Ford Expedition Complaints (2020)

428 consumer complaints on file.

#11744244June 15, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We had our expedition in regarding fixing the peeling/lifting chrome piece of the center console over a year ago. It of course was not covered under warranty. However last August I was cleaning my car out and received a large cut on my hand from the exposed edge. Now that there is a safety recall I’m able to submit complaint regarding it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744269June 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifting in and out of eighth gear, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the transmission occasionally failed to shift into eighth gear. While decelerating, the vehicle responded, and the transmission shifted roughly. The failure became persistent over time. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The transmission fault message was displayed. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there were no issues or recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The dealer informed the contact about a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist who informed the contact about a transmission replacement and the cost to rebuild the transmission. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743694June 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743801June 12, 2026
ENGINE
Hard shifting when at high speeds
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740002May 26, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
We purchased a used 2020 Ford Expedition Max Platinum, VIN [XXX] , from Deacon Jones dealership. The vehicle currently has 128,888 miles. At the time of purchase, we were assured the SUV was in “tip-top shape” because it had previously belonged to a manager’s friend and had supposedly been well maintained and serviced. However, within only two weeks of purchasing the vehicle, the transmission began slipping out of gear while accelerating, causing the vehicle to lose power and fail to move properly. This is an extremely dangerous safety issue, especially considering I travel frequently to doctors’ appointments and regularly transport my seven grandchildren in this SUV. In addition to the transmission failure, the main electrical system controlling the dashboard frequently glitches and malfunctions, even after Ford performed a software update. These ongoing electrical problems create additional safety concerns and make the vehicle unreliable. We immediately contacted the dealership after the problems began. Their only offer was $750 toward a transmission replacement that will cost over $5,000. We simply do not have that kind of money, especially while continuing to make monthly payments of $850 on a vehicle that is unsafe to drive. We have also since discovered the vehicle had previously been involved in an accident that was never reported to us before the sale. What is most concerning is that this vehicle appears to have received an inspection sticker despite clearly not undergoing a proper inspection. A transmission that slips out of gear and significant electrical malfunctions should never have passed inspection. This places not only my family at risk, but also everyone else on the road. We have written several letters to Ford regarding the safety concerns surrounding this vehicle and the danger it poses to our family. Unfortunately, Ford responded stating they would not assist us in any way. It is extremely disappointing INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737008May 11, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
We have recurring safety issue with our car that has not been fixed despite multiple service visits to both Grieco Ford and Sawgrass Ford. They keep sending it back as “cannot duplicate”. We have contacted Ford Corporate and they also will not assist. We purchased this car used from Sawgrass ford and purchased an extended warranty with the car. The car issues include: Slipping into Neutral: The transmission unexpectedly loses gear engagement while merging or accelerating on the highway. • Hard Shifting/Clunking: Violent gear changes that cause the whole vehicle to jar physically. • Gear Hunting: The car hesitates and shifts up and down erratically instead of holding a gear. • Limp Mode: Sudden, dramatic loss of power where the car refuses to accelerate properly in traffic. These are serious safety hazards that put our family in harm's way. These failures happen consistently with our children in the car, and they have happened to our teenage son while he was driving. We purchased this car used from Sawgrass Ford. The earliest service documentation I currently have readily accessible showing that this vehicle was brought to Ford for transmission-related concerns is from February 2024—less than seven months after we purchased the vehicle from Sawgrass Ford. Since that time, there has been a significant service history related to this recurring issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736730May 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Shortly after purchasing this vehicle used in May 2024, we began experiencing hard and erratic shifting, particularly between 4th to 5th and 7th to 8th gears. On August 12, 2024, a Ford dealership performed a PCM update, which provided only temporary and partial improvement. The issue was never fully resolved. In January 2025, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed CDF drum within the 10-speed transmission. We paid $4,610.13 out of pocket for this repair. Despite this repair, the same transmission issues have persisted. The vehicle continues to exhibit hard, delayed, and unpredictable shifting that affects drivability. Most recently, we were advised that additional transmission work may be required, potentially including a full rebuild or replacement estimated at approximately $9,200. We have also incurred additional diagnostic costs related to this repeat failure. The erratic shifting creates inconsistent and sometimes delayed acceleration, which raises safety concerns when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or maintaining consistent vehicle speed. Based on our research and discussions with a transmission specialist, this issue appears to be common among 2020 model vehicles equipped with this transmission, suggesting a potential defect rather than normal wear and tear. This ongoing failure, even after a major repair, raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736590May 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
On at least 5 separate occasions the vehicle has slowed significantly and failed to downshift in order to accelerate. This has been accompanied by high transmission temps and power train warnings. In one instance the vehicle slowed to below 40 mph on an expressway with a speed limit of 70. Eventually the vehicle will downshift with a harsh and erratic shift which will then accelerate the vehicle. I'm at the point where it does not feel safe to have the vehicle on the expressway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735709May 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN
SUV jerks when shifting, hard shifts, transmission fails to shift preventing driver to speed up resulting in hazardous driving condition when entering a highway. Metal shards recovered from transmission fluid checks. Occurs consistently when moving to higher speeds, i.e. acceleration from red light to green light. Or entering highways, freeways when acceleration is needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732920April 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The transmission has now stalled in 2 situations within 7 days. Stops pulling for about 30 seconds, then a loud pop occurs as the transmission kicks back in to working. 53,000 miles on the vehicle, no warning lights came on or currently on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732262April 19, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission issue when down shifting make a clinking noise
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731316April 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN
While merging on to highway vehicle made loud clunk, transmission slipped and vehicle went into fail safe mode(limp mode). Vehicle would not accelerate when pushing on gas pedal for 8 seconds. Tractor trailer truck behind us slammed on its brakes as well as 3 other vehicles due to tractor trailer truck swerving in lanes to stop. Was almost rear ended by tractor trailer truck. Vehicle has TSB’s on 10 speed 10R80 transmissions but no recalls. Vehicle does not throw code so vehicle can not be assessed or repaired according to dealership and Ford motor company. This is a huge fatality risk and safety issue regarding multiple claims of the 10R80 transmissions in the newer ford expeditions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730385April 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a black screen and independently blinked on and off, causing the safety features to become unavailable while operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728842April 2, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The power liftgate system appears to be malfunctioning. The vehicle intermittently displays a warning that the liftgate is open when it is fully closed and secured. When this occurs, the liftgate will not open using the exterior handle, interior button, or key fob. Additionally, the false “liftgate open” alert triggers the vehicle’s alarm system to activate unexpectedly without any attempt to access the vehicle. The issue occurs randomly and without warning. This malfunction creates a safety risk because the liftgate cannot be opened when needed, which could prevent access to emergency supplies, child safety items, or the spare tire in an urgent situation. The false alert also causes the vehicle alarm to activate randomly, which can startle the driver and others nearby, potentially causing distraction while driving or in traffic areas. Additionally, the system incorrectly indicates that the liftgate is open, creating uncertainty about whether the vehicle is secure and safe to operate. A malfunctioning liftgate could present a hazard if the vehicle incorrectly detects an open door while in motion. Yes, the issue has been reproducible at Bluebonnet Ford in New Braunfels, TX. No, alerts prior to it happening, when I does alert all lights in the vehicle turn on, as well as notifications on the Ford Mobile app
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725953March 20, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Daytime Running Light has failed on passenger headlight. This condition makes the vehicle less visible to others. The only remedy for this issue is to replace the entire headlight which approaches $2000 for a single headlight.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724915March 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I’m reporting a parts‑availability problem with Ford recall 22S36/22S48 on my 2020 Expedition. My VIN shows the recall in FordPass and my dealer confirmed it, but they cannot get the replacement battery junction box. I was advised to contact larger dealers because parts are not being supplied. This is a fire‑risk recall, and the delay prevents the safety repair. Please document the shortage and ensure Ford provides adequate parts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724186March 13, 2026
SEAT BELTS
While I the vehicle was on, the seat belt malfunctioned. The issue appears to be the same one described in the recall. During the incident, the belt tightened / locked unexpectedly and caused significant pressure to my chest. Since then I’ve been experiencing chest pain. The air bag light in the car is now on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11722787March 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear view camera doesn't work keeps going blank or screen is blurred or stays on while driving forward. screen won't connect to phone or screen stays on when vehical is shut off. When starting vehical it only shows ford emblem and won't load at all. Not able to change anything on it at all for music or navigation
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721235March 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The first incident occurred while the vehicle was parked and unattended. There was no accident, no object strike, and no visible prior damage. The rear back glass suddenly exploded outward, creating a dangerous situation due to flying glass fragments. After replacing the glass, the same issue occurred again under similar circumstances — no collision, no vandalism, and no visible reason that would explain structural damage. The glass shattered without warning. This raises serious safety concerns because: • The spontaneous explosion of the rear glass could cause injury to occupants. • It creates a driving hazard if it occu
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719963February 23, 2026
ENGINE
Loss of Use due to unavailability of safety recall parts I am writing to formally express my extreme dissatisfaction and concern regarding the ongoing mechanical failures of our 2020 Ford Expedition Max. To date, this vehicle has undergone two major transmission interventions, yet it remains in an unsafe, undrivable condition due to a recurring powertrain defect and a high-risk safety recall. Our experience with this vehicle has been defined by persistent failures and significant loss of use: •April 2023: The vehicle was admitted to MOGF for transmission repairs, where it remained for three months for a complete teardown and rebuild. •May 2024: The transmission failed again with identical symptoms and required a full replacement. •Current Issue: We have now received a recall notice regarding an internal transmission bearing. The check engine light is currently active, indicating a powertrain fault. We have been informed that the necessary recall parts are unavailable, leaving us with a vehicle that Ford’s own documentation identifies as a "crash risk." The vehicle is currently affected by NHTSA Recall 25E-070 (Ford 25SB3) regarding a missing internal transmission bearing, which Ford identifies as a crash risk. Furthermore, the vehicle falls under the expanded NHTSA Recall 25V-628 (Ford 22S36) fire risk, which requires it to be parked away from my home. These cumulative risks make the vehicle unusable and constitute a failure of the manufacturer's duty to provide a safe product
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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