Ford Expedition Complaints (2020)

428 consumer complaints on file.

#11720044February 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The 10-speed automatic transmission has harsh/ erratic shifting, clunking, hesitation and power loss. We were turning on to a 4-lane highway. The expedition lost power and would not go. A vehicle almost ran into the back of the expedition. When we tried to accelerate the transmission made a clunking/ grinding sound and finally went into a gear. Yes, the problem has been reproduced by the ford dealership. It is scheduled to be inspected this week. There were no warning lamps or messages or other symptoms of the problem. The problem started a week ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719398February 20, 2026
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION CLUCKS WHEN CHANGING GEARS
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718945February 18, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Component/System Failure: The vehicle is experiencing a catastrophic transmission failure (specifically the 10R80 transmission) beyond what is described in Ford TSB 24-2101. The transmission slips significantly and loses all power transmission while in motion. Safety Risk: My safety and the safety of other motorists are at extreme risk. While driving at highway speeds (approx. 65-70 MPH), the vehicle suddenly loses the ability to maintain speed or accelerate. This causes an immediate, unexpected deceleration in high-speed traffic, nearly resulting in rear-end collisions. The system takes several seconds to "reset" or catch a gear, during which time I have zero control over the vehicle's propulsion. This is an intermittent but recurring failure that makes the vehicle unpredictable and life-threatening to operate in traffic. Confirmation/Inspection: The problem has been confirmed by a Ford dealership service center and a secondary certified independent mechanic. Both confirmed the transmission is failing and cited TSB 24-2101 as the diagnostic path. The Ford dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that a full transmission replacement is required, but stated they would not provide financial assistance as the vehicle is just past the default warranty, despite the TSB acknowledging a known manufacturing defect. Symptoms/Warning Lamps: Symptoms began approximately August 2025. There were no warning lamps prior to the first failure, although it flashes lights temporarily when the problem occurs. The primary symptom is a sudden "free-spinning" or rattling engine sensation followed by a complete loss of forward momentum. The issue has grown progressively worse over the last months and as such is not safely drivable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718565February 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
While driving my 2020 Ford Expedition at approximately 50-60 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden, unintended downshift without driver input. The dashboard gear indicator abruptly dropped to "1st gear." This caused rapid deceleration and a mechanical "chattering/popcorn" noise as the transmission struggled to find a gear. The loss of power in traffic created an immediate safety hazard and risk of a rear-end collision. A certified Ford dealership (River View Ford - Oswego, IL) has diagnosed this as an internal Transmission failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718594February 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Ford Expedition, which is currently subject to Recall (24E13) related to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)> Despite multiple repair attempts, the vehicle continues to experience dangerous transmission and drivability issues. While driving , the vehicle: Loses gears unexpectedly Engine RPMs rev excessively high before the transmission finally engages Hesitates and has delayed acceleration Randomly makes loud clunking noises during shifting Emits a noticeable burning smell during acceleration These issues create serious safety concerns, particularly when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or accelerating from a stop. The delayed acceleration and gear loss place me and my passengers at risk of collision. The vehicle has been brought in multiple times for the same recall-related issue, yet the problem persists. The repair attempts have not resolved the unsafe condition. I am requesting immediate corrective action to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate. This ongoing defect presents a clear safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716328February 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My Ford Expedition (2-wheel drive) is experiencing jerking at variety of speeds, (changing gears, slowing down) and will sometimes get stuck in gear when I press the gas. Today, as I was entering the freeway, I pressed the accelerator and the transmission did not engage—there was no power at all until I released the gas pedal and pressed it again, at which point it finally engaged. This issue happens intermittently and is a serious safety concern, especially because I cannot predict whether the vehicle will hesitate or fail to respond when accelerating.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711790January 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In 2023 while the vehicle was still under warranty, the vehicle would slip gears while accelerating. After being told it was fixed by a Ford dealership, it worked until 2024, as the vehicle hit 60,020 miles. Over 1000 dollars of repairs to the transmission, it is happening again. No help from either Ford or the dealership that worked on it twice.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709832January 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission will randomly jump while accelerating and downshift to the point that we have to get to the interstate shoulder. This has happened many times.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709632January 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
We bought this truck new. When accelerating in “normal” transmission, mode, it would downshift and the turbos would kick in at the same time giving an unwanted surge of power. I found that driving in “sports” mode would give me more normal acceleration. Another issue I had as it got older was getting a big clank from the transmission when putting it in gear, especially in the morning when cold. I described it as hitting an anvil with a hammer. I took it to our local Ford dealer in Carthage, Missouri in early January 2025. The Service Rep said this was normal and I should let the truck warm up before shifting into gear. I told him I parked in the garage and that was not possible. He did not schedule an appointment to check it. About two weeks later on February 5, 2025 with 57,796 miles I returned to the dealer and insisted they check it before the warranty expired. They found nothing wrong. On the weekend from [XXX], I drove approximately 700 miles. During this weekend when accelerating to pass cars at highway speeds the truck would lose complete power like the transmission had shifted into neutral. This happened at least three times. I took the truck back to the Ford dealership on August 7, 2025 with mileage of 66,683. They said the transmission needed replaced. My cost was $9914.95. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709023January 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN
2020 Ford Expedition with 38,094 miles started having delayed and rough shifting a few days after my warranty was out on December 12th. 2024. I had looked up the issue before I took it in and found all these complaints and was worried mine was having this same issue. Took to our ford dealer and it was confirmed that my 10R80 transmission had failed and my CDF drum is worn and quoted 5600 to fix! They refuse to cover the cost knowing I and 1000's of others have had this same issue. FORD refuses to acknowledge it and the consumer is left with bill. I have owned 2 ford Explorers and 2 Expeditions in my driving life and feel like they have screwed me over. This needs to be resolved. They need to be held accountable! I am at a loss here and cant afford this fix so does a practically new ( by mileage terms ) car just sit in the yard and rot now??
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707929December 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
i had the backup camera replaced last year when it failed under warranty, paid a $100 deductible to Ford. Now the backup camera has failed again. Why isn’t my vehicle included in the recall?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706735December 23, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I am suggesting an investigation into the 2020 model Ford expedition relating to the 10 speed automatic transmission in this vehicle and others in previous and newer models. The problem is known and has been well documented that the transmission often fails and pops out of gear especially when accelerating and is extremely dangerous for obvious reasons while passing or climbing hills. There is not a recall for repair or replacement of these transmissions. The recommended service for this transmission occurs at 150000 miles according to the owners manual however failure often begins well before the first recommended service interval. The cost to repair or replace the equipment often exceeds $10000 and service managers are well aware of the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706820December 23, 2025
POWER TRAIN
My transmission started jumping gears and slipping at 65k miles. I had it checked out then and the mechanic said that these transmissions shifted rough, but they were not really sure why and that they reprogrammed the computer and that should fix it. It went on intermittently for the next 6 months to a year and I took it in again and was told they couldn't get the transmission to shift rough or skip so I would have to come back once it got worse. The longer I drove it, the worse it got until I would regularly lose all power to the wheels even at high speeds as the transmission failed to find a gear to engage. I finally took it back to the dealer again and this time they found that the front differential had failed and was full of metal shavings, the transmission was shifting really hard and missing gears and the driveshaft seal had failed and begun leaking as well. The vehicle had approximately 90k miles on it, and Ford didn't even recommend a transmission service/fluid change until 100k. I drive almost exclusively highway, rarely use 4WD, and had only towed twice with less than half it's capacity. I pressed the Dealer and Ford on how it's possible that a transmission fails before it's first recommended service. They said it shouldn't have and offered to replace my transmission with a remanufactured one for the low price of over $9,000. I had the transmission rebuilt at a local shop who said they are regularly rebuilding these expedition transmissions and that they fail frequently. The vehicle losing all power to the wheels, with no warning lights and searching for gears with no warning is incredibly dangerous. After doing this several times, it did eventually throw the first loss of power blinking lights across the dashboard, and day transmission fault.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706282December 20, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The incident occurred while traveling at 75 mph on the interstate. The car felt like it tried to put itself in park and slammed forward violently, at that time it came up with a shift fault light on the display, it shifted to neutral so there was no movement of the vehicle it was free wheeling, then it slammed itself back in a low gear where the vehicle slammed hard and the car engine was redlined. The transmission then proceeded to shift back up into a higher gear. All this while traveling at 75 mph. My concern, if one of my kids were driving it, or the road conditions would have been wet or snowy we would of had a very different outcome. The vehicle was sent to a Ford dealer where they found a park shift failure and shift issues recommending a new transmission. Ford was not willing to warranty the transmission even with the issues experienced and forced me to pay 60 percent of the cost. I find this hard to believe since a family could've been severely injured or killed. Previous to this incident, there were no warnings, lights, or concerns, the issue came out of the blue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704457December 11, 2025
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof fractured. The contact stated that there was no impact on the sunroof. In addition, the contact stated that the sunroof glass had exploded outward. The contact stated that had the sunroof had exploded from the inside, the shattered glass pieces would have fallen onto the contact's wife, who was seated in the front passenger's seat. The contact stated that as the owner of the vehicle, the sunroof had never been opened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for a sunroof replacement on the following day. In addition, the contact stated that, according to the internet forum, it was a known failure with similar vehicles. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702566December 2, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E070000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that he lived near a School Zone and was concerned that the failure could occur, causing the vehicle to strike and injure children on the road. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and advised the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive because the recall was not a safety recall. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701577November 25, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I got a brand new transmission put in at the beginning of the year but my whole car spits and sputters and shakes going 45 and when I am backing up it throws me forward(almost in the car in front of me) instead of reversing and making a loud clinking noise
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700821November 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
My 2020 Ford Expedition Platinum VIN [XXX] miles suddenly began harsh shifting violent kicking/jerking and lunging between gears while driving at highway speeds 65-80mph. The vehicle slams into gear unexpectedly and has nearly caused loss of control on multiple occasions. Dealership diagnosed CDF drum failure in the 10R80 automatic transmission requiring full transmission replacement at a cost of 8,057 (TSB 25-2132 and prior TSBs). This is a known widespread safety defect affecting thousands of 2018-2022 Ford vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission. Ford has issued multiple TSBs and is currently facing class-action litigation over this exact failure. Despite the clear safety implications and identical cases being approved for 100% goodwill coverage, ford is refusing full repair coverage in my case. This defect presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699359November 14, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The SUV was driving smoothly at 55mph speed, suddenly I hit the break and tried to reaccelerate and felt a hard transmission shift, felt like metal hitting metal, felt like it was forced to shift to drive mode from parking mode. After that I started using 93 octane rated gasoline, do not observe the problem too much. I will really scary and unsafe, the whole SUV shook hard for 2sec.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697822November 6, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission stalls, shifts hard, shutters,. Had the transmission rebuilt about four months agoand similar issues are already starting with the rebuilt transmission.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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