Power Train Problems of Ford Expedition - part 2

Vehicles automatic transmission repeatedly looses its gear, often while accelerating. The transmission tries to shift down, but somehow ends up loosing engagement and will not re-engage. This lead to critical/dangerous situations on highways due to the sudden loss of power.

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On several occasions the vehicle will act like it misses a gear when put under load. Example is when you go to pass a vehicle and accelerate the vehicle will just rev up and not speed up. You then have to let the vehicle slow down and sort of get itself back into the right gear and you can go. Another example is taking off from a stop it will also do the same thing causing you to be pulling out into traffic and loosing power. Both of these scenarios are life threating as in both scenarios you could be faced with either on coming traffic or traffic coming at a high rate of speed behind you.

I’ve had multiple instances happen but the two latest are — traveling down the highway when I switched lanes and accelerated moderately. The Expedition downshifted and I heard a massive clunk. I had no power. Started coasting and adjusting myself so I could get to shoulder, and it shifted back into gear. Another instance, I was at a stop sign turning left onto a highway as I turned out onto the road, I had no power and it wouldn’t accelerate while a vehicle was quickly approaching from behind. I had to coast onto the shoulder to avoid being hit before it got power and carried on. These conditions create a significant safety risk because the vehicle may fail to accelerate when entering the highway, merging into traffic, crossing traffic, making left turns, or avoiding hazards.

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 25v197000 (seat belts), 26v344000 (seat belts), 26v368000 (structure), and 26v402000 (power train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

For the past three years I have complained about the transmission dropping out of gear. It happens most often if I'm towing a trailer. I seems to occur in spurts, happening a couple of times in a few days then not for some time. Very dangerous if you pull around to pass and suddenly you lose power. Originally the dealership said they could find nothing wrong. I have read recently that Ford is having trouble with their transmissions. At my latest service appointment, I restated my problem and was told I need a new transmission.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the message "vehicle in park" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into park(p) on two separate occasions. There was an abnormally loud clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v402000 (power train). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

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I am submitting this complaint regarding the transmission in my 2019 Ford Expedition because I believe it presents a serious safety hazard that should be investigated for a safety recall. My vehicle has approximately 108,000 miles. While driving at highway speeds, particularly when attempting to pass another vehicle, the transmission will suddenly stop providing power to the wheels. The vehicle completely loses acceleration without warning, making it impossible to safely complete a passing maneuver. This creates an extremely dangerous situation because I am left vulnerable in fast-moving traffic with no ability to accelerate out of the way of other vehicles. What makes this defect even more concerning is that the vehicle does not set any diagnostic trouble codes or illuminate a warning light when the failure occurs. After the incident, the transmission resumes normal operation and drives as though nothing happened, making it difficult to diagnose despite the serious safety risk. I have found that many owners of 2019 Ford Expeditions and other Ford vehicles equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission have reported similar symptoms. Many of these reports identify premature failure of the cdf drum as a likely cause of the transmission malfunction. While I cannot personally confirm the exact internal failure without disassembly, the symptoms my vehicle exhibits are consistent with those widely reported by other owners. A vehicle should not unexpectedly lose the ability to accelerate while traveling at highway speeds, especially during passing maneuvers where acceleration is essential for safety. This defect places drivers, passengers, and others on the road at risk of a serious crash. I respectfully request that this issue be thoroughly investigated and that, if a common manufacturing or design defect is confirmed, Ford be required to issue a safety recall so affected owners are not forced to bear the cost of repairing a defect that poses a significant risk t.

Component: 2021 Ford Expedition max 10r80 transmission. The cdf clutch cylinder (7h351) sleeve exhibits axial movement, breaking the clutch apply-pressure seal so commanded torque is not transmitted to the wheels. Engine revs while the vehicle fails to accelerate or move forward. Vehicle is available for NHTSA inspection and testing. Incidents (7/5/2026, same drive cycle): (1) highway, after braking from a 60 mph cruise to a 15-20 mph roll over a few hundred feet, the transmission failed to engage any gear on re-acceleration. (2) city, at 35 mph while accelerating to merge lanes, the transmission again failed to engage a gear. Engine 205-220f, trans 200-210f, indicated gears 4th/5th, odometer 120,217. Second owner; purchased at 115,067 mi. Safety: sudden, unannounced loss of forward propulsion with no dash warning directly endangers my wife, my children, and other motorists during ordinary driving. Merging: stuck at 40-50 mph in 65-80 mph traffic invites a high-differential rear-end impact. Intersections/left turns: a mid-turn stall exposes the passenger side (where my family sits) to a t-bone at posted speed. Evasive maneuvers: failed acceleration converts a near-miss into an unavoidable collision. Grades: the ~7,000-lb SUV can roll backward or stall in-lane on short-sight-line hills. Towing (rated capacity, used regularly) magnifies every risk to trailer and following traffic. Shoulder stranding invites secondary collisions, a known highway-fatality cause. The defect is unpredictable. I cannot pre-empt merges, intersections, hills, or tows. Dealer/independent confirmation: none. I have not brought the vehicle in for service, to avoid compromising any NHTSA inspection or testing. Mfr/police/insurance inspection: none; no crash has occurred to this date. Prior warnings: none. No lamps, messages, or symptoms preceded these failures, which first occurred 7/5/2026. Ford has documented awareness of the 10r80 cdf clutch cylinder defect and has not issued a recall.

Component: 2021 Ford Expedition max 10r80 transmission. The cdf clutch cylinder (7h351) sleeve exhibits axial movement, breaking the clutch apply-pressure seal so commanded torque is not transmitted to the wheels. Engine revs while the vehicle fails to accelerate or move forward. Vehicle is available for NHTSA inspection and testing. Incidents (7/5/2026, same drive cycle): (1) highway — after braking from a 60 mph cruise to a 15-20 mph roll, the transmission failed to engage any gear on re-acceleration. (2) city — at 35 mph while accelerating to merge lanes, the transmission again failed to engage a gear. Engine 205-220f, trans 200-210f, indicated gears 4th/5th, odometer 120,217. Second owner; purchased at 115,067 mi. Safety: sudden, unannounced loss of forward propulsion with no dash warning directly endangers my wife, my children, and other motorists during ordinary driving. Merging: stuck at 40-50 mph in 65-80 mph traffic invites a high-differential rear-end impact. Intersections/left turns: a mid-turn stall exposes the passenger side (where my family sits) to a t-bone at posted speed. Evasive maneuvers: failed acceleration converts a near-miss into an unavoidable collision. Grades: the ~7,000-lb SUV can roll backward or stall in-lane on short-sight-line hills. Towing (rated capacity) magnifies every risk to trailer and following traffic. Shoulder stranding invites secondary collisions, a known highway-fatality cause. The defect is unpredictable — I cannot pre-empt merges, intersections, hills, or tows. Dealer/independent confirmation: none. I have not brought the vehicle in for service, to avoid compromising any NHTSA inspection or testing. Mfr/police/insurance inspection: none; no crash has occurred to this date. Prior warnings: none. No lamps, messages, or symptoms preceded these failures, which first occurred 7/5/2026. Ford has documented awareness of the 10r80 cdf clutch cylinder design defect and has not issued a recall (TSB 23-2250).

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.

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Driving on highway, tried to accelerate, the car was acting like it was in neutral and would not accelerate. Checked to ensure I was not. The car began decelerating and I started to pull over. As I entered the brake down lane - the car automatically switched to park jarring the car to a stop. The dashboard provided the following fault "shift system fault service required" tried shifting to drive, neutral, reverse and each time it would shift back to park and give me the warning. Had to have the car towed. The dealership is very vague on the root cause of the issue saying I need a new transmission. I specifically asked if the root cause was the cdf drum issue but they will tell me why the failure happened. Still waiting for my car to be repaired.

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The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started coasting, and thirty seconds later the vehicle operated as intended. The contact then heard a loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

While driving on the interstate and merging to the next lane, my transmission shifted from 9th gear to 1st gear multiple times. My safety and others safety was put at risk due to the car suddenly slowing with no brake lights to indicate I would be slowing. During the incident, I lost approximately 5-10 miles per hour forward speed. The problem has not been looked at or replicated by a dealer at this time. This happened today, 7/2/2026. There have been no warning lamps or other symptoms to indicate a 9th gear to 1st gear change at highway speeds.

Vehicle has intermittent shift issues. Transmission will shift to neutral while in motion. Issue is not terrain specific. Poses extreme safety issue has been looked at and not found by mechanic. Ongoing issue since I took ownership in Nov. 2024.

My 2020 Ford Expedition has a transmission problem. The vehicle has harsh shifting, slipping, hesitation, jerking/lunging, and abnormal shifting while driving. The problem happens during gear changes and creates a safety concern because the vehicle may hesitate, slip, or shift unexpectedly in traffic. I took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The technician diagnosed the issue and recommended replacing the transmission. I believe this may be related to a known Ford 10r80 10-speed automatic transmission defect. I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint and investigate this safety issue.

On July 1st 2026the car violently slammed into park while in traffic. Took the car to the Ford dealership the dealership advised me that the " parking pawl" was damaged and was part of Fords recall. There is currently no fix for this recall and nothing they could do. Called Fords customer service they advised no fix and could continue to drive car. The car has since slammed into park while driving in traffic on July 10 and July 11th.

I bought this 2014 Ford Expedition. I didn't know at the time the triton 5. 4 had a transmission lead frame defect. I asked them to cover it under NHTSA 26v237 but they refused because they dsaid it wasn't part of the recall although this vehicle shares the same exact components. I also asked them to cover it under safety recall 26s28. I ended up having to pay $1842. 00 to get this fixed.

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I am submitting this complaint regarding potential safety issues with my 2018 Ford Expedition max platinum. I purchased the vehicle from sandy sansing Chevrolet in pensacola, florida, and discovered several problems shortly after purchase that I believe may affect the vehicle's safe operation. Within days of purchasing the vehicle, it began displaying an intermittent * oil pressure warning** while driving. Because a low oil pressure condition can lead to engine damage, loss of power, or engine failure, I believe this presents a potential safety concern. The dealership's inspection report completed before the sale states: **"has multiple minor oil leaks, wet but not dripping yet. "** I had the vehicle independently inspected by firestone, which determined the oil leak was coming from the timing cover/timing case area and estimated approximately $3,000 in repairs. I am concerned that the documented oil leak and intermittent low oil pressure warning could increase the risk of engine failure while the vehicle is in operation. I have also experienced what I believe is a brake safety concern. Although the dealership's inspection report indicates the brakes and rotors had been serviced, the brake pedal feels unusually soft or spongy and requires more pedal travel and pressure than expected before the brakes engage. While the vehicle currently stops, I am concerned this condition could reduce braking performance or increase stopping distance. Additional issues include intermittent operation of the power running boards, a non-functioning rear window washer, and a detached rear window defroster electrical connection. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can determine whether these issues are isolated to my vehicle or may indicate a broader safety-related defect affecting other 2018 Ford Expedition vehicles. I can provide the dealership inspection report, firestone inspection and repair estimate, photographs, and other supporting documentation upon request.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of nthsa campaign number: 26v402000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that after shifting to park(p), the vehicle rolled unexpectedly. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,800.

When merging onto the unnerstate I accerlerated about 50-60% throttle and when I did it clunked hard and dropped from 8th gear to neutral and left me coasting down the innerstate for 30 seconds with my child in the car before the transmission would re engage. I feel that this is a very unsafe issue that should be fixed by Ford since it could put me and my family and others in a loss of control situation that could cause harm.

While driving down the highway at 70 miles an hour, the transmission popped out of gear the engine revved, and when the transmission went back into gear, it engaged into second gear and locked up the rear tires on the highway. I believe this is due to the cdf drum bushing, causing line pressure problems. But this has almost caused me in my family to get into an accident.

At highway speed of 70 mph vehicle briefly went into park and shut entire vehicle down, vert traumatized and injured my head from the brief shutdown, could have caused a fatal accident.

I was driving at highway speeds and parking suddenly engaged forcing vehicle to lose all power. While I was able to get the vehicle off the road it could have ended much worse. Ford recognizes this as a recall but because it it is not officially active they will not fix it unless I pay for it. Manufacturer recall number26s48 NHTSA recall number26v402.

My name is [xxx] [xxx] and I own a 2020 Ford Expedition limited max, there is a recall to inspect transmission recall#26s48/26v402. I contacted Ford dealer and stated there is no fix yet, I asked them what do I do in the meantime, stated I have to wait until Ford figures out the fix. So, in the meantime, we have to continue driving this vehicle with this known issue/safety concern and hope that it does not do it again and cause an accident or god forbid something happen to my family. This is my wife's daily driver with our 4 kids; the vehicle has done this twice where it goes into park while still driving on its own. Luckily both times we were only going about 15mph, had to turn the vehicle off to be able to turn it back on. This cannot be good for the transmission; the transmission constantly slips I believe as a result now and when I try to accelerate quickly it hesitates. If I wasn't going to be upside down I would trade it in but unfortunately I can not at the moment. I would like to see something done to fix the issues with this vehicle. Aside from this I have had constant ac issues, the center console trim cut my wife's finger, the running boards sometimes come out, it's an ongoing battle with this vehicle. I would for Ford to fix these issues or buy the vehicle back. Please let me know something, rather it be to fix these issues or buy it back, if I don't hear backi will be consulting a lawyer next. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

2020 Ford Expedition max. Ford issued safety recall 26s48 / NHTSA 26v402 confirming a transmission park pawl defect causing potential rollaway and crash risk. Remedy not available until q2 2027. Vehicle has experienced the exact defect symptoms since at least November 2025 including stuck-in-park diagnostic codes and shifting anomalies. Prior to November 2025 the transmission failed to execute a commanded shift at approximately 65mph while passing another vehicle on an expressway causing sudden unexpected deceleration with family members present — a near-miss consistent with the park pawl defect Ford now confirms. An authorized Ford dealer visit in June 2026 for computer reprogramming included verbal acknowledgment of transmission concerns but no documentation on the repair order. Eight days later Ford issued recall 26s48. Separately this vehicle has generated over 1,400 restraints indicator lamp warnings logged in Ford’s own connected vehicle app since at least April 2023. Restraints warnings began within 30 days of purchase at under 400 miles. Ford issued recall 26s34 / NHTSA 26v344 for front seatbelt retractor inspection on this vehicle. On multiple dealer visits spanning 2021 to 2026 service advisers verbally acknowledged the restraints warning but documented no concern and performed no diagnostic action on repair orders. Ford’s telematics platform received all warnings in real time with no proactive owner notification. Remedy not available for either recall.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, causing the vehicle to shake and jerk abnormally. The speedometer was fluctuating, and the transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the parents' residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in customer satisfaction program: 19n01 (transmission molded leadframe extended coverage). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,500.

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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle decelerated and unexpectedly downshifted to first gear before the vehicle veered over into the next lane. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and steer it back into the correct lane. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19v075000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 147,300.

When trying to pass a vehicle between approximately 40-50 mph, transmission slips out of gear, engine revs, lack of acceleration and a light gear grinding sound followed by a loud bang is heard, vehicle regains gear. Occasionally a 'transmission fault' message appears but does not set a obd2 code. We understand this is likely related to the cdf drum.

The transmission (10r80) in the 2018-2022 Ford Expedition and Ford f-150 vehicles are failing at an alarming rate. There are hard shifts, hesitation, and some vehicles, like mine, drop out of gear at highway speeds putting myself and my family at risk of a traffic collision. The repairs are in the many thousands and there are tens of thousands of transmissions that are failing. Something needs to be done to protect the consumer.

Hard shifting & slipping: drivers frequently report clunking, hard shifts (particularly around gears 3-5), and the vehicle lurching forward when accelerating. It does this while driving and is a serious safety issue. We complained to the dealer about a year ago and they told us they checked and it was fine. Now it is worse.

I noticed a loud rattle when starting my 2018 Ford Expedition, at first occasionally and then on every cold start. The Ford dealer's service department diagnosed a cam phaser issue. There were no warning lights or messages available to me, but the service department's diagnosis showed several timing faults. I was told the cam phaser repair is $4000 - $5000 and continued use puts the engine and transmission at risk. I contacted Ford customer service and was told that my vehicle was not eligible for assistance with these repairs and that my level of loyalty also did not make me eligible for assistance. I have maintained this vehicle with oil changes, fluid changes, tire and brake maintenance for the life of the vehicle. I would like the NHTSA to investigate Ford for a recall of the cam phasers and effected parts since this is a known and prominent issue that also impacts road safey.

The vehicle at highway speed failed to accelerate or hold speed. Warning text came up on dash. Vehicle rpm increased yet vehicle failed to accelerate or hold speed. Vehicle felt like it went into nuetral. This happened several times. Vehicle driven to dealer for transmission repairs. Code p07e6 stored in ecm.

The contact owns a 2019 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 while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph on the interstate, the vehicle felt like the parking brake was engaged. The engine revved abnormally, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, and the vehicle returned to normal operation while the contact continued driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Vehicle trasmisson will randomly shift into neutral and loose all power. It does pickup and go back into the correct gear within 5 seconds. Intermittent power loss at higher speeds and on busy roadways does cause safety concerns. Transmission oil has been changed and checked repeatedly. This has been a continuing problem since I took ownership 2 years ago. I have complained to Ford directly with no response or remedy. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times but nothing seems to be a remedy. No lights come on and no vehicle notifications were given. The transmission temp did go up to 207f at the last instance and eventually cooled back down to 196f. This has happened while traveling on flat roads and up hill. There seems to be no difference on terrain or speed.

Multiple times we have received powertrain failure warnings. These warnings typically happen when driving in cruise control but also happens in normal driving. The car has trouble shifting gears, gets stuck in gears, and has trouble downshifting. This creates unsafe and unstable driving especially at high speeds. Repeated visits to the dealer have yielded no results and the dealer has not mentioned transmission work one time despite a clear issue and widespread issues with this transmission model. This issue has been persistent since the car was bought.