Looking to purchase used 2019-2020 expy what to look out for?

[zablalbaz]

Hey Folks. I am coming from a 2006 limited expedition, and looking at the 2019-2021 models right now. My 06 had a very reliable 5.4L Triton and these new ones are coming with only the 3.5L Ecoboost engines now. I've heard horror stories about this engine on this forum and in my FB groups for both the F150 and Expedition so I am a little concerned. I am most worried about the cam-phaser and wastegate issues that I have read about. But I really loved my old expedition and want to get another. So what I am looking for here is some advice. Whatever I buy, I will take to a Ford dealership and have inspected first. But what should I ask them to look for specifically? Should I ask them to check the cam phasers for any sign of damage? Are there any other known issues that I should be on the lookout for when looking at this generation?

Here's a link I found on the cam phaser issue and Ford's policy for replacing them. But this looks like the program ended on Jan 1st this year.

Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03 - Cam Phaser Replacement - 2017-2020 Ford F-150, 2018-2020 Expedition, & 2018-2020 Lincoln Navigator

Undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine. This noise might occur as a rattle when starting the engine.

ford.oemdtc.com

Thanks in advance!

 

[armoredsaint]

make sure it's under warranty or buy an extended warranty. since mine grenaded itself at 29k last week.

 

[zablalbaz]

Yep. I'm hearing this from everyone. I'm buying used and will be getting something with enough miles it will definitely be out of factory warranty.

 

[SyndicateZ]

Hey Folks. I am coming from a 2006 limited expedition, and looking at the 2019-2021 models right now. My 06 had a very reliable 5.4L Triton and these new ones are coming with only the 3.5L Ecoboost engines now. I've heard horror stories about this engine on this forum and in my FB groups for both the F150 and Expedition so I am a little concerned. I am most worried about the cam-phaser and wastegate issues that I have read about. But I really loved my old expedition and want to get another. So what I am looking for here is some advice. Whatever I buy, I will take to a Ford dealership and have inspected first. But what should I ask them to look for specifically? Should I ask them to check the cam phasers for any sign of damage? Are there any other known issues that I should be on the lookout for when looking at this generation?

Here's a link I found on the cam phaser issue and Ford's policy for replacing them. But this looks like the program ended on Jan 1st this year.

Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03 - Cam Phaser Replacement - 2017-2020 Ford F-150, 2018-2020 Expedition, & 2018-2020 Lincoln Navigator

Undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine. This noise might occur as a rattle when starting the engine.

ford.oemdtc.com

Thanks in advance!

When u are looking at the vehicle. Make sure YOU are the one thats starts its and that it started cold. You will be able to hear a rattle from the engine upon startup only if the phasers are needing to be replaced. Also the waste gate could rattle and after it "adjusts" itself it should go away after a few minutes. Also while parked and engine warmed to op temp rev the engine lightly and listen for any wastegate rattle. and or VCT solenoid rattle sound only upon decel.

 

[zablalbaz]

Thanks. I'm definitely planning on starting anything I buy from a cold start and listening for rattle and knocking sounds.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Hey Folks. I am coming from a 2006 limited expedition, and looking at the 2019-2021 models right now. My 06 had a very reliable 5.4L Triton and these new ones are coming with only the 3.5L Ecoboost engines now. I've heard horror stories about this engine on this forum and in my FB groups for both the F150 and Expedition so I am a little concerned. I am most worried about the cam-phaser and wastegate issues that I have read about. But I really loved my old expedition and want to get another. So what I am looking for here is some advice. Whatever I buy, I will take to a Ford dealership and have inspected first. But what should I ask them to look for specifically? Should I ask them to check the cam phasers for any sign of damage? Are there any other known issues that I should be on the lookout for when looking at this generation?

Here's a link I found on the cam phaser issue and Ford's policy for replacing them. But this looks like the program ended on Jan 1st this year.

Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03 - Cam Phaser Replacement - 2017-2020 Ford F-150, 2018-2020 Expedition, & 2018-2020 Lincoln Navigator

Undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine. This noise might occur as a rattle when starting the engine.

ford.oemdtc.com

Thanks in advance!

Wastegate rattle isn't something to be worried about. Our Raptir has that and it adjusts itself, the reason it rattles is just the play. As long as the previous owner has all the scheduled maintenence done you'll have a perfectly reliable car. Definitely recommend an ESP.

 

[29twonine]

Transmission transmission transmission

 

[MikeTheApeman]

When u are looking at the vehicle. Make sure YOU are the one thats starts its and that it started cold.

My salesman did the Remote Start on my 2018 Expy, which hid the Cam Phaser rattle. When I bought mine, wasn't really audible from the inside, so it took a week or two to notice it. Had them replaced under warranty, no issues since (knock on every piece of wood in arm's length).

 

[tacoduck]

Id focus on a clean gen 3. They are cheap, plentiful, and reliable. My sisters 18 expo had a horrific engine knock at 80k miles. She traded it for a new platinum 2022.

 

[Bmanxx13]

My salesman did the Remote Start on my 2018 Expy, which hid the Cam Phaser rattle. When I bought mine, wasn't really audible from the inside, so it took a week or two to notice it. Had them replaced under warranty, no issues since (knock on every piece of wood in arm's length).

Haha, when I bought my 2018 I went through the same thing. Truck was nice and warmed up before I knew about the start-up rattle. I had the cam phasers replaced around 36k miles and the rattle came back at ~77k.