2016 Ford Expedition Safety Report

2016 Ford Expedition: Strong Crash Ratings, but Plagued by Recalls for Rearview Camera, Blower Motor Fire Risk, and Brake Issues

204Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
7Crash Reports
7Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Service Brakes (29)Power Train (21)Engine (15)Electrical System (13)Back Over Prevention (12)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (12)Unknown Or Other (10)Vehicle Speed Control (8)Fuel/Propulsion System (6)Electrical System,Visibility (6)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ford Expedition

The 2016 Ford Expedition demonstrates a generally strong safety profile based on NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving an impressive 5-star overall rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests, and a 4-star rollover rating. However, the vehicle has accumulated 204 total complaints, including 7 crashes, 7 fires, and 5 injuries, indicating some areas of concern. A significant portion of these complaints, particularly those related to 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' and 'VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR', directly correlate with three active safety recalls issued for the vehicle. Common complaint patterns reveal issues with 'SERVICE BRAKES' (29 complaints), 'POWER TRAIN' (21 complaints), and 'ENGINE' (15 complaints). The recall history highlights critical safety defects: a 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000) addresses rearview camera failures that can increase crash risk, a 'VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR' recall targets a front blower motor failure that can lead to vehicle fires, and a 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST' recall warns of potential brake fluid loss, increased pedal effort, and reduced front brake function. Several complaints explicitly mention the rearview camera recall, with owners reporting inoperable or intermittent camera function and frustration over parts unavailability. Beyond the recalls, there are recurring complaints about engine issues, specifically 'cam phaser' failures causing knocking sounds and potential timing chain problems, as well as reports of the vehicle losing acceleration randomly. The blower motor recall also has follow-up complaints detailing intermittent operation and wiring overheating even after initial repairs. While the crash test performance is excellent, the volume and nature of complaints, coupled with the three safety recalls, suggest that owners may encounter significant safety-related issues, particularly concerning visibility, braking, and potential fire hazards.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Ford Expedition receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Ford Expedition

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Ford Expedition:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Rearview Camera Failure
Rearview camera displays inverted, distorted, blank, or foggy images, or is intermittently inoperative, increasing crash risk. Subject of NHTSA recall 25V572000.
High Common variable miles
Front Blower Motor Failure
Front blower motor behind the glove box may fail, increasing the risk of a vehicle interior fire. Subject of NHTSA recall 22S56.
High Occasional variable miles
Brake Master Cylinder Issues
Brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid loss, leading to increased pedal travel, effort, and reduced front brake function. Subject of NHTSA recall 23S35.
High Occasional variable miles
Engine Cam Phaser Failure
Cam phasers can fail, causing knocking sounds upon cold startup and potential timing chain failure.
High Occasional 90000+ miles
Loss Of Acceleration
Vehicle randomly stops accelerating, loses power, and coasts to a stop, often with warning lamps illuminated.
High Occasional variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Ford Expedition:

Service Brakes 14% of complaints

Issues with braking system, including master cylinder, increased pedal effort, and reduced function, as highlighted by 29 complaints and a recall.

Power Train 10% of complaints

Problems related to the transmission and drivetrain, including unexpected downshifts and grinding sounds, with 21 complaints.

Engine 7% of complaints

Engine issues such as cam phaser failures, knocking sounds, and loss of acceleration, accounting for 15 complaints.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

General electrical issues, including problems with the blower motor and wiring, with 13 complaints.

Back Over Prevention 6% of complaints

Rearview camera malfunctions, including blank, distorted, or intermittent images, leading to 12 complaints and a major recall.

Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Fan/Motor 3% of complaints

Front blower motor failures, sometimes leading to fire risk and intermittent operation, with 6 complaints and a recall.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ford Expedition

Is the 2016 Ford Expedition safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Ford Expedition received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side; 4-star rollover). However, it has 204 complaints, 7 crashes, 7 fires, and 5 injuries, and is subject to three safety recalls concerning the rearview camera, blower motor fire risk, and brake master cylinder, indicating significant safety concerns despite strong crash performance.

What are common problems with the 2016 Ford Expedition?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Ford Expedition are related to SERVICE BRAKES (29 complaints), POWER TRAIN (21 complaints), and ENGINE (15 complaints). Specific common problems include rearview camera failures, front blower motor malfunctions (some leading to fire), brake master cylinder issues, and engine cam phaser failures.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Ford Expedition?

Yes, the 2016 Ford Expedition has three active safety recalls. These include NHTSA Campaign Number 25V572000 for rearview camera issues, a recall for front blower motor failure (which can increase fire risk), and a recall for brake master cylinder issues that can reduce front brake function.

What should I know about the rearview camera recall?

The rearview camera recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 25V572000) addresses cameras that display inverted, distorted, or blank images, increasing crash risk. Many owners have reported the camera failing intermittently or completely, and some have expressed frustration over the unavailability of parts for the recall repair.

Does the 2016 Ford Expedition have engine problems?

Yes, the 2016 Ford Expedition has reported engine problems, including 15 complaints related to the ENGINE component. Specific issues mentioned by owners include 'cam phaser' failures causing knocking sounds upon cold startup and potential timing chain issues, as well as random loss of acceleration.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2016 Ford Expedition has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the three active safety recalls and numerous complaints regarding rearview camera, blower motor, brake, and engine issues. Ensure all recall repairs have been completed and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these known problem areas.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Ford Expedition

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Ford Expedition. The data includes 204 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 7 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Ford Expedition an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.