I am reporting a severe, systemic manufacturing defect in the 3.5L EcoBoost engine timing system (cam phasers and timing chain) of my 2017 Ford Expedition that poses an immediate highway safety hazard. Approximately February 2026 Upon start up heard odd rattle type noise, a week later heard noise again thought maybe due to recent Ford Dealership changing engine belts. Searched websites discovered notable issues regarding serious known manufacturing defect, cam phasers, timing chain, water pump. Followed Ford recommendation to change oil well before normal schedule to address. At approximately 54,550 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting continuous mechanical rattling and timing instability upon startup, a condition heavily documented across Ford’s truck/SUV platform and acknowledged internally via Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 23-2143. The 3.5L EcoBoost is a high-compression interference engine. A failure or skipped tooth of the timing chain or cam phaser system while operating at high speeds causes instantaneous, catastrophic engine failure. This results in an immediate stall and a complete loss of vacuum-assisted power braking and power steering. This vehicle is routinely operated on major Texas highway corridors (XXX) at posted speeds of 75 mph by my [XXX] spouse, who stands[XXX] and weighs [XXX]. A sudden loss of motive power and mechanical steering/braking assistance at 75 mph presents an unsurmountable vehicle handling emergency that would likely result in a high-speed crash, rollover, or catastrophic multi-vehicle collision, as a driver of her physical stature cannot safely muscle a stalled, unassisted 5,500-pound SUV to the shoulder. To mitigate this imminent risk to human life, I was forced to perform emergency out-of-pocket repairs to replace failed factory components with Ford's updated, redesigned parts. This defect represents an inherent, dangerous engineering failure requiring a mandatory federal safety recall before highway fatalities. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
2017 Ford Expedition engine problems
42 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000.
- owner complaints
- 42
- of this car's complaints
- 12%
- typical mileage
- 80,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Exhaust system2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Expedition engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Ford Expedition engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Loss of power 29Check engine light 20Stalling 13Overheating 10
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2017 Ford Expedition owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Vehicle suddenly shifts to 1st gear while travelling at 45MPH or more causing immediate jerking and slowing of vehicle, placing driver, occupants and other drivers at risk of crash. In this condition, the speedometer reads 0MPH while still travelling and other warnings on dash are: Airbag Failure, Blindspot system fault, Cross traffic system fault, and See manual. Vehicle then appears stuck in 3rd gear until pulling over, stopping the engine and restarting. All warnings clear after restarting. This has occurred many times without proper diagnosis from Ford service. Now vehicle is doing this two to three times weekly and is currently in Ford service. Now diagnosed as Lead Frame Failure. Estimated cost is $1,523.38 and Ford refuses to pay for repair due to no active recalls on this specific vehicle, however the same transmission issue is in recall on same year model F-150's with the same transmission.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the occupancy sensors and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the occupancy sensors and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The failure reoccurred again on two other occasions, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact research and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Water pump failure, coolant leaking everywhere now on garage floor, loud sound coming from engine when driving home previously presumably from water pump. No warning lamps or indicators prior. Just a different loud sound from engine (water pump).
Coolant leaked into the starter causing the vehicle to not start. The EcoBoost seems to be a major issue for Ford, and this most recent issue should be covered under a recall.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal felt loose. A message regard the brake fluid level was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, upon further notice, an abnormal oil consumption was noticed, and white smoke was coming from the exhaust when the vehicle was started. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle hesitated upon start. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the cam phasers were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine blower seized. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was required to pay a diagnostic fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the engine blower was replaced under an unknown recall repair several months ago. In addition, the contact stated the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer three months later and the engine blower repair was performed under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
My engine in my expedition overheated on dec 14,2024. It is being repaired now. I was left Stranded on a busy highway for 2hrs waiting on a wrecker. The whole engine is bad. Everything is full of oil. Itis being replaced right now at a total of 11,000$,by an independent ford mechanic . I know of three other people with this engine in my area that the same thing has happened to. There were no lights or warning signs ofany trouble. I have a receipt for the engine but the replacement cost wont be ready until next week. Ive contacted Ford and had a feedback case sent to them and plan to write a letter to Ford consumers affairs .
Transmission unable to shift out of park periodically, transmission downshifting at highway speeds and engine shutting down. Speedometer and RPM guage going crazy then no longer working.
Questions about the 2017 Ford Expedition engine
Does the 2017 Ford Expedition have engine problems?
Owners have filed 42 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Ford Expedition, 12% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2017 Ford Expedition engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2017 Ford Expedition engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Ford Expedition have bad engine?
The Ford Expedition model years with the most engine complaints are 1999 (274 complaints), 2003 (171 complaints) and 2006 (162 complaints).
Other 2017 Ford Expedition problems
Electrical 93Brakes 75Transmission 52Driver assistance 34Visibility 34Acceleration 21Fuel system 20Wheels 16Airbags 11Steering 11Body 6Seat belts 6Lights 4Seats 4Locks 1Suspension 1Tires 1
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