Concern about expedition 2018

[jim9012]

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]

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

 

[jim9012]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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?

 

[SyndicateZ]

Didn't Ford fix it after year 2022?

Why would they have fixed an issue as they deemed "normal" on previous model years? Or did they switch to a different type turbo and do we know why?

 

[Hellwig]

Why would they have fixed an issue as they deemed "normal" on previous model years? Or did they switch to a different type turbo and do we know why?

I have no idea. So far, my 2024 xlt doesn't have this issue yet, with 10k miles.

 

[SyndicateZ]

I have no idea. So far, my 2024 xlt doesn't have this issue yet, with 10k miles.

Im going to have to send in an inside guy into Ford corporate and find out if the turbo manufacturer/type changed and why exactly.

 

[tgager]

I’ll never buy another one. I have a 2018 and at 103k miles had the transmission replaced and cam phasers done, about 20k in work and entire moonroof replaced yesterday to the tune of $4500

Almost 25k in repairs on a 6 year old vehicle with just over 100k. This was a $80k vehicle. Ford has gone to the toilet. RUN don’t walk away from buying a 2018-2020+ Expedition.

 

[Meeker]

I have a 2018 with 150,000 km (93,000 mi) and have had only 1 major repair - Ford tech said grinding from front diff, rebuilt under warranty. I suspect warranty fraud but can't prove it - never went back there.

Maintenance is as expected, 2nd set of tires, brakes twice. Minor repairs such as detached rear window defrost cable, console cup holder blowout, clicking mirrors (firmware update).

Now looking at hood and roof replacement due to hail at C$15k but that's only minimally Ford's fault (i.e. thin-skinned aluminum body panels).

Love this vehicle and would buy it again in a heartbeat.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

At that price & mileage and with all those issues, that vehicle would be a HARD pass for me.....seems like a semi-lemon to me.....

And warranty or no warranty, you will likely have even more issues that will crop up & require a LOT of time in the shop, I'm talking weeks to months of back & forth...

Don't get me wrong, I love Expy's (especially my 011 EL), but you have to look out for & stay away from the lemons that slipped through the production lines

 

[2018ExpyPlatinum]

Well boys and girls, I have to say my 2018 Expy is one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. That's part of why it's still in the fleet. 6 years old, 63K miles, ZERO issues. Second set of tires, original brakes (not for much longer I believe). Do I have cam phaser issues? Not sure. Do I have tranny issues? Think it's starting.

I made the decision yesterday to keep this truck. I looked at the new 2025 Yukon and really liked it. My issue is they are $80K and I think any vehicle today is a crap shoot. So I extended my extended warranty for another 36/36K. Will I have it for another 3 years? I doubt it, but I will not own it without a warranty.

This truck really has been good to me and has a special place in my heart. I think that's part of why it's still here. Reliable and I can't find anything I like enough to trade it. I've been all over with this thing. Never a problem. Never let me down.

 

[PMGENEROSO]

I had the sunroof leak problem on my ‘18 and caught it fairly early, but not early enough. The whole sunroof assembly had to be replaced under warranty a few years ago due to mechanical failure and parts of the mechanism braking off. What I didn’t know was that the ******* mechanics at the dealership failed to reconnect the rear right drain tube (there is a drain tube at each of the A and C pillars). Wife noticed the floor was wet by the right 2nd and 3rd row seats after a few very hard days of Florida rain. Bear in mind, we have the Weathertech mats throughout so she only noticed this because it was essentially squeezing out from underneath the mat and out the side door when my kids would step on the mat getting in and out. Long story long, I traced it to the disconnected drain tube, removed all the 2nd and 3rd row seats, and pulled all the carpet (aside from the front seats, which is a different sheet than the back). Under the carpet and carpet padding was a ton of growing mold and mildew. I had to completely scrub out the mold and mildew, bleach the frame and floorboard, buy new carpet padding (Home Depot), cut to match the old piece which had deteriorated to scraps and was infested with mold and mildew, dry everything out and reassemble. About 8hrs from start to finish on a sunny day. Saved probably $4-7k, depending on where you take it. Bottom line: if it had water damage and they didn’t do all that, the carpet and upholstery likely have rot, mold and mildew growing, not to mention any other damage that may have resulted from excessive exposure to the aforementioned water and growth. For this reason alone I would stay far away.

 

[Calidad]

Late 2019 aluminum oil pan. Heavy tow 75,000. No issues other than the rear defrost tangs popping off the glass first week. Its been a great rig so far. Definitely has late 19 parts changes over 18’s and earlier 19’s. Which does make a difference. Still has the plastic timing guides tho. If the cam phasers end up getting done I’ll have the timing guides upgraded to the 5.0 metal guides, same part just metal. Probably the turbo quick connector cooling line fittings updated with the current design. Thats about all the hard core performance shop 3.5 guys are doing. The most current cam phaser design apparently has been found to work finally. But you MUST check the part number given lots of junk old phaser design keeps getting swapped into cam phaser jobs only to fail again ‍