Owners of 2015-2017 Models - is yours reliable?

[Erzebet]

Sorry, this is a long one...

I have a '16 XLT EL I purchased "used" in September of 2016 with 22K miles on in. It had a clean carfax and was a rental. It has been a great truck until some recent issues that are now causing me to question the reliability of it. The truck now has 45K on it.

The dealer cut the rotors and replaced the front brake linings in October of 2018 at 42K. In March of this year, I started to notice a "drag" or slight "shudder" in the driver's side front wheel. Seemed to happen intermittently but after I took my foot off the brake from a stop and pressed the accelerator to get going (i.e pulling out of driveway, out of a parking spot). Lasts about 10 seconds then smooth sailing.

On June 13th, I took it to dealer for oil/filter change and for them to check out front driver's side wheel. They changed oil, and said they could find nothing wrong with the wheel or front end and that the truck was safe to drive. While puling out of the dealer's parking lot - I felt that shudder yet again, but figured I'd just keep an "eye" on it.

On June 25th I started truck only to be presented with a low brake fluid warning. Checked fluid and it was well below min line - but no signs of leak under or around truck. This was strange as they usually top off funds when I take it for an oil change. Made appt with dealer for 29th. Started truck that morning, and pedal went to floor. Master Cylinder (MC) was empty - but no sign of leak. Called local mechanic who filled MC and bled brakes at each wheel. Said brakes seemed fine. Within a half mile of driving it - low brake fluid warning again. Brake fluid was just below min line - I drove it straight to dealer. Dealer had truck for few days while they replaced the MC and the brake booster. $1000 fix - luckily I have extended warranty that covered it. Got truck back 7/4.

Drove the truck 1 day and received alternating "Service AdvanceTrac" and "Hill Descent Control Fault" messages on dash. I parked it and have not drove it since.

I have yet another appt with dealer tomorrow. I am disgusted with this. I am expecting a run-around from dealer tomorrow - especially if no codes are stored. I want this stuff fixed once and for all. I intend to ask them to carry out tests on all the brake system components and electronics, including examining the driver's side rotor, caliper, and wheel bearing. I feel like I can't count on this truck to be reliable, and I have little confidence in the dealer at this point. I love this truck - but I am now starting to think about trading it in - and I will take a financial hit doing so.

What are your thoughts? Have any of you experienced these types of issues with your Expy? Any advice or tips for my dealership visit tomorrow?

Looking forward to hearing your opinions. Thanks for your time.

 

[LokiWolf]

Sorry, this is a long one...

I have a '16 XLT EL I purchased "used" in September of 2016 with 22K miles on in. It had a clean carfax and was a rental. It has been a great truck until some recent issues that are now causing me to question the reliability of it. The truck now has 45K on it.

The dealer cut the rotors and replaced the front brake linings in October of 2018 at 42K. In March of this year, I started to notice a "drag" or slight "shudder" in the driver's side front wheel. Seemed to happen intermittently but after I took my foot off the brake from a stop and pressed the accelerator to get going (i.e pulling out of driveway, out of a parking spot). Lasts about 10 seconds then smooth sailing.

On June 13th, I took it to dealer for oil/filter change and for them to check out front driver's side wheel. They changed oil, and said they could find nothing wrong with the wheel or front end and that the truck was safe to drive. While puling out of the dealer's parking lot - I felt that shudder yet again, but figured I'd just keep an "eye" on it.

On June 25th I started truck only to be presented with a low brake fluid warning. Checked fluid and it was well below min line - but no signs of leak under or around truck. This was strange as they usually top off funds when I take it for an oil change. Made appt with dealer for 29th. Started truck that morning, and pedal went to floor. Master Cylinder (MC) was empty - but no sign of leak. Called local mechanic who filled MC and bled brakes at each wheel. Said brakes seemed fine. Within a half mile of driving it - low brake fluid warning again. Brake fluid was just below min line - I drove it straight to dealer. Dealer had truck for few days while they replaced the MC and the brake booster. $1000 fix - luckily I have extended warranty that covered it. Got truck back 7/4.

Drove the truck 1 day and received alternating "Service AdvanceTrac" and "Hill Descent Control Fault" messages on dash. I parked it and have not drove it since.

I have yet another appt with dealer tomorrow. I am disgusted with this. I am expecting a run-around from dealer tomorrow - especially if no codes are stored. I want this stuff fixed once and for all. I intend to ask them to carry out tests on all the brake system components and electronics, including examining the driver's side rotor, caliper, and wheel bearing. I feel like I can't count on this truck to be reliable, and I have little confidence in the dealer at this point. I love this truck - but I am now starting to think about trading it in - and I will take a financial hit doing so.

What are your thoughts? Have any of you experienced these types of issues with your Expy? Any advice or tips for my dealership visit tomorrow?

Looking forward to hearing your opinions. Thanks for your time.

Every single one of your issues stems back to the initial work done at 42K it appears to me, and sounds like mechanic error. Sounds like they damaged the wheel speed sensor either directly or wiring during one of the “fixes”.


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[LRNAD90]

I'd agree, seems like the current issues are directly related to (incompetently performed) service work. Maybe time to try a different dealer, or an independent shop once you are out of warranty. Its sad, but the level of knowledge, service and even laziness varies greatly between shops. If you can find a good dealer shop to stick with more power to you, but that seems to be an oxymoron (good dealer shop) in most cases..

 

[JExpedition07]

Once you are out of the 60k warranty steer clear of the dealer

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I ordered and bought a new 2015 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4. I have never towed with it or hauled heavy cargo - strictly passenger use. It has never been wrecked or damaged, and is garaged when not used.

When the vehicle was delivered with two miles, the left front wheel opening molding was installed crooked and not fully attached. The lower molding behind the LF wheel was also not attached. That should have been a warning to me not to accept the vehicle. I accepted the vehicle and the service department fixed the moldings - which are now coming off again.

The quality and reliability of the vehicles has been poor. Numerous things have gone wrong with the vehicle. I also purchased the Ford Premium extended warranty.

At times, the dealer warranty and maintenance service has been okay - other times it has been poor. I stopped going to the selling dealer for repair and maintenance work, due to their poor service (warranty and customer pay).

Two issues remain unresolved; intermittent “no key detected” and “trailer wiring fault” messages. I have returned it to the dealer several times, only to be told there are “no codes”. I’ve learned that most Ford “factory trained technicians” do not know how to troubleshoot a problem.

I have owned and driven vehicles for 49 years. This was my first Ford - I had owned GM and Dodge vehicles (GM for 45 years). I doubt that I would by another Ford due the issues I’ve experienced.

It is my PERSONAL OPINION that many new vehicle dealerships are doing very well since the last recession. They have sold many cars and their service departments are flush with business. They have gotten “fat, dumb and lazy” and often don’t care about customer service.

Many technicians in the service departments are very young and know that they can go somewhere else and find another service job. Many lack pride in their work. Many don’t care about doing the job right, and have no concept of customer service and repeat service customers. Excellent service keeps the service customers returning, buying additional vehicles and telling their friends and neighbors about the dealership. Poor service drives customers away and generates negative word-of-mouth advertising.

The major vehicle manufacturers continue to survey and wonder why their customers leave the dealerships for independent shops. They’ll figure it out when the next downturn in the economy hits and will be spending a lot of money trying to get customers to return to their dealer shops.

 

[bobmbx]

Sorry, this is a long one...

I have a '16 XLT EL I purchased "used" in September of 2016 with 22K miles on in. It had a clean carfax and was a rental. It has been a great truck until some recent issues that are now causing me to question the reliability of it. The truck now has 45K on it.

The dealer cut the rotors and replaced the front brake linings in October of 2018 at 42K. In March of this year, I started to notice a "drag" or slight "shudder" in the driver's side front wheel. Seemed to happen intermittently but after I took my foot off the brake from a stop and pressed the accelerator to get going (i.e pulling out of driveway, out of a parking spot). Lasts about 10 seconds then smooth sailing.

On June 13th, I took it to dealer for oil/filter change and for them to check out front driver's side wheel. They changed oil, and said they could find nothing wrong with the wheel or front end and that the truck was safe to drive. While puling out of the dealer's parking lot - I felt that shudder yet again, but figured I'd just keep an "eye" on it.

On June 25th I started truck only to be presented with a low brake fluid warning. Checked fluid and it was well below min line - but no signs of leak under or around truck. This was strange as they usually top off funds when I take it for an oil change. Made appt with dealer for 29th. Started truck that morning, and pedal went to floor. Master Cylinder (MC) was empty - but no sign of leak. Called local mechanic who filled MC and bled brakes at each wheel. Said brakes seemed fine. Within a half mile of driving it - low brake fluid warning again. Brake fluid was just below min line - I drove it straight to dealer. Dealer had truck for few days while they replaced the MC and the brake booster. $1000 fix - luckily I have extended warranty that covered it. Got truck back 7/4.

Drove the truck 1 day and received alternating "Service AdvanceTrac" and "Hill Descent Control Fault" messages on dash. I parked it and have not drove it since.

I have yet another appt with dealer tomorrow. I am disgusted with this. I am expecting a run-around from dealer tomorrow - especially if no codes are stored. I want this stuff fixed once and for all. I intend to ask them to carry out tests on all the brake system components and electronics, including examining the driver's side rotor, caliper, and wheel bearing. I feel like I can't count on this truck to be reliable, and I have little confidence in the dealer at this point. I love this truck - but I am now starting to think about trading it in - and I will take a financial hit doing so.

What are your thoughts? Have any of you experienced these types of issues with your Expy? Any advice or tips for my dealership visit tomorrow?

Looking forward to hearing your opinions. Thanks for your time.

that brake fluid is going somewhere.

I bought mine new and besides a window trim piece that was misaligned, I haven’t had a single issue. I’m at 23k now

 

[Erzebet]

That brake fluid went into the brake booster.....

that brake fluid is going somewhere.

I bought mine new and besides a window trim piece that was misaligned, I haven’t had a single issue. I’m at 23k now

 

[LRNAD90]

I’ve learned that most Ford “factory trained technicians” do not know how to troubleshoot a problem.

It seems like most of the new generation 'technicians' don't have the first clue what to do if the computer (no codes, sorry) can't tell them what to replace..

 

[LokiWolf]

He asked if the vehicle was reliable...

And yet we are talking about the Techs and Dealers.

The vehicle is reliable. Same Motor and drivetrain has been around for years. Remember the 15-17 Expy is basically a 2014 F-150 at the root.

Here is my guess as to what happened.

When the service was done at 42K the Tech either didn’t follow proper bleeding procedures or damaged a line, and the lack of fluid damaged the booster or improper procedure. If the MC or Booster were even damaged(more about that below). At some point during the “fix” the wheel speed sensor got damaged.

You or the Warranty should have NEVER had to pay for anything after the initial service. The Tech messed up, period. I personally think dealer took the opportunity to charge the warranty to pay for the parts and Tech time to fix what they messed up the first time. I would be LIVID. The dealer would be giving me a loaner off the lot while they fixed Everything they broke, with ZERO charge off to the warranty!


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[LokiWolf]

Did you actually look at the MC, and Booster? Does it look new? Crawl under and look behind the wheel where the work was done. Is there a new brake line? New fitting? It will be easy to tell if they were replaced. They will be shiny and clean, and look A LOT different than the other 3 wheels.


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[jeff kushner]

ERZ.....listen to loki....he knows this stuff. You and I are nearly the same age....old.....but I can tell you that I would not have bought bought a new 17 if the previous two were not good, solid & reliable.

I bought my '17 new in Nov '16....I have 68K on it. Original tires/brakes/rotors/......nothing has broken, it has never been to any repair facility other than to repair recurring crash damage(I hit crap). The front pads will be replaced one of these w/e's. The new ones are on the end table but 70K for front pads is pretty impressive for a 6K pound truck.

Idle is a little rough some days, prob due to debris on one of the sensors. A nice washing down of the throttle body ought to clear it up.

Overall, coming up on 3 yrs and not a single issue other than it used to grind a tiny bit when pulling forward while cold....replacing the rear end fluid(I used Marine grade non-syn + the Friction modifier) ended that.

You've been a member since you've owned your truck, you've read the posts....you know these (15-17) are solid trucks.....you're just pissed at the dealer for jerking your chain. Hell brother, you prob know more about your truck than most of the "parts changers" at the dealer.

Good luck,

jeff

 

[cmiles97]

56K here. No issues. I expect it to be that way. Bought it used with 29K on it. The car fax said it was a rental or fleet vehicle.

Maybe a complaint to Ford is in order. The phone number is on your owner's manual. Like Loki said once they did the original brake job, the other issues seem to be related to it.

 

[WesT]

My 14 Expy had same brake prob only on right rear. After "shuddering" the caliper sprung a leak. Once replaced all fixed. Ford brakes are not up to the task on their larger trucks and SUV's. Ford needs to address this. Too much heat build up due to inadequate design.

 

[TC16XLT]

No shuddering in my 16, but at 51k, the seal gave out on master cylinder, and leaked all of the fluid into the booster. New MC and haven't had anything much since. Presently at 75700.

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[Rodney Rodriguez]

I bought my '17 EL XLT used last year. Mileage about 80k. Just under 60k, the local dealership replaced the rear differential under warranty. The last few months, I've noticed a grinding/rubbing sound in the front wheels when turning at low speeds. I've read other threads on the forum and am not sure what's causing this sound. I turned on AWD to see if it helps. It does a little, but the problem is still there.

 

[16plati]

I bought my '17 EL XLT used last year. Mileage about 80k. Just under 60k, the local dealership replaced the rear differential under warranty. The last few months, I've noticed a grinding/rubbing sound in the front wheels when turning at low speeds. I've read other threads on the forum and am not sure what's causing this sound. I turned on AWD to see if it helps. It does a little, but the problem is still there.

Just had this issue fixed in my 2016. Rear diff clutch packs need to be upgraded. Same exact symptoms. They thought it was IWEs. Replaced 90% of the front 4WD components and still grinding and chatter turning left or right low speed under power.

 

[16plati]

I bought my '17 EL XLT used last year. Mileage about 80k. Just under 60k, the local dealership replaced the rear differential under warranty. The last few months, I've noticed a grinding/rubbing sound in the front wheels when turning at low speeds. I've read other threads on the forum and am not sure what's causing this sound. I turned on AWD to see if it helps. It does a little, but the problem is still there.

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/rumbling-noise-on-turning-2017-exp-ltd-el.39604/

 

[Rodney Rodriguez]

Just had this issue fixed in my 2016. Rear diff clutch packs need to be upgraded. Same exact symptoms. They thought it was IWEs. Replaced 90% of the front 4WD components and still grinding and chatter turning left or right low speed under power.

Thanks 16plati. In the end, upgrading the rear clutch packs solved the issue? I'm not mechanically inclined, so excuse my ignorance. Would the dealership be responsible for the repair since they replaced my rear differential last year? If not, what's the approximate repair cost? If I don't do anything, am I at risk for causing another problem?

 

[16plati]

Thanks 16plati. In the end, upgrading the rear clutch packs solved the issue? I'm not mechanically inclined, so excuse my ignorance. Would the dealership be responsible for the repair since they replaced my rear differential last year? If not, what's the approximate repair cost? If I don't do anything, am I at risk for causing another problem?

Mine was covered under 60k mile warranty. They said it will only get worse. Are you sure you have a limited slip differential?

 

[LRNAD90]

Mine was covered under 60k mile warranty. They said it will only get worse. Are you sure you have a limited slip differential?

I think all of the 4wd '15-'17 EL's had LSD rears, and 3.73 gears, No?