Power Train Problems of Ford Expedition - part 1

Ford Expedition owners have reported 861 problems related to power train (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 Power Train problem of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 11/03/2025

Transmission stalls, shifts hard, shutters,. Had the transmission rebuilt about four months agoand similar issues are already starting with the rebuilt transmission.

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2 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 11/03/2025

I was driving down the road at 45 mph, I pushed the accelerator then my vehicle shifted out of drive to neutral, the rpm increased, the car speed decelerated, then the vehicle put itself back in gear severely downshifted so much that my car lost 20 mph then the engine returned to normal after a violent shake and loud grinding noise. The car could have caused an accident had there been anyone behind me. Luckily there were no other cars around me. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer. They are unable to duplicate the issue I stated but did indicate a skip in cylinders when they hooked it up. I had the transmission overhauled at 53k when it was not shifting properly. I asked Ford to replace the transmission however they elected to overhaul it. From time to time the transmission would shift odd but nothing of over concern. The incident on Nov 3 was very unusual and safety of travel for me. The vehicle had done something similar earlier that morning but that time it was from a stop and no speed so not nearly as violent as the one later that evening. The vehicle is currently sitting at a dealer needing a transmission replaced, however the vehicle is 500 miles over the 75k esp. Ford is refusing to discuss the problem.

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3 Power Train problem of the 2019 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 11/03/2025

When you try to accelerate quickly, even when you’re switching lanes on the interstate or just driving down the road, the car will sometimes pop out of gear or something and almost comes to a complete stop causing you to almost get rear ended. I’ve almost been hit several times because the car stops and won’t go.

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4 Power Train problem of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 11/01/2025

2020 Ford Expedition fx4. Towing a four wheeler and motorcycle on the expressway. The SUV was in tow / haul mode and on cruise. The car downshifted to go up a incline and made a booming noise and then composed its self. Shortly after, I tried to pass a car, and the trans downshifted, made a couple of loud clunks, shuddered, lost all power. After a couple terrifying seconds it composed itself, found gear and maintained speed, acceleration was not possible as the trans would go out of gear. Further down the road, it did the same thing, clunk, clunk out of gear, no power. There were no warning lights. I took it out of tow mode and tried both sport and standard settings, both had similar issues. This was the scariest situation I have ever been in with a car mechanical issue. Note: we were ~120 miles into the 160mile trip. The oat temperature was ~45 degrees. Trans temp showed 250 degrees when acting up, and dropped to 220 by the time the trip ended. Odometer shows ~77k. Cpo, dealer maintained.

5 Power Train problem of the 2017 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 10/27/2025

The transmission suddenly downshifted to 1st gear while traveling at 45 mph with no warning. This created a very dangerous and life threatening occurence.

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6 Power Train problem of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 10/27/2025

The transmission failed. It is being rebuilt when the dealership can get to it. So it's available until then. The transmission would slip, lag shifting or slam into gear sporadically and unpredictably. This caused inconvenience at best and erratic vehicle behavior that endangered myself and other drivers at worst. This has been confirmed by the dealer who recommended a rebuild with improved parts to correct this know condition/failure. Yes the Ford dealer inspected the transmission. There we never any warnings or messages to indicate anything is wrong. The symptoms progressed for a couple days before I brought it to Ford.

7 Power Train problem of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 10/24/2025

While overtaking another vehicle on the interstate at 75 mph, a loud clunk was heard and drive power was temporarily lost as the car slowed by 20 mph. The transmission subsequently reengaged, enabling the vehicle to regain speed. At that time, there was no traffic behind. No warning lights appeared, and the dashboard gauge indicated normal transmission temperature. The transmission fluid had been changed approximately 5,000 miles earlier during the 100,000-mile service. Since this event occurred late Friday afternoon, I was unable to contact the dealer.

8 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 10/18/2025

The transmission started jerking and downshifting and and like the brakes was coming on and stoping you and I was pulling out onto the road and it wouldn’t go and I was setting in the middle of the road with oncoming traffic and scared for my life, luckily I didn’t have anyone with me and it moved a little and I was finally able to get it out of the road. This is the problem everyone is having Ford you need to recall these transmissions and replace them with new ones that are better this is a shame and bad business. It is hard enough to afford buying vehicles in this day and time and then it need a transmission that is expensive to replace.

9 Power Train problem of the 2012 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 10/13/2025

Over a period of time this problem is occurring more often. The vehicle will downshift into first gear. I pull over check engine light is on. I turn off wait turn back on and no problem for awhile. Within the last month this has occurred many times . Each time the check engine light comes on but also now the advance track light. Each time I have the same codes pulled. Driving on the highway with my daughter at 65mph it downshifted and the back tires locked up . Vehicles had to swerve to miss us. The check engine light was on advance track light same codes pulled. The dealership said it’s not in the recall even though it was built in jefferson CO kentucky 9/2011. I don’t understand why this vehicle wasn’t recalled . I have to continue to drive it’s my only vehicle. I’m so scared for my life.

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10 Power Train problem of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 10/08/2025

I am writing to bring attention to what I believe is a serious and ongoing issue related to the design of my vehicle’s transmission system. I recently contacted Ford motor corp. Regarding this matter and was assigned a case number; however, the case was open and closed within a 5-minute conversation. I was informed that there are currently no known issues or recalls related to the transmission in my vehicle. Despite this, there is a problem I continue to experience recurring transmission problems that raise significant safety concerns while operating the vehicle at various speeds. Erratic and unreliable shifting, the transmission often feels like it is “floating” between gears, shifting abruptly, or sometimes not shifting at all. Slipping gear, there are frequent instances many of which I would consider close calls where the transmission slips during acceleration, causing a sudden and unexpected loss of power. These issues make it extremely unsafe to perform routine driving maneuvers such as pulling out from a stop sign into moving highway traffic, crossing busy intersections, merging onto highways, or responding quickly to changing traffic conditions. The inconsistent vehicle response under normal driving conditions puts not only my family, but others on the road, at significant risk. Based on my own experience and further research, I am concerned that this may be a broader, well-documented issue that has not been adequately addressed by the manufacturer. The Ford dealerships are aware of this problem and are so inundated that the current dealership cannot even see my vehicle for over a month and I am told have parts delay due to the repair demand. Given the nature and potential danger of these transmission problems, I respectfully urge a thorough investigation into this matter. Thank you for your attention to this serious concern.

11 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 10/08/2025

Since November 2024 to date the transmission has reduced power when trying to accelerate thus being unsafe when trying to pull out into traffic. It also will not engage reverse thus again impeding when in traffic. It appears randomly. Verified software has been updated. Ford is saying complete transmission replacement is needed on a vehicle that is only 7 years old.

12 Power Train problem of the 2019 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 10/07/2025

After Ford recall 24e13 (powertrain control module reprogramming) was completed on my 2019 Ford Expedition max, the vehicle immediately developed transmission problems. It began hesitating to go into reverse and then produced dtc p0736 (reverse gear ratio incorrect). Within days, it failed to shift properly and was returned by the dealership. The issue occurred only after the recall repair, indicating a possible calibration or programming fault that affected the powertrain. Ford dealership staff acknowledged metal in the fluid but gave inconsistent explanations and then claimed the transmission had to be replaced. The vehicle also displayed a “powertrain system fault” warning. No such problems existed before the recall. This raises a safety concern because transmission malfunction after a recall could cause loss of control or failure to move the vehicle. The vehicle was returned to us on October 7, 2025; it remains unsafe to drive. Ford corporate has been notified (case cxh-05773791-t4g0r8), but no resolution has been provided. I am requesting NHTSA review this as a potential post-recall powertrain safety failure related to recall 24e13.

13 Power Train problem of the 2019 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 10/01/2025

The cam phaser failed in 2023 and 2025. It kept the vehicle from starting. The transmission has failed twice in the past two years.

14 Power Train problem of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 09/27/2025

Transmission exhibits harsh shifting and slippage. One scary example is when accelerating at highway speeds, transmission will occasionally and suddenly drop into first gear causing complete loss of power to the wheels. On occasion will also display transmission warning on dash and lock into 4th gear, causing vehicle to exhibit downshift breaking and rapidly slow vehicle when in traffic at highway speeds.

15 Power Train problem of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 09/26/2025

Transmission losing power while driving. This is a known safety hazard with this 10r80 10 speed transmission with a poorly designed cdf drum. Ford chooses to wait and hope for power train warranty to expire so can be fixed at customer’s expense. This is a safety issue. If I was entering a roadway and needed to accelerate and car had no power, a terrible accident could happen.

16 Power Train problem of the 2021 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 09/15/2025

Nn 9/15/2025 while the car was running but parked, we began to smell burnt plastic/electrical. Upon trying to shut off the vehicle several service lamps came on advising to go immediately to a service center and that there was a powertrain issue. Vehicle would also not shut off. Upon arrival at dealership they diagnosed that the battery box had corroded and would need replaced under the 1time battery junction box replacement campaign (22n19). Upon repair they discovered that the wiring harness was badly melted and would need replace part [xxx] . The problem lies here. This part is backordered with no date for availability. Ford refuses to acknowledge this as a problem, and will not help with rental or loaner assistance, as that repair shouldn't take more then a few hours to complete. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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17 Power Train problem of the 2019 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 09/15/2025

Ford 10 speed automatic transmission. Driving at highway speeds the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode. This dropped the vehicle speed from 70 mph to 20 mph without warning. A flashing wrench indicator light on the dash illuminated. A grinding noise coming from underneath the vehicle occurred. Our vehicle has an extended warranty. The vehicle was dropped off at the dealership it was purchased from. Dealership stated the separator plate inside the transmission was defective and needed replaced. The work was completed and the vehicle has been returned to us. This could have caused a significant accident on the freeway. Luckily with experienced drivers this was avoided.

18 Power Train problem of the 2017 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 09/10/2025

The vehicle has not been inspected by anybody so the problem is not been reproduced. It just happened this morning. There have not been any check engine lights or anything related pop up on the dash. I was leaving my house I just reached highway speeds 50 to 60 miles per hour I was in 5th or 6th gear. The transmission suddenly downshifted on its own to first gear it downshifted so hard and so fast that it barked the tires really hard the rpms went up to 5 to 6,000 I thought that it had somehow been hit into reverse or park or something I am the only one in the vehicle. I shift the vehicle into neutral and then I went back down to manual and cycled up and down a gear and then put it back in drive.

19 Power Train problem of the 2021 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 09/05/2025

Automobile falls out of gear randomly losing all forward power to move the car. While pulling out into traffic, this causes the car to not gain speed with traffic endangering those in the car. Dealer currently has the car and has quoted to replace the transmission with a rebuilt unit. No warning lights in the car to tell us anything was wrong. Based on research, I believe Ford knows this transmission is faulty, and will not recall due to cost. Issue has scared my wife and family on multiple occasions before finally getting a scheduled check on the car.

20 Power Train problem of the 2014 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 09/05/2025

Was driving 80mph down the highway when instantly the rear wheels locked up, green wrench came on dashboard and my car came to a screeching halt. Complete loss of power, and am very lucky it did not create a major pile up on the highway! had to "bunny" hop it over 4 lanes of traffic and barely survived the most terrifying experience of my life. Had it towed and the mechanic shop said the throttle body/actuator had magnetic problem which is very common, are you kidding me?! but there are no recalls on it, and they had to replace the entire unit, and now I am scared to death to drive the vehicle ever again. I am also very lucky it did not happen on snow, ice, or rain!!!!! so dangerous and so scary!!!! and I could barely hop it out of oncoming traffic. . . . How can a vehicle go from 80mph to zero in . 02 seconds due to a faulty part and there is no recall???? so grateful to be alive!!!! Ford needs to take some responsibility before there are deaths from a very simple preventative measure due to a part completely failing. After looking it up online I read hundred's of people having the same issue.

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21 Power Train problem of the 2021 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

10r80 transmission jerky shifting and failing to engage correctly leading to loss of power and unsafe driving/ jerky acceleration.

22 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

At highway speed the car erratically shifted and lost power most likely due to cdf drum failure in the transmission. It happens randomly due to a known transmission issue. Can you imagine loosing power at hwy speed with a vehicle full of children?.

23 Power Train problem of the 2021 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/29/2025

While towing a rented trailer from tractor supply, the trailer detached because it was not properly secured by store staff. The trailer struck the rear bumper of my 2021 Ford Expedition, causing visible body damage and raising concerns about hidden damage to the drivetrain and transmission due to the sudden force of the impact. After the incident, the vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership for inspection. Documentation exists showing that additional drivetrain and transmission evaluation is needed to determine the full extent of damage. The rear-view camera is also under active NHTSA recall (25v048), and its poor image quality complicates safe reversing after the incident. The safety risk is significant: the trailer detachment created a roadway hazard and impact, while the rear camera defect reduces visibility and increases crash risk when backing. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership and is being reviewed under an insurance claim with tractor supply’s insurer. Full documentation of the service visit and inspection is available upon request.

24 Power Train problem of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/29/2025

While driving on the interstate (I-35) and attempting to pass a vehicle, the transmission went out of gear and felt like it was in neutral for a few seconds and then ‘clunked” back into gear finally. This happened 4 times that day. This happens almost every time we go on a trip with this vehicle and is extremely dangerous to my family as well as other drivers. This seems to be a common issue with this model/year. It’s been reported to our dealer multiple times and they attempt to reprogram but doesn’t change anything. They said there’s no other fix. I have extended warranty.

25 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/28/2025

The transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral while accelerating, particularly between 3rd and 5th gear. This is very dangerous, as the car loses power and stalls. This has led to several close calls, such as when merging into traffic or accelerating from a stoplight, which almost resulted in me being rear-ended or t-boned.

26 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/26/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission independently upshifted and then shifted into neutral. The contact stated that the transmission temperature gauge became elevated, and the vehicle shuddered while accelerating. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced twice before owning the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

27 Power Train problem of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/20/2025

Ongoing problem already had 2 repairs done to transmission. Gears o not shift properly when the gears go from 3-4 and 6-7. If I am not careful when I press on the gas and try to accelerate it does not shift gears and gets stuck on and my truck will not move more than 5-10 mph while I am trying to get on the highway at times with trailers coming full speed ahead behind me. I have reported this issue many times. There has been no remedy. The gears get stuck and make a jerking motion and movement causing truck to slow and barely move. It is not just a one time thing so I cant give a specific date as it happens often.

28 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/11/2025

As I was driving yesterday, my transmission began making a strange noise and did a hard shift. About 1/2 mile later it made the noise again and downshifted to first and would not shift up. I was able to turn off the main road I was on to a side street where I put the car in park and shut it off to look under and around it. Not seeing anything I got back in and started it. I wanted to try to get it into a nearby parking lot, but after being shut off it began shifting again and I was able to get it home. It has had hard shift issues before and lagging response issues, but this is the first time it has done the downshift and noise. I went to some online forums and found multiple people with a similar issue, one of which suggested reporting it.

29 Power Train problem of the 2012 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/11/2025

I was driving my 2012 Expedition and suddenly the vehicle went from doing 60 to 40 immediately the tires squealed and threw me into the right lane . This vehicle transmission has a recall for down shifting and power train issues. My VIN number does not fit the recall but my vehicle has all the symptoms of multiple recalls and is not safe to drive . Had I not known how to drive I and my daughter would be in the hospital due to the faulty transmission lead frame and power train . I contacted Ford head quarters they were no help even though there is clearly a recall . I also took the truck to Ford of valparaiso and had to pay the 1,000 dollars for the lead frame to be replaced which was in the recall and I shouldn't have had to pay anything . . Them replacing the lead frame did nothing the car is still not drive able and is extremely unsafe its my only vehicle and I am a single mother of 2 kids .

30 Power Train problem of the 2019 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/10/2025

The 10 speed transmission, also known as 10r80, is absolutely horrible and should be banned. I have had Ford rebuild the transmission more than once and also fully replaced with multiple shop visit with other trans issues. Constant jerking, poor shifting, delayed gear recognition, slipping gears while going highway speeds, are all causes for great concern. I am worried all the time that I may get in an accident with one of the skipping that occurs several times monthly. This trans must be fully recalled due to its safety! this is a major safety issue. Who wants to pay $90,000. 00 on a car to have constant transmission issues and jerky driving? this jerking has been worsening again lately and worried I need another trans repair. This happened again today which brings me to this complaint as Ford wont fiix the issue, needing a new style trans altogether!.

31 Power Train problem of the 2025 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/08/2025

2025 Expedition safety recalls* transit custom passenger airbag replacement recall incomplete connecting rod inspection recall incomplete 3. 5l engine cup plug inspection recall incomplete as no recalls are or have been reported for this vehicle, this report is an initial report in behalf of an investor. Please broadcast "amber alert", as airbags are detrimental for safety during collision accidents of the body size and passager capacity. Please broadcast "amber alert" for highway and safety control.

32 Power Train problem of the 2017 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/07/2025

Truck first would shift out of park but would not engage into a gear causing it to roll unexpectedly in the downhill driveway. Problem self corrected with a few ignition cycles. Week later truck became inoperable at a stop light and require shut down and restart and traffic. Same day truck would not start at all after returning home. Dealer diagnosed 6r80 transmission with molded lead frame assembly failure. This has been subject of a recall or customer satisfaction program for earlier year models but not beyond 2013.

33 Power Train problem of the 2019 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 08/02/2025

The transmission is clunking and hard shifting causing the car to not just go when you accelerate. The car stutters and takes a minute to actually go when you press the accelerator. This has caused multiple times where pulling out of a parking lot has been dangerous since I can’t properly get up and go when need be. I had a mechanic look at my car and he confirmed my transmission needs to be replaced. There was no warning signs or messages about the failure.

34 Power Train problem of the 2020 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 07/29/2025

Driving and transmission gear bumping hard when shifting gears. Have pulled out twice to pass and transmission made hard bump and I could not go anywhere. The last time this happened was 7/29/25 and it made a lot of clanking noise and the faulty light came on. I let off the gas and it went back in gear and I made it home and have not drove it since. Ford dealership said there was no recall on transmission but I have read alot of complaints from other 2020 Expedition owners about this problem I have 70,000. Plus miles and have taken extreme care of this vehicle.

35 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Expedition

Failure Date: 07/27/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the transmission shuddered abnormally and unexpectedly downshifted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 approximately 129,617.



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