2018 Ford Expedition: engine stalls while driving

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · SC

My 2018 Ford Expedition with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine has developed a pronounced rattling/knocking noise at startup. This appears consistent with the well documented cam phaser/VCT problem affecting this engine family. At approximately 118,212 miles, an independent Firestone Complete Auto Care inspected the vehicle and recommended major timing system repairs. Their estimate calls for replacement of the timing chain components and variable timing sprockets/cam phasers, with a total recommended repair cost of $5,232.13. 220782OrderRevisions.Pdf The concern is not simply the noise. The cam phasers and timing system control critical valve timing. If these components continue to deteriorate, there is a risk of improper engine timing, severe drivability problems, loss of power, stalling, or significant internal engine damage. A failure while traveling at highway speeds or in traffic could create a serious safety hazard for the occupants and surrounding motorists. There have not yet been warning lights or dashboard messages associated with the condition. The primary symptom has been the recurring startup rattle/knock, which has now been confirmed by an independent repair facility as requiring substantial timing system repair. The vehicle remains available for inspection. This has been an ongoing issue for the last few months but was first diagnosed on September 12, 2026 during a repair for another unrelated issue. I am especially concerned because this is not an isolated or unusual type of failure on the 3.5L EcoBoost. Ford has previously recognized cam phaser/VCT startup noise on these engines through service guidance. A known timing-related defect requiring more than $5,000 in repairs, with the potential to progress into engine damage or loss of engine performance, represents a significant reliability and potential safety concern.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · KY

Transmission stalled out in heavy traffic. We had our repair person check the vehicle and they confirmed there has been damage to the transmission due to this. It has not been inspected by police, manufacturer or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The transmission was shifting into neutral while driving, causing hesitation with oncoming traffic approaching, at one point it actually shifted into park or reverse while driving in forward gear. We could easily been stalled or lost forward motion with the intent of thinking we were OK to proceed thru oncoming traffic, which would result in collision or accident, jeopardizing our safety or our grand children in car seats safety. The car was taken to Ford dealership and they said there were no codes on the autos computer and that the car would not reproduce the failure, however up on bringing the vehicle home it continued to slip into neutral while driving. The first failure started in October 2025 and was taken to the Ford dealer for repair in November 2025. I contacted Ford Regional Management and they gave me a case #CXH-07154008-P4F3D0 in February 25, 2026

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

Vehicle experienced catastrophic timing system failure causing engine to jump time and stall at idle, creating a safety hazard due to risk of sudden loss of power. This is a repeat issue originally documented under warranty (2020) and again during recall/service program 21N03 (2021), where repair was declined as “not severe enough.” Recall 24E13 (software update intended to prevent timing chain failure) was completed in 2025, but failed to prevent this exact condition. Vehicle is now inoperable and unsafe. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the recall remedy and prior service handling. We've also submitted a case to Ford: CXH07545978W9W1D2

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 93,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving over 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled on two occasions. The contact stated that while driving a roundabout, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle jerked and was sluggish, and there was no area to pull over to. Upon parking the vehicle, the power train warning light was illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic who was unable to service the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was jerking due to the CS drum and transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted regarding the latest symptoms that the vehicle had displayed. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Filed Aug 29, 2025 · Transmission · AZ

The transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral while accelerating, particularly between 3rd and 5th gear. This is very dangerous, as the car loses power and stalls. This has led to several close calls, such as when merging into traffic or accelerating from a stoplight, which almost resulted in me being rear-ended or t-boned.

Filed Jun 23, 2025 · Engine · WY

My 2018 Ford Expedition previously underwent a recall repair for a known cam phaser defect at Fremont Ford in Lander, Wyoming. The cam phasers are part of the engine’s variable valve timing system and are critical for proper performance and safety. Despite the initial recall repair, the exact same issue has returned. I am now experiencing rattling noise at startup, reduced engine performance, and engine hesitation—symptoms consistent with the original defect. When I contacted the dealership, they told me that the issue would not be covered again because too much time has passed. This issue clearly indicates a recall repair failure, which poses a potential safety hazard due to timing chain slack and the risk of engine damage or stalling. Cam phasers are essential to the safe and reliable operation of the engine. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether this recall needs to be expanded or whether Ford should be required to cover failed recall repairs like mine.

Filed May 21, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · SC

2018 Ford Expedition Max 4wd; For the last 4 years I have consistently (1-2x a year) brought this car into a ford dealership for the transmission failing to go into gear at random times while driving under normal conditions. Even though multiple TSB's had been sent out, they "couldn't replicate" or "no codes found" or "the transmission tech is 4–6 weeks out"... nothing was done. Twice while merging into on coming traffic the transmission has been stuck in a gear, will not accelerate or go, and the entire dash illuminates with all the flashing symbols. I'm just glad my children were not in the car with me. It was terrifying. Now, the week of May 18, 2025, I'm back for my annual transmission issue as it stalled on 4/26/2025, and I almost was hit by an 18 wheeler, the ford dealership said "you need a transmission overhaul, TCM reprogram, and there is internal failure, the CDF drum comes apart and Ford is aware they have a faulty seal." The total to fix is $8,214.25 and guess what, NONE of it is covered. I have kept my vehical serviced and always taken care of it. But I will have to pay the price to fix it, or worse if there is a car accident.

Filed May 8, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Cam phaser failure, yes, available for inspection. This disrupts the engine's timing and can lead to oil pressure issues as well as engine stalling or engine damage. Yes, confirmed by ford dealer. No, not been inspected by manufacturer or others. No warning lamps yet but the noise was the first indicator and it began about 6 weeks ago. My 2018 Ford Expedition is experiencing cam phaser failure. I had an extended warranty that i have not reached the mileage for yet but the date causes me not to be able to have it fixed under warranty. This is a very expensive repair and I am finding out more and more of these vehicles in this age range are having the same problems. I would ask that Ford be required to pay for this repair. I have reported this to Ford and received a case number of [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 7, 2024 · Transmission · 154,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact stated the vehicle stalled and was jerking with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

Filed Jun 28, 2024 · Transmission · NJ

My 2018 Ford Expedition started having transmission issues around 49600+ miles. The warranty was 5 years or 60,000 miles. I was out of the 5 years and they will not fix it. I have researched the issue and it seems Ford knew the transmission used in the 2018 models was defective but never notified me. There are class action lawsuits in California on the same issue as well as many disgruntled consumers on the internet. My truck doesn't shift properly and I have almost been in accidents because it stalls and doesn't shift into gear. I have tried everything with Ford to help cover the replacement cost which is $8,000 but they only offered me $4,000. This is a verified issue that they know about in several of their vehicles but they have not notified their customers or did anything with a recall. I am asking for a complete investigation and recall on this issue and hope that you can assist me and all the other consumers who are driving unsafe Ford vehicles.

Filed Feb 4, 2024 · Transmission · TX

Transmission would fail in 1st and 4th gear and stall entire vehicle at any speed. Vehicle would lose all power on highway or coasting down roads. Nearly caused us to be rear ended many times. Entire transmission needed to be rebuilt. Parts were backordered for months. Car was in and out of the shop for months at a time. Ford did not provide a loaner vehicle. Transmission still shifts hard and stalls occasionally