While driving down the road on August 16, 2026, our front seat belt exploded and the tightened down on my daughter. There was a poof of smoke, smell of an explosive, and my daughter complained of pressure on her abdomen and shoulder. It was frightening! Equally as frightening has been the experience dealing with Ford. We have been without our FAMILY vehicle for 73 days! Multiple calls to Ford with no follow through. At first a local dealership gave us a loaner, but in time they have now added ridiculous mileage limit restrictions and the inability for us to leave the state. (We are near neighboring states where family lives.) Last communication was parts would be shipped end of September. It’s now the end of October and no update has been communicated. Considering this recall has been ongoing since February 2024 I’m having little hope this will be taken care of soon. In the meantime those of us with actual explosions and inoperable seatbelts are being given the same treatment & accommodations of those that are driving with working (ticking time bomb) seatbelts. When I first took it in the dealership claimed they had never heard of one actually exploding. I now know they have a second one sitting inoperable as well. Ford owners need help putting the pressure on Ford! Our calls, our inconvenience, our safety is NOT being handled.
Ford Expedition knocking problems
101 of the 9,410 owner complaints about the Ford Expedition describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2019 model year.
- owner complaints
- 101
- worst model year
- 2019
- typical repair cost reported
- $3,834
- typical mileage
- 97,000
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 9Engine failure 9Check engine light 7Stalling 6Tire blowout 4Harsh shifting 4Door locks 4Fuel smell 3
Trouble codes mentioned
P07E6 1P0562 1P0022 1
What owners say
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an explosion sounding like a gunshot coming from the top of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt retractor tightened, and the contact felt severe pressure on the chest, almost knocking the wind out of the contact. The vehicle was swerving due to the failure, but the contact was able to keep the vehicle under control before pulling over. There was a burned electronics odor coming from the seat belt location. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
My 2019 Ford Expedition (VIN: [XXX]) has been diagnosed by a Ford dealer with a cam phaser defect covered under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03. My vehicle falls within the covered build date range. Ford corporate has acknowledged the issue and offered partial repair coverage, but is asking me to pay approximately $2,600 toward a repair for a known manufacturing defect. The engine has exhibited rattling/knocking consistent with cam phaser failure. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate whether Ford's remediation program has been adequate and whether a formal recall is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I bought this vehicle early 2023. From the moment I bought it I’ve had a loud ticking sound come from the dash or the motor when I start the car also when it’s really hot out. It also didn’t blow cold air. So I had to save up enough money to replace the AC components in my 2011 expedition. After I got it “repaired” It only lasted about six months and that’s being conservative. $2000 later and it’s blowing hot air and still making you loud ticking sound. I pretty much replaced all the components that deal with the AC and the blower. I don’t know what to do anymore, but it makes a loud ticking sound when I’m driving, when I start the car, anytime. And I also don’t have cold air anymore.
2 instances have occured while driving. Stored codes are P0562 Charging system voltage low and P07E6 Stuck in Park (6/6/2025) and P07E6 Stuck in Park (7/12/2025). I believe the issue may be related to TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - Momentary Neutral-Out Condition In Drive - 23-2120 Upon acceleration to pass a car, I heard a loud knock, lost power, let off the gas, an Engine failure error flashed on my screen, regained power and was then able to accelerate again. The potential cost could be $5,600 and potentially higher due to labor. Ford's have been plagued by transmission issues year after year. How many vehicles need to be affected before a formal defect investigation focused on the 10R80 transmission can be made.
I’ve owned my 2020 Ford Expedition for just over a year. Initially, the transmission performed flawlessly. However, over time I’ve noticed a few concerning issues: At low speeds, the transmission shifts very hard. While accelerating at interstate speeds, it feels like the transmission is slipping. When I shift the vehicle into gear, it makes a loud clicking or knocking sound.
1. The issue involves the transmission and camshaft components of the vehicle. Despite the fact that both the transmission and camshaft were replaced by the Ford dealership after purchase in 2018, the vehicle continues to experience problems. These components have been inspected by the dealership, and the vehicle is available for further inspection upon request. 2. The vehicle’s loss of power during highway driving and while attempting to accelerate poses a significant safety risk. On several occasions, the vehicle has lost power while making turns or driving on the highway, nearly causing accidents with other vehicles. This has been a very frightening experience for us, as the sudden loss of power could have led to a collision. 3. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by the Ford dealership, which replaced the transmission and camshaft components. However, the vehicle continues to run roughly, indicating that the issues have not been fully resolved. These repairs were not covered under warranty, and we had to pay for them out of pocket. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by the Ford dealership multiple times. Despite the repairs, the problems persist. The vehicle has been regularly maintained and garage-kept. 5. There were no warning lamps, messages, or error codes indicating the problem before the failure. However, there has been a loud ticking sound when the vehicle is started and running, which started to occur after the initial repairs. The vehicle has had no other prior indicators to suggest the underlying issue. We purchased the vehicle brand new with only 11 miles on it it currently barely has 70k miles on it. We dropped the vehicle off at the beginning of August 2024 and didn't get it back until almost the end of October, with us needing to bring it back to the dealership for more checks/repairs in December of 2024. We have to pay out of pocket and are without a vehicle because of the constant issues and safety concerns. we can provide receipts and more docs
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormally loud ticking sound on cold starts, while idling, and while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the sound was associated to a cam phaser failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21B10. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to verify whether the vehicle was covered. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine made a knocking sound. No warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to the cam phasers; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's numbers for this recall are 22S36 and 22S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on September 23, 2025.
Recall number 25V628000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
- Risk
- A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S30.
Recall number 25V198000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
- Risk
- A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S70.
Recall number 24V851000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 25, 2022. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Currently the remedy is available for vehicles equipped with heavy-duty radiator fan motors, and those letters were mailed July 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S36.
Recall number 22V346000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Expedition knocking
Which Ford Expedition years have engine knocking or ticking problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2019 (16 complaints), 1999 (13 complaints) and 2018 (12 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine knocking or ticking on the Ford Expedition?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,834 (median of 12 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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