Automatic Transmission Control Module Problems of Ford Expedition

Vehicle will shift in and out of gears randomly while driving I’m concerned about driving on the highway and getting into or causing an accident because it happens at random and then stops no lights on dashboard and vehicle just passed inspection I believe it is a problem with the tcm and there has been an extended warranty issues for the same part in different models for Ford including the fiesta and focus I believe.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Expedition 🔎.

I purchased my 2019 Ford Expedition max limited on may 24th, 2025. When we purchase the vehicle we signed a notice that we would have the recalls completed within a reasonable time. I took my vehicle for the recall to feyer Ford in edenton, north carolina on may 30th. Prior to the recall I was having no issues at all with the vehicle. Once I pick the vehicle up on may 30th and started my traveling home. Within 10 minutes of leaving, the vehicle made a loud screeching noise. The wrench light came on, and the vehicle seemed to not accelerate forward. I was able to pull off the road and turn the vehicle off. I called feyer Ford to make them aware of the problem and they told me that it was because the pcm had been reprogrammed and would need to relearn how I drive. I had the same issue happen again further down the road, this is a very serious safety hazard that my vehicle suddenly stopped moving forward in traffic. I called feyer Ford once again and was told that I had to drive the vehicle 1,000 miles before the pcm would relearn my driving patterns. I took the vehicle in on June 4th to have it checked out and was told that I would need a valve body replacement and torque converter replacement. That essentially my transmission was bad. Since that date the vehicle has gone into reverse numerous times when I put it in drive, it will also get stuck in 4th 7th or 10th gear when you are trying to drive it in a parking lot or going slow on the road. When it gets stuck in those gears the vehicle will not go forward it will only allow you to go backwards. My car has been at feyer Ford since July 29 trying to have the warranty cover the fix, but it was denied for warranty coverage because they stated the vehicle was broken by the recall. We were told we could pick up our un-fixed vehicle on Aug 27. We got the key and proceeded to leave only to find the car not put back together from a different seat belt recall. It is still at feyer Ford today, September 6th 2025.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Expedition 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Expedition 🔎.

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.

2018 Ford Expedition max 4wd; for the last 4 years I have consistently (1-2x a year) brought this car into a Ford dealership for the transmission failing to go into gear at random times while driving under normal conditions. Even though multiple TSB's had been sent out, they "couldn't replicate" or "no codes found" or "the transmission tech is 4–6 weeks out". . . Nothing was done. Twice while merging into on coming traffic the transmission has been stuck in a gear, will not accelerate or go, and the entire dash illuminates with all the flashing symbols. I'm just glad my children were not in the car with me. It was terrifying. Now, the week of may 18, 2025, I'm back for my annual transmission issue as it stalled on 4/26/2025, and I almost was hit by an 18 wheeler, the Ford dealership said "you need a transmission overhaul, tcm reprogram, and there is internal failure, the cdf drum comes apart and Ford is aware they have a faulty seal. " the total to fix is $8,214. 25 and guess what, none of it is covered. I have kept my vehical serviced and always taken care of it. But I will have to pay the price to fix it, or worse if there is a car accident.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Expedition 🔎.

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.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated when the vehicle was started in the morning, the engine was idling rough while making an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but the rattling sound became worse and more frequent. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to customer satisfaction program: 21n03 (engine and engine cooling) for cam phaser replacement. The contact questioned the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the program. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under customer satisfaction program: 24e13 for an ignition and tcm (power train) software update. The contact stated that following the software update, the transmission was slipping out of gear and was hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was returned to same dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission shift cable bushing had failed, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 69,401.

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the response I have received regarding the cam phaser replacement for my 2018 Ford Expedition. Why is my vehicle not covered under the cam phaser customer satisfaction program 21n03, where 100% of the amount was covered under this program. I had my vehicle diagnosed from malloy Ford with TSB 23-2148 vcts replacement. My vehicle has extremely low mileage for being a 2018 with only 44,000 miles. After contacting Ford motor company’s customer service, I was informed that the faulty cam phasers on my vehicle are not showing under the field service action report. I am aware that for the cam phasers to be marked as faulty within the field service action (fsa) records, the issue must first be diagnosed and repaired under the 21b10 powertrain control module (pcm) program for the cam phaser rattle. Once this procedure has been performed, if the problem persists, the cam phasers can then be replaced under customer satisfaction program 21n03 – cam phaser replacement. Despite this clarification, I remain extremely dissatisfied with the outcome the NHTSA and Ford motor company has done to remedy this issue for millions of customers. I believe more can be done to address this issue promptly under the know customer satisfaction program 21n03. The rattle from the cam phasers remains a persistent problem and has not been resolved. More needs to be done to help the millions of customers that are experiencing these issues and help them to avoid the outgrows repair bills only caused by Ford motor company using cheap parts. Please help remedy this situation.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound on cold starts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the powertrain control module(pcm) reflash was performed under Ford campaign number : 21n03; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact that she would need to leave the vehicle at their location for three weeks for the cam phasers replacement; however, the contact declined because the dealer did not offer vehicle rental assistance. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine misfired. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

The powertrain control system has detected an internal pcm communications error pcm will invoke failure mode effect management.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Expedition 🔎.

In June 2024, my 2019 Ford Expedition experienced serious transmission and powertrain problems. Diagnostic testing identified catalyst efficiency codes (p0430), and I was given a repair estimate that included catalytic converter replacement. The vehicle also displayed repeated “service engine soon” and “powertrain malfunction/reduced power” warnings. Because the vehicle became undrivable and the repair costs were unaffordable, I was forced to release it to auction in June 2024, resulting in a significant financial loss. In April 2025, Ford issued recall 24e13 acknowledging that pcm programming errors could falsely trigger catalyst efficiency codes (such as p0430), potentially leading to unnecessary catalytic converter replacements, exactly the condition my vehicle experienced. This recall defect directly contributed to the loss I suffered, as I still owed about $11,000 on the vehicle when I could no longer use it. I have already opened a case with Ford (case #cxh05645573c2w6r6), but I have not received meaningful assistance. When I contacted Ford customer service, I was not offered escalation or resolution. I was only told to call another phone number, which left my case unresolved. I respectfully request that NHTSA review Ford’s handling of this defect, including the financial impact on owners like myself who incurred substantial losses before the recall was announced.

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.

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!.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the cam phaser and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The contact related the failure to customer satisfaction program: 21b10 (powertrain control module reprogram for cam phaser rattle). The failure mileage was 121,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted. The contact turned on the hazard lights and shifted into neutral(n) and coasted to the side of the roadway. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to exceed 20 mph. The failure was self-corrected but returned intermittently. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the failure became more persistent. The contact stated that while idling, the transmission was downshifting. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the tcm and engine had failed. The mechanic had stated the tcm needed to be flushed, and the computer system needed reprogramming. The vehicle was in the process to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Expedition 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the transmission downshifted to first gear unexpectedly, causing the rear tires to lock. The vehicle drove off the road and into a ditch. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injury and was able to drive to the nearby residence. The contact stated that he was an independent mechanic. The contact stated that he used a vehicle scanner and retrieve diagnostic trouble code p1500, indicating a rear output speed sensor failure. The contact determined that the tcm needed to be replaced. The contact purchased the tcm from the dealer and replaced the tcm. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving under 35 mph, the transmission was shifting hard and hesitating between gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (tcm) needed to be replaced; however, no repairs were completed. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made rattling sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to customer satisfaction program: 21n08 (pcm reprogram due to engine shudder) and that the cam phaser also needed to be replaced. However, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer declined the repair due to the vehicle's salvage title. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined the replacement part due to the salvage title. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the engine emitted abnormal loud rattling sounds. There was no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle would not shift from one gear to the other automatically. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the transmission control module (tcm) needed to be reprogrammed. However, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The contact referenced Ford customer satisfaction program numbers: 21b10 21n03 and 21n08. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

Driving thru atlanta traffic stop and go . One time I took off and all of a sudden vehicle jerk and didn’t go . Next time it lunged forward . I notice the vehicle shutters between 20-30mph tried to get a appointment with Ford nothing available till August . Went to panama city shopping the other day with my son he could not believe how bad the vehicle lunges sometimes and sometimes it stalls before take off . Makes me very nervous to drive am I gonna get stranded in heavy traffic ? call Ford they said needs pcm reprogrammed she tried to make appt to no avail . She knew what I was talking bout when I called her . Said you need to get it in right of way . Well dealerships say they are months out what do I do now . Ford is a disgrace 80,000 for vehicle and I have had numerous issues.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated a rattling sound was heard coming from the engine compartment after starting the vehicle. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The independent mechanic was called and stated that the failure was related to the cam phaser, which needed replacement. The independent mechanic stated that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed of a recall which the vehicle was included in regarding the cam phaser. The contact stated she received notice of the customer satisfaction program for the cam phaser however, the part was on backorder. The contact was advised of a pcm upgrade to correct the issue however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was advised to contact NHTSA for assistance. The customer service representative at Ford looked up the VIN and told the contact to call NHTSA as there was nothing they could do. The failure mileage was 67,000.

Vehicle lost power while driving (in motion) on highway. No engine power, loss of steering control. Only 1,400 miles on vehicle from new. Dealer service indicated ground wire broke to pcm power control module. Caused fuse 77 to short open.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Expedition 🔎.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who indicated that the power train control module needed to be replaced to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Expedition 🔎.

Why is there no warning light,or signal of any kind when the pcm fails? our pcm failed, which caused our catalytic converters, 02 sensors, & fuel pump to fail. Our ignition coils had to be replaced. Would have been nice if a warning light came on the dash. This has caused our Expedition engine to randomly shut off while driving countless times! I have miraculously been able to maneuver my Expedition to the side of the freeway &have it towed eight times without killing myself, my family or any one else! we have had odd electrical and performance problems since August of 2002 when we purchased it. Not one Ford mechanic (3 different dealerships) could ever diagnose or repair issues. Because there is no warning light/code when the pcm is out, the damage snowballs. There are no computer codes, or warning lights to show up on the dash board when the pcm is out, which befuddles the mechanics. We are literally $5,000 in the hole so far! Ford dealership "repaired" our Expedition by replacing the pcm ($1,300. 00). 48 hours after they replaced the pcm, and 18 miles after we drove Expedition off the Ford lot, the "service engine soon" light came up on the dashboard -for the first time ever! we drove back to the Ford dealership, and he said for $3,400 plus tax he could replace our new catalytic converters in "bank one" that were destroyed again, & the "bank two" converters which are now very weak, not up to spec. The driver's seat motor that has been fickle since Aug of 2002, stopped working when we went to pick it up, so I can't drive it, because I can't reach the gas or brake pedals. $800 will fix that, Ford says. If you google "2003 Ford Expedition eddie bauer engine shuts off randomly", thousands of people are reporting the same issues. Until someone crashes and dies, I don't think Ford cares. The consumer also stated the vehicle had electrical problems. The consumer stated the driver's seat motor stopped working while being serviced at the dealer, there were problems with the windows as well.

After picking up this new vehicle driving down the hwy this vehicle made a loud noise coming from the tranmission area. . Seconds later the vehicle lock up and and sent me into a spin. The vehicle would not go into gear so I called a tow truck and had the vehicle take to the dearlership. The dealership replaced the transmission mechatronix unit and the tcm unit. After picking the vehicle I 600 mile more on the vehicle and it did the samething. So I had take it in to another dealership they found that they had to replace the transmission pump gear. So I'm wondering is there a recall on these Expeditions.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Expedition 🔎.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Expedition. Ever since the vehicle was purchased, the transmission has experienced difficulty shifting from gear to gear. The contact has taken the vehicle back to the dealer at least four times, but they cannot determine the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000. Updated 03-09-09 the transmission shifted erratic at higher gears. Also the vehicle was sluggish on acceleration. The dealer reprogrammed the pcm and tcm. The consumer continued to experience problems. Updated 03/11/09.

See all problems of the 2008 Ford Expedition 🔎.

June 5, 2003 to: mr. William clay Ford, jr. Via fax  313-845-6073 from: judy hardin (281-272-2845) re: outraged over scam Ford motor is pulling on customers who own a Ford SUV!!!!!! we will make sure this scam stops here and now!!!!! you knew when you designed the Ford SUV vehicles that the intake valves were a piece of junk!!!!!!!!!!!!! my husband and I went to arkansas in our 99 Ford explorer. The 2nd day we arrived the vehicle stopped at the hotel. It would not start. We contacted a Ford dealerships service department and before I could explain exactly what was going on, the serviceman informed me he knew exactly what te problem was. He stated they had several vehicles in the shop prior and at that time with the same problem. When we arrived at the service area, there were 7 individuals besides my husband and I, with Ford explorers, waiting to have their vehicles repaired due to the same problem, the intake valve. A coincidence???? I think not!!!!! that repair cost my husband and I over $300. 00. The serviceman even informed us he would never buy a Ford SUV and he works for your company!!!!! my brother, alfred anderson, who purchased an american made vehicle for the 1st time in 15 years. Made the biggest mistake of his life when he purchased the Ford Expeditioneddie bauer. The vehicle was placed in the shop last week and guess what the problem was, OH yeah, the intake valve!!!! he had to pay over $300. 00 also for a problem you knew about all along!!!! not only that, several of his CO-workers, of which are starting a petition, placed their Ford suvs in service for the same exact issue. My brothers SUV overheated yesterday, which cost him over $400. 00 to have repaired. This is yet another way Ford is making money from customers !!!! this will not continue!!! I am outraged and disappointed because my husband and I purchased only Ford vehicles (trucks) in the past but, this is the first and last time we will purchase a Ford SUV!!!.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Expedition 🔎.

While waiting at stop light with foot on the brakes vehicle suddenly, without warning, surged forward 2-3 feet. Had taken vehicle to dealership several times, and mechanic placed vehicle on diagnostic machine. No codes appeared for surging problem. Mechanic did replace air by pass valve, and had reprogramed pcm.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Expedition 🔎.

On day of purchase, vehicle shook, pulled to right and required constant steering corrections to maintain course. Steering is very sensitive and there is a tracking problem. Returned to dealer three times and vehicle has been at dealer for correction of these problems 14 days.

Control trac system malfunctions. Yh.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Expedition 🔎.