Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 215 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Expedition, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 29 | 13% |
| Power train | 23 | 11% |
| Back over prevention | 17 | 8% |
| Engine | 15 | 7% |
| Electrical system | 14 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 12 | 6% |
| Unknown or other | 11 | 5% |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 7 | 3% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera would occasionally display a blank screen,
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
My 2016 Expedition has the same 6R80 transmission as the Ford F150, for which there is a recall for the Lead Frame. My wife was driving the vehicle on the highway and the check engine light came on and the vehicle went i
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the blower motor functioned intermittently, turning on and off unexpectedly. The contact stated that the A/C functioned as intended during the cooler month
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The message “Camera Unavailable” was displayed. The contact later received notification of
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
The safety incident occured on April 20, 2026, when my 2016 Expedition EL failed to stay in park on a flat level parking lot causing significant safety concerns for my vehicle and all other vehicles with the same compone
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved and potentially dangerous safety defect involving the rearview camera system on my Ford vehicle, which was presented to Wade Ford Auto Dealership and Service in Smyrna,
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while reversing, the rear view camera displayed a distorted image. The contact later received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reversing, the camera displayed squiggly lines. Occasionally, the screen was blank. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Expedition. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Risk: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These condition
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification l
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.
Risk: Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the second quarter of 20
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distort
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning Janua
| Reliability raw | 67 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 60 | average |
| Depreciation | 39 | below average |
| Performance | 71 | good |
| Efficiency | 35 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 215 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and service brakes is the most reported area with 29 of them (13%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 67/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2016 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 62/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.