NHTSA attached an advisory to a recall on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
When it fails
04300043,000 milesMedian miles at failure
41 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
Most common 2021 Ford Expedition problems
100 of the 242 complaints (41%) are about the transmission.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train · transmission
99
0
0
2
Engine
35
0
1
0
Unknown or Other
23
1
0
1
Electrical System
17
0
1
1
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system
Filed Jun 24, 2026741,195 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Risk. Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
Structure › Interior Panels › Center Console26V368000
Filed Jun 9, 2026548,463 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Expedition vehicles. The chrome plating on the center console may bubble and peel, resulting in sharp edges.
Risk. Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the center consoles as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S38. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 10, 2026.
Filed May 27, 2026419,967 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Risk. Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
Filed Mar 31, 2026422,613 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
Risk. Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
Filed Oct 24, 2025174,853 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
Risk. A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
Filed Jun 27, 2025200,237 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera25V048000
Filed Jan 31, 202591,580 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.
Risk. Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S05.
Filed Nov 8, 202427,678 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk. Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy. Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual23V420000
Filed Jun 9, 2023691,133 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Risk. Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy. Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
Filed May 17, 202266,221 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Risk. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 25, 2022. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Currently the remedy is available for vehicles equipped with heavy-duty radiator fan motors, and those letters were mailed July 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S36.
Filed Apr 14, 2022652,996 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Risk. Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Risk. An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.
All 12 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2026AZ
I was making a right hand turn and had loss of power and a clunk sound. I also experienced loss of power between 65-75 mph on the freeway. I ran a forscan report and it's pointing to the transmission even though the fluid and a tcm update has been performed. There is about 40k miles on the fluid.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 23, 2026NC
Power problems and the light was on. I took it to the ford place and they didn’t fix it.
Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Oct 23, 2026OR
The chrome plating on the interior center console trim is bubbling, wrinkling, cracking and peeling along the console edges, including the vertical corner by the cupholder, leaving sharp metal edges. This vehicle is covered by Ford recall 26S38 / NHTSA campaign 26V368 for this exact defect, but no remedy is available (remedy expected Q1 2027) and Ford has provided no interim cover, guard, repair, or instructions to make the sharp trim safe. Two injuries have occurred from the sharp peeling chrome trim: 1. On approximately March 12, 2026, the owner's right pinky finger was cut on the outside of the finger by the sharp peeling trim. It bled heavily, took a long time to heal, and left a permanent scar. No medical treatment was sought. No crash. 2. On October 15, 2026, the owner's right middle finger was cut on the same peeling trim. It was painful and would start bleeding again when bumped for several days afterward. No medical treatment was sought. No crash. Photos attached show the peeling trim and both injuries. The component is available for inspection upon request.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 22, 2026MN
Wiper switch not working for auto, because switch itself is broken. When accelerating to pass a car the transmission skips/slips and car pauses and gas pedal won't work for 10 seconds. Car basically stalls. Could have caused accident if unable to pass or slide back over behind the car trying to pass.
Power Train
Filed Oct 19, 2026SC
While driving at highway speeds, specifically during sudden acceleration and lane-change maneuvers, the vehicle experiences a severe dynamic mechanical binding event. The transmission briefly forces a sudden "halt" or engine-braking downshift, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow down in active traffic before entering a temporary limp mode. This sudden loss of propulsion and unexpected deceleration creates an immediate rear-end collision hazard on the highway. This happened to my wife while merging onto a highway almost causing an accident. Diagnostic and Mechanical Verification: The vehicle was taken to an authorized Ford dealership for evaluation. The dealership officially scanned, verified, and documented diagnostic trouble code P0786 (Shift Timing Solenoid "A" Range/Performance). Following an advanced diagnostic review, the certified Ford technician officially diagnosed a failed transmission park solenoid (parking pawl solenoid). Direct Relation to Active Safety Recall: The component failure (park solenoid), diagnostic code (P0786), and severe dynamic highway-speed binding symptoms are identical to the safety defects outlined in Ford Safety Recall 26S48 (NHTSA Campaign 26V402). Reason for Filing / Manufacturer Action: Despite an authorized Ford dealership verifying the exact failure mechanism of this active federal safety recall, Ford Corporate are currently refusing to cover 100% of the repair costs. They state that my specific VIN has not yet been "activated" in the
Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Oct 7, 2026IL
At approximately 12:10 p.m. on October 5, 2026, we had just washed the Expedition and I was going to move it over to put it in the middle bay of the garage that is attached to the house. I put the vehicle in reverse and it took off like it was going 100 miles an hour. I crashed into the garage behind us and the tires were still screaming. I then put it in drive to pull forward and it screeched the tires going forward. I had my foot on the break and it was roaring;burning rubber, it crashed through the garage door, hitting the Explorer in front of it which pushed into a wall of our house. It was an unexplained prolonged period of engine racing. I have a video that I would like to send you showing everything that happened, but it’s too large to attach.
Power Train
Filed Oct 6, 2026VA
My 2021 Ford Expedition MAX XLT with the 10R80 automatic transmission has experienced repeated momentary “neutral-out” events while driving. The transmission/park-system components are available for inspection upon request. The most serious incident occurred in September 2026 while I was driving at highway speed near Charlottesville, Virginia, with six children in the vehicle. I was not towing or placing the vehicle under unusual load. The vehicle suddenly behaved as though the transmission had shifted into neutral, the RPM/engagement became abnormal, I heard loud thumping, saw smoke or fumes from the rear of the vehicle, and observed a transmission temperature of 261°F. The vehicle later re-engaged. This created a serious safety concern because I temporarily lost normal propulsion/acceleration capability while traveling at highway speed with other traffic. This problem has previously been confirmed by my Ford dealer. In February 2026, I reported that the vehicle would “neutral out and rev up,” hesitate for several seconds, and then go back into gear. The dealer documented that no diagnostic codes were stored but followed Ford TSB 23-2249. During diagnosis, the dealer found physical wear/damage involving the transmission parking pawl area, rear output shaft, and cam. The transmission was removed and disassembled and multiple park-system components were replaced. The neutral-out condition returned after that repair. In July 2026, I again reported that the vehicle would intermi
Power Train
Filed Sep 28, 2026NC
Vehicle has 84,000 miles at it. It started to jerk when putting it into a gear. I thought it was due to the colder mornings no. I was taking the kids to school and It was skipping gears. I was very leary of driving but had no choice. It would not get up to speed the rpms was suffering. I stopped at a parts store to run the code after the warning popped up. When leaving because I was 30 mins from home it jerked when I placed into gear, I was scared to pull onto the 4 lane due to not being able to get up to speed and being in a high traffice area. Very unsafe. Now the vehicle is at the dealership needing a $7,000 transmission and ford will not assist. I am still financing it through a dealer and there is no Goodwill from Ford. This is known issue that they documented.
Seat Belts
Filed Sep 26, 2026TN
Both second-row captain’s-chair seat-belt buckle assemblies are separating. The driver-side buckle has separated enough that it will no longer latch, and the passenger-side buckle is beginning to separate in the same manner. These are inflatable second-row seat belts. The vehicle has not been involved in a crash and the restraint system has not deployed. Ford replacement parts JL1Z-7860045-FF and JL1Z-7860044-FF are reportedly discontinued or on indefinite backorder, leaving no available repair for these occupant-restraint failures on a 2021 Ford Expedition. Because both buckle assemblies are showing the same failure, I am concerned this is a common safety defect.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 25, 2026FL
"Catastrophic simultaneous failure of both the Main (front) and Aux (rear) HVAC evaporator cores at 60,000 miles. The component defect causes atomized chemical refrigerant and system compressor oil to leak and vent directly through the dashboard and rear vents into the sealed passenger cabin. This creates an immediate toxic inhalation environment and chemical respiratory hazard. My young child has severe asthma, and this severe component failure makes the vehicle entirely unsafe to transport my family due to acute respiratory irritation risk and cabin air contamination."
Power Train
Filed Sep 10, 2026NV
VIN):[XXX]/Make/Model: 2021 Ford Expedition XLTCurrent Mileage: Approx. 150,000 milesLocation: [XXX] of the Safety Defect:El vehículo presenta un defecto de seguridad crítico y extremo en el tren motriz que pone en riesgo inminente la vida de los ocupantes y de terceros en la vía pública. En dos ocasiones distintas durante los últimos 15 días, el vehículo ha sufrido una pérdida total de comunicación electrónica y un bloqueo mecánico absoluto mientras se encontraba en plena marcha en avenidas de [XXX].Al ocurrir la falla, el tablero activa de inmediato la luz de la llave inglesa (Wrench Light), descontrola la marcha, bloquea la transmisión de 10 velocidades y activa de manera imprevista y automática el freno de emergencia electrónico, deteniendo el vehículo por completo en medio del tráfico.En el primer incidente (ocurrido en sábado), la gravedad del bloqueo mecánico obligó la intervención de los servicios de emergencia en la vía pública, requiriendo la asistencia de la policía y el cuerpo de bomberos para mover el vehículo a una zona segura. El sistema electrónico sufre un colapso total (cortocircuito térmico o fallo de la red CAN Bus) provocado por las temperaturas de la zona; el vehículo se vuelve inoperante y la computadora no responde ni permite el encendido hasta que se deja enfriar por un lapso forzoso de 2 horas.Esta falla mortal se agudizó y se volvió recurrente inmediatamente después de que un concesionario oficial de Ford aplicara la reprogramación de software corre
Power Train
Filed Sep 8, 2026OH
While trying to pull out of a residential neighborhood onto a state highway (45 mph speed limit), the vehicle refused to accelerate. The transmission couldn't engage into gear and the vehicle struggled to gain momentum. After letting off of the accelerator pedal, and then applying the accelerator again, the transmission was able to engage, and the car began to accelerate. No check engine light or other indication of a problem. The Ford dealer told us that the CDF drum of the transmission needed to be replaced. It is a known defect due to poor engineering design. This is very common problem in 2020 and 2021 Expeditions and F150 vehicle.
Power Train
Filed Aug 30, 2026FL
My Ford Expedition’s 10-speed automatic transmission experienced repeated slipping and sudden loss of propulsion. While accelerating from a stop and entering the highway, typically around 15–20 MPH, the engine would suddenly rev but the vehicle would stop accelerating, as if the transmission had shifted into neutral. I had to release the accelerator for several seconds and slowly reapply throttle before the transmission would re-engage. This occurred repeatedly and created a serious safety hazard when pulling into or crossing traffic because the vehicle could begin accelerating normally and then unexpectedly lose propulsion with approaching traffic. The transmission also exhibited severe harsh/banging shifts during harder acceleration and produced a rattling noise while slipping until the accelerator was released. CDF drum failure has been confirmed. The vehicle is currently at a reputable independent transmission repair facility undergoing a transmission rebuild due to the CDF failure. The transmission/components are available for inspection during the repair. There were no warning lights or messages that reliably warned of the impending loss of propulsion. This was not simply poor shift quality; the transmission defect caused an actual loss of propulsion while driving. Because this failure can leave a driver unable to accelerate while entering an intersection, pulling onto a highway, or merging into traffic, I believe the CDF failure presents a serious safety risk. I am req
Power Train
Filed Aug 28, 2026TX
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact noticed an abnormal sound and the vehicle jerked. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to an independent mechanic; however the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was the family's only means of transportation, and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. 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 unknown.
Power Train
Filed Aug 14, 2026FL
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 9, 2026LA
While stopped at a traffic light, my 2021 Ford Expedition began running rough. When the light changed and I accelerated through the intersection, the vehicle experienced a severe loss of engine power and barely made it through the intersection. After I pulled off the roadway and released the accelerator, the engine stalled. I was able to restart the engine once while applying approximately one-quarter throttle. It continued running rough and stalled again when I released the accelerator. The vehicle was taken to Robinson Brothers Ford/Lincoln in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Ford dealer documented the rough running, low power and stalling and diagnosed the "fuel pump inop." The dealer removed the fuel tank and replaced the fuel pump/sender assembly. The replacement part listed on the dealer invoice is Ford part JL1Z-9H307-G. Vehicle mileage was approximately 79,390. Several months before the complete failure, during very cold weather, I also experienced one brief incident of unusually low engine power shortly after starting the vehicle. I do not know whether that earlier incident was related. I am concerned that this failure may be related to the low-pressure fuel pump failure condition addressed by Ford Safety Recall 25S75 / NHTSA Recall 25V-455, which includes certain 2022 Ford Expeditions. My 2021 Expedition is not currently included in that recall. The loss of power occurred while I was crossing an intersection and created a serious safety risk. I am submitting this complai
Power Train
Filed Aug 5, 2026NC
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.
Power Train
Filed Aug 3, 2026KY
OEM transmission had to be replaced 3 years after new purchase. Replacement transmission installed at Ford dealership has failed after less then 2 years. About to have third transmission installed.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 29, 2026MN
The engine stalled out while trying to pass someone. The car wouldn't go faster when hitting the gas and felt like I couldnt safely slow down to get back over. It felt like something slipped and lost traction, but roads were dry and not rocky or sandy. tapping breaks and letting off gas did nothing. it has happened before but usually in winter, and gettin up to speed. its like the gear shift got stuck.
Power Train
Filed Jul 28, 2026MS
On my expedition I started having issues with my transmission staying in gear while driving. I will be going up a hill and all of a sudden boom it starts down shifting or not accelerating at all. I had a few times when me and my wife will be driving, and we would be going through a intersection or a area where you don't want to slow down and then the transmission would forget which gear it would be in and lose all power. Keep in mind my expedition only has 83K miles and serviced regularly. $8,900 later it needs a new transmission. This is a huge safety problem that's being ignored.
Power Train
Filed Jul 27, 2026ND
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.
Power Train
Filed Jul 27, 2026120,000 milesWA
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the message "Transmission Shifter Failure" was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle independently accelerated. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a recall for the failure would be available in April 2027. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 26, 2026TX
The dashboard/instrument panel on my 2021 Ford Expedition is bubbling, warping, and peeling away directly above and around the front passenger airbag location. The dashboard has visibly separated from the underlying structure and continues to worsen. The defective component is available for inspection upon request. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this condition presents a potential safety hazard. The dashboard material is located directly over the passenger-side Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag. I am concerned that the warped and delaminated dashboard could interfere with proper airbag deployment during a crash or cause pieces of the dashboard to break apart and become projectiles when the airbag deploys, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. There have been no airbag warning lights or messages displayed, and I have not been involved in a crash. The defect developed gradually, beginning with bubbling of the dashboard surface and progressing to peeling and separation. The condition continues to worsen over time. The issue has not yet been confirmed by a Ford dealer or independent repair facility, and the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. My concern is that a dashboard should not deteriorate in the area surrounding a critical safety system on a relatively new vehicle, and I believe this issue should be investigated to determine whether it could affect passenger airbag performance
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 22, 2026NM
I am filing this complaint because I truly believe this transmission issue is a safety problem. I was driving my 2021 Ford Expedition and was merging onto a busy highway when I pressed the gas to get up to traffic speed. Instead of accelerating, the engine revved but the transmission would not shift. It felt like the vehicle was stuck between gears or in neutral. My SUV would not accelerate when I needed it to, and I remember thinking, “This is how someone gets hit.” As a mom, it was terrifying. I depend on my vehicle to safely get my family where we need to go. When you press the gas while merging into fast-moving traffic, you expect your vehicle to respond. Mine didn’t. I was left trying to merge while traffic was approaching and my SUV would barely move. Before this happened, I had noticed increasingly harsh shifting and delayed gear changes. The vehicle had been properly maintained, and the transmission had recently been serviced. After the incident, an authorized Ford dealership diagnosed the transmission with a failed CDF drum in the 10-speed transmission. The transmission had to be completely rebuilt. After researching this problem, I found many other Ford owners reporting the exact same failure and the same scary symptoms. This doesn’t seem like normal wear and tear. Losing the ability to accelerate without warning is a serious safety concern, especially when merging onto a highway or crossing an intersection. I hope NHTSA investigates this issue before someone isn’t
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 22, 2026FL
1) 2021 EXPEDITION TOWING A TRAILER, 30 MPH ON UPHILL ON RAMP HATHAWAY BRIDGE PANAMA CITY, FL. I FLOOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO DOWNSHIFT TO TRY TO ACCELERATE. I HEAR A LOUD CLUNK FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR GOES INTO NEUTRAL-NOTHING, NO ACCELERATION. I QUICKLY LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND QUICKLY REAPPLY FORCE TO THE PEDAL IN A SMOOTH MANNER AND TRANSMISSION RE-ENGAGES AND I PULL AWAY. NO ACCIDENT THIS TIME. OCCURRED APRIL 2026. 2) WHEN STOPPED CAR WILL SOMETIMES LURCH FORWARD 2-3 FEET WHEN 1ST SHIFTING TRANSMISSION FROM PARK INTO DRIVE EVEN THOUGH FOOT IS ON BRAKE FIRMLY. OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY.
Power Train
Filed Jul 20, 202660,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the gear shifter unexpectedly shifted to park(P). No warning light was illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the issue was escalated. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Power Train
Filed Jul 19, 2026FL
The transmission shifts erratic and will sometimes just kick out of gear. The car was taken to ford for repair and they flashed the transmission but, it did not repair it.
Power Train
Filed Jul 16, 2026MO
The vehicle first experienced severe, violent jerking and slipping when shifting between the 4th & 5th gears. The vehicle was held by a Ford dealership for 21 days for this issue, but the repair failed. Two months after being out of the shop the transmission has rapidly degraded and is now actively experiencing the same severe, violent jerking and failing to engage in every single gear except 10th. The vehicle completely loses acceleration power while driving, creating an immediate crash hazard. Dealerships in my area are refusing to accept the vehicle for 2 to 3 weeks due to scheduling backlogs, leaving me with an active, dangerous powertrain failure under warranty.
Power Train
Filed Jul 15, 2026MI
I have a 2021 Ford Expedition Max that we purchased new. From the time we first purchased it, it has had an intermittent issue. During these times if I accelerate hard or try to give gas to go up a hill, it will occasionally act like it is losing power- like it drops into neutral and stops accelerating. If I do not let off of the gas immediately, it is followed by a loud metallic rattling/ grinding noise. If I release the accelerator, it recovers quickly and seems to “reset” and I’m able drive like normal. On a few occasions a brief warning has popped onto my dash but it goes away so quickly that I never know exactly what it said. It MAY have said something related to parking but I can’t recall what I’ve seen before it goes away. I’ve learned to adjust my driving, making as few hard accelerations as possible to avoid this. Sometimes they can’t be avoided. It becones scary when I’m trying to merge or have to make a quick turn to get into a break in traffic because when it happens at those times I’m not able to accelerate to avoid the oncoming traffic. It doesn’t do it every time but seems to do it more the more I’ve driven like longer trips and I believe it’s gotten more frequent over time despite my adjustments in driving. Last year a Ford dealership looked at it and we thought the recall they fixed might fix it but it did not. Now they’ve reproduced the issue and diagnosed DTC P07E6 referencing TSB 23-2249 and saying the transmission needs replaced. I am aware of NHTSA Recal
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 13, 2026FL
Part of the luggage rack broke off of the vehicle while driving down the road. The vehicle had not been previously damaged. The broken piece could not be recovered.
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 8, 2026TX
I am filing this complaint because my vehicle is exhibiting the exact failure mode detailed in Ford Recall 26S48 (NHTSA Campaign 26V402000), but my VIN is currently excluded from the recall population." A loud, heavy metal-on-metal "CLUNK" or "THUNK" right under the center console or floorboards the exact second I change gears. It feels like the transmission is violently dropping or snapping into gear. I even feel a physical jar or shudder through the shift dial and I brake pedal.
Engine
Filed Jul 6, 2026TN
When my transmission is shifting, it almost stalls about 3-4 times everytime you start off. It is a hard shift that makes it fee like the car suddenly stops then goes back. I have had it happen 3 times that I thought my car died after stopping, making weird noises, then took off like normal. I am waiting for my car to just die as I am driving. The Ford dealership said I need a new transmission. The recall is out there for other vehicles like mine, yet mine is not listed. When you read what Ford says will happen- EXACTLY what my car does!!!!! My 2021 Ford Expedition Max has 70,000 miles on it now, but when it started had about 67,000
Power Train
Filed Jul 5, 2026OH
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 unp
Power Train
Filed Jul 5, 2026OH
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,
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 4, 2026NY
Turn.wipers on were slow to move, then just quit, now they don't move at all,all with no warning
Power Train
Filed Jul 1, 2026FL
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.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 30, 2026NY
Manufacturer Recall Number 26S38 NHTSA Recall Number26V368 My husband and I have both cut our hands on the ripped chrome trim inside of our Expedition Max. We ripped part of the piece off, but there’s a sharp exposed edge and it poses a huge risk. The dealership said the only remedy is buying a new center console and that was quoted to us at nearly $1000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 29, 2026SC
This vehicle has 70K miles and the fuel pump died, confirmed by Dick Smith Ford in Columbia, SC. There were no warning lights or messages via our Ford app. There were no symptoms prior to failure. The vehicle just died in the middle of the road on a train track with our family in danger. We could have been hit by cars behind us or stuck on the train track with a train approaching. We were in the middle of the road on a train track in Columbia, SC, 2.5hrs away from our home. Our family waited 2.5hrs for the vehicle to be towed and then had to take a $200 Uber from Columbia, SC to Charleston, SC to get home. The quoted cost to repair the vehicle just to get it back home is $2,000. Ford has recalled all the Ford trucks for 2021 that use this same engine. Ford has recalled the 2022 Expedition which is identical to the 2021. Ford has recalled the 2021 Lincoln Navigator that is the same platform as the Expedition only aesthetically upgraded. I believe they didn't recall the 2021 Ford Expedition due the the volume of cars that would be recalled.
Power Train
Filed Jun 23, 2026TX
I have taken my car to the shop for constant transmission clunking, loss of power, random shifting causing a safety issue. It is currently in the shop for the 6th time at 69k I bought it new and have taken it in 5 other times for the same or similar issues with the transmission.
Power Train
Filed Jun 23, 2026OH
The transmission seems to be sluggish. When making a rolling left turn around 25 to 30 mph after no power to the transmission, when coming out of the turn the trans seems to spin and then slam into gear. I mean slam where everyone in the vehicle says "what the hell was that" kind of slam. This has been intermittent since I purchased the vehicle 1 1/2 years ago at 79,000 miles. I've had the trans fluid changed and that doesn't help. Now at 103,000 it seems to happen more often. I see there are a lot of people in the same boat for multiple years. Shame on Ford. This is my first return to American made since 2 Honda Pilots that ran great until I sold them at 150,000 miles. This is a known issue that is not being resolved by design. Each year their culpability is decreased by the junk yard methodology. Shame on me for buying American.
Seat Belts
Filed Jun 22, 2026MO
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V344000 (Seat Belts) and 26V368000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. 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.
Structure1 injured
Filed Jun 22, 202673,000 milesNM
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reaching into the center console of the vehicle, a sharp edge on the trim caused an injury to the thumb. The contact stated that the issue reoccurred, and the sharp edge caused a cut on the thumb. No medical attention was needed; however, bandages were used on the cuts. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact associated the issue with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V368000 (Structure). The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Engine
Filed Jun 16, 202662,500 milesTN
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with the Check Engine warning light illuminated. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the 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 contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 62,500.
Power Train
Filed Jun 16, 2026FL
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.
Power Train
Filed Jun 10, 2026PA
Bad parts in the transmission the cdf drum part is not good. While on the highway I was driving and my car lost all power and for about 5-6 seconds lost all power to the car until the transmission kicked into gear. I have has it in for a warranty and they keep saying it nothing then final it went back in and they tell me it the cdf drum in the transmission but this is not a safety concern. It is to me I have 2 kids and if something happens and causes a accident and something happens to my daughter who is replacing my kids no one and Ford will wipe there hands from it. A mandatory recall needs to happen on these transmission and get them fix properly. They did a recall for a piece of trim that cuts when it is lose but they can't do it on this. Unbelievable
Power Train
Filed Jun 3, 2026FL
“10R80 transmission slips and loses power during acceleration. Matches Ford TSB 23‑2250. Sudden loss of propulsion creates safety risk when merging or crossing intersections.”
Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 26, 2026LA
On two separate occasions while driving on the interstate in the rain, the wipers stopped working. Two of the times they stopped in the up position and once they stopped in the middle of the stroke and it was hard to see. After turning the wiper switch to different settings, the wipers started working again.
Power Train
Filed May 18, 2026AL
When attempting to pass or slowing and then pressing the gas regain speed, transmission disengages, engines revs, transmission down shifts to 1st gear and then attempting to "find" the correct gear. This has happened multiple times and a few of those times has left us susceptible to being struck by another vehicle due to no engine power to the power train to move the vehicle.
Power Train
Filed May 10, 2026SC
I have had issues with the 10 speed transmission on my Expedition. I looked up my year model and type of transmission and there is a NHTSA recall on select model year transmissions within my year range. My vehicle is doing the same thing that is stated in the recall. I spoke to a transmission shop and they are the ones that informed me of the transmission issues and recalls. I reached out to my local Ford dealership and they looked up my vehicle and informed me that my vehicle was not affected. I said it seemed to be doing the exact same thing listed. He said if its not on the list, we won't cover the repair. What needs to happen to have my transmission repaired under the recall?
Power Train
Filed May 8, 2026TX
Was traveling on the roadway when my vehicle suddenly lost its ability to change gears. I had to put the transmission into manual mode to be able to pull to the side of the roadway and stop. The vehicle was towed to the repair facility where I was informed the transmission needed to be replaced. I was almost struck from behind by a motorist due to not being able to continue forward. I was informed this is a common defect in the transmission and the cost to replace the transmission is approximately $9000. Due to the low mileage on the vehicle, this is unacceptable and a safety risk.
Complaints 1-50 of 242, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
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: Jun 24, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.