Buying used 4th gen, possible problems like transmission, rear and front end, cam phasers

Hello all,

Thank you for accepting me. We are in the market for a 2018-2019 Navigator L or maybe an Expedition Max Platinum with probably around 55-70k miles. I have done a lot of research on these and so far anticipate for the cam phasers to go bad soon when not done yet and probably transmission problems. I plan on doing a regular transmission fluid change immediately and will also research additional cooling options Including the thermostat.
i have also read many threads on here about the rear end as well as the turbos and am worried about problems even more now than before. I have several questions and hope some of you have some input or ideas on them. After reading so much, I am also wondering how many of you actually have these many problems? Do some have none or just the cam phasers for example?

I greatly appreciate any feedback!

- Changing the thermostat to a cooler one. Any experiences on replacing it yourself?
- ⁠resetting the transmission computer, maybe even have it programmed to run in a default mode?
- ⁠buying one with lets say 70k miles and keeping it for another 60-70k, what can we expect to go wrong? What’s the regular life expectancy of the front end like tie rod ends, bushing and so on? Engine mounts?
- better get a Ford used car warranty or an independent?

Thanks everyone and Happy New Year!

MrLauderdale said:

Hello all,

Thank you for accepting me. We are in the market for a 2018-2019 Navigator L or maybe an Expedition Max Platinum with probably around 55-70k miles. I have done a lot of research on these and so far anticipate for the cam phasers to go bad soon when not done yet and probably transmission problems. I plan on doing a regular transmission fluid change immediately and will also research additional cooling options Including the thermostat.
i have also read many threads on here about the rear end as well as the turbos and am worried about problems even more now than before. I have several questions and hope some of you have some input or ideas on them. After reading so much, I am also wondering how many of you actually have these many problems? Do some have none or just the cam phasers for example?

I greatly appreciate any feedback!

- Changing the thermostat to a cooler one. Any experiences on replacing it yourself?
- ⁠resetting the transmission computer, maybe even have it programmed to run in a default mode?
- ⁠buying one with lets say 70k miles and keeping it for another 60-70k, what can we expect to go wrong? What’s the regular life expectancy of the front end like tie rod ends, bushing and so on? Engine mounts?
- better get a Ford used car warranty or an independent?

Thanks everyone and Happy New Year!

Click to expand...

Changing an engine thermostat to a lower opening temperature will do nothing other than slow your engine’s warmup (affecting the HVAC heat, fuel mileage and engine emissions).

If you buy a used Expedition - I would suggest buying a Ford Premium Extended Service Plans. Engine and transmission issues seem to be VERY common with the first several years of the 4th generation models. Ford has issued numerous TSB’s regarding transmission issues.

MrLauderdale said:

Hello all,

Thank you for accepting me. We are in the market for a 2018-2019 Navigator L or maybe an Expedition Max Platinum with probably around 55-70k miles. I have done a lot of research on these and so far anticipate for the cam phasers to go bad soon when not done yet and probably transmission problems. I plan on doing a regular transmission fluid change immediately and will also research additional cooling options Including the thermostat.
i have also read many threads on here about the rear end as well as the turbos and am worried about problems even more now than before. I have several questions and hope some of you have some input or ideas on them. After reading so much, I am also wondering how many of you actually have these many problems? Do some have none or just the cam phasers for example?

I greatly appreciate any feedback!

- Changing the thermostat to a cooler one. Any experiences on replacing it yourself?
- ⁠resetting the transmission computer, maybe even have it programmed to run in a default mode?
- ⁠buying one with lets say 70k miles and keeping it for another 60-70k, what can we expect to go wrong? What’s the regular life expectancy of the front end like tie rod ends, bushing and so on? Engine mounts?
- better get a Ford used car warranty or an independent?

Thanks everyone and Happy New Year!

Click to expand...

Hi mrLauderdale,

I, like you, found a very nice clean example of a 2018 Expedition for our family hauler. I, like you, also researched endlessly and therefore, I purchased at a Ford Dealership that was selling a vehicle that fit my criteria as a Gold Certified Pre-Owned.

They fixed several little issues, put new brakes and tires front + rear on, and replaced the sunroof guide rails (another somewhat common issue) under CPO inspection PRIOR to purchase. During purchase negotiation, I was able to add on a Ford PremiumCARE Extended Service Plan (the highest "tier" of warranty) out to 10y/100k from in-service date, for approx. $2300.

Since then, I have had several things repaired that were covered under warranty, including:
-3rd Brake Light - had several LEDs that failed.
-Rear hatch GLASS struts - they were weak and the glass wouldn't stay up in cold weather.
-Thermostat + housing/assembly - vehicle was overheating (actually since the day I picked it up, long story). This one took a fight as the dealer way misdiagnosed but once they took my word for it, and replaced it/solved the issue, it was covered.
-All 4 TPMS sensors - one was giving no-reading shortly after purchase. They replaced it under warranty, and while it was at the shop, 2 others failed (go figure). They went ahead and replaced/covered all four.

It is going in again in (2) weeks for:
-TSB related to transmission - new valve body & CDF drum to fix delayed engagement into reverse and an intermittent firm shift into 5th
-Camshaft phasers - they produce a loud knocking noise at warm idle and produce a noise at startup

While they are there, I am going to have them replace the (2) heater hose assemblies out of pocket (not eligible for warranty coverage anyhow) as there have been many reports of these leaking with age, especially after being disturbed like during a phaser job. I am also going to have them do plugs and coil boots out of pocket, as I am just shy of 60k miles and that is the proper interval for EcoBoost engines.

I suspect the vehicle will last us many years, and all of the common problem areas will have been addressed as of (2) weeks from now. Going into a purchase as an educated customer is key. This is the first extended warranty I have ever purchased but as of writing, it will have paid for itself close to 3x in 6 months of ownership. For what it is worth, the "Gold Certified" warranty would have covered most if not all of these repairs, as well, but I wanted the coverage extended out.

Alas, finding a good dealership and a good service department is the first major hurdle. If you can secure that, ownership is a breeze. They are truly great vehicles and we really enjoy ours. It is the first used Ford product we have bought in years, after a long line of brand new Explorers and F150s, so I am familiar with the product and our dealer support network, which gave me a leg up I think.

Good luck with your hunt!

slow3v said:

Alas, finding a good dealership and a good service department is the first major hurdle.

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This! Do some asking around and some research on dealerships in your area before going Ford. I love my expedition but can't believe the local dealerships poor customer service when it comes to Ford owners. I will probably never buy another Ford product the rest of my life unless I move somewhere else and find, for me, the unicorn Ford dealership that cares about its customers.

I have a 2020 Max with 75K miles and have had no major issues. Just regular maintenance, oil changes, front, rear diff and transaxle service, spark plugs, brake pads and new tires. I think as long as you maintain it, it should hold up pretty well. Like most vehicles it has it’s quirks but it’s been a great vehicle for road trips and tows very well.

ai bought my 19 and didnt have

slow3v said:

intermittent firm shift into 5th

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I have this issue. When it shifts up into 5th from 3rd or 4th, I can feel the the harsh shift. All other shifts into any other gear is like butter . It only 5th I can feel the "harsh" shift. Starting to happen more and more now too.

MrLauderdale said:

Hello all,

Thank you for accepting me. We are in the market for a 2018-2019 Navigator L or maybe an Expedition Max Platinum with probably around 55-70k miles. I have done a lot of research on these and so far anticipate for the cam phasers to go bad soon when not done yet and probably transmission problems. I plan on doing a regular transmission fluid change immediately and will also research additional cooling options Including the thermostat.
i have also read many threads on here about the rear end as well as the turbos and am worried about problems even more now than before. I have several questions and hope some of you have some input or ideas on them. After reading so much, I am also wondering how many of you actually have these many problems? Do some have none or just the cam phasers for example?

I greatly appreciate any feedback!

- Changing the thermostat to a cooler one. Any experiences on replacing it yourself?
- ⁠resetting the transmission computer, maybe even have it programmed to run in a default mode?
- ⁠buying one with lets say 70k miles and keeping it for another 60-70k, what can we expect to go wrong? What’s the regular life expectancy of the front end like tie rod ends, bushing and so on? Engine mounts?
- better get a Ford used car warranty or an independent?

Thanks everyone and Happy New Year!

Click to expand...

After browsing the forum for the past several years, it seems the worst problems are the cam phasers and CDF + valve body failures on the 10 speed. Updated parts are available for these two issues but each problem is $3000+ to repair.

The suspension seems solid except for the shock absorbers which have high failure rate at low miles. The CCD suspension has better quality shock absorbers. No issues with tie rods, bushings, motor mounts. etc.

There are differential failures every now and then but the rate seems to be similar to other manufacturers. Some a/c system failures have been reported too but again very low rate.

A new thermostat part number is available from Ford and it keeps the engine and transmission considerably cooler compared to the original one. It is an easy DIY

The factory shifting schedule of the transmission has two issues, it excessively slips the TC clutch on the 3rd gear more than what I’m comfortable with and it slams the 3-5 shift. I use the paddle shifters to avoid these two issues.

I second the motion on a gold or platinum CPO plan. I'd avoid a 2018, they had teething problems.

We just bought a 2019 non-Max Limited... had a hard time finding one with the HD Tow option that wasn't overloaded with options we didn't want. HD Tow includes a proper 4x4 with 4L and a rear locker, the standard 4x4 just has 4A (Auto). Ended up getting a 'Stealth' which had HD Tow. BUt the Stealth package in 2019 included 22" wheels, and the panoramic sunroof. 22" wheels was an easy fix, I swapped them for some 18" wheels with the correct offset and tire size. The Panoramic roof hasn't been a problem yet, but I'm a bit worried long term. I'm really glad the SUV has the 360 degree camera option, thats absolutely awesome when parking this big rig in a tight parking space, also very useful when maneuvering our trailer.

Soliyou said:

...
The factory shifting schedule of the transmission has two issues, it excessively slips the TC clutch on the 3rd gear more than what I’m comfortable with and it slams the 3-5 shift. I use the paddle shifters to avoid these two issues.

Click to expand...

What year Expeditions have paddle shifters? My 2019 Limited, and I think every 2018-2020 I looked at from XLT to Platinum, just had the +/- buttons under the shift knob on the center console.

In the 5000 or so miles I've put on ours in the past couple months, I've yet to experience a harsh shift, but I tend to leave it in Normal drive mode and drive it pretty mellow, its a great big SUV, not a sports car. I've done a few miles in "S" (Sports) mode, and it certainly can get up and move when pushed.

Brakes are definitely something to check and consider. Many, including ours, are gone at 30,000 miles without any towing at all. That said we do live in the pacific northwest, so a bit more mountainy than Texas.

Since you're going for the Platinum with lots of electronics, you should also check every feature possible. This is important: Listen carefully for sensor sounds and the beeps and bongs. If the 360° sensor beeps only come directly from the instrument cluster in front of you, there might be a problem with the battery (no big issue), OR the APIM(Accessory Protocol Interface Module). That's a complicated, expensive module. Another easy-to-spot symptom for our 2020 Platinum with 49,000 km is the tailgate beep that can only be quietly heard from the front Instrument Panel Cluster, nothing from the rear speakers which is where the beep is supposed to come from. There is another thread talking about it here and you really want to check it out. Loki has a really good explanation: https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/quick-question-on-vehicle-sounds-interior.54929/