VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford Expedition problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2016 Ford Expedition sits mid-pack among Expedition years: 274 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 204, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (52), engine (40), and transmission (36), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

274

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Expedition years?

Expedition NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted1,137 complaints1991: 1 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 4 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 1,065 complaints1998: 1,022 complaints1999: 1,137 complaints2000: 1,134 complaints2001: 739 complaints2002: 415 complaints2003: 800 complaints2004: 381 complaints2005: 452 complaints2006: 395 complaints2007: 267 complaints2008: 179 complaints2009: 42 complaints2010: 74 complaints2011: 92 complaints2012: 163 complaints2013: 114 complaints2014: 96 complaints2015: 229 complaints2016: 274 complaints2017: 474 complaints2018: 452 complaints2019: 581 complaints2020: 473 complaints2021: 270 complaints2022: 156 complaints2023: 87 complaints2024: 106 complaints2025: 47 complaints2026: 13 complaints2027: 0 complaints
Expedition NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Expedition years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ford Expedition problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes5219%
Engine4015%
Transmission3613%
Electrical System3412%
Speed Control228%
Driver Assistance207%
Fuel System176%
Other176%
Visibility & Wipers104%
Airbags52%
Steering52%
Tires & Wheels31%
Body & Structure31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)31%
Seat Belts31%
Lighting21%
Trailer Hitch10%
Suspension10%

Does the 2016 Ford Expedition have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V572000Driver AssistanceSeptember 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

22V648000Visibility & WipersAugust 26, 2022 · 198,482 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.

Consequence

Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the second quarter of 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S56.

22V150000BrakesMarch 11, 2022 · 195,864 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

Consequence

A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPEDITION. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION EVEN AFTER THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PINE TREE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT FULL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 31, 2017 · crash

“VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY STARTED ON FIRE. IT HAD BEEN TURNED OFF AT A RESTAURANT IN PARKING AREA. IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT 3 MILES IN TOWN JUST BEFORE THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD LOW MILEAGE, APPROXIMATELY 50000 MILES. NO KNOW MECHANICAL OR OTHER ISSUES, SERVICED REGULARLY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 12, 2020 · fire

“The vehicle was on park with engine on and all of the sudden started going in reverse. Driver was able to stop the vehicle and then it did it again.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 12, 2022 · crash

“VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY STARTED ON FIRE. IT HAD BEEN TURNED OFF AT A RESTAURANT IN PARKING AREA. IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT 3 MILES IN TOWN JUST BEFORE THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD LOW MILEAGE, APPROXIMATELY 50000 MILES. NO KNOW MECHANICAL OR OTHER ISSUES, SERVICED REGULARLY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 12, 2020 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPEDITION. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION EVEN AFTER THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PINE TREE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT FULL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 31, 2017 · crash

2016 Ford Expedition — common questions

Is the 2016 Ford Expedition reliable?

It is close to typical for the Expedition: 274 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Expedition problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (52 complaints), engine (40 complaints), transmission (36 complaints).

Does the 2016 Ford Expedition have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Ford Expedition. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Expedition years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Expedition years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2001, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2018, 2005, 2002, 2006, 2004, 2021. The cleanest record among Expedition years belongs to 2027.

How safe is the 2016 Ford Expedition?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Ford Expedition earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.