IllustrationTHE VEHICLE HEAD REST IS PERMANENTLY TILTED FORWARD AND CANT BE ADJUSTED. THIS PRESENTS AN UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. IN ORDER TO GET SOME TYPE OF RELIEF DURING EXTENDED DRIVING PERIODS THE SEAT HAS TO BE TILTED BACK, WHICH COULD CREATE ANOTHER UNSAFE POSITION. *TR
2011 Ford Expedition
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2011 Ford Expedition do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 155.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Expedition years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
190–25K
825–50K
950–75K
575–100K
8100–150K
9150K+
58 reports with mileage · 13 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports
Seats complaints
8 reportsTHE STANDARD HEADREST IN THE 2011 FORD EXPEDITION PROTRUDES FORWARD SO MUCH THAT I CANNOT SIT WITH MY BACK AND SHOULDERS LEANING TO THE BACK OF THE SEAT WITHOUT PUSHING MY HEAD FORWARD, CAUSING UPPER BACK AND NECK PAIN. I'VE DRIVEN THE CAR TWO DAYS AND MY NECK HURTS. THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED NO SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND MY INT…
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THE STANDARD HEADREST IN THE 2011 FORD EXPEDITION PROTRUDES FORWARD SO MUCH THAT I CANNOT SIT WITH MY BACK AND SHOULDERS LEANING TO THE BACK OF THE SEAT WITHOUT PUSHING MY HEAD FORWARD, CAUSING UPPER BACK AND NECK PAIN. I'VE DRIVEN THE CAR TWO DAYS AND MY NECK HURTS. THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED NO SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND MY INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWED THAT MANY OTHER FACE THE SAME CHALLENGE. SOME ARE REMOVING THE HEADREST, WHILE OTHERS ARE BENDING THEM BACK. NEITHER SOUNDS SAFE TO ME AND IT SEEMS FORD COULD CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANGLE OF THE HEAD REST DESIGN WAS CAUSING PAIN TO HER NECK. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE HEAD REST BE TURNED AROUND OR REMOVED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANGLE OF THE HEAD REST DESIGN WAS CAUSING PAIN TO HER NECK. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE HEAD REST BE TURNED AROUND OR REMOVED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
SEVERE NECK PAIN DUE TO DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER HEAD RESTS IN 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE EXTREME ANGLE OF THE FRONT HEADRESTS IN THE NEW FORD EXPEDITIONS CAUSE EXCESSIVE STRESS AND STRAIN ON THE NECKS OF INDIVIDUALS OCCUPYING THESE SEATS. FORD HAS TURNED THE HEADRESTS AROUND TO ALLEVIATE THIS CONDITION WHICH IS UNSAFE AND POTE…
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SEVERE NECK PAIN DUE TO DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER HEAD RESTS IN 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE EXTREME ANGLE OF THE FRONT HEADRESTS IN THE NEW FORD EXPEDITIONS CAUSE EXCESSIVE STRESS AND STRAIN ON THE NECKS OF INDIVIDUALS OCCUPYING THESE SEATS. FORD HAS TURNED THE HEADRESTS AROUND TO ALLEVIATE THIS CONDITION WHICH IS UNSAFE AND POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING. *TR
DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER HEAD RESTS AT VERY ACUTE ANGLES. WITHOUT ALTERING THE HEAD RESTS IT APPEARS ANY CRASH IMPACT WOULD CAUSE BOTH DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEVERE INJURY. *TR
THE HEADREST ON THE 2011 FORD EXPEDITION ARE HORRENDOUS AND UNCOMFORTABLE. I WORK FOR THE FIRE DEPT. AND I USE THIS VEHICLE 12 TO 16 HOURS A DAY, ALONG WITH OTHER EMPLOYEE'S. THE ANGLE OF THE NEW HEADREST IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND THERE IS NO POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENT TO GET INTO A COMFORTABLE POSITION. I HAVE TRIED TO RAISE/LOWER THE…
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THE HEADREST ON THE 2011 FORD EXPEDITION ARE HORRENDOUS AND UNCOMFORTABLE. I WORK FOR THE FIRE DEPT. AND I USE THIS VEHICLE 12 TO 16 HOURS A DAY, ALONG WITH OTHER EMPLOYEE'S. THE ANGLE OF THE NEW HEADREST IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND THERE IS NO POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENT TO GET INTO A COMFORTABLE POSITION. I HAVE TRIED TO RAISE/LOWER THE SEAT AND CHANGE THE POSITION OF THE SEAT TO NO AVAIL. THANKS TO THIS "NEW DESIGN" ON THE HEADREST I AM TAKING IBUPROFEN DAILY AT WORK. MY CHEVY TAHOE IS MORE COMFORTABLE. MY DEPT HAS 3 OTHER FORD'S WITH THIS STYLE HEADREST AND EVERYONE COMPLAINS ABOUT IT. FORD NEEDS TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AND REPLACE THE HEADREST AT NO COST TO THE BUYERS. FYI.. ALSO OUR FIRST RESPONDER CAR WAS PURCHASED IN JUNE 2011 - AT 850 MILES WE HAD TO REPLACE THE MAIN COMPUTER ALREADY!!!! GREAT JOB FORD. *TR
THE HEADREST ANGLE OF MY 2011 FORD EXPEDITION IS EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE. SHOULD FORD BE REQUIRED TO GIVE OR SELL ME A HEADREST THAT DOES NOT HURT ME? *TT
TL -THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANGLE ON THE HEADREST WAS MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO POSITION HIMSELF COMFORTABLY WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE BUT DID NOT ASSIST THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,0…
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TL -THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANGLE ON THE HEADREST WAS MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO POSITION HIMSELF COMFORTABLY WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE BUT DID NOT ASSIST THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. KMJ
Official recalls
0No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1RQ17010 · Unexpected Transmission Downshift
Opened Dec 25, 2017 · Closed Oct 22, 2019
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V-075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.