Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2016 Ford Expedition ELRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 181 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Expedition EL. Most complaints involve engine (36) and service brakes (34). The EPA rates it 16–17 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
16–17mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
181
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Ford Expedition EL as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
181 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2015 – Jul 2025
- Engine36
- Service brakes34
- Power train33
- Electrical system23
- Vehicle speed control20
- Service brakes, hydraulic17
- Fuel/propulsion system16
- Visibility7
- Steering5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
36 reports1 crash2 fires
“The vehicle stops accelerating randomly it’s been in the shop (Ford dealer) a few times and they are unable to pinpoint the issue. The warning lamps would come on after the vehicle fails to accelerate. It would lose power at any interval and coast until it’s fully stopped.”
Service brakes
34 reports2 crashes
“Multiple times while driving the vehicle I had trouble getting the brakes to work while driving and needing to slow down or coming to a complete stop. This almost resulted in an accident 2 times. We thought it was the current related to recall 22S11 which we had fixed already in July 2022. However, it is an issue that is not a reported recall at the moment. It is for the Hydrolic Control Unit. Ford will not replace this part at their cost and is forcing me to pay even though it is a major safety issue.”
Power train
33 reports4 crashes
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH, the accelerator was depressed, and there was a grinding sound coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with rear differential failure. On a separate occasion, a year later the rear differential failure recured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the rear end was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 85,913.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition EL 2WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 526 |
| Expedition EL 4WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $3,900 | 542 |
- 17mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Ford Expedition EL EXTENDED SUV 4x4
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 19.8%
Overall
5 / 5
Ford Expedition EL EXTENDED SUV 4x2
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.2%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2016 Expedition EL questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Expedition EL have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Ford Expedition EL problems?
Owners filed 181 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (36), service brakes (34), power train (33). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Ford Expedition EL get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Ford Expedition EL at 16–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2016 Ford Expedition EL?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Ford Expedition EL 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026