2018 Ford Expedition Engine Problems

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 NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ID

11750763

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11747439

Incident

May 1, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11738377

Incident

May 6, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11736798

Incident

May 4, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11736669

Incident

May 1, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11731887

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Mileage

35,540 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11729374

Incident

Mar 31, 2026

I am writing to express concern regarding a significant engine issue with my 2018 Ford Expedition. At approximately 122,000 miles, the vehicle developed a cylinder 4 misfire accompanied by low compression, indicating an internal engine failure. This type of issue seems premature for a well-maintained vehicle and has resulted in major repair considerations, including potential engine replacement. Given Ford’s reputation for durability and reliability, I find this failure both unexpected and concerning. I have kept up with regular maintenance and did not anticipate facing a major engine issue at this mileage. I am requesting that Ford review this situation and consider a recall. I have seen and heard of a lot of folks having this same issue at such an early mileage

NHTSA ID

11726007

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

My cam phasers failed. I had a 6 year, 72k mile warranty. All maintenance was done at the dealership at the correct time. The parts failed at 7 years, 75,600 miles. Had to replace the engine. Dealer wanted to charge me $19000. Found a local shop to do it with new Ford engine for $14000. The cam phasers are a known issue. There are hundreds of vehicles out there that have had the same problem.

NHTSA ID

11715730

Incident

Mar 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving over 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled on two occasions. The contact stated that while driving a roundabout, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle jerked and was sluggish, and there was no area to pull over to. Upon parking the vehicle, the power train warning light was illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic who was unable to service the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was jerking due to the CS drum and transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted regarding the latest symptoms that the vehicle had displayed. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ID

11705393

Incident

Oct 8, 2025

Mileage

93,000 mi

The problem is with the cam phasers on the Ford Eco Boost 3.5 V6 Engine. Every morning when the vehicle has been sitting overnight and the engine is cool; the truck makes a loud rattle noise when starting. The rattle goes away within 2 seconds. There are tons of information online pertaining the cam phasers. Ford Motor company is very much aware of this problem on all 3.5 eco boost engines from 2017 through 2020. There have been occasions that if the cam phasers are not replaced there could be major damage to the engine. Knowing it took Ford 4 years for Ford to get it right, this issue should be a recall.

NHTSA ID

11673992

Incident

Nov 24, 2024

There was a recall for cam phasers etc under 21N03. My car was fixed in 2021 but the parts they put it in were not the updated parts. I was told it was the same recalled parts that they used to replace. Now I am having the same issue again . I am not currently driving my vehicle until it can be remedied. I contacted the dealership and they are not willing to cooperate or work with me. I will attach the report that was done back in 2021 below.

NHTSA ID

11673612

Incident

Jun 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the power train warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred several months later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.

NHTSA ID

11672308

Incident

Mar 20, 2024

Mileage

156,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact had not contacted dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not taken a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Vehicles Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI - Engine Cam Phaser Replacement); however, the VIN was not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 67,850.

NHTSA ID

11671657

Incident

Jul 15, 2022

Mileage

67,850 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal cranking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Cam Phaser Replacement); however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the program. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11670183

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, unofficially the failure was diagnosed as a failed cam phaser. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. Additionally, the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 82,708.

NHTSA ID

11669157

Incident

Jun 16, 2025

Mileage

82,708 mi

My 2018 Ford Expedition previously underwent a recall repair for a known cam phaser defect at Fremont Ford in Lander, Wyoming. The cam phasers are part of the engine’s variable valve timing system and are critical for proper performance and safety. Despite the initial recall repair, the exact same issue has returned. I am now experiencing rattling noise at startup, reduced engine performance, and engine hesitation—symptoms consistent with the original defect. When I contacted the dealership, they told me that the issue would not be covered again because too much time has passed. This issue clearly indicates a recall repair failure, which poses a potential safety hazard due to timing chain slack and the risk of engine damage or stalling. Cam phasers are essential to the safe and reliable operation of the engine. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this recall needs to be expanded or whether Ford should be required to cover failed recall repairs like mine.

NHTSA ID

11668676

Incident

Dec 8, 2021

With only 53500 miles the gears stopped working. The gear shift pulls and hesitates when changing gears. The engine pulls when excelerating even at low speeds while struggling to shift. The Cam is also causing issues with loud start up sounds.

NHTSA ID

11666649

Incident

Jun 12, 2025

My car started having cam phaser issues and caused a decrease in my ability to increase speed when on the interstate. This could have resulted in injury.

NHTSA ID

11664690

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

After taking my car in for a service bulletin and being told that the noise that was happening in my car was just a noise, I found out that my cam phasers needed to be replaced out of warranty. Driving down the road my car had a decrease in power and could have resulted in a wreck as I was not able to speed up correctly on the interstate.

NHTSA ID

11664689

Incident

Feb 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the vehicle with smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the heater hose and cam phaser had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ID

11663259

Incident

May 27, 2025

Mileage

118,000 mi

2018 Ford Expedition Max 4wd; For the last 4 years I have consistently (1-2x a year) brought this car into a ford dealership for the transmission failing to go into gear at random times while driving under normal conditions. Even though multiple TSB's had been sent out, they "couldn't replicate" or "no codes found" or "the transmission tech is 4–6 weeks out"... nothing was done. Twice while merging into on coming traffic the transmission has been stuck in a gear, will not accelerate or go, and the entire dash illuminates with all the flashing symbols. I'm just glad my children were not in the car with me. It was terrifying. Now, the week of May 18, 2025, I'm back for my annual transmission issue as it stalled on 4/26/2025, and I almost was hit by an 18 wheeler, the ford dealership said "you need a transmission overhaul, TCM reprogram, and there is internal failure, the CDF drum comes apart and Ford is aware they have a faulty seal." The total to fix is $8,214.25 and guess what, NONE of it is covered. I have kept my vehical serviced and always taken care of it. But I will have to pay the price to fix it, or worse if there is a car accident.

NHTSA ID

11662325

Incident

Apr 26, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11662307

Incident

Apr 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.

NHTSA ID

11662107

Incident

May 13, 2025

Mileage

117,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that occasionally while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 70 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was not fault found with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Emission Recall: 24E13; as probable cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11660389

Incident

May 29, 2021

Mileage

80,000 mi