2010 Possible Issues?

[Phrost]

Hello all. I recently found this forum, and had a few questions specfically about the 2010 year Expeditions.

I am looking into buying one (XLT I think?) with around 75k miles. I was originally looking at a Tahoe of the same year, but came across the Expedition. In my area, it is easier to find Expeditions with the options that I want verses a Tahoe.

I was wondering, what kind of issues I am possibly going to face when purchasing this vehicle, and possibly if anyone has owned a Tahoe they're comments on the comparison between the two.

J.D. Power seems to have this vehicle listed with a mediocre rating for Reliability, but most of what I have read conflicts with this.

Any help is appreciated!

And yes, I did read the sticky talking about what to look for when buying one but I am more interested in hearing what others have to say in terms of reliability and maintenance cost in the span they have had theirs.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately any knowledge I have pertains to the 1st gen.

 

[docraymund]

Expeditions are reliable trucks especially the 3rd gens but also a little pricey on maintenance. If you could find an EL model, much better. If you have extra budget, get a later model. Just take your time in buying. Go for the seller who keeps a maintenance record and who would be willing to have a mechanic evaluate the engine.

 

[cypher0807]

I have a 2010 Limited I bought back in July of this year which has 111,000 and I like it a lot. Compared to my current expo (2001 w/219k miles and still going) its a completely different truck. I will say this, more options and features = more costly repairs. Currently I'm searching this site for info on the "air suspension" as I hear the compressor and hoping its an easy fix (air bag, coupling etc). I'm taking into the dealer tomorrow to update the strategy and reprogram the TED unit since the heated driver seat isn't working but when I swapped out blowers to the passenger side it worked. That means only the dealer or "likewise" can re-program the unit to work.

If you are mechanically inclined and can do a bit more than change your oil then got for it. If you're not the type then pass. Everything on this truck is "motorized and or computerized". The days of being an "advanced DIY'er" are now curbed as well, perfect example is the heated seat issue I'm having. You can no longer just swap out an electronic part and have it work again, the dealer must "re-program" in order for it to work which is in the cost range of $80-$100, this isn't every part but nowadays seem to be the norm. And as technology advances the dealerships will have their days of when the consumer has to bring it back to them, just my .02. Good luck in your search!

 

[oldfordguy]

I have a 2010 Eddie Bauer purchased new. 75K is great for a 2010. If the brakes haven't been looked after, it will probably need pads. I did pads at 60K and pads and rotors at 120K. About 100K I got the engine sensor light. Borrowed a code reader and it was a hot air sensor in the exhaust. When I pulled it out it just looked dirty so I cleaned it with boat bottom cleaner (slightly acidic) and it is still OK at over 140K. That's about it. Extremely durable, smooth riding on the highway a great tow vehicle, especially when you need the passenger room over a pickup. If you trust the seller, buy it.

 

[Snag]

Each generation seemed to have their problems. The early ones shot spark plugs out, the next generation you couldn't get them out and the timing chain assemblies could be problems with either. The phasers were certainly a problem with the second generation and could be a problem with the third generation but overall they appear to be less problematic. I have the 05 King Ranch and it had all the timing chain, phaser and lash adjuster/cam follower problems that are fairly common with that generation.
For the most part the third generation seems to have most of the earlier problems worked out. My daughter has a 2010 XLT and it is a very nice rig. Beautiful, smooth riding and plenty of power to do anything needed for most. Personally I think buying used, the XLT might be the best buy as it would likely have less options so less possible problems down the road. As with all modular engines I think there are things you need to keep in mind when buying and maintaining the rig. Use high quality motor oil and keep it changed, many mechanics recommend going up one grade from 5-20 to 5-30. They claim that will help with the known oiling issues. Also use Ford oil filters as they have the proper drain back features needed to not have dry starts.
Like mentioned above, if you can find a rig with maintenance records all the better.
Transmissions, front ends rear ends and transfer cases are great in the third generation, again follow maintenance as required by the owners manual.
Like stated above the new rigs have much more required maintenance then rigs of the past. That overhead cam engine is patterned after European designs so lots more to go wrong, and sometimes they do.
Find a low mileage Expedition, hopefully with maintenance records and buy it. You will love it