2016 Ford Expedition El Safety Report

The 2016 Ford Expedition EL presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a respectable 4-star rollover rating, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 181 total complaints, including 7 crashes, 7 fires, and 5 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. A significant number of complaints, 28, relate to 'SERVICE BRAKES', with an additional 12 for 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC', indicating potential issues with the braking system. Furthermore, 'POWER TRAIN' (21 complaints) and 'ENGINE' (15 complaints) are frequently cited, often involving sudden loss of power, unintended downshifting, and engine knocking, which are critical safety concerns. Despite the strong crash test scores, the absence of any recalls for the 2016 model year is notable, especially given the recurring nature of some complaints. For instance, multiple reports describe the vehicle unexpectedly losing acceleration or going into 'limp mode' while driving, a severe hazard on highways. There are also several complaints detailing electrical system issues, including blower motor fires and melting harnesses, which directly led to 7 reported fires. The lack of manufacturer-initiated recalls to address these widespread issues, particularly those with direct safety implications like power loss and fires, is a significant gap in its safety record. In summary, while the 2016 Ford Expedition EL performs very well in controlled crash tests, the real-world complaint data suggests underlying reliability and safety issues, particularly with the powertrain, engine, and electrical systems. The high number of complaints related to sudden power loss and electrical fires, coupled with the absence of recalls, indicates that potential buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly inspect these areas. The discrepancy between high crash ratings and concerning operational failures highlights the importance of considering both types of safety data.

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant reported issues with the powertrain, brakes, and electrical system, including risks of sudden power loss and fires; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is highly recommended.