2021 Ford Expedition Complaints

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/05/2026

At approximately 12:10 p.m. on October 5, 2026, we had just washed the Expedition and I was going to move it over to put it in the middle bay of the garage that is attached to the house. I put the vehicle in reverse and it took off like it was going 100 miles an hour. I crashed into the garage behind us and the tires were still screaming. I then put it in drive to pull forward and it screeched the tires going forward. I had my foot on the break and it was roaring;burning rubber, it crashed through the garage door, hitting the Explorer in front of it which pushed into a wall of our house. It was an unexplained prolonged period of engine racing. I have a video that I would like to send you showing everything that happened, but it’s too large to attach.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/04/2026

My 2021 Ford Expedition MAX XLT with the 10R80 automatic transmission has experienced repeated momentary “neutral-out” events while driving. The transmission/park-system components are available for inspection upon request. The most serious incident occurred in September 2026 while I was driving at highway speed near Charlottesville, Virginia, with six children in the vehicle. I was not towing or placing the vehicle under unusual load. The vehicle suddenly behaved as though the transmission had shifted into neutral, the RPM/engagement became abnormal, I heard loud thumping, saw smoke or fumes from the rear of the vehicle, and observed a transmission temperature of 261°F. The vehicle later re-engaged. This created a serious safety concern because I temporarily lost normal propulsion/acceleration capability while traveling at highway speed with other traffic. This problem has previously been confirmed by my Ford dealer. In February 2026, I reported that the vehicle would “neutral out and rev up,” hesitate for several seconds, and then go back into gear. The dealer documented that no diagnostic codes were stored but followed Ford TSB 23-2249. During diagnosis, the dealer found physical wear/damage involving the transmission parking pawl area, rear output shaft, and cam. The transmission was removed and disassembled and multiple park-system components were replaced. The neutral-out condition returned after that repair. In July 2026, I again reported that the vehicle would intermittently neutral out for several seconds and then re-engage. The dealer was unable to reproduce it and again found no diagnostic trouble codes. In September 2026, after the 261°F highway incident described above, the dealer again scanned the vehicle and found no codes and was unable to reproduce the condition during approximately 100 miles of testing. There have been no transmission warning lamps, transmission messages, or

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 09/24/2026

Vehicle has 84,000 miles at it. It started to jerk when putting it into a gear. I thought it was due to the colder mornings no. I was taking the kids to school and It was skipping gears. I was very leary of driving but had no choice. It would not get up to speed the rpms was suffering. I stopped at a parts store to run the code after the warning popped up. When leaving because I was 30 mins from home it jerked when I placed into gear, I was scared to pull onto the 4 lane due to not being able to get up to speed and being in a high traffice area. Very unsafe. Now the vehicle is at the dealership needing a $7,000 transmission and ford will not assist. I am still financing it through a dealer and there is no Goodwill from Ford. This is known issue that they documented.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 09/16/2026

Both second-row captain’s-chair seat-belt buckle assemblies are separating. The driver-side buckle has separated enough that it will no longer latch, and the passenger-side buckle is beginning to separate in the same manner. These are inflatable second-row seat belts. The vehicle has not been involved in a crash and the restraint system has not deployed. Ford replacement parts JL1Z-7860045-FF and JL1Z-7860044-FF are reportedly discontinued or on indefinite backorder, leaving no available repair for these occupant-restraint failures on a 2021 Ford Expedition. Because both buckle assemblies are showing the same failure, I am concerned this is a common safety defect.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/04/2026

"Catastrophic simultaneous failure of both the Main (front) and Aux (rear) HVAC evaporator cores at 60,000 miles. The component defect causes atomized chemical refrigerant and system compressor oil to leak and vent directly through the dashboard and rear vents into the sealed passenger cabin. This creates an immediate toxic inhalation environment and chemical respiratory hazard. My young child has severe asthma, and this severe component failure makes the vehicle entirely unsafe to transport my family due to acute respiratory irritation risk and cabin air contamination."

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 08/29/2026

VIN):[XXX]/Make/Model: 2021 Ford Expedition XLTCurrent Mileage: Approx. 150,000 milesLocation: [XXX] of the Safety Defect:El vehículo presenta un defecto de seguridad crítico y extremo en el tren motriz que pone en riesgo inminente la vida de los ocupantes y de terceros en la vía pública. En dos ocasiones distintas durante los últimos 15 días, el vehículo ha sufrido una pérdida total de comunicación electrónica y un bloqueo mecánico absoluto mientras se encontraba en plena marcha en avenidas de [XXX].Al ocurrir la falla, el tablero activa de inmediato la luz de la llave inglesa (Wrench Light), descontrola la marcha, bloquea la transmisión de 10 velocidades y activa de manera imprevista y automática el freno de emergencia electrónico, deteniendo el vehículo por completo en medio del tráfico.En el primer incidente (ocurrido en sábado), la gravedad del bloqueo mecánico obligó la intervención de los servicios de emergencia en la vía pública, requiriendo la asistencia de la policía y el cuerpo de bomberos para mover el vehículo a una zona segura. El sistema electrónico sufre un colapso total (cortocircuito térmico o fallo de la red CAN Bus) provocado por las temperaturas de la zona; el vehículo se vuelve inoperante y la computadora no responde ni permite el encendido hasta que se deja enfriar por un lapso forzoso de 2 horas.Esta falla mortal se agudizó y se volvió recurrente inmediatamente después de que un concesionario oficial de Ford aplicara la reprogramación de software correspondiente al Recall de emisiones XXX PCM. El concesionario original (Team Ford Lincoln) se niega a diagnosticar la gravedad de este fallo de seguridad sin un cobro de tarifa de diagnóstico de más de $500 dólares, deslindándose del peligro vial provocado tras la ejecución de su propia campaña oficial de servicio. Solicito la intervención de las autoridades federales para que el fabricante asuma la responsabilidad. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN — Filed 11/03/2025

While trying to pull out of a residential neighborhood onto a state highway (45 mph speed limit), the vehicle refused to accelerate. The transmission couldn't engage into gear and the vehicle struggled to gain momentum. After letting off of the accelerator pedal, and then applying the accelerator again, the transmission was able to engage, and the car began to accelerate. No check engine light or other indication of a problem. The Ford dealer told us that the CDF drum of the transmission needed to be replaced. It is a known defect due to poor engineering design. This is very common problem in 2020 and 2021 Expeditions and F150 vehicle.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/18/2026

My Ford Expedition’s 10-speed automatic transmission experienced repeated slipping and sudden loss of propulsion. While accelerating from a stop and entering the highway, typically around 15–20 MPH, the engine would suddenly rev but the vehicle would stop accelerating, as if the transmission had shifted into neutral. I had to release the accelerator for several seconds and slowly reapply throttle before the transmission would re-engage. This occurred repeatedly and created a serious safety hazard when pulling into or crossing traffic because the vehicle could begin accelerating normally and then unexpectedly lose propulsion with approaching traffic. The transmission also exhibited severe harsh/banging shifts during harder acceleration and produced a rattling noise while slipping until the accelerator was released. CDF drum failure has been confirmed. The vehicle is currently at a reputable independent transmission repair facility undergoing a transmission rebuild due to the CDF failure. The transmission/components are available for inspection during the repair. There were no warning lights or messages that reliably warned of the impending loss of propulsion. This was not simply poor shift quality; the transmission defect caused an actual loss of propulsion while driving. Because this failure can leave a driver unable to accelerate while entering an intersection, pulling onto a highway, or merging into traffic, I believe the CDF failure presents a serious safety risk. I am requesting NHTSA investigate CDF-related transmission failures and determine whether a safety recall is warranted. TSB 23-2250

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/19/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact noticed an abnormal sound and the vehicle jerked. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to an independent mechanic; however the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was the family's only means of transportation, and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/08/2026

For the past three years I have complained about the transmission dropping out of gear. It happens most often if I'm towing a trailer. I seems to occur in spurts, happening a couple of times in a few days then not for some time. Very dangerous if you pull around to pass and suddenly you lose power. Originally the dealership said they could find nothing wrong. I have read recently that Ford is having trouble with their transmissions. At my latest service appointment, I restated my problem and was told I need a new transmission.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/15/2026

While stopped at a traffic light, my 2021 Ford Expedition began running rough. When the light changed and I accelerated through the intersection, the vehicle experienced a severe loss of engine power and barely made it through the intersection. After I pulled off the roadway and released the accelerator, the engine stalled. I was able to restart the engine once while applying approximately one-quarter throttle. It continued running rough and stalled again when I released the accelerator. The vehicle was taken to Robinson Brothers Ford/Lincoln in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Ford dealer documented the rough running, low power and stalling and diagnosed the "fuel pump inop." The dealer removed the fuel tank and replaced the fuel pump/sender assembly. The replacement part listed on the dealer invoice is Ford part JL1Z-9H307-G. Vehicle mileage was approximately 79,390. Several months before the complete failure, during very cold weather, I also experienced one brief incident of unusually low engine power shortly after starting the vehicle. I do not know whether that earlier incident was related. I am concerned that this failure may be related to the low-pressure fuel pump failure condition addressed by Ford Safety Recall 25S75 / NHTSA Recall 25V-455, which includes certain 2022 Ford Expeditions. My 2021 Expedition is not currently included in that recall. The loss of power occurred while I was crossing an intersection and created a serious safety risk. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate this fuel pump failure along with failures involving other vehicles excluded from Recall 25V-455.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/14/2026

Vehicles automatic transmission repeatedly looses its gear, often while accelerating. The transmission tries to shift down, but somehow ends up loosing engagement and will not re-engage. This lead to critical/dangerous situations on Highways due to the sudden loss of power.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/01/2026

OEM transmission had to be replaced 3 years after new purchase. Replacement transmission installed at Ford dealership has failed after less then 2 years. About to have third transmission installed.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/22/2026

The engine stalled out while trying to pass someone. The car wouldn't go faster when hitting the gas and felt like I couldnt safely slow down to get back over. It felt like something slipped and lost traction, but roads were dry and not rocky or sandy. tapping breaks and letting off gas did nothing. it has happened before but usually in winter, and gettin up to speed. its like the gear shift got stuck.

STRUCTURE — Filed 06/02/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reaching into the center console of the vehicle, a sharp edge on the trim caused an injury to the thumb. The contact stated that the issue reoccurred, and the sharp edge caused a cut on the thumb. No medical attention was needed; however, bandages were used on the cuts. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact associated the issue with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V368000 (Structure). The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 04/18/2026

I took my vehicle to the dealership to have all recall work done on Feb. 11th 2026. I was told i am up to date on all my recall work at that time. When I received my vehicle back It would intermittently just shut down for no apparent reason while sitting at stop lights, or just stopped in that fashion. I called and the dealership they said unless they could recreate the issue somewhat easily there was noting they could really do. So while parked in driveway the vehicle again had no power, I used my emergency key to get into vehicle and opened the hood to which I found the battery terminal connections were never tighten. I could take them off by hand. This told me the mechanic at the dealership didn't complete job and tighten my battery connections, Fast forward to April 18th, it was raining, I parked vehicle, still running, went into post office ( I was only gone for 30 seconds)and I came out to white smoke billowing out from under the hood. I opened hood the large flames shooting up. I quickly grabbed a fire extinguisher I had in the car and put 90% of the fire out, it was still burning at the fuse junction box, moments later a police officer showed up with fire extinguisher and was able to put it out. The car would not stop running, so once the fire dept. arrived they had to cut the battery terminals to shut the vehicle down. This was also the first time I drove vehicle in the rain since my recall work was done. The fire dept. and I realized the fuse box cover was not in place. So now this same mechanic that did't tighten battery terminals was also neglectful in not replacing the fuse box cover. I believe this neglect partially if not wholly caused this fire. It is highly probable that water got into the fuse box and shortened everything out which caused the fire. I have a document from the dealership that states they did the recall work for 22S36 - Underhood fires. But this website says this work was not performed. No inspection from anyone has been done

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 08/29/2025

While towing a rented trailer from Tractor Supply, the trailer detached because it was not properly secured by store staff. The trailer struck the rear bumper of my 2021 Ford Expedition, causing visible body damage and raising concerns about hidden damage to the drivetrain and transmission due to the sudden force of the impact. After the incident, the vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership for inspection. Documentation exists showing that additional drivetrain and transmission evaluation is needed to determine the full extent of damage. The rear-view camera is also under active NHTSA recall (25V048), and its poor image quality complicates safe reversing after the incident. The safety risk is significant: the trailer detachment created a roadway hazard and impact, while the rear camera defect reduces visibility and increases crash risk when backing. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership and is being reviewed under an insurance claim with Tractor Supply’s insurer. Full documentation of the service visit and inspection is available upon request.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/26/2024

The “handless” rear hatch opening activates when not intended. This has caused a concussion to a driver while loading a vehicle. While this is not a “driving” system, it causes injuries to occupants immediately prior to driving. It is entirely possible that a driver could suffer a head injury without knowledge, then begin driving. This causes a dangerous driving environment. In particular the system is supposed to operate when the key is in a persons pocket and the foot is waived in the air by the hitch receiver area. The issues exists because it activates even if an object moves under the vehicle when key is in the correct proximity. This can even pin a driver down with the door over thier back while loading. Again this causes injuries and issues that may not be discovered until driving. In this particular incident the driver was loading the cargo area, when the door activated to close unknown to driver. At the same time the driver was leaning back and standing back up hitting his head on the door while it was closing on him. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes later after finishing loading, the driver drove away (sole occupant). After another 10 to 15 minutes later driver was feeling dizzy and un able to focus. The driver stopped the vehicle and sought medical attention. The driver was diagnosed with a minor concussion. While this had a good result, it could have easily escalated or caused a serious accident. It is recommended that a safety advisory about the potential risks of automatic door opening/closing is released. In addition it is recommended that the manufacturer enable the ability to disable the automatic function in the vehicle system in a manner where it only comes back on after a user turns it on.

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/09/2024

I was in an accident on December 9 at 2 pm it was slightly wet out & 51 degrees i was making a left turn out of a business went into the middle lane and gave some gas to merge into the lane and the back end of the vehicle locked up and swung into a tail spin to the right as I applied the brakes it locked up worse and the vehicle spun around twice. Went into oncoming traffic and was hit. Had to exite the vehicle on the passenger side because i could not open the drivers door. When the police and tow truck came the both could not believe the airbags did not deploy . The car was found to be totaled by my insurance Co. AAA The fact that not one of the airbags didn’t deploy is very disturbing to me!!! This was my first Ford and dont think i will ever own anther.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/22/2024

There is a chrome decorative trim on the interior of the vehicle that surrounds the cup holders and storage areas. This chrome decorative trim is beginning to delaminate and had a razor-sharp edge. When reaching into the storage compartment that is also a phone charging station the delaminating chrome sliced my hand resulting in me requiring stiches from urgent care.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE — Filed 02/29/2024

Vehicle caught fire on February 29, 2024, with family members inside the vehicle. The fire appeared to start under the hood on the right passenger side, which would directly correlate with the current open recall. The family had just made a trip back from a basketball game and was dropping off a passenger when smoke was noticed. Upon further inspection, there was an active fire under the hood, which soon erupted into a burst of flames, causing the vehicle to be declared a total loss. Emergency responders had to be called to the scene to alleviate the fire. The fire report depicts a vehicle malfunction as the cause of the ignition. Ford has made no efforts to contact the consumer regarding the fire and subsequent damage.

POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/01/2021

Daily the automatic transmission will erratically and forcefully downshift at highway speed. When changing Driving Modes the transmission display on the dash has numbers disappear and the transmission downshifts with great force which has lead to injuries. After sitting for more than a few hours the transmission will not go into reverse at first but will then violently shift into reverse after several minutes. These issues began not long after we purchased this vehicle new. The service manager at the dealership the vehicle was purchased from when I told him about these problems told me that I don’t understand how a 10 speed transmission works. Sometimes the driver’s seatbelt will not buckle.

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS — Filed 11/03/2022

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that as his wife had attempted to park the vehicle, she placed the gear shifter into park(P) and let her foot off the brake pedal. Once she released her foot off the brake, the vehicle abruptly accelerated forward and hit a storage shed. The contact depressed the brake pedal multiple times during the failure but the brakes failed to engage. No warning lights appeared on the instrument panel during the failure. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The police were not called and no medical assistance was needed. The storage shed was destroyed as a result of the impact. The contact called the dealer and made an appointment for a diagnostic. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

ENGINE — Filed 07/20/2022

The Government Owned Vehicle was parked, unattended, engine off and a fire started in the engine area.

FIRERELATED — Filed 05/30/2022

The contact owned a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V250000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact’s husband was able to pull over on the side of the road when they noticed that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact’s husband opened the hood and saw that the electrical box on the passenger’s side had caught fire. The contact’s husband attempted to put out the flames with a cup of water before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact and their five children were able to safely exit the vehicle. No injuries were sustained and no medical attention was received. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed; however, the contact was unaware if there was a fire department report. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.