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2018 Ford Expedition engine problems

120 complaints (31% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
120
of this car's complaints
31%
typical mileage
80,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine: crank/camshaft position sensor
    2
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Expedition engine problems in other years

1994200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Ford Expedition engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 32Loss of power 26Stalling 17Knocking 12Overheating 11Engine failure 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2018 Ford Expedition owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · PA

I was traveling on the interstate and went to accelerate to pass a vehicle. My car displayed system fault codes and made a clicking noise and dropped to neutral while my RPMs stayed high. I lost acceleration and had to swerve to avoid a collision. The engine then had a loud clank and jerked into gear. Once I had pulled off enough I turned the car off and on again and resumed driving. This has happened multiple times. Each time when I have contacted Ford they say it’s a known issue with the make of the Clutch drum and realized the issue after the 2022 year and changed the way it was made. However they stated it would cost me over $6500 to repair mine. They do not accept fault only state it is a known issue. When my car goes from 65 to 39 in a span of a few seconds it is a huge safety issue.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Engine · LA

Vehicle was disabled multiple times after failures of the OEM coolant / heater hoses at plastic fittings. Hoses includes the primary radiator coolant hoses, bypass hoses and engine coolant hoses for the transmission cooler. First hose failure on 10/21/2022 (51,177) miles was repaired by Ford dealer in Davenport, FL. OEM replacement hoses have also failed.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · SC

My 2018 Ford Expedition with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine has developed a pronounced rattling/knocking noise at startup. This appears consistent with the well documented cam phaser/VCT problem affecting this engine family. At approximately 118,212 miles, an independent Firestone Complete Auto Care inspected the vehicle and recommended major timing system repairs. Their estimate calls for replacement of the timing chain components and variable timing sprockets/cam phasers, with a total recommended repair cost of $5,232.13. 220782OrderRevisions.Pdf The concern is not simply the noise. The cam phasers and timing system control critical valve timing. If these components continue to deteriorate, there is a risk of improper engine timing, severe drivability problems, loss of power, stalling, or significant internal engine damage. A failure while traveling at highway speeds or in traffic could create a serious safety hazard for the occupants and surrounding motorists. There have not yet been warning lights or dashboard messages associated with the condition. The primary symptom has been the recurring startup rattle/knock, which has now been confirmed by an independent repair facility as requiring substantial timing system repair. The vehicle remains available for inspection. This has been an ongoing issue for the last few months but was first diagnosed on September 12, 2026 during a repair for another unrelated issue. I am especially concerned because this is not an isolated or unusual type of failure on the 3.5L EcoBoost. Ford has previously recognized cam phaser/VCT startup noise on these engines through service guidance. A known timing-related defect requiring more than $5,000 in repairs, with the potential to progress into engine damage or loss of engine performance, represents a significant reliability and potential safety concern.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · KY

I noticed a loud rattle when starting my 2018 Ford Expedition, at first occasionally and then on every cold start. The Ford Dealer's service department diagnosed a cam phaser issue. There were no warning lights or messages available to me, but the service department's diagnosis showed several timing faults. I was told the cam phaser repair is $4000 - $5000 and continued use puts the engine and transmission at risk. I contacted Ford customer service and was told that my vehicle was not eligible for assistance with these repairs and that my level of loyalty also did not make me eligible for assistance. I have maintained this vehicle with oil changes, fluid changes, tire and brake maintenance for the life of the vehicle. I would like the federal safety agency to investigate Ford for a recall of the cam phasers and effected parts since this is a known and prominent issue that also impacts road safey.

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI

Engine light stays on along with manual light and charging system service now. Battery, alternator changed out, 3 mechanic repair shops can not find what is wrong. Vehicle bogs down and does not run right when the Manuel light comes one which is about 2 times a week.

Filed May 17, 2026 · Engine · CA

After Fords most recent recall for a PCM software update at the dealer the car immediately runs different and after full engine temperatures sounds like marbles or valve train issues including low rpm noise and transmission shutter between shifts. Dealer says there is no problem they can find and that I need new turbos. Very suspicious that after a PCM flash the car is now unable to drive. The car had NO issues prior to recall service and only has 70,000mi

Filed May 9, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Transmission will randomly over shift or down shift when driving. When turning left I have had the transmission over shift from 2nd to 8th causing the car to bog down and could not accelerate in the intersection. I was almost hit from behind on one occasion and had hit on the side another time. I do not feel comfortable making turns without having a protected right away. Ford have changed the transmission, reset the programming for the transmission and ford technician said it needed to be replaced by again and Ford denied even though it was under warranty and just reset again. If reset it does go away for a bit but just event returns and only gets worse

Filed May 8, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MA

my car is a 2018 we bought it used in 2020 we had to had the transmission flushed and coils replaced . that didn't work . we had drum issues and gear slippage . now i. have to put a new transmission in the car

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Engine · 35,540 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft phaser and timing chain failures. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,540.

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

Vehicle experienced catastrophic timing system failure causing engine to jump time and stall at idle, creating a safety hazard due to risk of sudden loss of power. This is a repeat issue originally documented under warranty (2020) and again during recall/service program 21N03 (2021), where repair was declined as “not severe enough.” Recall 24E13 (software update intended to prevent timing chain failure) was completed in 2025, but failed to prevent this exact condition. Vehicle is now inoperable and unsafe. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the recall remedy and prior service handling. We've also submitted a case to Ford: CXH07545978W9W1D2

Questions about the 2018 Ford Expedition engine

Does the 2018 Ford Expedition have engine problems?

Owners have filed 120 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Ford Expedition, 31% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2018 Ford Expedition engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2018 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 2018 Ford Expedition problems

Transmission 149Electrical 34Suspension 26Lights 25Acceleration 15Brakes 15Seat belts 14Body 13Fuel system 9Visibility 9Wheels 9Airbags 5Locks 4Steering 4Driver assistance 2Seats 1

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