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NHTSA-Verified · Common Problems

2016 Ford Expedition El
Common Problems

Ranked from 68 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

2
Safety
5
High severity
5
Medium
3
Low
2 problems on this vehicle involve a crash, fire, or injury risk. If you are experiencing one, stop driving and have it inspected.

15 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

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  1. 1

    Electrical System Failure Causing Blower Motor Issues

    10complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Blower motors are failing and cutting off intermittently, causing issues with the air conditioning and ventilation systems.

    $250–$550est. blower motor replacement · 1–2.5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  2. 2

    Transmission Malfunction Leading to Unintended Downshifting

    9complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The transmission is malfunctioning, causing the vehicle to unintentionally downshift into a lower gear, resulting in loss of power.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  3. 3

    Engine Stall at Idle Due to Throttle Body Failure

    8complaints
    Safety riskEngine

    The throttle body has failed, causing the engine to stall at idle and lose power.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  4. 4

    Brake Fluid Leaks Causing Master Cylinder Failure

    7complaints
    High severityBrakes

    The brake fluid level drops rapidly, leading to a complete brake failure where the pedal goes to the floor.

    $350–$800est. brake master cylinder replacement · 1.5–3 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  5. 5

    Complete brake failure

    6complaints
    Safety riskBrakes

    The brakes completely fail, causing the brake pedal to go to the floor with no stopping power.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  6. 6

    Engine stalls or loses power during acceleration

    6complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine suddenly loses power or stalls while accelerating, often without warning.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  7. 7

    Brake Fluid Reservoir Drainage

    4complaints
    High severityOther

    The brake fluid reservoir drains rapidly without visible leaks, leading to complete brake failure.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  8. 8

    Brake Master Cylinder Failure

    4complaints
    High severityOther

    The brake master cylinder fails completely, causing the brake pedal to go to the floor and rendering the brakes ineffective.

    $350–$800est. brake master cylinder replacement · 1.5–3 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  9. 9

    Power Train Failure at High Speeds

    4complaints
    High severityTransmission

    At high speeds, the vehicle suddenly loses all power and the Wrench light appears, posing a significant safety risk.

  10. 10

    Backup Camera Malfunction

    3complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    The backup camera intermittently fails to operate, posing a safety risk during reversing maneuvers.

    $250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  11. 11

    Engine Malfunction Leading to Limp Mode

    3complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine enters a limp mode, losing power and speed, often triggered by water/condensation in the charge air cooler.

  12. 12

    Engine Knocking Sound During Start-Up

    2complaints
    Low severityEngine

    The engine makes a knocking sound during start-up, indicating potential internal engine issues.

  13. 13

    Engine Misfire Causing Loss of Power

    2complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine is misfiring, causing the vehicle to lose power and stall, especially during acceleration.

    $200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  14. 14

    Severe headlight performance issues

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    Headlights do not adequately light up the road ahead, requiring use of high beams for visibility.

    $100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  15. 15

    Steering Assist Fault Causing Steering Wheel Instability

    2complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The steering assist system is failing, causing the steering wheel to become loose and wobbly, posing a safety risk.

Other years & sources

2015 Ford Expedition El2017 Ford Expedition El2018 Ford Expedition El2019 Ford Expedition El2021 Ford Expedition ElAll NHTSA complaints for this vehicle →

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.