2017 Ford Expedition transmission problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Transmission · GA

While driving my 2017 Ford Expedition Limited 4WD at approximately 45 mph, the speedometer suddenly dropped to 0 mph even though the vehicle was still moving. At the same time, the wrench warning light illuminated, and the transmission became stuck in third gear. The transmission would no longer shift normally, including when slowing down and accelerating again. I was able to safely pull over, shut off the engine, and restart the vehicle. After restarting, the speedometer and transmission returned to normal operation, and the warning light disappeared. This is approximately the third time this same failure has occurred within the past 15,000 miles. The vehicle has approximately 200,000 miles and previously displayed diagnostic trouble code P0720, indicating an output shaft speed sensor circuit malfunction. These symptoms appear consistent with a possible failure of the transmission’s molded lead frame or integrated output shaft speed sensor in the 6R80 automatic transmission. I am concerned that this intermittent failure could result in an unexpected transmission downshift, sudden deceleration, or loss of normal transmission operation while driving at highway speeds, increasing the risk of a collision. I understand similar transmission lead-frame failures have been documented in other Ford vehicles equipped with the 6R80 transmission. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether the 2017 Ford Expedition is affected by the same potential safety defect.

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Transmission · IN

Our 2017 Ford Expedition, has been diagnosed with a failure involving the molded lead frame/transmission sensor assembly in its 6R80 transmission. We were advised that the failure can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift at highway speed, resulting in sudden deceleration and possible loss of control. Ford has recalled 2015–2017 F-150 vehicles equipped with the 6R80 for a substantially similar unintended-downshift condition, but Ford states that our Expedition is not included and has declined financial or repair assistance. The required component is currently backordered, leaving us without a safe vehicle or a timely repair. We request that the federal safety agency investigate whether 2015–2017 Expeditions equipped with the 6R80 should be included in the affected population.

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

I am reporting a severe, systemic manufacturing defect in the 3.5L EcoBoost engine timing system (cam phasers and timing chain) of my 2017 Ford Expedition that poses an immediate highway safety hazard. Approximately February 2026 Upon start up heard odd rattle type noise, a week later heard noise again thought maybe due to recent Ford Dealership changing engine belts. Searched websites discovered notable issues regarding serious known manufacturing defect, cam phasers, timing chain, water pump. Followed Ford recommendation to change oil well before normal schedule to address. At approximately 54,550 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting continuous mechanical rattling and timing instability upon startup, a condition heavily documented across Ford’s truck/SUV platform and acknowledged internally via Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 23-2143. The 3.5L EcoBoost is a high-compression interference engine. A failure or skipped tooth of the timing chain or cam phaser system while operating at high speeds causes instantaneous, catastrophic engine failure. This results in an immediate stall and a complete loss of vacuum-assisted power braking and power steering. This vehicle is routinely operated on major Texas highway corridors (XXX) at posted speeds of 75 mph by my [XXX] spouse, who stands[XXX] and weighs [XXX]. A sudden loss of motive power and mechanical steering/braking assistance at 75 mph presents an unsurmountable vehicle handling emergency that would likely result in a high-speed crash, rollover, or catastrophic multi-vehicle collision, as a driver of her physical stature cannot safely muscle a stalled, unassisted 5,500-pound SUV to the shoulder. To mitigate this imminent risk to human life, I was forced to perform emergency out-of-pocket repairs to replace failed factory components with Ford's updated, redesigned parts. This defect represents an inherent, dangerous engineering failure requiring a mandatory federal safety recall before highway fatalities. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle downshifted to first gear independently. The contact pulled to the right side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission lead frame connector had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure through a customer representative, who informed the contact that they were not technical inclined to answer the contact's question. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · OK

Vehicle suddenly shifts to 1st gear while travelling at 45MPH or more causing immediate jerking and slowing of vehicle, placing driver, occupants and other drivers at risk of crash. In this condition, the speedometer reads 0MPH while still travelling and other warnings on dash are: Airbag Failure, Blindspot system fault, Cross traffic system fault, and See manual. Vehicle then appears stuck in 3rd gear until pulling over, stopping the engine and restarting. All warnings clear after restarting. This has occurred many times without proper diagnosis from Ford service. Now vehicle is doing this two to three times weekly and is currently in Ford service. Now diagnosed as Lead Frame Failure. Estimated cost is $1,523.38 and Ford refuses to pay for repair due to no active recalls on this specific vehicle, however the same transmission issue is in recall on same year model F-150's with the same transmission.

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · FL

Sudden and severe downshifts occurred at roadway and highway speeds resulting in sudden speed decrease. Also revving and loss of power occurred. Problem codes P0706 & P0707 were logged which point directly to the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS), which is integrated into the molded lead frame. This sudden and uncontrolled loss of speed caused significant danger to vehicles, ocupants, and other vehicles.

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Transmission · NC

As is the same with the Ford F-150 recall for the transmission downshift issue my Ford Expedition has that same problem I sent an email into your website and hopefully it will be addressed because it is the exact same thing. When I accelerate to access an on-ramp at the highway or if I try to pass somebody on the highway and accelerate the transmission downshifts and almost causes me to lose control. It down shifts very abruptly and hard and sounds like it's going to yank my transmission out.

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Transmission · MO

While driving down the road 70 MPH the transmission suddenly downshifting from 6th gear to a much lower gear causing the rear wheels to briefly lock up causing a skid safety issue... at the same time, the speedometer dial swings downward to the left like a sudden deceleration, then seems to catch up and return back to normal driving if you will Here is the Ford case number: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · IL

My 2017 Ford Expedition is currently at an authorized dealership (Arlington Heights Ford, IL) for a failed transmission lead frame (DTCs P0706, P0707, P1702), which causes intermittent loss of gear engagement and sudden shift issues. This specific part is subject to the federal safety agency Engineering Analysis EA26001. Ford is refusing to honor the 10-year/150000-mile extended coverage (Program 19N01 Supplement 4) and a separate safety recall (25S37 for Brake master Cylinder) because the Vehicle was originally manufactured for Canadian market. Despite the Vehicle being in a U.S. facility, Ford claims a 'system limitation' prevents them from bridging the VIN for these safety repairs. This is a formal refusal to remedy a documented safety defect that puts the driver and the public at risk of unintended downshifting and loss of braking power."

Filed Mar 27, 2026 · Transmission · AL

While towing our RV trailer, we received a wrench light and the vehicle when into limp mode. When we tried to slow down and take the next exit on the interstate, the transmission tried to shift from 6th gear to 1st gear, causing the rear tires to screech and slow the vehicle dramatically. This could have caused a rear collision due to the abrupt slowing of the vehicle. The problem could only be reproduced when towing a trailer for an hour or more, so the problem was not reproduced by a mechanic or service center. No one else has inspected the vehicle. The only warning light was the wrench light on the dash. There was a code stored when checked: P0735.