Concern about expedition 2018

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

jim9012

New Member
Joined
May 28, 2024
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Location
Terrace , BC
Hi Expedition Community,

I’m considering purchasing a 2018 Expedition Max as a family vehicle. The asking price is $31,500 before negotiations, and it has 60,273 miles on it.

The vehicle has had three different owners but has always been maintained at the same dealership. This maintenance history allows me to purchase a 3-year extended warranty up to 100k miles.

However, there are a few concerns that I’m hoping to get your opinions on, as I don’t want to end up with a lemon:

1. 2022: Customer reported water leaking through the sunroof and pooling in the roof, which could indicate significant water intrusion issues.
2. 2022: The Powertrain Control Module was reprogrammed to address a cam phaser rattle.
3. 2023: Alarm issues, going off in the middle of the night, which could indicate electrical problems.
4. 2023: Engine cooling fan running constantly, suggesting potential cooling system issues.
5. 2023: Rear pinion seal leak; this was repaired on 04/26/2024.
6. 2024: T-case output seal replacement.
7. 2024: Significant repair for a rattle upon startup, likely cam phaser replacement, costing $4,019.54.

I’m new to Ford, but these issues and leaks are concerning. I currently own a 2012 GMC Sierra 2500, which, after addressing some common issues, still runs strong at 137k miles.

Can I expect the same kind of reliability from the Expedition once these known issues have been fixed? I appreciate any insights or advice you can provide.

Thank you,
Jimmy
 

S20Workstation4

Full Access Members
Joined
Dec 22, 2022
Posts
130
Reaction score
73
Location
Hyde Park, NY
I bought a 2019 Expedition in 2022 w/ 66k miles on it, I now have 128k on it. The Heater Hoses and Cam Phasers had to be replaced, which were common problems with the early 4th gens. Other than that, it's been a great vehicle.
The Sunroof issue is most likely just the sunroof drains being clogged, which are common on the 4th gens. Though, It could indicate wear on the mechanism.
Cooling system issue is what stands out to me. If the fans are running all the time, you really have to plug in and read the live data from the Water temp sensor, see what it's running at. Is it overheating....is it worse at highway speeds... Proper Diagnosis is key.

I have the same alarm issue on mine, sometimes goes off 2-3 times a night, 1am..4am...waking everyone up.

Once the two known issues were addressed in my 2019, the car has been reliable ever since. Plus, the 2018 you're looking at comes with the warranty, so that should help you with any problems that would show up within the next 40k miles.

-Joseph
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
J

jim9012

New Member
Joined
May 28, 2024
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Location
Terrace , BC
Thank you, Joseph @S20Workstation4 ,

These are valuable insights.

The alarm issue sounds like a real nuisance.

I’ll definitely do more investigation on the cooling system issue and ensure it gets a proper diagnosis.

Thanks again for your help!

Best Jimmy
 

slow3v

Active Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2023
Posts
27
Reaction score
21
Location
USA
Hi Expedition Community,

I’m considering purchasing a 2018 Expedition Max as a family vehicle. The asking price is $31,500 before negotiations, and it has 60,273 miles on it.

The vehicle has had three different owners but has always been maintained at the same dealership. This maintenance history allows me to purchase a 3-year extended warranty up to 100k miles.

However, there are a few concerns that I’m hoping to get your opinions on, as I don’t want to end up with a lemon:

1. 2022: Customer reported water leaking through the sunroof and pooling in the roof, which could indicate significant water intrusion issues.
2. 2022: The Powertrain Control Module was reprogrammed to address a cam phaser rattle.
3. 2023: Alarm issues, going off in the middle of the night, which could indicate electrical problems.
4. 2023: Engine cooling fan running constantly, suggesting potential cooling system issues.
5. 2023: Rear pinion seal leak; this was repaired on 04/26/2024.
6. 2024: T-case output seal replacement.
7. 2024: Significant repair for a rattle upon startup, likely cam phaser replacement, costing $4,019.54.

I’m new to Ford, but these issues and leaks are concerning. I currently own a 2012 GMC Sierra 2500, which, after addressing some common issues, still runs strong at 137k miles.

Can I expect the same kind of reliability from the Expedition once these known issues have been fixed? I appreciate any insights or advice you can provide.

Thank you,
Jimmy

A few things stick out. First, I'd grab a Ford PremiumCare ESP, but note that it does not cover sunroof stuff. If the vehicle is sold CPO, they will fix any known sunroof issues.

It's going to need phasers, and the fan constantly running tells me it has the original thermostat that is binding and it will need a new/revised tstat and housing.

It will also likely need the 10R80 CDF Drum TSB done.
 

jar0023

Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2021
Posts
15
Reaction score
13
Location
MS
I have a 2018. 120k miles. FX4 Cam phasers at 45k and again at 100k. Buy the warranty. 24 replacement should mean latest generation phasers. I have an unlimited mileage warranty from my dealer. It came in handy for the second set.

I had the coolant line leak others have reported. I had two struts blow out around 70k. Other than that it’s been a good truck.

I change oil every 5k. Trans fluid at 100. Spark plugs at 50k. Basically the severe duty schedule.

Only part of your list that is scary is the water intrusion. That could be very minor. If the owner caught it quick and everything was cleaned up likely no issues.
 

DurhamHusker

Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2023
Posts
6
Reaction score
5
Location
Kansas City, KS
I have an '18 XLT Max with 150k on it now. Bought it with 25k in 2019.

- Cam phasers replaced three times. Twice under warranty. Third time was probably a misdiagnosis.
- Struts twice. First time under warranty.
- I'm currently living with the waste gate rattle. It's annoying but goes away after a few minutes.
- My fan was running quite a bit until I noticed it was low on water. Turns out the heater hoses were leaking. Super slowly. So had them replaced. ~$1k

As for the one you're looking at - $4k does sound like a cam phaser job. The water pump will have been updated at the same time. If it's still having cooling issues I'd be surprised. There is an updated thermostat and housing design available, FYI.

Ask to take it off sight to a mechanic you trust and who can check the following -
- Check the struts for leaks.
- Check heater hoses for leaks (may need to do a pressure test).
- Check thermostat & housing (have they been updated, maybe?).
- Check sunroof water intrusion issue.
- And anything else they can think of.

Have the dealer fix anything you find before you buy it. Then, buy the warranty.

I complain, but I do love the vehicle.
 

jjetjock

New Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2024
Posts
4
Reaction score
0
Location
florida
That heater hose is not a cheap change out either. My dealership charged $1500. I have 70,000 miles on my 2019 and had all the above mentioned done with the cam phasers several times and a new engine at 47,000 miles and a new transmission at 69,000 miles and the heater hose same time as transmission and now the AC blows hot then cold then hot then cold again as if it’s freezing up and thawing out. This and the heater hose immediately after transmission change out.
 

Hellwig

Full Access Members
Joined
Apr 6, 2022
Posts
541
Reaction score
288
Location
Virginia
That heater hose is not a cheap change out either. My dealership charged $1500. I have 70,000 miles on my 2019 and had all the above mentioned done with the cam phasers several times and a new engine at 47,000 miles and a new transmission at 69,000 miles and the heater hose same time as transmission and now the AC blows hot then cold then hot then cold again as if it’s freezing up and thawing out. This and the heater hose immediately after transmission change out.

What's wrong with the engine at 47k miles?
 

SyndicateZ

Full Access Members
Joined
Nov 11, 2022
Posts
873
Reaction score
596
Location
Mass
Beware of the notorious turbo wastegate rattle at startup and normal driving. Ford says the rattling is normal though. Just be prepared drive around a $70,000 plus newer vehicle that could potentially sound like a sh** box like I do
 

Hellwig

Full Access Members
Joined
Apr 6, 2022
Posts
541
Reaction score
288
Location
Virginia
Beware of the notorious turbo wastegate rattle at startup and normal driving. Ford says the rattling is normal though. Just be prepared drive around a $70,000 plus newer vehicle that could potentially sound like a sh** box like I do

Didn't Ford fix it after year 2022?
 
Top