Never buying a Ford again

I own a 2019 Platinum Max (bought new) with 80,000 miles on it. I had the cam phaser issue fixed under warranty, but two years later, the problem is back, and now they want several thousand dollars to fix it again. On top of that, my transmission disengages while I’m driving on the highway or it makes a loud clunk, and the repair cost is estimated at $5,000+. Along with a bunch of other issues, this has completely turned me off of Ford for good.

I also have a 2019 Max, bought it new. We got a comprehensive extended warranty at the time of purchase—it cost a few thousand dollars and was rolled into the financing (0%). The cam phasers were replaced this year, but the transmission has been fine so far.

The warranty has come in handy for a few other repairs, like the rear AC cooler. I feel like nowadays, no car is as well made as it used to be, and it’s all about whether you get lucky or not. The only way to survive is to have a solid warranty.

@Landry
Every manufacturer is the same now… plastic parts, tons of electronics, and sensors everywhere. What could possibly go wrong, right?

The 2018 and 2019 models are probably the worst years for Expeditions. 2014 was likely the best.

Maxwell said:
The 2018 and 2019 models are probably the worst years for Expeditions. 2014 was likely the best.

I had a 2014 Expedition, and it was the best vehicle I’ve ever owned! 147k miles with just regular maintenance. I traded it in for that new car smell and shiny features… biggest mistake ever.

Maxwell said:
The 2018 and 2019 models are probably the worst years for Expeditions. 2014 was likely the best.

2018 and 2019 were rough for F150s too.

Maxwell said:
The 2018 and 2019 models are probably the worst years for Expeditions. 2014 was likely the best.

I’ll add 2013 to the list. I’m a bit biased though since it’s pretty much the same as the 2014 lol.

@Niko
Yeah, I meant 2014 as the last year of that model, but 2013 was just as good.

Sorry to hear that! I’ve got a 2017 Expedition Platinum with 133k miles, and it’s been mostly smooth sailing—just basic maintenance.

I feel your pain. We had an Acura MDX, and after spending $7k on a transmission rebuild, we swore off Acura for good. Hoping our 2023 Expedition will hold up better, but I’m not loyal to any brand at this point.

@Sky
$7k for a rebuild? What’s that transmission made out of, adamantium?

Casey said:
@Sky
$7k for a rebuild? What’s that transmission made out of, adamantium?

Yep, and the dealer wanted $13k for a new one! It’s a big 6-speed transmission in the 2014 MDX AWD, and it’s not cheap.

Casey said:
@Sky
$7k for a rebuild? What’s that transmission made out of, adamantium?

An adamantium transmission would be legendary! :joy:

Still driving my 2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer with 195,000 miles on it.

Conley said:
Still driving my 2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer with 195,000 miles on it.

I’ve got a ‘99 Eddie Bauer with 230,000 miles. Everything still works.

Merritt said:

Conley said:
Still driving my 2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer with 195,000 miles on it.

I’ve got a ‘99 Eddie Bauer with 230,000 miles. Everything still works.

I’m in the same boat. 2003 XLT, 200k miles, drives like a dream. No problems since I got it new. What happened to the newer ones?

When I saw they started using plastic oil pans and plastic parts in the heater hoses, I knew the ‘Built Ford Tough’ days were over. You really need the PremiumCARE warranty with these newer trucks.

Timber said:
When I saw they started using plastic oil pans and plastic parts in the heater hoses, I knew the ‘Built Ford Tough’ days were over. You really need the PremiumCARE warranty with these newer trucks.

We just replaced the plastic heater hoses on our Expedition. Not covered under the extended warranty because it’s a ‘wear part.’ That cost us $1,200.

@Blair
Same here. I should’ve called Ford’s customer service to complain because mine went out at 60k miles. They really should’ve covered it, but the dealer told me the same thing. For major repairs, always call customer service. Don’t complain about the dealership, though, or they might put bad notes in the system and make future service difficult.

Reading these posts makes me glad I got the extended warranty on my 2023 Platinum Max.