2021 Ford Expedition · symptom sheet

Transmission fails or needs replacement

25owner reports
79,000median miles
0involved a crash

Newest report Aug 30, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

108 of the 230 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 25 of those describe transmission failure.

Tick what matches of 25 reports

warning lights came on first

it was replaced under warranty

I paid for it myself

a second transmission also failed

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (25 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

26V-402Jun 24, 2026

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

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.

Risk and remedy

Risk: 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.

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Expedition

RQ17-010opened Dec 25, 2017

Transmission and drivetrain · model years 2011 to 2013

Unexpected transmission downshift. Closed oct 22, 2019, led to recall 19V-075.

NHTSA summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall

None of these investigations covers the 2021 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 40,000 and 90,000 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.

123

424

1025

1026

What owners wrote

“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.”
Filed Aug 3, 2026

“Transmission harsh shifting. Common problem with ford on the 10r80. Was told from ford need new transmission”
Filed Apr 15, 2026

“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.”
Filed Aug 7, 2024 · 33,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 25 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.