2019 Ford Expedition: Cam phaser rattle
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2019 Expedition report: cam phaser rattle. CarComplaints.com lists 2 owner complaints, average mileage 57,000 miles.
NHTSA has 135 owner complaints for the 2019 Expedition in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11769820 (filed 10/08/2026): “The contact owns a 2019 ford expedition. the contact stated that the engine originally failed in 2021. the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred in august 2026. the contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a loud rattling sound…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11749552 (filed 07/10/2026): “When turning on the truck there is an excessive rattle in the engine and it keeps on prolonging more and more.…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace cam phasers and then reprogram (2 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $5,400 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Estimated repair cost: cam phaser (VCT unit) replacement, all four (twin-cam V6, e.g. ford 3.5L EcoBoost)
Average shop cost
$1,195
Range $800–$1,805 (labor)
8.0–13.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$1,795
Range $1,200–$2,710 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Page last updated .