. Either way, of it's a lubrication issue, I would think you would have to have other hydraulic systems updated to really fix it, not just updated cam components. They will still wear out of they aren't lubricated well.

@Deadman and @5280tunage , seems like you both have hit the crux of the question. Is the problem related to poor build of cam phasers or low oil pressure that is just showing up first as a problem in the cam phaser? What has to happen to answer the question of which is the problem? I don't have the background to answer but am curious what you and others think.

X expat said:

Hi, I just joined.

For some time now I've been planning to upgrade our tow vehicle, a 2006 120K mi. Armada 9000lbs tow capacity with a new Expedition with HD tow package.

But now I'm reading here about this unresolved cam phaser issue. As you see, we keep our vehicles a long time.

We have no use for a p/u truck and want to stay with an SUV.

But with this issue, should I look elsewhere? Obviously it's the folks that have had this problem that chime in on the cam phaser threads. But how universal is it? Is it bound to happen at high millage, or even before?

Thanks for any input
Paul

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I believe the cutoff date for cam phaser redesign was something like April 6 or April 9th 2019. So any 2019 built after that has the redesigned part.

I feel for you as I tried to make a similar decision. I needed to upgrade my MDX to tow a 5,200 lb. boat. My MDX was VERY problematic which was completely unexpected. I was weary of buying something that would be another headache. I really liked the Expy but I had my concerns. I researched it for about a year and just about anything else that could tow. The Tahoe has its issues both current and previous gen. The Sequoia is old. I didn’t love the crash test results on the latest Armada. Few crossovers can pull more than 5,000 lbs. The German options just felt like a poor value, too small, and/or too much of a maintenance/repair hog. I just kept coming back to the Expedition. I liked the looks, the ride, the functionality of the interior, etc. I read about the cam phasers and the turbo wastegate issues. I also realized that every car I drove had at least one flaw. And every car I researched had some form of problems. So I stopped worrying and bought the car I liked and wanted. I also take solace in the fact that many of these parts are common. This engine and platform are so heavily related to the F-150 and Navi that I kind of exhaled and decided to move forward with it.

Here’s the thing: I think design windows have been pushed to their limits. People want more space, more power, greater efficiency, better handling, more capability, the latest tech, a quiet ride, and better reliability for less money in every car they drive. To me it just seems like those things combined are unobtanium. So I went into this thinking it’s a solid platform and a popular engine that may need some work from time to time. I plan to pony up for the Ford ESP at some point knowing this is a complex car. But I am also just enjoying it a lot. It’s a relaxing, comfortable drive with a ton of capability and even some zip when needed. For what it’s worth I just made this leap and I haven’t thought about my MDX since I handed over the keys.
Good luck!

Every vehicle including off road equipment I own, have never had an internal engine problem, and I have a fleet of both personal and work vehicles. I never let oil changes go beyond 3K or 100 engine hours. Always warm up to operating temperature before driving or using the equipment. Remote start is great for this. Always let the turbos spool and cool down before shutting engine off. Treat engines with respect and they last a long time.

No problems with my 2019 stealth. Would purchase again 100%.

lbv150 said:

Every vehicle including off road equipment I own, have never had an internal engine problem, and I have a fleet of both personal and work vehicles. I never let oil changes go beyond 3K or 100 engine hours. Always warm up to operating temperature before driving or using the equipment. Remote start is great for this. Always let the turbos spool and cool down before shutting engine off. Treat engines with respect and they last a long time.

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I just got one that the factory F'd up internally, so all your warm ups and babying wouldn't fix the fact that Ford put too much gasket maker in and it floated thru the engine and lodged and plugged an oil passage and it ate the camshaft and cam phasers from lack of oil. They aren't all perfect.....no matter how you treat them some are just failures waiting to happen.

I had a 2015 Nissan Armada Reserve. What a damn turd. It had an unresolved condition where the TC would not lock up and you could just watch the revs go up and down. After a TC and then a complete trans replacement, it still did it. I dumped it for a 2016 Yukon Denali. I preferred the interior of the Armada but the engine and Trans in the Denali was awesome. I traded the Denali in on the Expedition. I much preferred the driving dynamics of the Denali and the sweet 6.2L, however, the expedition was more functional for me and the kids. Been pretty happy with the 2018 Expedition despite new model teething problems which, knock on wood, really haven’t affected me.

My only complaints are with the electronics.. The need to put back into eco mode every time I start the car. Having to push the auto shut off button every time I start the car. The key fob the size of a flip cell phone and the android auto not connecting with out messing with it.. and sometimes not at all. Well.. and the fact that when towing the fuel econ SUX! even an empty trailer. I hear the same problem with the f 150..

The Phase used in the 2020 model year engines are from a different manufacturer they do not have an issue. Plus the engine calibration has been changed to also improve the lock condition.

I have a 2018 Model Year Expedition without any Phaser issues. I disconnected the VDOP oil pressure sensor when I purchased the vehicle new to keep oil pressure in high mode all the time.