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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 · May 23, 2024
Power Train

Transmissions quickly break down. First signs are hard/loud gear shifting followed by slipping gears then eventual inability to accelerate. Regular transmission drains find metal contamination indicating breakdown of gears. Ford Motor Company is aware of this issue and will replace the transmission with the same failing transmis…

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Transmissions quickly break down. First signs are hard/loud gear shifting followed by slipping gears then eventual inability to accelerate. Regular transmission drains find metal contamination indicating breakdown of gears. Ford Motor Company is aware of this issue and will replace the transmission with the same failing transmission. Their proprietary system makes it difficult to diagnose and repair leading consumers to have to buy a replacement after 60k miles (which just so happens to be the extent of their warranty).

NHTSA ODI #11590486

20,000 miles · May 8, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a grinding sound coming from the transmission while changing gear. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while upshifting from second to third gear and while down shifting from fifth to fourth gear. During the f…

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The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a grinding sound coming from the transmission while changing gear. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while upshifting from second to third gear and while down shifting from fifth to fourth gear. During the failure the vehicle experienced hard jerking. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA ODI #11587691

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2024
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

When driving down the road and it does not matter what speed I am going, is when this issue is happening to most. I will be driving and out of the blue the tachometer will just drop to zero (0) and I lose all power and the vehicle starts shaking vigorously back and forth until it decides what gear the transmission wants to be in…

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When driving down the road and it does not matter what speed I am going, is when this issue is happening to most. I will be driving and out of the blue the tachometer will just drop to zero (0) and I lose all power and the vehicle starts shaking vigorously back and forth until it decides what gear the transmission wants to be in. It is doing this every single day, and it almost made me wrecked the other day. I do not even have 70,000 miles and it will be three years old in April 2024. I have called Ford and reported the issue as well. I have researched the issues, and many other Expeditions are having the same issue years 2020-2022. I am asking for Ford to take a serious look at all the car crashes from this exact issue. I do know the F150 are recalled with the exact transmission that is in the Expeditions. The transmission on Thursday 2-22-24 after driving and parked, put the car in drive then it did not want to get out of parked and do into drive or reverse.

NHTSA ODI #11573996

Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2024
Power Train

I keep getting a hard transmission shift around 8th gear when cresting a hill and letting off the gas. Ford can’t replicate the issue because it’s intermittent.

NHTSA ODI #11565479

Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2023
Power Train

The transmission is a major issue. I have had it in the shop 3 or 4 times now and still experiencing issues. The vehicle goes in and out of gear, doesn’t always accelerate when giving it gas, jerks when slowing down/downshifting. Makes a loud noise during downshifting at times, and the list goes on. Ford knows there are problems…

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The transmission is a major issue. I have had it in the shop 3 or 4 times now and still experiencing issues. The vehicle goes in and out of gear, doesn’t always accelerate when giving it gas, jerks when slowing down/downshifting. Makes a loud noise during downshifting at times, and the list goes on. Ford knows there are problems and refuses to address the issue, applies a computer update to bandaid the issue, and sends customers on their way to only be faced with the issue a short time later.

NHTSA ODI #11555695

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2023
Power Train

My car has stopped accelerating in the middle of a highway going 75 and wrench light pops up. Ford is looking into it but apparently it needs to be recalled. I hope they extend my warranty. This is so scary. My kids and I almost suffered an accident as our car stopped in the middle of passing on the freeway

NHTSA ODI #11545846

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2023
Power Train

I own the 2020 Expedition. We were traveling on Interstate 287 yesterday. I was in the right lane and was stuck behind a slow moving semi-truck. I put on my blinker and waited for an opening in traffic to move into the middle lane. When an opening presented itself, I pressed down on the gas pedal to accelerate into traffic. Whil…

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I own the 2020 Expedition. We were traveling on Interstate 287 yesterday. I was in the right lane and was stuck behind a slow moving semi-truck. I put on my blinker and waited for an opening in traffic to move into the middle lane. When an opening presented itself, I pressed down on the gas pedal to accelerate into traffic. While the truck should have down shifted and accelerated, instead the powertrain completely disengaged; a total loss of power. The RPM jumped way up to redline, over revving, but the truck was slowing down. I took my foot of the gas pedal and as the RPM came back down, the transmission slammed back into engagement with a loud audible clunk that jolted the whole vehicle. At this point, I was finally able to accelerate. While this was all happening, I had just moved into the middle lane of traffic, which was bearing down on us. All the vehicles behind us were slamming their brakes and honking their horns. I thought for sure we were going to die. Thank God it wasn’t an 80,000 lbs Peterbilt bearing down on us, or we would be dead, by the grace of God we’re not. Upon returning home I went onto the Ford truck owners website I belonged to. I came to learn this is a known issue with Ford’s 10-speed transmission that Ford has failed to address. That there are pending lawsuits and that the NHTSA is aware of the issue. One of the member suggested that I file a complaint with the NHTSA, that was my impetus for writing you today. This is a dangerous condition that Ford needs to remedy.

NHTSA ODI #11545711

43,000 miles · Sep 18, 2023
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway, and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure had since be…

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The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway, and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure had since become a persistent failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.

NHTSA ODI #11545194

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2023
EnginePower Train

After owning the car a year and about 15,000 miles I started having transmission rough shifting and lurching motions when shifting - violent lurching. I took it in to the dealership and they reset the adaptive learning component for the transmission. Nothing changed. Brought it in again and drove with technician and was able …

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After owning the car a year and about 15,000 miles I started having transmission rough shifting and lurching motions when shifting - violent lurching. I took it in to the dealership and they reset the adaptive learning component for the transmission. Nothing changed. Brought it in again and drove with technician and was able to reproduce issue. They replaced the transmission and the problems continued and actually increased with losing all acceleration on the freeway (floppy pedal) and then completely losing 10th gear when trying to pass another car. Luckily I was able to pull over and I did not cause an accident. It also threw a code/warning light at that time. I took it back to the dealership. They assessed and reset adaptive driving module. It then lost accelleration and wouldn't engage 10th and started smoking. Took it back to dealership and they claimed all that was due to over full transmission fluid. Original problems of rough shifting, lurching, clunking still existed. I filed a report with Ford and got a case number with the concern department. This resulted in the rear end of the car being replaced??? Car still has transmission issues, with all the above mentioned issues, and now delayed acceleration in the lower gears. Enough is enough fighting about fixing it for a year, it has been in for repairs 7 times, and over 49 days of rental cars . The vehicle does not cause warning lights at any point with the rough shifting, lurching, or lack of acceleration. All have been experienced at various times by the dealership. No solution to date.

NHTSA ODI #11540648

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2023
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

I’ve been having issues from day one with shifting gears, the vehicle makes a loud “thunking” noise and practically stops my vehicle in the middle of the road

NHTSA ODI #11538824

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.