I’m looking to get my wife a full-size SUV. Initially, I was checking out GMC Yukons, but the only ones in my area are Denalis priced around $90k. A couple of dealerships have 2023 Limited Expeditions with 4x4 for about $71k.
I mentioned it to my brother, who owns a 2021 Platinum, and he’s had a lot of problems: transmission issues, a catalytic converter replacement, and even front wheel bearings at 15k miles. Are these problems common for the Expedition with the 10-speed transmission, or is he just unlucky? I’d appreciate any insight.
I have a 2018 Lincoln Navigator with the same 10-speed transmission, and it’s currently in the shop for a rebuild (under warranty). Apparently, the replacement parts are supposed to improve it. My advice is to keep about $5k set aside in case it acts up after the warranty ends.
Honestly, all modern vehicles have their fair share of issues, especially with all the electronics. I couldn’t even find a proper repair manual for mine. Toyota and Lexus are probably the only brands that really stand out for long-term reliability.
That said, I still love my Navigator. It’s absolutely beautiful, and I think it’s worth test-driving one if you haven’t already.
I’ve got a 2019 Limited 4x4. I’ve had countless transmission reprograms—it still acts weird but works fine now. The stock shocks were awful, so I swapped them for Bilstein 5100s, and it’s a night-and-day difference.
I’ve also had some AC issues—it’ll randomly stop blowing cold or stop blowing hard altogether. My wife also experienced the auto-start not working at stoplights a few times. I’ve just disabled it entirely.
For the price, features, room, and performance, I’d still buy another Expedition, but I’d want one with fewer bugs.
That said, I’m a loyal Ford guy, but I’ve had my frustrations. I had to lemon law a 2018 F-250 due to endless AdvanceTrac errors. Ford really needs to step up their quality control.
@Jensen
I drive a 2019 XLT FX4 and had similar AC issues. At first, it would just stop blowing cold air or barely blow at all. After a while, it completely stopped. The dealer said it was the AC evaporator leaking. Luckily, I have an extended warranty, so it didn’t cost me anything, but it took 3 weeks to fix.
Jensen said: @Laine
Did you happen to see how much it would’ve cost without the warranty? It seems like every repair is insanely expensive these days.
I didn’t get an exact number, but I’m guessing it would’ve been close to $2k. They had to remove the dash and front seats, which added a lot of labor. I also had a cam phaser issue fixed at the same time. It’s definitely worth having an extended warranty for these kinds of repairs.
I have a 2020 Expedition XLT 4x4. The catalytic converter was replaced earlier this year. I also had an oil leak and some transmission work done recently. The shifting from 1st to 2nd gear still feels off.
Current mileage is just under 34k. A few times, the auto-start failed at stoplights, and I had to turn the car off and on again—not fun when people are honking at you!
I’ve got a 2020 Limited with 35k miles. No mechanical issues so far. The GPS processor had to be replaced under warranty, but other than that, I’ve been very happy with it.
Kingsley said:
I’ve got a 2020 Limited with 35k miles. No mechanical issues so far. The GPS processor had to be replaced under warranty, but other than that, I’ve been very happy with it.
Glad to hear it’s been working well for you. Thanks for the feedback!
I have a 2018 Limited with 80k miles. The transmission was replaced at 60k, and I had an engine leak at 70k. Both were covered under warranty. I thought the catalytic converter was going out, but replacing the battery fixed the issue.
I’ve got a 2021 Limited with 19k miles. The transmission is acting up again with a strong kickback—this is the third time I’ve had to take it in for transmission issues.
Piper said:
I’ve got a 2021 Limited with 19k miles. The transmission is acting up again with a strong kickback—this is the third time I’ve had to take it in for transmission issues.
That sounds like such a headache. Thanks for letting me know!
@Gray
One other thing to consider: these SUVs lose value fast. I’ve seen used 2022s with low mileage selling in the low to mid-$30k range. If I had to do it over, I might have gone with a Sequoia instead.