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2016 Ford Expedition: problems, recalls and fuel economy

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on NHTSA and EPA records. Published by Humblebee.

Owners of the 2016 Ford Expedition have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA, and brakes are the most named area[1][2]. Before you buy one, check that its three recalls for the brake master cylinder, the front blower motor and the rearview camera have been done[3][4][5].

217owner complaints[1]
3recalls[6]
16–18MPG combined (EPA)[7]
5★NHTSA overall rating[8]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 217 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Expedition[1]. Of those, 8 mention a crash, 8 a fire and 5 an injury, with no deaths reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Median miles
Brakes[2] 48 2 0 60,000
Engine[9] 39 1 2 61,500
Power train[10] 36 4 0 74,500
Electrical system[11] 33 0 3 126,500
Speed control[12] 20 1 0 57,148
Back over prevention[13] 19 0 0 100,000
Unknown or other[14] 18 1 3 not listed
Fuel/propulsion system[15] 16 0 0 58,000

Brakes. In a sample of 12 brake complaints we read, 9 describe a low brake fluid warning or an empty fluid reservoir, often with no leak in sight[2]. Seven of those owners say the brake pedal then sank to the floor, and some say a dealer found the master cylinder leaking into the brake booster[2]. This matches the problem covered by recall 22V150[5]. Two texts in the sample describe the SUV speeding up on its own while the brakes did not stop it[2].

Engine and power train. Owners describe the SUV suddenly losing power while driving, sometimes with a wrench light on the dash[9][10]. In each sample of 12 we read, 10 texts describe this loss of power[9][10]. Some owners say they had to coast to the shoulder at highway speed, and that turning the engine off and on brought power back for a while[10]. In each sample, 7 texts name the throttle body or trouble code P2112 as the cause[9][10]. The two samples share some of the same complaints. None of the recalls in our data covers this throttle problem[3][4][5].

Electrical system. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 6 involve the front blower motor or recall 22V648, and 5 of those describe a blower that failed, smoked or overheated[11]. One of those texts is about a 2016 Escape, not an Expedition. Owners in that group describe waiting for recall parts or a blower that failed again after repair[11]. Two texts describe Bluetooth or navigation faults[11].

Recalls

There are three recalls for the 2016 Expedition in our data. Each repair is free at a Ford dealer[3][4][5]. You can check a specific SUV by VIN on NHTSA.gov[3].

Fuel economy

Every EPA rating in our data is for the 3.5L turbo 6-cylinder with an Automatic (S6) on regular fuel[16][7][17][18]. The EL versions are rated 1 MPG lower combined than the regular ones, and four-wheel drive is rated 1 MPG lower combined than two-wheel drive[16][7][17][18].

Version City Highway Combined Annual fuel cost
Expedition 2WD[7] 16 22 18 $3,700
Expedition 4WD[18] 15 20 17 $3,950
Expedition EL 2WD[16] 15 21 17 $3,950
Expedition EL 4WD[17] 14 20 16 $4,200

The 4WD versions use part-time four-wheel drive[17][18]. EPA's annual cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the SUV was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2016 Expedition 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crashes and 5 stars for side crashes in both 4x2 and 4x4 form[8][19]. Rollover is where they differ. The 4x2 earns 3 stars with a 21.2% rollover risk[8], and the 4x4 earns 4 stars with a 19.8% risk[19].

Engine and size

The 3.5L 6-cylinder engine is rated at 365 hp[20].

The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications, so US models can differ slightly[21][22].

Spec Expedition 4WD Expedition MAX 4WD
Length 206 in 221 in
Width 79 in 79 in
Height 77 in 78 in
Wheelbase 119 in 131 in
Curb weight 5,847 lb 6,102 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

1997: 853 complaints, 7 recalls19971998: 836 complaints, 5 recalls1999: 946 complaints, 5 recalls2000: 890 complaints, 7 recalls20002001: 578 complaints, 6 recalls2002: 340 complaints, 2 recalls2003: 615 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 297 complaints, 0 recalls2005: 315 complaints, 0 recalls2006: 299 complaints, 2 recalls20062007: 215 complaints, 2 recalls2008: 146 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 28 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 58 complaints, 0 recalls2011: 71 complaints, 0 recalls2012: 118 complaints, 3 recalls20122013: 92 complaints, 0 recalls2014: 72 complaints, 0 recalls2015: 164 complaints, 3 recalls20152016: 217 complaints, 3 recalls21720162017: 357 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 382 complaints, 14 recalls20182019: 518 complaints, 11 recalls2020: 425 complaints, 18 recalls2021: 238 complaints, 12 recalls20212022: 116 complaints, 12 recalls2023: 65 complaints, 8 recalls2024: 78 complaints, 7 recalls20242025: 38 complaints, 6 recalls2026: 10 complaints, 2 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Expedition model year. The 2016 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19978537
19988365
19999465
20008907
20015786
20023402
20036151
20042970
20053150
20062992
20072152
20081463
2009281
2010580
2011710
20121183
2013920
2014720
20151643
20162173
20173574
201838214
201951811
202042518
202123812
202211612
2023658
2024787
2025386
2026102

The 2016 Expedition has 217 complaints and 3 recalls on file[6]. That is more complaints than any model year from 2007 through 2015, where counts ran from 28 to 215[6]. It is fewer than every year from 1997 through 2006 and from 2017 through 2021, which range from 238 to 946[6].

The next year, 2017, has 357 complaints and 4 recalls, and 2018 has 382 complaints and 14 recalls[6]. The 2015 model has 164 complaints and 3 recalls[6]. Years from 2022 on have fewer complaints than 2016, but they have also had less time on the road[6].

These counts are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold.

Should you buy a used 2016 Expedition?

The 2016 Expedition scores 5 stars overall in NHTSA crash tests and sits in the middle of the Expedition range for complaints[8][19][6]. Owners describe brake fluid leaking into the booster[2], and recall 22V150 covers that with a free master cylinder replacement[5]. Owners also describe sudden loss of power tied to the throttle body, which no recall in our data covers[9][10]. Before you buy, check the VIN for all three recalls and ask whether any throttle body work has been done[3][4][5]. Keep in mind that complaint counts are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Expedition?
Brakes lead NHTSA complaints with 48, followed by the engine with 39 and the power train with 36[2][9][10]. Owners describe brake fluid loss and sudden loss of engine power[2][9].
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Expedition have?
Three: 25V572 for the rearview camera, 22V648 for the front blower motor and 22V150 for the brake master cylinder[3][4][5]. All three repairs are free at a dealer[3][4][5].
What gas mileage does the 2016 Ford Expedition get?
EPA ratings range from 14 city, 20 highway and 16 combined MPG for the EL 4WD to 16 city, 22 highway and 18 combined MPG for the regular 2WD[7][17].
Is the 2016 Ford Expedition safe?
NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall in both 4x2 and 4x4 form[8][19]. Rollover ratings are 3 stars for the 4x2 and 4 stars for the 4x4[8][19].
Is 2016 a good year for the Ford Expedition?
It has 217 complaints, more than any year from 2007 through 2015 but fewer than every year from 2017 through 2021[6]. Make sure its three recalls are done before you buy[3][4][5].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 217 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Expedition (8 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 5 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 48 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 25V572, filed September 3, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 22V648, filed August 26, 2022: Visibility › Defroster / Defogger / Hvac System › Fan / Motor. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 22V150, filed March 11, 2022: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Expedition model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for Expedition 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4x2: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 39 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 36 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 33 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 126,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 20 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,148). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 19 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 18 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 16 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. EPA rating for Expedition EL 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Expedition EL 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Expedition 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4x4: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  20. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ford Expedition with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 365 hp. www.epa.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EXPEDITION 4WD SUV: length 206 in, width 79 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 5,847 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EXPEDITION MAX 4WD SUV: length 221 in, width 79 in, height 78 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 6,102 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.