IllustrationTransmission slams into gear when coming out of park, into drive
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 →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
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
What owners actually said
232 reportsThe Powertrain control system has detected an internal PCM communications error PCM will invoke failure mode effect management.
Shifting from park to drive on a level surface, the transmission will sporadically slam into gear so hard that the vehicle lurches forward. By the time I got to the dealership, it would not duplicate the problem. This vehicle has had the transmission rebuilt/replaced 4 times for this issue (among other issues), and there is le…
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Shifting from park to drive on a level surface, the transmission will sporadically slam into gear so hard that the vehicle lurches forward. By the time I got to the dealership, it would not duplicate the problem. This vehicle has had the transmission rebuilt/replaced 4 times for this issue (among other issues), and there is less that 40,000 miles on the vehicle. The transmission also slams into gear on 3rd, 5th, and sometimes 6th (upshift and downshift). It will sporadically downshift when at highway speeds regardless of changes in speed or incline.
The power train failed to accelerate and completely disengaged. While trying to avoid being t-boned by another car, the vehicle failed to accelerate when required. The RPM gauge showed the acceleration demand but it did not transfer to the power train. Luckily the car running the red light swerved to miss us because we were n…
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The power train failed to accelerate and completely disengaged. While trying to avoid being t-boned by another car, the vehicle failed to accelerate when required. The RPM gauge showed the acceleration demand but it did not transfer to the power train. Luckily the car running the red light swerved to miss us because we were not able to proactively avoid the collision. Ford first replaced the transmission plate, after recurrence is now offering a transmission rebuild under warranty. Now out of warranty, concerned issues will continue as Ford dealer not forthcoming on the repairs being done stating multiple issues are not related.
My catalytic converter of my 2021 expedition is going out. We had a 2019 Ford Expedition Texas Edition and I had the same issue. We purchased our current expedition in April of 2023. This spring the converter was signaled with the check engine light and since then my vehicle has had issues with acceleration, it consumes gas at a…
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My catalytic converter of my 2021 expedition is going out. We had a 2019 Ford Expedition Texas Edition and I had the same issue. We purchased our current expedition in April of 2023. This spring the converter was signaled with the check engine light and since then my vehicle has had issues with acceleration, it consumes gas at an extremely high rate and my engine works harder over time. My concern is that my vehicle will have an engine malfunction or put me into bankruptcy by the amount of gas it consumes per trip. I found that many other expeditions from the years 2018-2022 have similar issues to mine, in fact one of my friends in town had the same issue. I reported my issue to Ford and they said they would not repair. My vehicle has less than 80k miles on it.
Expedition has roughly 33,000 miles on it. I took it into the dealer for service b/c the transmission was acting jumpy. By the time it got to the dealer for service, Pacifico Marple Ford deemed it undrivable and it needs a new transmission. I don't think the transmission should have went that quickly.
The 360 degree backup camera displays a black screen when activated in both reverse and forward parking mode. This causes myself & any other driver to not have clear vision around the vehicle while in reverse posing a severe safety hazard. This problem has been reported & confirmed diagnostically from my local dealership as well…
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The 360 degree backup camera displays a black screen when activated in both reverse and forward parking mode. This causes myself & any other driver to not have clear vision around the vehicle while in reverse posing a severe safety hazard. This problem has been reported & confirmed diagnostically from my local dealership as well as reported to Ford Motors itself resulting in a case being opened regarding the safety issue. I have been told by Ford on multiple occasions that they will expedite my case & call me back with information, however it has been over 6 weeks and I have had to call them e Rey time to follow up. This back up camera safety issue has already been recalled on other makes & models of Ford vehicles including the year model before my vehicle. My dealership told me that although this exact same issue is recalled on other vehicles, I would need to pay the estimated $1500 to repair my issue. This has caused me and my family a significant amount of stress because we have young children, drive carpool for elementary school and need to be able to see our surroundings dings when backing up and parking. Several times I have come close to hitting something when parking because I can’t see from the camera. The NTHSB has also issued safety recalls for Ford backup cameras having this exact same issue and this is a huge safety issue for my model Ford as well. Ford knows there’s a safety issue and is not taking this seriously. We intentionally paid extra for this camera to ensure adequate vision while reversing and parking, this is unacceptable on Ford’s part to not escalate this issue and repair the defective camera at no cost. I desperately need help in getting Ford to fix this before a serious avoidable injury or accident occurs. I do not have another car I can drive and am stressed every time I drive now.
The transmission in this vehicle has been consistently needing repair. It is available for inspection. Concerned transmission will fail and leave family stranded. The problem has been reported to the dealer and the manufacturer 8 times over the past two years and they are still unable to fix the transmission. The vehicle has…
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The transmission in this vehicle has been consistently needing repair. It is available for inspection. Concerned transmission will fail and leave family stranded. The problem has been reported to the dealer and the manufacturer 8 times over the past two years and they are still unable to fix the transmission. The vehicle has also had error messages about the problem.
Unknown, it appears to be a Transmission issue the vehicle shifts hard, loses power while driving, and delayed acceleration.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while at a four-way stop, the vehicle failed to move, and downshifted to first gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The ve…
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The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while at a four-way stop, the vehicle failed to move, and downshifted to first gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Official recalls
1226V402000 · 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
1AQ26001 · 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.