2012 Ford Expedition

Routine

Owners filed 118 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Ford Expedition years to avoid. Which Ford Expedition years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
82,000 milesMedian miles at failure

85 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2012 Ford Expedition problems

52 of the 118 complaints (44%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train · transmission50
200
Electrical System17
000
Structure › Body · body and frame13
209
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration7
000
Unknown or Other6
010
Engine6
000
Suspension3
000
Service Brakes · brakes3
000
Seats2
000
Air Bags · airbags2
214

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission16V248000
Filed Apr 27, 2016153,581 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Risk. An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.

Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights12V190000
Filed May 3, 201210,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.

Risk. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE “R” POSITION AND THE VEHICLE’S TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE “R” MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLE’S NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly12V034000
Filed Feb 2, 2012569 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 12, 2026KS

Vehicle shifting erratically and shows fuel mileage low and loss of speedometer

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 12, 2026KS

Vehicle shifting erratically and shows fuel mileage low and loss of speedometer

Power Train
Filed Apr 7, 2026166,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the occupants to lunge forward. The tires squealed and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was turned off but failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train). A tow truck company was contacted, and was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An attempt was made to contact the manufacturer, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 24, 2026CA

While exiting the freeway at approximately 45 to 50 mph, the transmission downshifted to 1st gear locking up the tires.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 17, 2025KS

The speedometer will quit working and the vehicle will not shift out of 1st gear, if you can work through it it will start throwing error messages such as zero miles to empty, tire moniter system fault, etc. This is a very dangerous situation especially in high traffic areas. There was a customer satisfaction program on it but only up to 150,000 miles. This program should last the life of the vehicle, also, if it was fixed before ownership, why did it go bad again

Power Train
Filed Oct 22, 2025OK

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.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Sep 10, 202578,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the image displayed on the back over prevention screen was either upside down, distorted, static only, or completely black. The failure was intermittent. During the failure, the contact was able to restart the vehicle to fix the image; however, the fix was intermittent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched and found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V270000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN and model year was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 29, 2025IN

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 .

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 10, 2025GA

ABS CPU control system. Error Code B1342-EC. Antilock braking system electronic control unit defect.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 26, 2025WI

JULY 2025 MY 2012 FORD EXPEDITION THREW A P0742 CODE FOR A STUCK TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH. THE VEHICLE HAD JUST UNDER 150K MILES AND STARTED TO JERK IN AND OUT OF GEAR AND THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED SO I, THANKFULLY WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AS IT WAS IN LIMP MODE. WHEN I CLEARED THE DTC CODE THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY TEMPORARILY BUT EVENTUALLY LOCKED BACK UP AGAIN WITHIN A MILE FROM MY HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, FORD DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER THAT THEY HAVE LISTED FOR A REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION LEAD FRAME. I PROVIDED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WITH ALL OF THE NECESSARY INFORMATION AS WELL AS AN INDEPENDENT DIAGNOSIS BY A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. LOOKS LIKE I'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE DAY THAT IT CAUSES A MASSIVE ACCIDENT BY DOWNSHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR AT 65MPH. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I CAN ONLY HOPE THIS DOESN'T COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 25, 2025WI

I just purchased (2 months ago) a 2012 Ford Expedition EL 5.4l v8 from a private party. I wish I would have done more research as I am ALREADY EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION ISSUES THAT I BELIEVE ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE VEHICLES LEAD FRAME RECALL. IT THREW A P0742 CODE ON ME Torque Converter Clutch Circuit stuck on and decided that it would only drive in limp mode unless I cleared the code, pulled over, cycles the key, and restarted the vehicle. Even as dangerous as this UNEXPECTED SHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS, IT IS EQUALLY AS DANGEROUS TO BE GETTING OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE IN MOVING TRAFFIC DUE TO FORD'S TERRIBLE DESIGN ON THIS VEHICLES POWER TRAIN/TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. I HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL Ford DEALER AND AL CERTAIN I'LL GET THE RUNAROUND/BLAME GAME FOR THIS ONE. 150K MILES AND AS I said, I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 2 MONTHS AND HAVE ALREADY HAD TRANSMISSION ISSUES, BRAKE ISSUES, BELT TENSIONER PULLEY LITERALLY FELL OFF.. AND FROM WHAT I READ, WHAT'S NEXT??? THE CAM PHASERS?? THAT'S IF THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS EVEN FIXED AND IT BECOMES SAFELY DRIVE ABLE AGAIN. COME ON FORD, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS!

Electrical System
Filed Jul 25, 2025WI

Campaign 19N01 Description Transmission molded leadframe extended coverage Next Steps Contact your dealer for next steps. Did this and was told that the vehicle was not covered due to it being after 10 years and barely over 150,000 miles. I am experiencing transmission issues where the torque converter clutch is now stuck on and the lead frame is more than likely the cause. Thanks FORD, NEVER AGAIN.

Power Train
Filed May 21, 2025NC

Transmission failed to engage after startup, and while driving will slip out like its in neutral without warning. There was a series of messages that rolled over and over as the vehicle slowed. When we first took it to have it serviced for this problem June of 2024, they optioned to flush, change the filter, and put in new transmission fluid. They could not reproduce the problem. That seemed to take care of it until May 17, 2025 when it started slipping again. Again, the service center cannot reproduce the problem. The sudden slowdown, puts us in a risk for an accident with other vehicles. The vehicle is available for inspection if needed.

Power Train
Filed Jul 12, 2024GA

While driving my vehicle, the transmission down shift on its on and the vehicle antilock brakes hit and suddenly stops on its on.

Power Train
Filed Jul 2, 2024203,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and downshifted unintendedly. The contact stated there were two unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the output speed sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact there would be no assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 203,000.

Power Train
Filed May 24, 2024OK

On [XXX] @ [XXX]. I was traveling [XXX] in Logan Co., OK in my 2012 Ford Expedition EL (purchased used Jan. 2020) at an approximate speed of 45 mph when the vehicle downshifted into 1st gear causing a rapid deceleration wherein the vehicle behind me had to take evasive action to avoid rear ending me. The engine rpms climbed significantly while the speedometer stopped working and the vehicle never shifted into any higher gears for the next five blocks wherein I was able to pull my vehicle into a safe place. Again, the vehicle continued only in 1st gear! After turning the vehicle off and letting it sit for a few minutes, it appeared everything had reset and I slowly drove it straight to my mechanics shop. (However, shop was closed until after Memorial Day, so I again drove it slowly back home). Total trip was approximate 12 miles. Issue took place approximate 5 miles from when I left my residence. Ironically, I had visited my mechanic the day before inquiring about an issue wherein the vehicle would beep and a "wrench symbol" would display on the instrument panel and the speedometer and instrument display would stop working. I advised this was the 2nd time that issue occurred within the past few days, however, once the vehicle was turned off and restarted, all seem to be okay. In responding to my inquiry, my mechanic seemed to think it was an instrument cluster issue. That if it persisted, return to have it checked out. Never during any of these two (2) prior occurrences did th

Power TrainCrash
Filed Oct 19, 2023TN

The transmission jumps in and out of gear, the engine revs on its on. I was on the highway the first time and I going between 60 and 65 mph and it sounded like the whole bottom of the truck was just ripped out, the truck went from drive to either park or first gear it locked up the back tires and there was a truck behind me he tried to miss me but he hit the back passenger side of the truck. He was very very upset he threatening and cussing me because he thought I just slammed on my brakes for no reason. I explained to him what was happening and calmed down think God. It could have killed him or me or even several other people. When it locked up the tires then it jumped back in drive and tried tot take off, I threw it in neutral and cut the key off. That scared the sh.. out of me!! I have talked to other people that have around the same year model truck as mine and some of them are having the same issues with it jumping in and out of gear not wanting to shift gears revving up on its own and no engine light comes on I've tried to get a code scanner scan it no codes come up on the truck Ford needs to fix this truck they had a recall on certain models that were manufactured at different plants or something like that I heard but they won't fix my truck they said it's not under recall this truck is going to kill somebody it's the only truck I have and I have to go to work I'm just asking if you can please do something about this before people get killed in or I get killed I'm goin

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Sep 6, 2023TX

I was driving regularly down the road when I noticed the smell of electrical fire. Smoke started coming from the undercarriage of the truck. I pulled into a gas station, and the engine died, and I got out to look at what's causing the smoke. I observed what looked to be engine or transmission oil on fire dripping from the undercarriage, so I moved a safe distance from the vehicle, and within about 30 seconds, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department came, and extinguished the fire. The vehicle is 100% casualty, along with everything inside of it.

Power Train
Filed Jul 3, 2023100,112 milesMO

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon his wife depressing the accelerator pedal, the RPM raised abruptly however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and seemed as if the transmission was in neutral(N). After restarting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that a failure had occurred with the transmission molded lead frame. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01-Supplement #1 (Power Train) However, the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,112.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 14, 2023KS

Metal corrosion on the back liftgate is allowing water to leech into the electrical connections to the back camera, causing it to intermittently not work leading to complete failure eventually. The service techs at the ford dealership have described this common problem with this year model expeditions and is due to a chemical problem either with the metal or factory paint or both. Corrosion is not due to rust. We bought the car new in late 2011.

Power Train
Filed Dec 5, 202259,959 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle independently decelerated and nearly caused the vehicle to be rear ended by a tractor trailer. The contact indicated that the vehicle was driven home with the transmission stuck in 3rd gear. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,959.

Power Train
Filed Sep 21, 2022TX

Uncommanded downshift to first gear in 6R80 transmission. While driving at approximately 30mph, transmission downshifted into 1st gear. Problem repeated itself several times. No "codes" or warning lights. I put the transmission in "3" and drove slowly back home. This is the same issue that has occurred in F-150's. The problem was intermittent at first. Had this occurred at highway speeds it may have resulted in a rear end "lock-up", loss of control and possible accident. Took the vehicle to the repair shop where they were initially unable to get a "code". Later, I was able to repeat the problem and got warning lights and codes showing failure of the transmission output speed sensor which is located on the molded lead frame. This is the same failure as on the F-150. The molded lead frame was not available as single piece so it was necessary to replace the entire valve body unit.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 6, 2022NJ

My vehicle suddenly shifted downward, my gas pedal had no effect, my speedometer stopped working and my fuel and tire sensor lights came on. This happened multiple times on my drive this morning and would have caused an accident if I was being tailgated.

Engine
Filed May 2, 2022150,000 milesAR

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle independently slowed to approximately 2 MPH. The contact observed that the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the speedometer went blank. The contact stated that when she depressed the accelerator, the vehicle would jerk forward. The contact pulled off of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that when she restarted the vehicle the vehicle failed to respond when shifted into drive with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that she drove the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 29, 2022WA

My wife backed my vehicle out of the garage and began her drive to work. She stopped a few times at stop light through town before she got to the freeway. Driving on the highway she notice/got a message on the dash that stated Low Brake Fluid. She wasn't sure what that meant as the brakes were working fine. On her drive to work she has 2 stop lights that are on the highway. Coming up to the first stop light she was unable to stop as the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Her inability to stop caused to to run the red light at around 40 mph. I am a mechanic of 20 years. I went to her work to inspect the vehicle. There were no leaks or broken hoses, the master cylinder was empty except for the front of the reservoir that had maybe an 1/8" of fluid in it. Upon doing some internet research I found that 2013 - 2014 F-150 had the exact same problem with the master cylinder leaking into the brake booster causing the loss of the service brake system to function properly. More research found that the master cylinder in question is the same part number used on all f150 and expeditions from 2010 -2014. The recall number is 16s24. I called Ford customer service and was told that my vehicle had no open recalls. I explained to the agent that I understood recalls are VIN specific but my vehicle has the same master cylinder (based on part number) as the ones failing in the F150 and it has failed in the exact same way (brake fluid leaking, or being sucked into the brake booster) as de

Power Train
Filed Sep 29, 2021NY

The speedometer went to zero when the vehicle was driven on the highway at 70MPH and the transmission would shift down the wrench symbol came on the LCD display. Had to pull over and shut the vehicle off and open the drivers door to make sure that the vehicle was fully off/reset. Started the vehicle and drove home. Dealer noted that this may be covered under the extended warranty on the lead frame issue... Since the vehicle has 167759 miles on it, that the warranty would not cover the issue (Warranty to 150000 miles). I will get the vehicle repaired at my cost since this is our family vehicle. Since this is a safety issue the warranty should be for all the vehicles that experience this issue. The vehicle was traveling on a highway and this is not an acceptable condition for the safety of my family or others around us when driving. I am confident in noting that the warranty should be amended for this issue. If this issue was caused by me due to carless driving I would not have an issue. Since this is a design/reliability issue I do not understand why I am responsible for the cost of the repair.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Filed Aug 25, 2021FL

My gear shaft gets stuck in park as if it’s not recognizing that the break is getting pressed. It gets stuck for a while. There is no sticky substance that is causing this.

Power Train
Filed Jul 15, 2021164,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle independently down shifted to first gear causing both rear tires to lock up. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16V248000 (Power train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

Power Train
Filed Jun 30, 2021TN

Unexpected transmission downshift for no reason and it hesitate and it chugs along down shifts drops out and kicks back in

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 22, 2021130,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact had to restart the vehicle and continued to drive. However, when leaving work the failure occurred again which at that time the contact had pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and have it towed to the local dealer who inspected the vehicle but could not duplicate the failure, but diagnosed the failure as a front end harness issue with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Power Train
Filed Jun 17, 2021123,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, there was an unexpected transmission downshift and the vehicle speed decelerated inadvertently. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 11, 2021170,000 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTED INTO 1ST GEAR, RPMS REVVED UP, SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL TEMPORARILY HAD NO EFFECT, "FUEL LEVEL LOW" LIGHT CAME ON AND "TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT" LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THOUGH THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT WORKING. I STOPPED, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT AND THE VEHICLE WORKED FINE. THIS EVENT HAPPENED THREE TIMES OVER THE PAST MONTH. SHEEHY FORD IN ASHLAND, VIRGINIA SAID THAT I NEEDED A NEW "LEAD FRAME" AND THAT THE CHARGE WOULD BE $900. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, I LEARNED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE FOR THE 2012 FORD EXPEDITION, BUT MY 2012 EXPEDITION VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE ALSO BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND FIXED BY FORD. I COULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. RECALL INFORMATION FOUND ONLINE: "FORD HAS ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE 2011-2012 FORD F-150, AND 2012 FORD EXPEDITION FOR A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THE OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION'S LEAD FRAME; IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE PART CAN LEAD TO A TEMPORARY DOWNSHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR. DEPENDING ON HOW FAST THE VEHICLE IS GOING, THAT COULD LEAD TO AN ABRUPT REDUCTION IN SPEED THAT COULD CAUSE THE REAR TIRES TO SLIDE OR LOCK UP. FORD SAID IT'S AWARE OF THREE ACCIDENTS REPORTED AND NO INJURIES RELATED TO THE ISSUE. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE A 6R80 TRANSMISSION IN CERTAIN FORD F-150S BUILT

Power Train
Filed Apr 5, 2021163,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY SLOW. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE WITH AN UNKNOWN RECALL. DON MYER FORD, INC. (2010 N LINCOLN ST, GREENSBURG, IN 47240) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVER THE MILEAGE FOR A RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 8, 2021111,895 milesTX

RANDOMLY DROPS INTO FIRST GEAR WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT GO OUT OF FIRST GEAR AFTER THAT UNLESS DISCONNECTING BATTERY AND RESETTING EVERYTHING. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANYTHING. THIS CANNOT HAPPEN WITH THREE KIDS IN THE CAR. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED AT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY? OCCURRED 2/3/21 AND 2/8/21.

Power Train
Filed Jan 7, 2021150,000 milesGA

VEHICLE IS DOWNSHIFTING GEAR WHILE DRIVING. IT CAUSED JERKS IN THE SUV AS IT TRIED TO SHIFT GEARS AND THEN BECAME STUCK ON FIRST GEAR. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY AND AGAIN ON A CITY STREET. FORD DEALERSHIP REPORTING IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR CURRENT RECALL ALTHOUGH OTHER 2012 FORD EXPEDITIONS WITH THE SAME ISSUE ARE.

Power Train
Filed Sep 1, 202065,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED AND JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE GEARS TO SEIZE WITH THE RPMS INCREASING. ADDITIONALLY, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND DROVE OFF OF THE ROADWAY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V248000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 25, 2020141,000 milesPA

DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT APPROX 50 MPH, VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER GOES TO 0, MILEAGE GOES OUT, DASH LIGHTS FLASH, WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON, VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS (HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES (SOMETIMES ACCELERATED FROM 1ST GEAR)) TO 1ST GEAR AND GOES INTO A LIMP MODE. HAD TO PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE TRUCK- ALL FINE WHEN RESTARTED. COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. VERY SCARY. THIS TRUCK HAS HAD A RECALL REPAIR FIXED FOR WHAT WAS DESCRIBED AS EXACTLY THIS PROBLEM. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES NOW.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Jun 15, 2020179,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF MOMENTS LATER THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, CROSSING THE STREET AND CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBORS HOUSE. DURING THE INCIDENT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND NO POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. *DT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS FAULTY GEAR SHIFTER AND PARTS WERE BACKORDER. DAMAGED HANDLE REPAIRED.*JB

Power Train
Filed Feb 24, 2020247,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO (COURTESY FORD 1636 DOGWOOD DR SE, CONYERS, GA 30013) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT TRANSMISSION OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V248000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 247,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 14, 2020123,000 milesWA

MY 2012 EXHIBITION EXHIBITS THE SAME SYMPTOMS THAT ARE DESCRIBED IN RECALL# 12V190000. WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS; SPEEDOMETER DROPS TO ZERO, TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO 5TH GEAR AND WHEN THE BREAKS ARE APPLIED DOWNSIFTS TO 1ST GEAR CAUSING WHEEL HOP AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL AND INJURY. IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN THE INCLUDED TIME FRAME AND AT THE INCLUDED KENTUCKY MANUFACTURING PLANT, YET THE VEHICLE IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL REGISTRATION SYSTEM SO DEALERS WON'T FIX IT. THIS IS A EXPENSIVE REPAIR RECALL WITH POTENTIALLY FATAL CONSEQUENCES.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 9, 2019130,200 milesCO

IDENTICAL TO NUMEROUS OTHER REGISTERED COMPLAINTS (JUNE 4, 2018 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11099593, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11131784, JUNE 14, 2018 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11101913, APRIL 9, 2018 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11084000, AUGUST 8, 2016 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10894005): SUDDEN DECELERATION WITH GAUGES FLASHING - WRENCH LIGHT ON, MILES TO ZERO WITH NO NUMBERS, SPEEDOMETER FAILS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE CAR BEGINS BUCKING WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION, BUT ULTIMATELY THE VEHICLE IS LOSING POWER AND ACCELERATION IS LIMITED OR USELESS. SEVERAL TIMES I COULD RESET THE ENGINE PROBLEM BY TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING. THE LAST TWO TIMES IT OCCURED WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AND THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO SHIFT FROM 1ST GEAR. I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART IT AFTER PULLING OFF THE ROAD BUT IT DID NOT FIX IT THIS TIME. (AND ON THESE OCCASIONS THE DASH LIGHTS DID NOT CHANGE RIGHT AWAY/FIRST). I PULLED OVER 3 MORE TIMES AND TRIED SHIFTING THROUGH ALL THE GEARS MANUALLY, INCLUDING USING THE 4WD TOGGLE, AND THAT FINALLY ALLOWED THE CAR TO SHIFT NORMALLY. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND AT HIGHER SPEEDS CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO LOSE TRACTION. I'VE BEEN FORTUNATE THAT THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED TWICE AT 65MPH AND I WAS IN A POSITION TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TIMES HAS BEEN 8 IN APPROXIMATELY 2,000 MILES OF DRIVING. IF THIS HAPPENS NOW THAT SNOW AND ICE ARE ON THE ROAD, IT COULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC CRASH.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 16, 2019103,000 milesTX

THIS HAS HAPPENED NOW A FEW TIMES: THE SPEEDOMETER HAS DROPPED 0, VEHICLE BEGINS JERKING FORWARD AND LOSES SPEED. I PULLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES HOPING THE ISSUE WOULD CORRECT ITSELF. EVENTUALLY THE PIC OF A WRENCH AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD ALL OF WHICH DISAPPEARED ONCE I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND RE-STARTED IT. THE TRANSMISSION FLUSH HAS BEEN DONE AND THE RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTING HAS ALSO BEEN ADDRESSED. BUT THE AFOREMENTIONED SYMPTOMS HAVE TAKEN PLACE AT LEAST TWO TIMES BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION RECALL WAS ADDRESSED AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUSH WAS DONE AND AT LEAST THREE TIMES (SO FAR) AFTER THE TRANSMISSION RECALL ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED AND AFTER THE TRANSMISSION FLUSH WAS DONE. COULD IT BE DEFECTIVE FAN CLUTCHES THAT ARE CAUSING THESE ISSUES ON EXPEDITIONS?

Child Seat
Filed Aug 18, 2019DE

I HAVE THE GRACO MY RIDE 65. I HAD TO PUT THE SEAT IN MY MOTHER IN LAWS CAR AND CAN'T GET IT OUT NOW. IT SEEMS LIKE THE LATCH IT LOCKED OR STUCK. IT WILL NOT FEED ANY SLACK TO HELP REMOVE HE SEAT. NORMALLY THIS SEAT IS IN MY EXPEDITION AND A BIT EASIER TO GET OUT HOWEVER STILL VERY HARD. I HATE TO TAKE THIS SEAT OUT AND RE INSTALL OFTEN BECAUSE OF THIS SITUATION. AT THE MOMENT THE SEAT IS CURRENTLY STILL STUCK IN THE CAR. I CAN CUT THE STRAPS HOWEVER DON?T WANT TO DO THAT IF I DON'T HAVE TOO! (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2012, MAKE=EXPEDITION , MODEL=FORD) *DT *DT *TR *DT NO VIN, NO ATTACHMENTS.*JB

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 22, 201934,000 milesNJ

PAINT BUBBLING APPEARS ON REAL TAILGATE AND EDGE OF HOOD. RUST PIN SPOTS NOTICEABLE ON DOOR PANELS UNDER CLEAR COAT.

Power Train
Filed Feb 21, 2019173,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS (60-65MPH) THERE'S A VERY NOTICEABLE "CLANK" WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING AT AN INCLINE AT 1,800-2,000 RPM. I HAVE TO KEEP VEHICLE ABOVE THAT SPEED OR AT A DIFFERENT RPM RANGE.

Power Train
Filed Jan 18, 2019147,000 milesMS

THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INSTANCES. THE FIRST ONE I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A MAIN ROAD WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED PULLING, ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. I PULLED OVER TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED IT AND IT WAS FINE. THE NEXT WAS ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY CRUISING AT ABOUT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED, LOCKED UP THE REAR TIRES, WENT INTO LIMP MODE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CODE WAS P0270 FOR THE OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR. SYSMPTONS ARE THE SAME AS DESCRIBED IN FORDS RECALL #16S19 BUT I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE OF THE BUILD DATE ALTHOUGH THE SAME TRANSMISSION A D COMPONENTS WERE USED. THE INSTANCE HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY WITH MY WIFE AND 3 YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE, CRUISING APPROX 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP, TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS TO FIRST GEAR, VEHICLE SKIDS TOWARD THE EDGE OF AN EMBANKMENT, JUST BEFORE GETTING THERE THE WHEELS UNLOCK AND MY WIFE IS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO A NEAR BY CHURCH PARKING LOT TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF.

Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 2019111,628 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE SKIDDED DOWN THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT WAS ASSISTED BY A POLICE OFFICER WITH DIVERTING TRAFFIC TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SAFELY MOVED OFF OF THE ROADWAY. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BELL ROAD FORD (LOCATED AT 2401 W. BELL ROAD, PHOENIX, AZ 85023, (602)457-2144) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V248000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,628. *BF *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 14, 2018MA

THE TAILGATE HAS PEELING PAINT IN SEVERAL SPOTS

Power Train
Filed Nov 24, 2018180,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE OFF OF HOMESTEAD RDMY TRUCK SLAMS INTO 1ST GEAR JUST RANDOMLY SOMETIMES WHILE IM DRIVING FAST AND SOMETIME WHEN I'M DRIVING SLOW I THINK THE BACK WHEELS LOCKED AT ONE POINT PUTTING ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC BUT IT RELEASED JUST IN THE NICK OF TIME TO GET OUT OF THE WAY I WAS VERY SCARED I'M STILL WORRIED TO DRIVE IT BUT AS OF RIGHT NOW IT'S MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION SO I JUST DRIVE CAREFULLY I'VE HEARD OF OTHER TRUCKS LIKE MINE DOING THIS BUT MINE ISN'T RECALLED ONLY OTHER ONES

Structure › BodyCrash3 injured
Filed Nov 23, 201882,000 milesMN

B POST FAILED CAUSING SEAT BELT TO RIP OUT. I CAN SEND MORE PICTURES IF NEEDED.

Complaints 1-50 of 118, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270200Routine
202611200Routine
202538610Routine
202479710Routine
202365840Routine
20221171200Routine
20212421240Above average
20204281870Above average
20195261130Above average
20183831420Above average
2017358470Above average
2016217380Above average
2015164360Routine
201472020Routine
201392030Routine
2012 — this page118320Routine
201171010Routine
201058010Routine
200928101Fatalities reported
2008146422Fatalities reported
2007215250Above average
2006299663Fatalities reported
2005315560Above average
20042974151Fatalities reported
20036156363Fatalities reported
20023404692Fatalities reported
200157810955Fatalities reported
2000890111992Fatalities reported
19999469775Fatalities reported
19988367731Fatalities reported
199785397411Fatalities reported
19963010Routine
19951000Routine
19944000Routine
19931000Routine
19911000Routine

Compare every Expedition year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 27, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.