2014 or 2017? And why?

[berrie]

Hi,
My wife needs another car, and we like the Expedition.
After lots of reading, there is a lot of talk about the different years and their most common problems.

So we would be looking at a 2013 or 2014 which has the 3v Triton engine. The Triton gets a bad rap with timing chain and cam phaser failures. However, I see many of them for sale with 200k+ miles.

We're also looking at the 2017, which has the 2nd generation Ecoboost but still has the 6-speed transmission. The Ecoboost is getting a bad rap with cam phasers, water pump, coolant leaks at the turbos (but at least it doesn't have the 10spd).

So if we are looking for an EL with no more than 90k miles, which would you choose, and why?

 

[JasonH]

It really depends on the price. I needed something capable of towing a large camper, and the 5.4 wasn't it. The tradeoff with getting a 2017 was a head gasket repair, turbo manifold upgrade, and now the timing chain stretch. But if you can get a 2017 for a good price and put some cash aside for potential repairs, the 2017 is the way to go. My repairs are likely attributable to the weight I was frequently towing. I'm at 163,000 miles and hopefully this chain repair will be the last big one.

 

[berrie]

Thank you for the reply.
For context, this car may occasionally tow a 3,500 boat.
Other than that, it's to drive my wife around, shopping, taking the kids to school etc.
I thought that the 2017 has the 2nd generation Ecoboost with the split timing chain. Didn't realize that stretch was still an issue even after they split the chain.

 

[JasonH]

Thank you for the reply.
For context, this car may occasionally tow a 3,500 boat.
Other than that, it's to drive my wife around, shopping, taking the kids to school etc.
I thought that the 2017 has the 2nd generation Ecoboost with the split timing chain. Didn't realize that stretch was still an issue even after they split the chain.

Two chains is the 2nd gen Ecoboost which began in model year 2018. Those were the ones with phaser issues.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

Almost all the Expy's have some quirks, but based on what I have read in many of the pages here, I would recommend either a 2010-2011, or a 2019-2021....

Yea the newer ones are gonna cost ya some more $$ upfront, but usually less on failures/overall maintenance and with better gas mileage too...and you might even be able to get an ESP to cover any major repairs down the road....

Just be certain that you can get the seller to allow you a 5-7 day try out/inspection period and get it checked by a trusted mechanic, even if that means putting down a small but fully-refundable deposit

 

[ExplorerTom]

I would recommend either a 2010-2011,

That’s an interesting year range. Why wouldn’t you go for the last of the V8s? 2012-2014.

The 2014 has the latest revisions to all the timing and transmission bits. Plus it’s just that much newer.

 

[Jamo]

That was my exact reasoning for buying my 2014 EL LTD. Still happy with it, and I'm at 110k. Front hubs, 4 shocks, and rear A/C have been my only problems. Knock on wood here...

 

[JExpedition07]

As these are both getting old the 5.4 is the winner, you can engineer the problems out of it. Throw some cast iron tensioners in the 5.4 and you have a reliable foundation. The 5.4s Achilles heel was the tensioner blow outs starving the top end. These aging EcoBoosts are much more tricky and you can’t change the fundamental issues as you can with the 5.4. The 3.5s also tend to get dead bores in the 200k range (loss of compression do to bad rings), you rarely ever see a 5.4 with a dead hole even at 300k. If I was buying an older used truck it would be 5.4 all day because I know with the 9.8:1 compression it’ll last forever.

I still wonder how my 2023 5.0L V8 is going to do long term as it’s got a high 12:1 compression ratio. Yes it has 100 more HP than the 5.4 Triton but it’s also got a lot more cylinder pressure. We shall see!

 

[BigOleFordFan]

That’s an interesting year range. Why wouldn’t you go for the last of the V8s? 2012-2014.

The 2014 has the latest revisions to all the timing and transmission bits. Plus it’s just that much newer.

Because those are the models that I am most familiar with, and AFAIK, the 12-14's brought their own share of potential issues, even though there was some refinements too, but most of those were achieved only through additional, more complicated electronics, which have/had their own quirks...

 

[JamaicaJoe]

I opted for a 2013 to replace my 2001 and specifically wanted a low mileage 5.4L V8. They are getting very rare. I did some checking, forgot my results, but I think beginning 2008 they no longer had the two piece spark plugs. Easy enough to check part number of plugs for the model year you are looking at. I am not a true believer in boosted engines foe long term reliability, especially when it was done to reduce # of cylinders and displacement. If you want V8 pulling power for a trailer, to go the distance, get the V8. If you are on flat ground, just pull a boat in and out of the water, I suppose the V6 turbo will do. However, there are more parts with the turbo to go bad. Its not just Ford, look at all the dodgy little SUV's that have downgraded from a V6 to a I4 turbo GDI motor. Hyundai/Kia etc. Nightmares.

 

[bloodhound]

I have a 2014 Limited, which replaced my 2009 Limited. It currently has 80k miles on it, and the only issues I've had are the rear HVAC actuator and, as of the other day, a small coolant leak at the water pump. I'll replace the pump, belt, tensioner, and thermostat while I'm in there. I am hanging on to this one as long as I can because I believe the 5.4 is a very reliable motor, timing issues notwithstanding. Whatever you end up going with, how it has been maintained will dictate how it will hold up for you.

 

[sboychuck]

I have a 2014 Limited, which replaced my 2009 Limited. It currently has 80k miles on it, and the only issues I've had are the rear HVAC actuator and, as of the other day, a small coolant leak at the water pump. I'll replace the pump, belt, tensioner, and thermostat while I'm in there. I am hanging on to this one as long as I can because I believe the 5.4 is a very reliable motor, timing issues notwithstanding. Whatever you end up going with, how it has been maintained will dictate how it will hold up for you.

You should consider a full tim8ng job when the water pump is done. There is labor overlap, and the phasers, chains, roller followers, lash adjusters, etc. will need to be done by 100K. If you are keeping it long term, you should consider it.

 

[ExplorerTom]

and the phasers, chains, roller followers, lash adjusters, etc. will need to be done by 100K.

I’m calling BS on that.

 

[JExpedition07]

It’s not a bad idea to do a timing job on a 5.4 as it will be a 10 year old truck, I’d figure that into your cost if you can’t verify it’s been done. Be sure the engine has been previously maintained though (oil changes etc) and start it cold to verify no nasty rattle.

Like I said, the timing chain tensioners are what snowballs these motors issues. The plastic tensioners were used throughout the entire production run of the 5.4 and will eventually fail. If you fix this before it has went on too long the engine will be good for the long haul.

 

[ZigZagFred]

Hi, fellow Expy people. We drove our 2006 2nd Gen for 15 years. We recently upgraded to a 2019 4th Gen. It is a whole new, re-engineered Expedition. New engine, new transmission, new frame, new suspension, new body panels, new seats, new electronics, and a new dashboard. If you're looking to upgrade, I suggest skipping the 3rd Gen 2014 and the 2017 and go with a 4th Gen (2018+). You'll be glad you did.

 

[chuck s]

My sample of 1. Get the 2017 if it has HD Tow.

Just back from a weekend camping towing my ~6500 pound travel trailer with my 2017 XLT. 12 mpg at the speed limit if anyone is interested here in tidewater Virginia. 90°F during the day. Transmission run no hotter than 203°F towing and just under 200°F when touring (I was checking out of curiosity). HD cooling is part of the HD Tow package along with an excellent proportional brake controller, sway control, and other goodied. Truck just rolled over 40,000 miles.

This is my 2d Expedition set up the same way. The 2007 ran 175,000 miles before I traded it. Wonderful tow vehicle (towing the same travel trailer) with the 5.4V8 -- but if offered a choice I'd take the 3.5EB without hesitation as it's a much better engine for my purposes.

Other than the stupid knob on the console in lieu of a proper gear selector the 2018+ models are at least as good as my 2017 if they have HD Tow.

Regardless of what you choose always get HD Tow (did I mention that?). Costs lunch money from the factory. Max Tow on both mine was/is 9200 pounds and neither blinked towing the 6500 pound camper.

-- Chuck

 

[2010-2014-only]

I own a 2010 EL Ltd, a 2013 Ltd and a 2014 Ltd, all 4WD. Never owned anything newer but no desire to. I have a 2003 EB with over 200K on it with nothing but oil changes, still runs fantastic (though the suspension and steering are a bit antique compared to the 3rd Gen), so I trust the 5.4L. I did have to have a timing job done on the 2010 at 145K, but even with all new rocker/lifters that was only $4,500 at my shop, and I factored that cost in when I bought it, just as I did with the 2013 and 2014, though they have not needed it yet. To me $4,500 every 150K is a small price to pay for such a great vehicle.

We tow a boat about like yours (prolly 1K heavier) in the hills with the 2010 and it is GREAT, as it has the tow package.

The only reason I wd even think of going to a 4th or 5th gen Expy would be to get one of the 2023's that has a locking rear diff, for the off-road hunting I do, but the 3rd Gen's have a very sophisticated 4WD and, to tell the truth, I have never wished I had a locking diff. Just be kind of cool to know I did!

 

[Utah Driver]

I have the 16' with the 6speed. The only thing it has needed in 8yrs is a TPS sensor.

 

[Lowmilexpedition]

I am probably jinxing myself by saying anything about my 2010 Expedition, but It was bought new & the 4 things that have been repaired in the 14 years of ownership are:

Fan speed switch had to be replaced as it didn't work on the low speeds of 1 & 2.

The brake light switch went bad preventing it from being shifted out of park, lucky it happened in my driveway, but was a ***** taking apart the center console to release the safety switch, however if it was an F-150 there is a small tab that can be removed on the console to access the safety switch. (The Expy has that tab. but it is decorative only, no access available.)

The power pedals gave up in October last year, (between a short wife and tall husband it gets moved a lot in 14 years)

Most recent the heater core hoses and the thermostat went bad as they were original to the vehicle.

3 of the 4 repairs were all cover under Fords CSP (Continued Service Plan) during that time. Otherwise, it gets regular oil changes and at 50,000 miles all fluids were changed.
And as I write this it only has 78,500 miles on it.

Fingers crossed for another 10+ years of use with minimal repairs.

 

[Fasttimes]

Just moved from a 2010 EB with HD tow, 3.15 gears to a 2017 Limited with HD tow, 3.73 and the 2017 is light years better tow vehicle. The power on tap is so much more noticeable. The 2017 is just more refined and the wife really likes the features over the older Expy. $23k for this new ride, my other option was going Gen 4, 2019-2020, w/decent miles and then have to add an extended warranty to cover all the issues the Gen 4s have had, easy $50k.
I'm extremely happy with the 17 choice so far and will bank some money for future issues at a 50% savings.