2017 Ford Expedition Engine Problems

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

NHTSA ID

11745999

Incident

Feb 7, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11741968

Incident

Jun 3, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11706554

Incident

Dec 22, 2023

Mileage

120,000 mi

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).

NHTSA ID

11693423

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11680585

Incident

Aug 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ID

11676882

Incident

Jul 29, 2025

Mileage

91,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11676000

Incident

Jun 24, 2025

Mileage

131,000 mi

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 NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11663959

Incident

Dec 10, 2024

Mileage

115,000 mi

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 .

NHTSA ID

11641090

Incident

Dec 14, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11613443

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that during cold starts, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 132,000.

NHTSA ID

11612629

Incident

Aug 4, 2024

Mileage

132,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated after the vehicle had been repaired under an unidentified recall, the instrument panel and central electrical console were flickering. The contact stated that the headlights were also flickering. In addition, there was an abnormal burning odor coming through the air vents. The battery was replaced and drained prematurely. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the blower motor assembly had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle had been diagnosed by several local dealers, but no repairs had been performed due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11594006

Incident

Jan 15, 2022

Mileage

125,000 mi

This issue has happened multiple times, once on the highway the vehicle felt like it lost gear/ the engine completely cut off. multiple warning lights came on such as airbag, ABS, engine light. was eventually able to get to the shoulder and after multiple attempts it started back up, showed no warning lights. drove the rest of the way fine. another time that could have put other at risk is when driving in the city, the vehicle lost power and also lost the ability to stee. causing me to be standstill in the roadway. the vehicle started back up after two attempts. the vehicle has been to the local deal a total of 4 times with the last time requesting a through inspection of the grounds, as this seems like an electrical or mechanical issue the service manager requesting me "not to bring it back until it's broken" leaves me lost.

NHTSA ID

11591919

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Was traveling 75 mph on a busy highway and lost power, the message center lit up yellow with a wrench in the middle, vehicle went to idle/coast, had no power to move thru lanes as cars were buzzing by me. very scary somehow got to the side of road safely but close calls many times. had it taken to Ford dealer - pulled the code P2112 THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM STUCK CLOSED/THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL SYSTEM CLOSED. I would like to join class action lawsuit that is open for this problem since Ford will not stand behind this issue. i spent $600 to replace the defective THROTTLE BODY component with a new one. But the reality is that this put myself and others in grave danger because the total loss of power. Thank you [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11556199

Incident

Nov 20, 2023

Mileage

111,099 mi

We were on vacation and on our way back to the hotel from hiking on our last night in North Carolina. The check engine light came on and the car started sputtering and the accelerator would not work. We were slowing down and the car just would not go. We put it in park and turned the car off and sat there for 10 minutes. We turned the car back on and and then the wrench light came on. We had to keep turning the car on and off for the last 5 miles of the drive home which took us over an hour with letting the car cool off and turning it back on. When we did manage to go, we could only drive 25 mph. This was on a holiday weekend. We had to pay another $150 to stay where we were to get the car towed to the dealership. We then had to wait for the dealership to open to take the car and fix the problem which then cost me $800. Now prior to even going on vacation, I had the car completely checked over and service done. Nevermind, that the warranty had just expired on it. But who thought that with actually taking care of your car, it would break down and as soon as weeks after the warranty is up. I looked online and saw that this issue has been an ongoing issue for thousands of other Ford Expeditions. I would like my money back and this to be recalled. I've attached all the paperwork. It is due to an inoperable throttle sensor where the throttle then fails to work. Please recall this issue and have them return my money.

NHTSA ID

11549864

Incident

Sep 5, 2023

I've received several letters about Motor Vehicle safety since last year. I contacted the Ford dealership last year for it, and instead of fixing my car, they hit it while waiting in the dealer, so they focus more on fixing the hood that was damage and body of the car, and pressured me to sign a document to agree to fix it, while I had my husband at the hospital in ICU. But, the recall problem was never fixed, they said because they didn't have the part. Something in the engine was damage, so i had to take the car almost every month to try to fix it. I kept getting letters about the recall, and they kept saying that the part was ordered and they were going to call me when ready. Never did. Last week around August 25 i received another recall letter. I added in my to DOs to call, as a single mom now, its a little difficult, so i could not call during the week, and Sunday 8/26 while I was driving my car with my children, we could hear a weird noise, then smell of smoke, and some smoke coming from the front AC blower, then the AC stopped working. I contacted the dealership this morning, and I was asked to bring the car, that they have the part ready (Which i never was notified before), so I dropped my kids in school and took the car to the dealership, after waiting for more than 2hrs, they said they part wasn't good, and they couldn't get it fixed. I need help to get this fixed, and to have a warranty that this is safe and will work.

NHTSA ID

11541198

Incident

May 11, 2022

Ford Expedition suddenly lost acceleration while driving. This results in the accelerator producing no power, essentially placing the vehicle into neutral. After turning vehicle on & off, it worked properly. Took it into auto repair place & was told this is a common problem and the THROTTLE MOTOR had to be replaced. After replacement, vehicle was towing a boat and the same thing happened and the check engine light came on. However, this time, after about 20 seconds, the vehicle shifted back into gear, the engine light turned off, and vehicle operated properly for the rest of the drive.

NHTSA ID

11528064

Incident

Jun 12, 2023

Few times engine goes on idle and wrench light comes on, manage to move to shoulder and turn engine off and back on and like nothing happened, but is doing the same more often, very dangerous in highways all of sudden power in engine is gone, should get recall to make sure fuel systems or engine is ok

NHTSA ID

11526411

Incident

Jun 11, 2023

This car is having very shacky starts in the past 2 months, the engine has lots of vibration. the car currently only has 67,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11526148

Incident

Apr 20, 2023

We have now twice on our vehicle had a throttle body issue where the car suddenly loses all power and the wrench warning light comes on. It is very scary when it happens and is a safety issue. If we stop the car and turn it off, it usually will let us restart and continue driving for a little bit, but the first time kept reoccurring. The first time was in 2021 and was repaired at a dealer while out of town, second time just happened today 4/15/2023.

NHTSA ID

11517251

Incident

Apr 15, 2023

I was driving on the freeway when a wrench light came on, the car slowed and then stopped. The engine was still running. I got off onto the shoulder but was worried that 80 MPH traffic would hit me. I turned the car off and called my husband. I started the car, the light was off. I drove to the nearest exit to get off the highway but still did not feel safe. The wrench light came on again, the car slowed then stopped. I did that one more time to get to a parking lot..same event with the light, etc. I called a tow truck and they towed the car to our mechanic. He ran diagnostics , cleaned the throttle body, and it's running fine. He said if it happened again they would have to replace the throttle body. Now we are worried this will happen again when we are on the highway.

NHTSA ID

11502705

Incident

Jan 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the engine made an abnormal sound. The contact related the failure to Ford's customer satisfaction program 21N03 (Powertrain Control Module). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ID

11500357

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

Mileage

20,000 mi

We were on family trip and we were going up A hill and out of no where our expedition starting losing power and started to make A rattle noise and luckily we were able to pull off exit where the check engine light came on and almost turned off before we parked … just left me and my husband and my two kids stuck on the side of the road for three hours there was no warning no leaks no indications there was any problems with the vehicle we paid $275 to get it towed to the only place that was taking a vehicle on a Saturday they quoted us $16,000 that our motor was gone… So we called Ford … Pay $1200 to get it transported to the dealership where we paid $10,500 to have a whole new motor built they said it was a fluke accident they don’t have a real reason for it to happen our warranty just expired last year we had just had the oil change there before we left so there was no lack of maintenance done to the vehicle then I had to spend $550 to get a rental car to get family home … I have seen where they have recalls on the eco-boost motor for every other vehicle except for expedition my expedition is the eco-boost and Believe the issue stems from the eco-boost motor my vehicle was just barely out of powertrain warranty at 69,000 miles…. Also I have received two recalls now for the brake system which I have replaced rotors twice already which may been a part of the recall they’re just now sending us and the other recall is for the climate control front blower motor may overheat which I’m not sure if that could cause issues with our engine as well I would just like to have some help with my vehicle

NHTSA ID

11486342

Incident

Jul 9, 2022

When you accelerate truck . Some time it start flashing engine check light and goes into limp mode as u left of pedal . Engine will start like miss fire No power . It will go back normal after about 20 seconds of. Releasing acceleration. Engine check light will be on unless you go get clear with computer

NHTSA ID

11485778

Incident

Sep 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure and the contact was advised to replace the exhaust system. The vehicle was not repaired and continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was also informed that exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11485153

Incident

Dec 1, 2019

Mileage

80,000 mi