The 2016 Ford Expedition carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering power assist and fan/motor. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Back-over prevention camera failure.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Campaign #22V150000 · Nov 3, 2022
Issue: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
Campaign #22V648000 · Aug 26, 2022
Issue: 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.
Risk: Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.
Fix: 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Campaign #25V572000 · Apr 9, 2025
Issue: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Ford Expedition.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
24 NHTSA complaints · 2021-06 → 2026-07
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The message “Camera Unavailable” was displayed”
“The rear backup camera has failed 5 times, the last time after only 7 days. There is a recall out on this problem on other Ford Vehicles (i.e. F150, Expedition, etc.) but not my model year”
ENGINE
3 NHTSA complaints · 2024-11 → 2026-02
“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 contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound on cold starts. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving from a complete stop and while coming to a stop”
STEERING
4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-04 → 2024-10
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that on several occasions, while in reverse(R), the contact observed a warning chime and a "Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed, and the steering wheel became firm”
“THE VEHICLE DASHBOARD STARED SHOWING THE WARNING STERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED. THE STERING IS DISABLED AND IT BECOMES VERY HARD OR IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE”
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
43 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2023-02
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle”
“While driving, brake pedal suddenly went straight to the floor with no resistance and no braking. Took to Ford and found that brake master cylinder had failed catastrophically, just like F-series trucks which have been recalled”
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
43 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2025-07
“THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. HAS HAPPENED OVER 8 TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON BUSY HIGHWAYS. VEHICLE LOOSES THROTTLE CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. IT FORCES YOU TO PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTART IT TO RESET IT. VERY DANGEROUS”
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE WRENCH ICON ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AFTER THE FAILURE”
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY
24 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2026-07
“In June 2023 there was a strong burning smell in our 2016 Expedition's cabin. We took the vehicle to a mechanic and they found that a small fire had started around the blower motor that burned up the wires in/around the blower motor”
“THE VEHICLE BLOWER SPEED CONTROLLER DOESN'T MATCH SETTING ON THE CLEMENT CONTROL. THE BLOWER WILL BLOW AT FULL SPEED OR NOT AT ALL. THIS HAPPENS NOT MATTER THE DISPOSITION TO THE VEHICLE”
POWER TRAIN
8 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2026-04
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled while driving uphill. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond”
“TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT FROM 6TH GEAR DOWN TO 2ND GEAR WHILE TRAVELING AT 50MPH WHICH CAUSED THE WHEELS TO LOCK AND SKID. SOMETIMES YOU WILL JUST FEEL A SUDDEN JOLT DURING THE DOWNSHIFT”
POWER TRAIN
5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-03 → 2026-07
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. While parked in her friend's driveway with her child in her car seat, the contact heard an abnormal, popping sound as she was outside of the vehicle”
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPEDITION. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WHILE ENGAGED IN PARK POSSIBLE POWER TRAIN CONSEQUENCE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HAD TO BE REPLACED AT OWNERS EXPENSE”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$105–$140
Shop
~$75–$100
DIY
~$15–$40
AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.
F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.
Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
5 crashes 2010–2024
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
8
complaints mentioning a crash
8
complaints mentioning a fire
Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Ford Expedition reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.