Ford Expedition transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

My 2018 Ford Expedition with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine has developed a pronounced rattling/knocking noise at startup. This appears consistent with the well documented cam phaser/VCT problem affecting this engine family. At approximately 118,212 miles, an independent Firestone Complete Auto Care inspected the vehicle and recommended major timing system repairs. Their estimate calls for replacement of the timing chain components and variable timing sprockets/cam phasers, with a total recommended repair cost of $5,232.13. 220782OrderRevisions.Pdf The concern is not simply the noise. The cam phasers and timing system control critical valve timing. If these components continue to deteriorate, there is a risk of improper engine timing, severe drivability problems, loss of power, stalling, or significant internal engine damage. A failure while traveling at highway speeds or in traffic could create a serious safety hazard for the occupants and surrounding motorists. There have not yet been warning lights or dashboard messages associated with the condition. The primary symptom has been the recurring startup rattle/knock, which has now been confirmed by an independent repair facility as requiring substantial timing system repair. The vehicle remains available for inspection. This has been an ongoing issue for the last few months but was first diagnosed on September 12, 2026 during a repair for another unrelated issue. I am especially concerned because this is not an isolated or unusual type of failure on the 3.5L EcoBoost. Ford has previously recognized cam phaser/VCT startup noise on these engines through service guidance. A known timing-related defect requiring more than $5,000 in repairs, with the potential to progress into engine damage or loss of engine performance, represents a significant reliability and potential safety concern.

NHTSA complaint #11763749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed, with the powertrain warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, shifted to park, and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle temporarily drove normally. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11763376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

VIN):[XXX]/Make/Model: 2021 Ford Expedition XLTCurrent Mileage: Approx. 150,000 milesLocation: [XXX] of the Safety Defect:El vehículo presenta un defecto de seguridad crítico y extremo en el tren motriz que pone en riesgo inminente la vida de los ocupantes y de terceros en la vía pública. En dos ocasiones distintas durante los últimos 15 días, el vehículo ha sufrido una pérdida total de comunicación electrónica y un bloqueo mecánico absoluto mientras se encontraba en plena marcha en avenidas de [XXX].Al ocurrir la falla, el tablero activa de inmediato la luz de la llave inglesa (Wrench Light), descontrola la marcha, bloquea la transmisión de 10 velocidades y activa de manera imprevista y automática el freno de emergencia electrónico, deteniendo el vehículo por completo en medio del tráfico.En el primer incidente (ocurrido en sábado), la gravedad del bloqueo mecánico obligó la intervención de los servicios de emergencia en la vía pública, requiriendo la asistencia de la policía y el cuerpo de bomberos para mover el vehículo a una zona segura. El sistema electrónico sufre un colapso total (cortocircuito térmico o fallo de la red CAN Bus) provocado por las temperaturas de la zona; el vehículo se vuelve inoperante y la computadora no responde ni permite el encendido hasta que se deja enfriar por un lapso forzoso de 2 horas.Esta falla mortal se agudizó y se volvió recurrente inmediatamente después de que un concesionario oficial de Ford aplicara la reprogramación de software correspondiente al Recall de emisiones XXX PCM. El concesionario original (Team Ford Lincoln) se niega a diagnosticar la gravedad de este fallo de seguridad sin un cobro de tarifa de diagnóstico de más de $500 dólares, deslindándose del peligro vial provocado tras la ejecución de su propia campaña oficial de servicio. Solicito la intervención de las autoridades federales para que el fabricante asuma la responsabilidad. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11763468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V344000 (Seat Belt), 26V368000 (Structure), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt had deployed. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 135,772.

NHTSA complaint #11762780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While trying to pull out of a residential neighborhood onto a state highway (45 mph speed limit), the vehicle refused to accelerate. The transmission couldn't engage into gear and the vehicle struggled to gain momentum. After letting off of the accelerator pedal, and then applying the accelerator again, the transmission was able to engage, and the car began to accelerate. No check engine light or other indication of a problem. The Ford dealer told us that the CDF drum of the transmission needed to be replaced. It is a known defect due to poor engineering design. This is very common problem in 2020 and 2021 Expeditions and F150 vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11762823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

On 8/6/2026, the transmission/powertrain of my 2019 Ford Expedition malfunctioned, causing a complete loss of propulsion. While traveling on a busy mountainous highway with my three children, I stopped in a center turn lane to merge into fast-moving traffic. When I attempted to accelerate, the vehicle would not move. The transmission display showed 4th gear even though the vehicle was stopped. We were stranded in the center turn lane with traffic approaching from both directions, creating a serious collision risk. No accident occurred. This vehicle has a documented history of recurring transmission problems since 2024, including harsh/delayed shifting, bucking, hesitation and jerking, repeatedly involving 4th gear, and even loss of propulsion with the initial 2024 issue. In Jan. 2025, the dealer documented a delayed upshift and harsh bump/buck into 4th gear. In July 2025, the dealer documented hesitation/jerking that was worse going into 4th. The transmission has been removed/disassembled multiple times and has undergone major repairs including CDF drum/internal transmission work, main control/valve body repairs, and most recently torque converter and additional valve body replacement in early 2026. Previous transmission symptoms have been reproduced and verified by the dealer. After the 8/6/2026 incident, the vehicle was taken to the Lincoln dealer. The current repair record documents "complete loss of propulsion with gear stuck in 4th" and delayed shifting surrounding 4th gear. The dealer attempted to reproduce the failure and obtain diagnostic codes but has not been able to duplicate it and reports no codes at this time. I do not recall any warning lights or messages immediately before the failure. The vehicle is available for inspection. Ford has previously been contacted regarding these recurring transmission failures and provided partial assistance with a prior repair.

NHTSA complaint #11761931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am submitting this complaint regarding an intermittent transmission and loss-of-motive-power issue with my 2019 Ford Expedition equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission. When I first start the vehicle and begin driving, I experience an intermittent delay, particularly around the 1st-to-2nd gear transition. I press the accelerator and the engine RPM increases/revs, but the vehicle does not move forward or accelerate as expected. There is approximately a 3–5 second delay before the transmission engages and the vehicle suddenly begins moving. During these events, it feels as though the transmission has temporarily gone into neutral even though the vehicle is in Drive. This is not simply a harsh or uncomfortable gear change. The engine responds to the accelerator, but power is temporarily not being transferred to the wheels. I consider this a significant safety concern because a 3–5 second loss or delay of motive power could leave me unable to accelerate when entering traffic, crossing an intersection, merging, or attempting to avoid another vehicle. The vehicle can suddenly engage after the delay, which could also cause an unexpected surge forward. My vehicle has previously been taken to a Ford dealership for a transmission/PCM-related recall, and I was told that the recall had been corrected. However, I continue to experience this loss/delay of motive power. I am aware that Ford has issued technical service information addressing delayed engagement and delayed shifting in 2018–2021 Ford Expeditions equipped with the 10R80 transmission. I am concerned that my symptoms may be related to the known transmission issues affecting these vehicles and that this condition may represent a broader safety concern. I am requesting that NHTSA review this condition and determine whether further investigation or additional safety action is warranted.

NHTSA complaint #11761958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered extremely while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the failure and stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11761683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the unrepaired seat belt recall. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts), 26V368000 (Structure), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11761707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

The car will lose power when trying to accelerate on the highway. The car’s transmission will completely shift out of a high gear while traveling 50+ mph at a time when you are trying to accelerate onto the highway or speed up to avoid another vehicle. The car’s transmission will shift to first and slow way down and you cannot regain power or speed for several seconds. This has happened multiple times over the last several months, sometimes multiple times a day.

NHTSA complaint #11761476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My Ford Expedition’s 10-speed automatic transmission experienced repeated slipping and sudden loss of propulsion. While accelerating from a stop and entering the highway, typically around 15–20 MPH, the engine would suddenly rev but the vehicle would stop accelerating, as if the transmission had shifted into neutral. I had to release the accelerator for several seconds and slowly reapply throttle before the transmission would re-engage. This occurred repeatedly and created a serious safety hazard when pulling into or crossing traffic because the vehicle could begin accelerating normally and then unexpectedly lose propulsion with approaching traffic. The transmission also exhibited severe harsh/banging shifts during harder acceleration and produced a rattling noise while slipping until the accelerator was released. CDF drum failure has been confirmed. The vehicle is currently at a reputable independent transmission repair facility undergoing a transmission rebuild due to the CDF failure. The transmission/components are available for inspection during the repair. There were no warning lights or messages that reliably warned of the impending loss of propulsion. This was not simply poor shift quality; the transmission defect caused an actual loss of propulsion while driving. Because this failure can leave a driver unable to accelerate while entering an intersection, pulling onto a highway, or merging into traffic, I believe the CDF failure presents a serious safety risk. I am requesting NHTSA investigate CDF-related transmission failures and determine whether a safety recall is warranted. TSB 23-2250

NHTSA complaint #11760692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact noticed an abnormal sound and the vehicle jerked. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to an independent mechanic; however the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was the family's only means of transportation, and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11760464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My 2016 Expedition has the same 6R80 transmission as the Ford F150, for which there is a recall for the Lead Frame. My wife was driving the vehicle on the highway and the check engine light came on and the vehicle went into "limp mode" causing the vehicle to decelerate to approximately 35 mph. Needless to say, she almost caused several accidents as she tried to move to the shoulder at a very reduced speed. The code was P0715 and P0717 which is the Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor which is part of the lead frame in the transmission. As stated before, there was a recall on this issue with the F150 but not to the Expedition since Ford did not sell as many Expeditions as F150's? I was able to have the lead frame replaced, at my cost, to remedy the situation, however, the fact that this is a known issue with this transmission and only some of the cars with this transmission were recalled is morally wrong. This could have caused a major accident resulting in serious injury or death since Expeditions were not part of the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11759701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

When accelerating, if you push on the gas hard the car will shift into neutral/park and then shift back into gear. It doesn't matter if this happens at 20 mph or 75 mph. It is extremely unsafe. This shift fault code P07E6 is the code that populates. It is directly correlated with the recall 26S48/26V402. Ford won't even glance at it to consider it a part of the recall because " there is no fix for the recall yet " . This recall has directly damaged the transmission in my vehicle & other peoples vehicles. I have requested a remedy as my vehicle is no longer safe to drive on the highway due to the shift issue and I am met with we won't be able to address it until the recall fix is out. I have requested a loaner while we wait for the recall fix, which isn't going to be ready till 5/2027. Ford needs to consider the transmission damage this recall has caused on vehicles, the safety issues behind that damage, and they need to make it right.

NHTSA complaint #11759699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Ford has a recall out for the Parking Prawl. I have experienced my car rolling forward after shifting into park. The vehicle proceeded to move about 5 feet before I hit the brake and the vehicle shut down. I restarted the vehicle, reversed back into my parking space, kept my foot on the brake until the vehicle was shut down. I have been using the Parking Brake ever since. Before this incident occurred, I have been noticing my vehicle shifting sticking, skipping, and completely dropping out of any gear and going into neutral while on the road in motion. This is not safe, and I do believe it is all related.

NHTSA complaint #11759751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While highway driving, the transmission drops into neutral when accelerating and then jumps back to gear. This poses a huge safety risk when attempting to pass a vehicle because the car completely loses power. Dealership has looked at the transmission and acknowledges it is a “known issue”, but because it only happens sporadically, not a fix.

NHTSA complaint #11759776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission attempted to shift into park but downshifted from third gear into first gear instead. No warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to complete the recall repair were not available. The contact stated that the failure was persistent and once occurred while the contact's family occupied the vehicle, creating a safety hazard and rendering their only vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 142,696.

NHTSA complaint #11759819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.