The Lemon Index
Transmission complaints owners filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) for each model year, per 100,000 cars sold. A complaint counts when it's filed under the transmission, or under the power train and the owner describes the transmission (shifting, slipping, gears, CVT). It's an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and older years have had longer to collect complaints.
What owners describe
Share of this model's transmission complaints that mention each symptom. One complaint can mention several.
Transmission and power train recalls
- 2023 2023
The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.
- 2021 2026
The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
- 2020 2020
The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
- 2019 2020
The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.
- 2018 2018
A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
In owners' words
Automatic transmission is faulty. Falls into neutral at highway speed. Loss of ability to acclerate. Potential for collision.
2020 Ford Expedition owner · NHTSA complaint
Transmission has exhibited harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift during lane changes, almost causing me to crash on two occasions.
2020 Ford Expedition owner · NHTSA complaint
Quick answers
Which Ford Expedition years have transmission problems?
By transmission complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold, the worst Ford Expedition years are 2020, 2018, 2019.
What are common Ford Expedition transmission problems?
Owners most often describe hard or jerky shifting, lost power while driving, slipping.
Which Ford Expedition years have the fewest transmission complaints?
Since 2010, the Ford Expedition years with the fewest transmission complaints per car sold are 2024, 2023, 2016.
See every problem, not just the transmission: Ford Expedition reliability by year. How we count