2018 Ford Expedition: jerking or lurching

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · PA

I was traveling on the interstate and went to accelerate to pass a vehicle. My car displayed system fault codes and made a clicking noise and dropped to neutral while my RPMs stayed high. I lost acceleration and had to swerve to avoid a collision. The engine then had a loud clank and jerked into gear. Once I had pulled off enough I turned the car off and on again and resumed driving. This has happened multiple times. Each time when I have contacted Ford they say it’s a known issue with the make of the Clutch drum and realized the issue after the 2022 year and changed the way it was made. However they stated it would cost me over $6500 to repair mine. They do not accept fault only state it is a known issue. When my car goes from 65 to 39 in a span of a few seconds it is a huge safety issue.

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 Oct 18, 2025 · Transmission · TN

The transmission started jerking and downshifting and and like the brakes was coming on and stoping you and I was pulling out onto the road and it wouldn’t go and I was setting in the middle of the road with oncoming traffic and scared for my life, luckily I didn’t have anyone with me and it moved a little and I was finally able to get it out of the road. This is the problem everyone is having FORD you need to recall these transmissions and replace them with new ones that are better this is a shame and bad business. It is hard enough to afford buying vehicles in this day and time and then it need a transmission that is expensive to replace.

Filed Sep 22, 2025 · Transmission · ID

-The transmission shifts hard and often skips a gear while driving -On slick roads it is easy to loose control from the sudden shift and jerk. -Yes, I have taken it to the dealer and they confirmed the problem and said that it is a known issue. -Yes the dealer has inspected it -There were no warning lamps or messages.

Filed Jun 5, 2025 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle jerked, and the transmission shifted hard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact and five minor children were inside the vehicle during the failure. The contact feared for her and her families safety. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with CDF drum failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted without warning. The transmission also shifted hard, and the vehicle jerked while driving at various speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The transmission was rebuilt. The following day while driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission shifted hard, and the contact became aware that transmission fluid was leaking from the vehicle after exiting and inspecting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure and replaced the transmission. The contact stated that the transmission still shifted hard while driving and the message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who had rebuilt the new transmission. After having the third repair, the failure recurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Transmission · 25,000 miles · FL · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition Max. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking slightly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission computer software was updated; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was attempting to learn the contact's driving pattern and was operating as designed. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked and experienced an unintended transmission downshift into first gear. A message advising that the power train was disabled and to take the vehicle to the dealer was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving, causing the contact to sustain whiplash and neck pain. The contact stated that she was already afflicted with osteoporosis on the neck and spine, and her husband was afflicted with heart disease. The contact was concerned that the failure could further damage their health. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, and the dealer provided an estimated fee for the transmission replacement. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialist, where the same assessment was made. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle could be repaired for a cheaper amount. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would consider covering 40 percent of the expense. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Filed Apr 3, 2025 · Transmission · OH

Transmission issue: Vehicle will sometimes not go into gear. When I pull out into traffic sometimes vehicle will not go into gear. Mostly occurs with 2nd and 4th gear but has happened with other gears as well. Also when shifting g into gear sometimes it takes a while and sometimes he vehicle jerks during shifting.

Filed Jan 8, 2025 · Transmission · LA

I was on a road trip of about 900 miles. My vehicle at the time had 103,000 miles. All maintenance service intervals had been complied with since I purchased vehicle new. About half way through the trip the transmission started acting up. I was on the highway between 75 and 80 mph when it suddenly downshifted in a jerk then it failed to accelerate. This whole time I was pressing the gas pedal and my speed continued to drop and the vehicle jerking forward and back. I was able to put it in “manual” selectable speed and regain control. I had the vehicle inspected at my destination and the dealer could find no fault codes and fluid check was good. My vehicle continued random jerky shift changes at the most dangerous times. I still got no check engine light or any such failure or service alerts. On my return trip home, it did it again. This time I was watching all the gauges. I noticed my engine coolant temp spike to 240 degrees and my transmission fluid temp spiked at 247degrees. Outside air temp was 40 degrees and it was three occupants and no towing involved. The dangerous jerking and random transmission shift changes continued. After about 30 minutes of reduced speed driving on the highway the temps dropped. However the shifting was hard and erratic. I took the vehicle to the dealer after returning home. I now need a whole new transmission. This situation was extremely dangerous as to the uncontrollability of the slam shifting of the gears causing a rapid change of speed. I am very fortunate I was not in a wreck! In my research of this problem, I found I was not alone. It is a terrible design by Ford. It gives no warnings other than slamming you around in the vehicle. Something must be done!

Filed Oct 14, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · MD

Since purchasing the vehicle we have had extensive issues with the driveability of the car. Leading up to the eventual full transmission replacement, we surfaced the issues below repeatedly for over a year and a half. Yet, we were always told "everything is fine" "we couldn't duplicate what you are describing" or "the vehicle has to learn how you drive". Biggest Issues: - Poor shifting of gears with sudden jerking and/or random accelerations - Vehicle not accelerating - acts stuck - Loss of 'power' vehicle does nothing - Eventually complete transmission failure in the middle of an intersection The transmission was completely replaced in Fall of 2023. Mind you this was only after I elevated my concerns to Ford Corporate who sent a specialist to investigate. Only then did Koons Ford acknowledge that yes there is a "big problem". Yet, since the repair the jerking and power issues have continued. When we followed up immediately after the repair we were told again "vehicle has to learn how you drive". So I waited 3000 miles and reached out again and was told I needed to go to the dealership and drive it with a technician in the car (yet again, not taking my word seriously). Then this summer the issues intensified and eventually the power boosters failed and needed to be replaced. This vehicle is NOT safe and Ford has misled me along the way. It has been a constant fight to get them to help us. Bottom line, this is our primary family vehicle as we have five children, four of whom I drive around daily. It is not safe or reliable. The vehicle has almost led to three major accidents, where I was stuck with cars honking at me. It's pretty pathetic when friends and coworkers frequently say "you don't have your car again?!? What's wrong with it now?" Please I kindly ask that you hold Ford fully accountable. I am now aware that when I inquired about a buy back in 2022, I should have not been told "no you are not eligible".

Filed Oct 11, 2024 · Transmission · 117,836 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking and jerking. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle misfired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the repair was not covered under any unknown recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 117,836.

Filed Aug 21, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · VA

My Expedition just hit 83,000 miles and has a clean title. We purchased it approximately a year and a half ago to drive around our 4 children. Around 73K miles, the catalytic converter went bad and had to be replaced. Fortunately, this was covered by a warranty. Not long ago we began to notice some rough shifting and a rattling when we turned the car on, though the rattling would stop once the engine warmed up. This week, we experienced a sudden aggressive lurching in the vehicle at 50mph accompanied by a sudden check engine light. In addition, it was accompanied by a loud, constant rattling. We were driving with our children when this happened and it scared us all. I drove it very slowly to the dealership first thing the next morning as it felt as though it could break down at any moment. It's currently at the Ford dealership, though still available for inspection, and they have said that we will need a new timing system and possibly a new engine. In addition, there are signs that our transmission is also going to need replaced.