2020 Ford Expedition Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 29, 2026 · Filed: October 29, 2026

2020 Ford Expedition 10 speed transmission 
Numerous times while driving in the [XXX]/[XXX] area we were attempting to merge into traffic. While trying to merge, we pressed the gas in order to merge into traffic and the powertrain seized up with a total loss of power (it was basically like it went into neutral) and the RPM’s jumped to 6000-7000 rpm. When we let off the gas, the transmission finally slammed back into gear with a loud clunk and it finally re-engaged. This shifting situation has happened several times over the past 8-12 months. Just recently (XXX) it happened three times in that day. This is an extremely dangerous issue. The last incident there was had a cement truck coming up on and I could have been run over. I’ve have had the car in the dealership approximately 3-4 times for this issue and each time they state they cannot replicate the problem. If it happens three times to me in one day and Ford can’t replicate the issue???I have had three other family and/or friends with me when this issue has happened so it’s quite real issue. Frankly. I feel like Ford just don’t want to pay the expense to fix the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: August 11, 2026 · Filed: October 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was a grinding sound coming from the engine and the engine was raised; however, the vehicle failed to drive forward. Additionally, the power train warning light was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed not to bring the vehicle back. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to an alternate dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,500.

Incident: October 23, 2026 · Filed: October 26, 2026

When accelerating hard, the vehicle attempted to downshift the transmission, but failed and all power was suddenly lost. Vehicle transmission was loud and grinding. Warning lamps stating Shift failure was displayed but disappeared quickly. After removing acceleration, transmission seemed to slip into gear and normal acceleration was restored. About 30 seconds later when holding constant speed, vehicle suddenly jerked and downshifted unexpectedly, again grinding could be heard and RPM's shot extremely high. Again foot was removed from acceleration and normal driving was restored.

Incident: October 1, 2026 · Filed: October 15, 2026

My car is a 2020 Ford Expedition Max with under 39,000 miles. A major transmission issue was just discovered while getting the 40,000 mile service. I believe it is the same issue as described under Recall 26S48. The car suddenly shifted into Neutral while driving on the freeway two separate times. The car is currently at the dealership, they got a P07E code, but did not experience the issue themselves.

Incident: September 30, 2026 · Filed: October 15, 2026

The little cubby in my car where I keep my phone charger literally sliced the side of my finger open. I was just reaching in there like I normally would, and somehow the edge caught my finger and cut it so badly that it took a piece of the side of my finger off. I never would have imagined something as simple as reaching into the little compartment in my car could cause an injury like that. It happened so quickly, and it honestly caught me completely off guard. Now I’m sitting here with my finger hurting, wondering how something in my own car could be sharp enough to do that much damage!

Incident: October 9, 2026 · Filed: October 13, 2026

When the vehicle is in motion, the transmission shifts very hard (with a loud audible "bang") between gears 4 and 5, and intermittently power is lost to the wheels (again, while the vehicle is in motion, you depress the accelerator, the engine revs up, but the vehicle does not accelerate). Once you brake and come to a stop, the vehicle accelerates properly again.

Incident: September 26, 2026 · Filed: October 13, 2026

The 10 speed transmission has ALWAYS slipped and never shifted correclty. Taken to shop multiple times and was told thats just how the transmission changes on the newer Ford 10 speed transmissions. Had the car 3 years and now I got a code saying the transmission is slipping in between 9-10 gears and 3-4 gears. The truck has ALWAYS done it but now it's gotten worse and no WARRANTY. Looks like THOUSANDS or millions have this problem and no clue how I'm responsible for a faulty transmission Ford knows is bad on their side. Terrible customer service where this is not fixed under a recall until the warranty is out and UNABLE to fix now. UNACCEPTABLE! If Ford would've fixed it earlier before it was completely gone, I'd have my $10,000 back. And why does Ford have a transmission that most transmission shops will not work on and costs that much money to replace. I'm DONE with Ford and their products!

Incident: October 3, 2026 · Filed: October 7, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the driver airbag assembly on my 2020 Ford Expedition. The driver-side steering wheel airbag cover has split open along the factory tear seam to the point that the airbag material is exposed. There was no collision or airbag deployment associated with this failure. Ford previously issued SSM 50786 concerning 2018–2021 Ford Expeditions and other Ford vehicles with cracked or splitting driver airbag covers. That communication states that the condition may occur at the airbag cover tear seam and that an updated driver airbag assembly with a more robust cover design was released. My vehicle has experienced the same type of failure described in that Ford communication. I contacted my Ford dealer and Ford Motor Company. Ford stated that my VIN is not covered by a recall or other applicable coverage and declined to pay for the repair because the vehicle is outside the warranty period. Ford opened case number CXH-09566474-R5G5K1. My concern is not simply cosmetic damage. The failure involves the driver Supplemental Restraint System, and the airbag is visibly exposed through the separated cover. I am concerned about whether the damaged cover could affect proper airbag deployment, create unintended debris during deployment, or otherwise compromise the safety performance of the driver airbag system. I am asking NHTSA to review this condition and determine whether there is a broader safety defect involving the driver airbag cover/tear seam on 2018–2021 Ford Expeditions and whether additional investigation or corrective action is warranted.

Incident: September 16, 2026 · Filed: October 4, 2026

Was trying to merge into traffic by accelerating but the transmission was not shifting properly or slipping which caused me to almost be in a wreck due to this problem. Took vehicle to dealer and was told the transmission needs replaced due to a cdf drum inside transmission. Said there is a tsb for the issue but no recall. Said it's a known issue but I have to pay for a new transmission. Also have issues with the park brake setting while still moving which will also damage the transmission and there is a recall for that but no remedy yet. Why would I put a new transmission in and pay for it when it still has the park brake issue that will damage the new transmission. Afraid to drive the vehicle with these problems but paid a huge amount of money for it to just sit in the driveway

Incident: April 25, 2026 · Filed: October 1, 2026

In 2025, our 2020 Ford Expedition had harsh, erratic shifting, then would lurch during shifts or lose power. Ford service replaced the valve body plate and reset the transmission software. This did not fix the harsh shifting; it only cleared the warning lights when the harsh shifting occurred. Now in 2026, shifting and gear sticking have continued to get worse, and now Ford says we need a new transmission, but it is now conveniently out of warranty. This is an issue the dealership was not transparent with us about; it is a safety issue when driving, and now the costs are intended to be completely out of pocket for us.