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2021 Ford Expedition

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Expedition do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 155.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 41 of 232 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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 110 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports4 fire reports4 injury reports

Power Train complaints

110 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2025
Power Train

The transmission shifts gears irregularly and has loss complete power when going up hill. This is a known issue with the 10 speed transmission but Ford has not corrected the issue that is impacting thousand of vehicles. This issue with the shifting happens everyday that I drive it.

NHTSA ODI #11669278

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2025
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

Follow up to my previous complaint (11665325)see link below. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11665915

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2025
Power Train

May 17th was trying to get over one lane on service road, gave car gas and it acted like it fail out of gear, let off gas and then it was fine. Did the something again about 4 hours later. Car only has 94,000 miles on it and dealership is saying that it needs a new transmission. I have never hauled anything with this car, onl…

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May 17th was trying to get over one lane on service road, gave car gas and it acted like it fail out of gear, let off gas and then it was fine. Did the something again about 4 hours later. Car only has 94,000 miles on it and dealership is saying that it needs a new transmission. I have never hauled anything with this car, only driving on the highway. I did take my Ford in at 57,000 because it was rough sounding when it would change gears. They said they couldn't find anything wrong. Now we need a new transmission and it is out of warranty of course. I just don't see how this transmission could not last longer then 94,000 miles. The note on the car still has a few years left on it. There are not active recall per Ford Relationship Center. I also have a claim with them as well. They told me to made a claim there as well.

NHTSA ODI #11662270

Mileage unknown · May 17, 2025
Power Train

I purchased a 2021 Ford Expedition and it has 37,000 miles on it and the transmission shifts hard when putting the vehicle in drive. The vehicle jerks violently. Also when driving down hils the transmission jerks. The vehicle shouldn't have transmission problems already. The transmission in this vehicle should have a recall. The…

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I purchased a 2021 Ford Expedition and it has 37,000 miles on it and the transmission shifts hard when putting the vehicle in drive. The vehicle jerks violently. Also when driving down hils the transmission jerks. The vehicle shouldn't have transmission problems already. The transmission in this vehicle should have a recall. The Ford company is aware that there is an issue and they should fix the issue or replace the transmission for their consumers. I have a 2012 Expedition that doesn't have this problem and it has 280,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11661641

79,000 miles · Apr 4, 2025
Power Train

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure and the transmiss…

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The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ODI #11652842

78,000 miles · Mar 21, 2025
Power Train

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle became stuck in first gear. The driver was able to maneuver the transmission into fourth gear. The contact turned the vehicle on and off, and the transmission was reset. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that …

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The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle became stuck in first gear. The driver was able to maneuver the transmission into fourth gear. The contact turned the vehicle on and off, and the transmission was reset. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V197000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and was diagnosed with CDF drum failure, and that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #11649660

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2025
Power Train

The transmission has started to delay engagement into drive and reverse which causes the ability for the vehicle to unexpectedly roll in either direction. The vehicle also shifts erratically and in a rough manner while driving causing the driver(s) to either hesitate acceleration and or cause a sense of urgency to stop. It was b…

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The transmission has started to delay engagement into drive and reverse which causes the ability for the vehicle to unexpectedly roll in either direction. The vehicle also shifts erratically and in a rough manner while driving causing the driver(s) to either hesitate acceleration and or cause a sense of urgency to stop. It was brought to my attention from repair/transmission shops that this is a common problem with this particular transmission and calls for a new replacement or rebuild. The issue is very noticeable when driving as stated by the driver(s) and auto repair mechanics/employees.

NHTSA ODI #11649414

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2025
Power Train

Power Train went out on our family vehicle at 107k miles. This is a known problem by Ford for this model, and it is a major hazard. It created a dangerous driving situation for our family. The transmission would slip or quickly shift down to lower gears while driving at higher speeds causing the vehicle to malfunction in traffic…

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Power Train went out on our family vehicle at 107k miles. This is a known problem by Ford for this model, and it is a major hazard. It created a dangerous driving situation for our family. The transmission would slip or quickly shift down to lower gears while driving at higher speeds causing the vehicle to malfunction in traffic and creating a very dangerous driving situation for our family. The vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership awaiting repair. Ford is aware there is a safety hazard concerning the transmissions in this model and they need to fix it ASAP.

NHTSA ODI #11646953

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2025
Power Train

DTC P07F7 - This is the code that the car is showing which is a CDF Drum failed in the transmission. The vehicle was almost hard braking when shifting gears and throwing us towards the dashboard specifically when switching between 9th and 10th gear. It was hard shifting between multiple gears. The vehicle is only 3 years old…

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DTC P07F7 - This is the code that the car is showing which is a CDF Drum failed in the transmission. The vehicle was almost hard braking when shifting gears and throwing us towards the dashboard specifically when switching between 9th and 10th gear. It was hard shifting between multiple gears. The vehicle is only 3 years old with 67,000 miles on it and the transmission has failed. There are also multiple reports and a service bulletin on this particular transmission from Ford.

NHTSA ODI #11643198

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2025
Power Train

When driving and car down shifts to 4th speed and accelerator is pressed, the car does not accelerate, rpm’s only increase. The car then jars or jerks into gear with a loud sound. Safety risk is that you are driving at high speed and cannot keep car accelerating with other cars around - especially on freeway. 1st occurrence …

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When driving and car down shifts to 4th speed and accelerator is pressed, the car does not accelerate, rpm’s only increase. The car then jars or jerks into gear with a loud sound. Safety risk is that you are driving at high speed and cannot keep car accelerating with other cars around - especially on freeway. 1st occurrence happened at 31000 miles. Now constant repeat at 43000 miles. No warning lights/lamps, etc. Car has only been serviced by Ford. Ford noted this as a software update needed. In researching this, seems to be a common problem.

NHTSA ODI #11642914

Official recalls

12

26V402000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Jun 24, 2026

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

26V368000 · Structure:interior Panels:center Console

Jun 9, 2026

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

26V344000 · Seat Belts:pretensioner

May 27, 2026

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

26V204000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

Mar 31, 2026

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

25V729000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Oct 24, 2025

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

25V442000 · Back Over Prevention:software

Jun 27, 2025

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

25V048000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Jan 31, 2025

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

24V852000 · Equipment:other:labels

Nov 8, 2024

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

23V420000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Jun 9, 2023

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

22V346000 · Engine

May 17, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

22V250000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

Apr 14, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

21V805000 · Air Bags:sensor:side Impact; Air Bags:side/window

Oct 15, 2021

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:sensor:side Impact

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."

Consequence: 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.

Air Bags:side/window

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."

Consequence: 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.

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

1

AQ26001 · Nu Car Rental Of Vehicles With Open Recalls

Opened Jun 9, 2026 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · None

NHTSA is opening this Audit Query (AQ) to investigate NU Car Rentals (NU Car) for compliance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.The Safety Act requires that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i). NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates NU Car rented at least two vehicles to consumers without having performed required recall repairs. The Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) related to this investigation can be found on nhtsa.gov by searching for ID number 11730449 and 11504655. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning this issue.