Reliability

[Nakita23]

I have read through several threads about possible problems but wanted to post my own question. I have been very hesitant to consider an EL (or Max) equipped with the 3.5 EB. I previously had a 2011 Expedition with the 5.4 and really did like it. The engine did not give me any problems and sounded great with a magaflow muffler.

My question is about the reliability of the 3.5 EB. I would be buying used and possibly something closing in/or past 100k due to $$. Did the EB issues get worked out with the 2nd gen? I have had a ~2022 as a rental and the quickness of that thing was crazy compared to my 2011. Personal opinion, I do not think the 3.5 EB sound good in any world though.

What history do I need to make sure of and look for on those? Full disclosure, I may still go with a 2014 EL or maybe even a Yukon XL.

 

[DieselMonk]

The sound in the 3.5L EB change on which gen engine and HO option or not. I find the HO engine sounding o.k. As for quickness, try a Timberline, Tremor or a SPP with an HO engine and a 3.73 rear end. Goes fast as snot for an full size SUV!

 

[BigOleFordFan]

I would be buying used and possibly something closing in/or past 100k due to $$.

At that age & mileage, the 1st thing I would recommend would be to get a Carfax/Autocheck report on your intended purchase, and even with that, you would be wise to take whatever vehicle you choose to a trusted mechanic to check for signs of possible failure for the EB system, as well as any other parts that might need replacement soon, like the suspension, transmission, rear-end, plugs & coil packs, belts, hoses, radiator ect...

You may find it to be a well maintained, excellent condition vehicle, or a potential money pit of repairs that could cost you more than the vehicle itself...this would apply to the 2nd gen and the 2014, as well as the Yukonz....

Good luck and please post back with an update on your findings

 

[Nakita23]

I absolutely will post up once purchased.

I was planning on getting a Carfax once I narrow down something serious.

Unfortunately, the mechanic thing might be hard if I find one out of state.

 

[dlcorbett]

Late 22s and up are highly reliable. The ecoboost from the 18s and up are pretty reliable in itself, but ford fixed most all of the issues starting late 2022. I've had 3 4th gen ford fs suvs, and the engine has been good on two of them. Now about that transmission...

 

[DieselMonk]

Late 22s and up are highly reliable. The ecoboost from the 18s and up are pretty reliable in itself, but ford fixed most all of the issues starting late 2022. I've had 3 4th gen ford fs suvs, and the engine has been good on two of them. Now about that transmission...

Well… the transmission in the 24 is miles ahead of the 18-19 model years. Changing oil and driving in the right gear when under full load is always key.

 

[knight26]

In general, the 3.5 EB is pretty reliable, as others have previously stated. If you are concerned about its reliability and you don't mind traveling to find a vehicle, there are dealership chains in the southeast that include 200k-mile powertrain warranties on all domestic gasoline-powered vehicles. They are mostly in the Tennessee-Mississippi-Alabama tri-state area. I bought my '22 Timberline through a Golden Circle Ford affiliate dealership that includes the 200k warranty. It's not an addon, so it's included by default and recognised nationwide. My sister had purchased a 2016 Yukon from the same dealership and had no issues with the warranty being honored when it had some transmission issues.

 

[Grizguy]

I have 122,000 miles on my 19 max. You push the gas, you are going to go. You want to pass.. NO PROBLEM. The only issue I have is pulling a trailer. It will pull it no problem, BUT! ! I go from 18 MPG to about 9 MPG pulling a small enclosed trailer pulling my motorcycle. I hear the same from the F150 people.

 

[ryanpe]

I have read through several threads about possible problems but wanted to post my own question. I have been very hesitant to consider an EL (or Max) equipped with the 3.5 EB. I previously had a 2011 Expedition with the 5.4 and really did like it. The engine did not give me any problems and sounded great with a magaflow muffler.

My question is about the reliability of the 3.5 EB. I would be buying used and possibly something closing in/or past 100k due to $$. Did the EB issues get worked out with the 2nd gen? I have had a ~2022 as a rental and the quickness of that thing was crazy compared to my 2011. Personal opinion, I do not think the 3.5 EB sound good in any world though.

What history do I need to make sure of and look for on those? Full disclosure, I may still go with a 2014 EL or maybe even a Yukon XL.

I have a '21 Limited 4WD w/HD Towing and 81K, 41K of that pulling a 7200# travel trailer. It's been to all but 7 NE states and to 26 National Parks with tons of mountain passes and summits. That being said, I have had zero issues with the engine or the 10R80 (did have a seeping front diff pinion seal covered under warranty). I changed the plugs at 60K(Mortorcraft), change the oil every 5000 miles. I use only OEM trans, oil, air, cabin filters. I flushed trans oil at 30K, a full oil and filter change at 60K. I'll do another flush only at 90K. I've replaced the front diff, rear diff and transfer case oils. All oils and gear lube were Motorcraft OEM. Super impressed with this vehicle. It was my 1st NEW Ford ever but it won't be my last.

 

[Nakita23]

That is comforting to hear that there are reliable ones being reported. Kind of like most other things, you only hear the negativity about things. I have read mostly about coolant leaks and the carbon build up on valves.

 

[VBreithaupt]

I have 2020 with 130,000 and counting. No issues with engine other then some heater hoses. Transmission work was done early on but since I have had those gremlins fixed/replaced, I have been enjoying the truck traveling, and towing with it. I have had no issues with my cam phasers. I feel its the most comfortable driving vehicle I have owned. I also feel it the best combination of power and torque. I like the shift points and it tows reasonable loads smoothly. This is my first Ford and I switched to it from a Tahoe and Suburban past because my last Suburban had so many mechanical issues, poor quality.

 

[Nakita23]

VBr that's great to hear. I see a lot of videos of the cam phaser tick..

 

[Nakita23]

Is having Cam phasers replaced by Ford just under 100k miles and the timing chain and tensioners replaced high on the list of maintaining longevity and reliability?

2018 Max I saw now has ~120k on it with that work

 

[Grrumpy]

Is having Cam phasers replaced by Ford just under 100k miles and the timing chain and tensioners replaced high on the list of maintaining longevity and reliability?

2018 Max I saw now has ~120k on it with that work

I have a 2019 that I bought with 112,000 miles...now sitting at 117500 miles with no problems at all. A one owner that was maintained.....original drive train and it is as smooth as a new vehicle. It came with complete records and upkeep history.
Have to remember.....thousands upon thousands of these things were built and just a very very very small percentage of owners are here and an even smaller percentage have had problems.
As with any used vehicle you pays your money and you takes your chances.....but follow your gut, the previous service record if available, and if worried get a mechanic to check it over...
If anything signals "bad" than walk away....there are thousands of these vehicles out there to look at.