The Ford Expedition Max Years To Avoid
We've rounded up four Ford Expedition Max years to avoid based on common consumer complaints. Check out which years we mean (and the most reliable Expedition Max years you should focus your shopping on instead).
Introduced in 2007, the Ford Expedition Max is a supersized version of the ever-popular Expedition full-size SUV. With its extended wheelbase and cavernous cargo area, the Expedition Max caters to larger families and those who need to haul plenty of gear and Costco groceries. Compared to the regular Expedition, it offers impressive additional storage space behind the third row.
While this extra-large SUV has gained a loyal following over the years, not every model year has been trouble-free. Some Expedition Max model years have been plagued by various issues that have left owners perplexed and frustrated – making them an iffy choice for used car buyers. In this post, we’ll look closer at the Ford Expedition Max years to avoid and give insights into why they may not be your best choice.
Which Ford Expedition Max Years to Avoid?
The Ford Expedition, including the Max edition, is considered to have average reliability. According to RepairPal, it scored 3.0 out of 5.0, placing it 7th out of 14 full-size SUVs. The average annual maintenance cost for a Ford Expedition is around $861, which is notably higher than the typical $650 for similar SUVs.
Both models share the same 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, providing similar performance and towing capacities. With its extended length, the Expedition Max offers up to 121.5 cu-ft of cargo space, compared to the standard model’s 104.6 cu-ft. However, since they are mechanically identical, both the Expedition Max and the regular Expedition have the same reliability issues. This means that the problematic years for one model also affect the other, impacting the overall reliability of both versions.
That said, below are Expedition Max years to avoid due to known reliability issues and a high number of consumer complaints.
- 2010 Ford Expedition Max
- 2011 Ford Expedition Max
- 2017 Ford Expedition Max
- 2018 Ford Expedition Max
DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP
The CoPilot car shopping app is the smartest way to buy a car. Get a curated list of the best cars for sale in your area, as well as notifications if a similar vehicle is listed nearby at a lower price. CoPilot is the smartest way to shop for used cars.
2010 Ford Expedition Max
While the 2010 Ford Expedition Max may not be the top choice among full-size SUVs, it still impresses with its performance, as noted by VehicleHistory.com. Despite encountering more reported issues than other Expedition Max model years, the 2010 version competes well against rivals like the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse. In essence, the 2010 Expedition Max is a solid choice for those searching for a dependable, spacious SUV despite some major owner complaints.
For instance, according to owners, Expedition Max had a nasty habit of developing bubbling paint on the hood and tailgate, which eventually turned into an ugly rust fest. Plenty of owners have dealt with this headache, but Ford seems to have turned a blind eye regarding warranty coverage.
Meanwhile, some owners have also encountered engine problems. A few complaints mention the vehicle unexpectedly racing out of control, even from a parked position, which could lead to dangerous situations. Others have reported the engine periodically shutting off while driving, accompanied by multiple warning lights and brake seizures.
2011 Ford Expedition Max
The 2011 Expedition Max was hardly a step up in reliability. In fact, this model year inherited many issues from the previous iteration.
Like last year’s model, the 2011 Ford Expedition Max has numerous complaints about blistering paint, especially on the hood and windshield. One report detailed how the paint came off while washing the car, prompting a DIY repair. They chipped off the remaining paint, sanded the area, and repainted it with factory-matching paint. While it didn’t restore the original look, it improved the appearance significantly and was cheaper than replacing the entire panel, as Ford suggested. This issue is widely recognized as a manufacturing defect.
Sadly, the 2011 version also had engine troubles, making it one of the Ford Expedition Max years to avoid. Owners of the 2011 Ford Expedition Max frequently report camshaft roller bearings seizing, scoring the camshaft, and necessitating a top-end replacement even with less than 95,000 miles. These issues can escalate into expensive repairs or complete engine replacements. Additionally, the cruise control has a troubling issue, causing unintended acceleration, which is obviously a safety hazard.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE FORD EXPEDITION MAX
There are several years of the vehicle available thus far. To make the wisest selection, you should know the most reliable Ford Expedition Max year available.
2017 Ford Expedition Max
If you’re not too keen on dealing with major reliability woes like brakes and engine, the 2017 model is one of the worst Ford Expedition Max years to avoid.
For example, the 2017 Ford Expedition Max has faced several engine-related issues that have frustrated the owners. Many have reported sudden power loss while driving, often accompanied by a wrench light on the dashboard. The possible culprit? A faulty throttle body, which can cause the engine to lose power without warning.
In addition, the 2017 Expedition Max owners have been grappling with a significant problem related to the vehicle’s service brakes. The issue manifests as a rapid loss of brake fluid, often leading to a soft, ineffective brake pedal that drastically increases stopping distances. The root cause appears to be a faulty master cylinder prone to leaking, which can subsequently lead to brake booster failure as fluid infiltrates the system. Although Ford initiated a recall campaign to address the defect, it was of limited help.
FORD TRADE-INS: WHAT TO KNOW
If you’re interested in learning more about all aspects of a Ford trade-in, you’re in the right place.
2018 Ford Expedition Max
The first model of its generation, the 2018 Ford Expedition Max, encountered several initial issues, including problems with the electrical system and engine, which are common in new-generation vehicles.
The drivetrain is at the top of the owners’ pain points. Owners have reported erratic shifting behavior, with the transmission randomly jumping between gears, leading to sudden changes in speed and power delivery. Moreover, the gearbox has also been known to get stuck in a particular gear, causing a loss of acceleration and difficulty maintaining proper vehicle control.
On the other hand, the 2018 Ford Expedition Max has faced suspension problems, with many owners reporting the failure of all four struts around 46,000 miles. These issues often began with leaking struts, leading to progressively rougher rides. This caused the vehicle to bounce excessively, particularly over bumps, which can lead to control issues. Despite regular maintenance and professional inspections, the premature failure of the suspension system was a common complaint, forcing many owners to replace the struts much earlier than expected.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
