Differential Unit Problems of Ford Expedition

Ford Expedition owners have reported 20 problems related to differential unit (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Expedition based on all problems reported for the Expedition.

1 Differential Unit problem of the 2019 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 12/01/2022

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition the contact stated that while driving there was vibration in the front differential. The vehicle felt like it was in 4wd when in was actually in 2wd. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. While driving approximately 30-35 mph there was a vibration and shimmy in the steering wheel the vehicle was taken to the local dealer in July 2021 where it was diagnosed the failure was due to the front differential the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred him to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

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2 Differential Unit problem of the 2016 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 01/26/2022

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 2 mph, the accelerator was depressed, and there was a grinding sound coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with rear differential failure. On a separate occasion, a year later the rear differential failure recured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the rear end was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 85,913.

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3 Differential Unit problem of the 2009 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 09/20/2018

Rear and front differential leaks caused expensive fixes. Fuel issue is that the sensor doesn't work correctly in very cold weather and constantly shows zero miles to empty on information panel. Caused us to fun out of fuel on a few occasions. On the fuel this happens in motion, the differential was caught on a tune up and fixed at that time.

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4 Differential Unit problem of the 2016 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 07/27/2017

The front differential failed causing loud grinding noiise.

5 Differential Unit problem of the 2013 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 10/19/2015

At 13,000 miles rear differential started showing signs of failure, Ford stated howl and noise was normal. At 31,000 miles Ford stated there was an issue and ring and pinion had begun to fail. Had it failed while driving the rear end would have most likely locked up. A complete work order with part numbers is available for NHTSA review.

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6 Differential Unit problem of the 2015 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 06/16/2015

2015 Ford Expedition el limited noted to have whistling/whining noise with acceleration. Evaluated by a Ford dealer. Found to have defective seal on rear axle with loss of lubricating fluid and damage to the differential. This was near miss; no accident/injury occurred. Given that this part failed on a brand new vehicle (less than one month old) and dealer is unable to repair the vehicle for 3-6 weeks due to unavailability of replacement parts, I am concerned that Ford knows that there is a problem with this part but has chosen not to share that information.

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7 Differential Unit problem of the 1999 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 11/26/2013

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the rear differential dropped and caused him to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle swerved and then flipped over. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the rear suspension was completely corroded. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileage was 225,000.

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8 Differential Unit problem of the 2004 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/07/2007

2004 Expedition XLT 2wd. Trying to find out more about (technical service bulletin) dealing with the rear end/differential problem. I also mentioned that just recently there is a gurgling sound coming from the exhaust. Sounds like it wants to backfire or like there is water in the system. I was told by the art hill dealership that has to do with the differential and that they can not fix the exhaust until I get the differential fixed. Every other dealership I talk to gives me the run around and say it's my problem. We've had mustangs in the past and this is our second Expedition. We've always loved Fords up until now!!! there is a known problem with the 03-05 Expeditions rear end/differential but it seems to be ignored. I was told it was the tires at first so I replace them, then I was told it would go away. Well it hasn't and then I was told it would cost 1,727. 00 to fix!!!! this is an outrage!!! we were thinking of purchasing a 2007 model but the service that we have been receiving lately. . . . . We may try another brand. Please help we want to stay with Ford. .

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9 Differential Unit problem of the 1998 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 07/05/2006

Began making noise. Had it checked and repaired by dealer. Dealer said this was a "factory" defect where the ring and pinion gear were very badly mis-aligned. The Ford dealership mechanic said it was the worst he has ever seen. He said this was responsible for the pending failure. He said if we had waited, it would have caused a failure. We reported this to Ford motor company, but they said they would take no responsibility. We feel since this was a factory defect and not normal wear and tear that the company should take responsibility for this.

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10 Differential Unit problem of the 2003 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 04/05/2004

The transmission has failed twice in my Ford explorer, first at about 2500 and now, after a rebuilt engine was installed, at 205,000. As well, I have had differential problems, moon roof issues, paint issues, cracked head, etc.

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11 Differential Unit problem of the 1997 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 02/01/2004

The consumer stated that the differential failed. The consumer heard a hissing noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The mechanic at the Ford dealership determined that the differential was defective. The brakes made noise when the vehicle was in motion.

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12 Differential Unit problem of the 1999 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 06/01/2003

A "spacer" within the differential disintegrated, and caused the differential to shift which resulted in a rear wheel lock up while driving. The unit was completely sealed for no reason. There was noise coming from the rear end and the anti lock brakes activated. As the consumer immediately pulled over, the transmission locked up, and the vehicle started to shake. The carrier bearing was completely destroyed and caused the ring to move away from the pinion gear and destroyed all of the rear axle components.

13 Differential Unit problem of the 2001 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 02/05/2003

Pinion seal leaking at 34,000 miles. Took to holmes tuttle Ford dealership in tucson, az for repairs. Six thousand miles later pinion seals again failed prematurely. Ford dealership willnot call back after two attempts.

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14 Differential Unit problem of the 2000 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 04/10/2002

No summary listed for above vehicle.

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15 Differential Unit problem of the 1999 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 01/08/2001

In reference to rear differential seal blew out, causing failure of both sets of rear brakes/ discs and parking drums.

16 Differential Unit problem of the 2000 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 03/13/2000

Vehicle experiencing rear differential noise while driving consumer waited for parts and had the vehicle repaired but the problem still exists.

17 Differential Unit problem of the 1998 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 02/01/2000

Rear differntial fluid covers brakes, makes braking difficult (major hazzard??).

18 Differential Unit problem of the 2003 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 09/03/1999

Humming noise from front differentials. Spring required to be added to front differential. Rear differential also had to be replaced due to parts missing from factory according to the dealer. All this happen within 2,000 miles of purchase on my 2003 Ford Expedition.

19 Differential Unit problem of the 1997 Ford Expedition

Consumer has noticed that differential vent is building up pressure, and causing oil to spill into engine compartment which is causing a fire hazard. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer was provided with instructions from manufacturer for correcting problem. Please provide any further details.

20 Differential Unit problem of the 1997 Ford Expedition

Upon merging into oncoming traffic consumer heard a noise and vehicle seized to accelerate. Dealership indicated that this was caused by rear differential breaking. This was a common problem. The part was replaced.



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