Automatic Transmission Control Module problems of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Six problems related to automatic transmission control module have been reported for the 2020 Ford Expedition. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2020 Ford Expedition based on all problems reported for the 2020 Expedition.

1 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the powertrain control module (pcm), which manages engine-transmission communication and regulates cooling system performance, malfunctioned, resulting in a cascade of related failures: transmission system: delayed shifting, hesitation, and eventually a “transmission stuck in park” code. Cooling system: repeated overheating that led to a ruptured radiator. These issues stem from the faulty pcm referenced in Ford recall 24e13, issued on April 25, 2025. Yes, the failed components remain in the possession of harbin motor company in scottsboro, al, where the vehicle is still located. The vehicle has not been repaired and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? this vehicle was operated while exhibiting documented powertrain and overheating symptoms—including while transporting children. Harbin Ford repeatedly instructed continued use despite: diagnostic scans on April 10, 2025 confirming pcm-related failures including “transmission stuck in park” and overheating. A coolant leak that occurred without warning lamps, leading to the radiator bursting. These failures put occupants at serious risk of breakdown or fire, especially in high-traffic or high-temperature driving conditions. Operating a vehicle with a malfunctioning pcm increases the likelihood of gear slippage, sudden deceleration, or complete transmission failure. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. The issue has been repeatedly confirmed by harbin motor company, an authorized Ford dealer: on April 10, 2025, a scan identified “transmission stuck in park,” overheating, and a third unidentified code. On may 15, 2025, the service manager craig davis confirmed the transmission had an internal issue requiring a full rebuild and located a coolant leak. These confirmations were documented via servi.

2 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2025

My check engine lights comes on and off reading that it is a failure with the catalytic converter. Check engine light had been on for 2 weeks I had already called Ford to set up appt. The evening before taking truck in check engine light went off. I called Ford 5/13/25 that light had gone off do I still take truck in. Since I received letter for recall, I took truck in for service . They say they only need to reprogram the pcm but now they are saying that the catalytic converter is bad and needs to be replaced costing $5000. What is Ford thinking this truck has been nothing but problems. I told tech that truck has been running accelerated for a few weeks when driving. Problem with check engine light could not be reproduced since it turned off the day before I had appt set. Rep told me that they just needed to see if they could read that it was the recall issue and they would just reprogram it.

3 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem

Failure Date: 04/14/2025

We have replaced our transmission twice and sending the truck in for a third replacement. The transmission does not run smooth and when it shifts from 3rd to 4th gear it drops into gear very roughly. The last time it did this the tcm also faulted which stuck the truck in 7th gear while driving on a highway. Ford will only replace with the same part in a manufactured condition.

4 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping while driving. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond, and jolted forward while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal on several occasions, the vehicle failed to respond, and the engine revved as if the transmission was in neutral(n). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a transmission flush was performed and the tcm was updated; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v197000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage approximately 60,000.

5 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem

Failure Date: 04/03/2024

We own a Ford Expedition 2020. In 2023, we started noticing jerky, harsh, and aggressive “slips” when the vehicle was trying to change gears - upon multiple occasions. But, in 2024, we experienced three, major, different instances - all were extremely scary and it was miraculous they didn’t cause accidents, car pile ups, or worse! the first instance, the vehicle jerked and sputtered just as I was pulling out into a busy intersection. I thought it was going to die in the middle of the road. The second instance, several weeks later, it happened, again, as our family was driving in pouring rain down the interstate; it jerked so hard it felt like we hit a small wall. The third and final instance, we were on our way to vacation - 9 hours away with our family. It sputtered, jerked, and laid in 1st gear. Thank god, we were right at a hotel and able to pull in. We found a local mechanic to take the Expedition in and begin work on it. He was so kind to loan us his car to take on to PA to the sight & sound theater so we wouldn’t lose our money on the tickets. We ended up losing 2 full days of our 4 day vacation; had to rent a vehicle to drive back home; and left our Expedition in va for 6 weeks while they rebuilt a transmission and cleaned the catalytic converter. $12,160 to the mechanic + $1000 in car rentals. Here we are, now in August 2025, and there’s been a recall on the powertrain control module and that’s being replaced. Lo, and behold, what does the pcm do? it acts as the vehicle’s main computer, managing and controlling various engine and transmission functions (adjusting engine parameters like fuel injection, ignition timing, and transmission shift points) - imagine that!.

6 Automatic Transmission Control Module problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2023

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Ford Expedition, which is currently subject to recall (24e13) related to the powertrain control module (pcm)> despite multiple repair attempts, the vehicle continues to experience dangerous transmission and drivability issues. While driving , the vehicle: loses gears unexpectedly engine rpms rev excessively high before the transmission finally engages hesitates and has delayed acceleration randomly makes loud clunking noises during shifting emits a noticeable burning smell during acceleration these issues create serious safety concerns, particularly when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or accelerating from a stop. The delayed acceleration and gear loss place me and my passengers at risk of collision. The vehicle has been brought in multiple times for the same recall-related issue, yet the problem persists. The repair attempts have not resolved the unsafe condition. I am requesting immediate corrective action to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate. This ongoing defect presents a clear safety hazard.


Other Power Train related problems of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Power Train problems
197
Automatic Transmission Control Module problems
6
Automatic Transmission problems
3


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