2016 Ford Expedition: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Ford Expedition? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 208 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2016 Ford Expedition Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2016 Ford Expedition trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2016 Ford Expedition Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Ford Expedition SUV 4x4Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Ford Expedition has 208 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Expedition
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 208
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 21
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Ford Expedition Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Ford Expedition?
The 2016 Ford Expedition shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Ford Expedition
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's electrical and drivetrain components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's electrical and drivetrain components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Ford Expedition, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2016 Ford Expedition has 208 NHTSA complaints, with the highest number related to the brake system. Complaints are concentrated in the brake system, engine, and transmission/drivetrain. The confidence level is low, so these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Brake system complaints are the most numerous at 52.
- Engine problems account for 40 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 35 complaints.
- Brake System
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2016 Ford Expedition Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Expedition. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 52 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 40 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 35 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 31 | — | 3 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 16 | — | 3 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 5 | — | 2 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Expedition. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reversing, the camera displayed squiggly lines. Occasionally, the screen was blank. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer previously, where it was diagnosed and determin…
On Apil 6 about 6:15 am I was on my way to work. And I start smelling what appears to be a gas smell and I wasn’t quite sure what was coming from so I cracked the window a little bit and said that I would try to check it when I got to work seeing that I was only roughly about 10 …
My expedition started stuttering and the speedometer, started fluctuating speeds which would also cause my cruise control to turn off. Then the speedometer quit working altogether and so did the odometer. If I turned the truck off and restarted it, it would reset everything for a…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse(R), the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image failed to function properly and appeared blurry and intermittently failed to operate as inten…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the rearview camera faile…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image intermittently operated as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received n…
The contact 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a foggy image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Ove…
The failed components are called "cam phasers." It is a known problem with the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost Engine (that even Ford is aware of). The cam phasers can fail, causing the timing chain to fail at any moment. They rattle upon startup of a cold engine. The failure of the origi…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperative. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and there was an abnormal sound coming from th…
Rear-view camera is intermittently failing and often completely inoperative. Vehicle is under an active Ford safety recall for the rear-view camera, but there is currently no remedy available. The failure occurs while reversing and eliminates rear visibility, creating a clear saf…
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that occasionally, while shifted into reverse, the rear-view …
Rear camera is inoperable or intermittent. It has been for over a year. Ford finally issued a recall notice I believe in September 2025. They have still not corrected the problem or even sent a letter confirming when it will be completed. I feel there should be reasonable time l…
I receive a recall 22S56 for the climate control blower motor it was replaced under warranty on 12/17/2024 about a year latter I noticed blower stopped working on 12/13/2025 coming from San Francisco because visibility was affected when defroster stopped working, then I called d…
When merging on the highway in the rain the vehicle locked up on me and almost killed me. I could have been seriously injured I could not stop the car and it slid along the highway at high speeds . Luckily was able to get to the shoulder
UNKNOWN
Camera goes blank when backing up
Blower motor which was under recall was repaired by dealership 4/18/25 continued to work intermittently following repair. As of inspection today, 10/2/2025 at same dealership, blower motor speed controller wiring harness/assembly has since gotten hot enough to melt wiring. Wiring…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for …
Vehicle was taken to Chipola Ford for Blower Motor Recall April 2025 and was replaced under recall. Since then, the blower motor intermittently fails and and no air will come out of the dash. The wiring for the blower motor under the dash gets extremely hot when the blower motor …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Ford Expedition.
2016 Ford Expedition Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Expedition. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Ford Expedition Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Ford Expedition reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 208 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Ford Expedition shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Expedition?▾
#1: Brake System (52 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (40 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (35 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Ford Expedition?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Ford Expedition?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Ford Expedition, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 8 fire reports out of 208 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Ford Expedition have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Ford Expedition. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Ford Expedition?▾
The 2016 Ford Expedition shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Expedition reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Ford Expedition based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.