494 of the
12,004 complaints filed about the Ford Expedition
are about the other systems —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2020.
Our vehicle cannot shift into gear. This results in it jolting, and almost stopping while we are driving. The is a huge safety issue on roads and especially highways. The check engine light is on. We have taken it multiple times to mechanics and have been told this is a transmission issue. We received a transmission safety recall notice a few months back and were hopeful that Ford would fix the issue. However, we were disappointed to hear that the recalled parts aren't even made and will not be available until late 2027. This car has 3 recalls on it and Ford has not been able to fix a single one of them.
NHTSA complaint #11764172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Recurring dangerous transmission defect in my 2020 Ford Expedition (3.5L EcoBoost, 10-speed 10R80, ~136,826 mi). It has lost power and shifted violently multiple times, each a crash risk. 1) ~Aug 22, 2026: Accelerating to pass on the highway, the whole vehicle shut down. I lost all power INCLUDING power steering and had to coast off the road. It restarted after stopping. Losing power and steering while passing at speed is extremely dangerous. 2) Weekend of ~Aug 29-31, 2026: Going up a slight residential driveway, the transmission slipped (engine revved, vehicle didn't move) then slammed into gear with a hard jolt. 3) Another time, accelerating to pass, it made an extremely loud bang and violent jolt; I thought the transmission had failed. ONGOING since I bought it used (June 2023): it repeatedly slams/clunks hard into gear, including while just coasting down a slight grade with NO foot on gas or brake, jolting violently as if it dropped into Park. This is not just my vehicle. The 10R80 transmission (2020 Expedition, F-150, etc.) has many complaints for the same thing (sudden downshifts, power loss, harsh shifting, slipping) and is subject to a class action (filed 4/2023, MA) covering 2017-present F-150/Expedition/Mustang/Ranger/Navigator, alleging Ford knew since 2018. I raised this repeatedly with Ford and two dealerships and was told there were no recalls and no known issue. Ford's open recall 26S48 (26V402) is only about the PARKING system and does NOT cover this loss-of-power/violent-shift behavior. Please investigate.
NHTSA complaint #11763144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I started by 2019 Ford Expedition and was driving through a parking lot at a low speed when there was an explosion sound (comparable to a gun shot over my left shoulder as the driver). My seatbelt pulled in and locked down. My car smelled like a firework had been set off and there was a white-grey powder across my lefts. I immediately stopped and parked my vehicle. I had my passenger move to the back of the car as a safety precaution. It took effort to get the belt to unlatch and off. We moved the vehicle to a safer parking spot and had it towed to David McDavid - FtW. I have a seatbelt burn on my neck. My left shoulder, across my chest, and right hip are very sore today. We received the recall notice the day prior. However, the letter states that: Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving your vehicle…. Had this happened while driving at a faster speed, the incident could have very easily been catastrophic. My concern now is that the dealership is trying to say this is an interior trim concern, and Ford’s customer service could do nothing other than repeat their script that there is no remedy at this time. Their advice lent the consumer to saving receipts for rental and/or repair with faulty parts until the advanced notice becomes an active one. I have no vehicle to drive, I have mild injuries, and we have zero support from Ford. Making matters worse, our dealership is wanting to charge us for inspecting the vehicle and calling it an “interior trim concern”, while listing the seatbelt retractor inspection right after it for free. THESE ARE THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11761923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car has recalls since 2024? Some are serious safety issues if in an accident. Way too long for a remedy from FORD. 2019 FORD EXPEDITION 2019 FORD EXPEDITION VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on XXX 4Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN FEB 09, 2024 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11761221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Relating to NHTSA ID Number 11027142 (Ford SSM 5446 and purported remedy SSM 54692). Experience a left turn signal that is automatically erroneously activated after a sharp right hand turn with right turn signal activated. There are two other complaints filed with NHTSA regarding this problem. In my case the left turn signal DOES NOT CANCEL AFTER RETURN TO CENTER. This is a potentially dangerous situation, since other drivers don't know what moves you might be intending to make. Ford claims SSM 54692 is a remedy with part number SL1Z-13K359-AA installation. This part was installed on 8/5/26 and did NOT remedy the problem. Since then have been awaiting contact from dealer re Ford engineers solution. Dealer's communications have been quite lacking.
NHTSA complaint #11758895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2020 Ford Expedition, , affected by NHTSA recall 26V402. The recalled condition has actually occurred on my vehicle. The vehicle failed to remain in Park and moved in reverse with the driver's door open. It struck a brick mailbox, severely damaged the driver's door, and I was pulled/dragged by the vehicle while my children were inside. This is an actual safety incident involving unintended vehicle movement, property damage, and a potential bodily-injury event." This just occurred and has not yet been inspected.
NHTSA complaint #11756991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THERE IS A SEAT BELT RECALL AND 3 OTHER RECALLS THAT FORD CORP OFFICE AND THE DEALERSHIP IN HENDERSON NC TOLD ME THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL 2027 AND I AM EXPECTED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE PLEASE HELP ME
NHTSA complaint #11756469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Last week I took the cover off our car seat to wash and the foam on the headrest was cracked all the way through. I have no idea when this happened or even how it could have. This car seat is barely 2 years old. I’ve never been in an accident or dropped this seat, and it is not used improperly.
NHTSA complaint #11755284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a recall on the catalytic converters of my year Expedition, but my check engine light came on at 86,000 miles, outside the 80,000 limit Ford put on the recall for the part. I think Ford should stand behind their product and the parts they are using, since the catalytic converters have failed on my car, my husbands expedition, and my dad’s ford 150.
NHTSA complaint #11753225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The dashboard/instrument panel on my 2021 Ford Expedition is bubbling, warping, and peeling away directly above and around the front passenger airbag location. The dashboard has visibly separated from the underlying structure and continues to worsen. The defective component is available for inspection upon request. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this condition presents a potential safety hazard. The dashboard material is located directly over the passenger-side Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag. I am concerned that the warped and delaminated dashboard could interfere with proper airbag deployment during a crash or cause pieces of the dashboard to break apart and become projectiles when the airbag deploys, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. There have been no airbag warning lights or messages displayed, and I have not been involved in a crash. The defect developed gradually, beginning with bubbling of the dashboard surface and progressing to peeling and separation. The condition continues to worsen over time. The issue has not yet been confirmed by a Ford dealer or independent repair facility, and the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. My concern is that a dashboard should not deteriorate in the area surrounding a critical safety system on a relatively new vehicle, and I believe this issue should be investigated to determine whether it could affect passenger airbag performance or occupant safety.
NHTSA complaint #11752873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Power Running boards. The running boards half deploy and stop. The running boards go up and down while the vehicle is in motion. When opening the doors the running boards deploy half way and stop causing the persons exiting the vehicle to step on and uneven surfaces, resulting in twisted ankles and persons falling to the ground. The running boards were seems to malfunction every few years, they were replaced by Latrobe Chevy Ford 3 years ago and are currently being replaced by Bud Smail Ford.
NHTSA complaint #11752796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am submitting this complaint regarding potential safety issues with my 2018 Ford Expedition Max Platinum. I purchased the vehicle from Sandy Sansing Chevrolet in Pensacola, Florida, and discovered several problems shortly after purchase that I believe may affect the vehicle's safe operation. Within days of purchasing the vehicle, it began displaying an intermittent **low oil pressure warning** while driving. Because a low oil pressure condition can lead to engine damage, loss of power, or engine failure, I believe this presents a potential safety concern. The dealership's inspection report completed before the sale states: **"Has multiple minor oil leaks, wet but not dripping yet."** I had the vehicle independently inspected by Firestone, which determined the oil leak was coming from the timing cover/timing case area and estimated approximately $3,000 in repairs. I am concerned that the documented oil leak and intermittent low oil pressure warning could increase the risk of engine failure while the vehicle is in operation. I have also experienced what I believe is a brake safety concern. Although the dealership's inspection report indicates the brakes and rotors had been serviced, the brake pedal feels unusually soft or spongy and requires more pedal travel and pressure than expected before the brakes engage. While the vehicle currently stops, I am concerned this condition could reduce braking performance or increase stopping distance. Additional issues include intermittent operation of the power running boards, a non-functioning rear window washer, and a detached rear window defroster electrical connection. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can determine whether these issues are isolated to my vehicle or may indicate a broader safety-related defect affecting other 2018 Ford Expedition vehicles. I can provide the dealership inspection report, Firestone inspection and repair estimate, photographs, and other supporting documentation upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11752452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is frequently a smell of exhaust inside the cabin upon starting the engine before driving. It is concerning that exhaust may be leaking into the cabin leading to potential injuries. The vehicle has not been inspected for this issue specifically but has been through multiple general inspections.
NHTSA complaint #11751530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have 3 small children so I am concerned about my car. The gear shift goes out of drive while driving. If you push the gas and then let up and push the gas again it won’t go and if you keep pushing the gas it will start fishtailing all over the road. You have to take your foot off the gas for a period of time until it goes back in gear which causes you to completely slow down and can cause a crash. When trying to give excessive gas it will disengage and won’t go. It will only engage 1 tire and cause it to fishtail. It has almost caused an accident multiple times because it slips out of gear and it currently has a recall for a similar issue. You can’t pull over or move over wile it disengages because you can’t go anywhere if you push the gas it just accelerates like it was in park. This is not an if something happens it’s a when something happens. Nobody else can drive my vehicle because they won’t know how to stop it from happening and they may get seriously hurt. It has happened on multiple occasions
NHTSA complaint #11751428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We recently purchased a certified pre-owned 2020 Ford Expedition Max Limited with approximately 70,000 miles. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has experienced several issues, particularly with the transmission. Before the transmission was replaced, the dealer attempted to repair it twice but was unable to resolve the problem. After the replacement transmission was installed, the same symptoms returned within one to two weeks, including harsh shifting, shuddering, and harsh engagement when shifting into reverse and park. In addition, the front seat belts and the captain’s chair seat belts have locked up multiple times. I also received a recall notice for the replacement transmission that was installed about a month ago, with an estimated repair timeframe of the second quarter of 2027. There is currently no repair available for the seat belt issue either. There have been no warning lights or messages displayed for any of these problems. I am concerned that these ongoing issues put both my safety and my child’s safety and the public at risk while operating or riding in this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11751385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Around October/November of 2025 I reached into my center console to grab something only to be sliced open by something sharp. I was driving so I couldn’t immediately investigate- but I had to pull over and deal with the blood gushing from my finger. I thought for sure my husband had left a razor blade or something in there. Upon inspection I couldn’t find anything logical that would have cut me so I was very confused. Then within a month or two I noticed a piece of the chrome bubbled up and went to check it and realized that was what was sharp and had sliced me open.
NHTSA complaint #11749704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The safety incident occured on April 20, 2026, when my 2016 Expedition EL failed to stay in park on a flat level parking lot causing significant safety concerns for my vehicle and all other vehicles with the same components. My car was parked for 4-5 minutes in front of the school my son attends and because he was sick the morning I parked my vehicle in front of the main entrance of the schol in an approved parking place, I left the car running while I went inside to turn in an assignment due that morning. After giving it to the front office person and explaining which teacher it needed to be given to, I turned around to return to my vehicle only to witness my car begin moving. It rolled 2-3 car lengths before it slammed into the back of a Coca-Cola Vendor truck and stopped. I was not able to catch it before the accident happened. I knew the vehicle was not safe to drive, so I had the Expedition towed to the local Ford dealership in town. The certified Ford dealership discoovered the problem when performing diagnostics as they were able to reproduce the problem. The "parking PAWL return spring not securely locking into park. found the parking PAWL worn and the return spring collapsed meaning nothing was locking the transmission into park" There were zero warning notifcations on the electrical messaging panel to alert a driver to this potentially dangerous problem. The outcome of this situation pose a horrific risk to pedestrians, and passengers when a vehicle can begin moving into "Drive" with no passenger behind the wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11749454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.