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2019 Ford Expedition: harsh or hard shifting

61 of the 531 complaints about the 2019 Ford Expedition describe harsh or hard shifting.

owner complaints
61
of this car's complaints
11%
typical mileage
77,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 27 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Harsh or hard shifting by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Transmission · GA

At neighborhood speeds the transmission shifts roughly around 4th gear, making clunking noises and lurching the vehicle. This happens on a daily basis. At interstate speeds, the transmission has popped out of gear when attempting to pass another vehicle, leaving the vehicle decelerating dangerously in a situation where acceleration is needed. This has happened twice in the last year and requires navigating out of traffic to allow the transmission to figure out what is going on and re-engage the proper gear. I have been lucky not to have been in a serious accident. It has not been inspected by a dealer but, when mentioned to a dealer, was told that is just what you get with that 10-speed transmission. In both instances there was some type of warning displayed on the console but I was too busy trying to survive to notice what the message said.

Filed Oct 25, 2026 · Transmission · UT

Since early in purchasing our 2019 Ford Expedition, we were getting powertrain warnings (pictures attached from August 2019). We took the vehicle in to have it diagnosed but the dealer said there were no codes and nothing they could do to troubleshoot. Fast forward to after the warranty expires the car starts behaving erratically when it's changing gears, especially when downshifting. On more than one occasion when towing our boat, I would press on the gas to pass a semi truck and there would be a loud CLUNK that you could feel and then the motor would simply rev indefinitely as if the transmission had switched to neutral. It's very dangerous losing power on a freeway with traffic including semi trucks and towing a boat. It got to the point where it would be very jerky just driving, particularly (it seemed to me) when the car had been sitting. This has happened several times. I did some research and found there were 4 TSB's for this issue and is an issue for all of the Ford 10 speed transmissions for Expedition, F150 and even the Mustang. I reached out to the dealer with these TSB's and they diagnosed that our car did have this troubled transmission and we did have the faulty parts. The dealer has charged us $7,575.35 to 'Repair" this. I think this warrants a recall due to the faulty parts in the transmission. It's very dangerous losing power and torque in a vehicle particularly when towing. Please review the attached pictures (notice the milage from our initial indications there was trouble with the powertrain). This got progressively worse just prior to us taking the car to the dealer. I would say it was at it's worst from December 2024 through our repair at the delaer in June 2026, but there were other random occurences prior to that and of course the very begining as seen in the attached photos.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · MD

Due to the recall listed below there has been multiple instances where I am driving on highway (DC area) and my vehicle kicks back and there is no acceleration power causing the vehicle to transmission may suddenly disengage or feel like it is in neutral, causing the engine to rev unexpectedly before slamming back into gear with a loud clunk and a shift system fault error message. This has caused me to lose control of the vehicle movement and basically wait in the middle of exchanging lanes or driving until it shifts back into gear and allows me to accelerate. Took my vehicle to Ford dealership to be inspected and I was informed by the tech that the Parking Pawl code came up on the computer. Also informed as there is no remedy for this issue if he was to further check and issues were found with the parking pawl and transmission I would be financially responsible otherwise he cant do nothing about it as directed by his manager. This is a HIGH SAFETY concern as I almost got into multiple accidents due to this issue and fearing for my safety I would have no other choice but to expect to wait or be without a vehicle until 2nd quarter of 2027 when a remedy comes up! Manufacturer Recall Number26S48 the federal safety agency Recall Number26V402 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary ON YOUR VEHICLE, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE YOUR TRANSMISSION MAY BRIEFLY ENGAGE IN PARK WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL MOVING. THIS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE PARKING SYSTEM.

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Transmission · AL

On 8/6/2026, the transmission/powertrain of my 2019 Ford Expedition malfunctioned, causing a complete loss of propulsion. While traveling on a busy mountainous highway with my three children, I stopped in a center turn lane to merge into fast-moving traffic. When I attempted to accelerate, the vehicle would not move. The transmission display showed 4th gear even though the vehicle was stopped. We were stranded in the center turn lane with traffic approaching from both directions, creating a serious collision risk. No accident occurred. This vehicle has a documented history of recurring transmission problems since 2024, including harsh/delayed shifting, bucking, hesitation and jerking, repeatedly involving 4th gear, and even loss of propulsion with the initial 2024 issue. In Jan. 2025, the dealer documented a delayed upshift and harsh bump/buck into 4th gear. In July 2025, the dealer documented hesitation/jerking that was worse going into 4th. The transmission has been removed/disassembled multiple times and has undergone major repairs including CDF drum/internal transmission work, main control/valve body repairs, and most recently torque converter and additional valve body replacement in early 2026. Previous transmission symptoms have been reproduced and verified by the dealer. After the 8/6/2026 incident, the vehicle was taken to the Lincoln dealer. The current repair record documents "complete loss of propulsion with gear stuck in 4th" and delayed shifting surrounding 4th gear. The dealer attempted to reproduce the failure and obtain diagnostic codes but has not been able to duplicate it and reports no codes at this time. I do not recall any warning lights or messages immediately before the failure. The vehicle is available for inspection. Ford has previously been contacted regarding these recurring transmission failures and provided partial assistance with a prior repair.

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Transmission · SC

I am submitting this complaint regarding an intermittent transmission and loss-of-motive-power issue with my 2019 Ford Expedition equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission. When I first start the vehicle and begin driving, I experience an intermittent delay, particularly around the 1st-to-2nd gear transition. I press the accelerator and the engine RPM increases/revs, but the vehicle does not move forward or accelerate as expected. There is approximately a 3–5 second delay before the transmission engages and the vehicle suddenly begins moving. During these events, it feels as though the transmission has temporarily gone into neutral even though the vehicle is in Drive. This is not simply a harsh or uncomfortable gear change. The engine responds to the accelerator, but power is temporarily not being transferred to the wheels. I consider this a significant safety concern because a 3–5 second loss or delay of motive power could leave me unable to accelerate when entering traffic, crossing an intersection, merging, or attempting to avoid another vehicle. The vehicle can suddenly engage after the delay, which could also cause an unexpected surge forward. My vehicle has previously been taken to a Ford dealership for a transmission/PCM-related recall, and I was told that the recall had been corrected. However, I continue to experience this loss/delay of motive power. I am aware that Ford has issued technical service information addressing delayed engagement and delayed shifting in 2018–2021 Ford Expeditions equipped with the 10R80 transmission. I am concerned that my symptoms may be related to the known transmission issues affecting these vehicles and that this condition may represent a broader safety concern. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this condition and determine whether further investigation or additional safety action is warranted.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Transmission · 77,000 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission was shifting hard when shifting from park (P) to drive (D) or reverse (R). The contact stated that the hard shifting of the transmission also occurred while driving, with the transmission shifting from 4th to 5th gear and 6th, 7th, and 8th gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to identify a transmission failure, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · 79,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the message "Vehicle in Park" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into park(P) on two separate occasions. There was an abnormally loud clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Transmission · AK

When trying to pass a vehicle on a two lane road I accelerated about 50-60% when I it clunked hard and dropped from 8th gear to neutral and left me coasting down the interstate for 30 seconds until the car reengaged. I had to get back behind the car I was pasing as there was no longer a safe distance with oncoming traffic. My kids were in the car with me. This has happened on more then one occurrence. I feel that this is a very unsafe issue that should be fixed by Ford since it could put me and my family and others in danger and pose a safety risk driving this vehicle. I have brought the vehicle into Ford and they say the PCM module need to be reprogrammed to relearn the gears. This did not make it better. We then took it in again after a reprogram and they said that my transmission needs replaced and quoted 7700 dollars. We ran into a similar problem with the engine and had to replae that as Ford also said it was not an issue and ultimatle we had to pay for the engine. Ford knows these are problems and safety issues and have fixed them in later models but has done nothing for these models. Pleae investigate and make Ford fix this.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Transmission · IN

When merging onto the unnerstate i accerlerated about 50-60% throttle and when i did it clunked hard and dropped from 8th gear to neutral and left me coasting down the innerstate for 30 seconds with my child in the car before the transmission would re engage. I feel that this is a very unsafe issue that should be fixed by Ford since it could put me and my family and others in a loss of control situation that could cause harm.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 40,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud chattering sound coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the cam phasers and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the A/C failed to blow cool air due to a condenser failure. During the failure, the windows failed to properly defrost, causing a visibility hazard. The vehicle also experienced hard shifting and a shift fault code message was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2026 · Transmission · ND

There have been multiple times when I’m driving on the highway, at highway speeds, and the expedition will stall when shifting gears. There will be a moment when it sounds like the vehicle is in neutral, a loud clunking sound will be heard, and then it jerks into the gear it should be in. This has happened to me on numerous occasions, even happening at lower rates of speed, like when I’m in town and accelerating after being at a stop light.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Transmission · NC

Continued transmission issues, losing power, hard shifts, down shifts at random times. Been to the dealership several times about this. Safety issues due to being on busy highways at 65+ mph and loss of power or down shifts puts myself and others at risk of a wreck. No warning signs. Started reporting issues in September of 2025. Dealership has made 3 attempts to fix and the issue hasn’t been resolved.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported June 24, 2026 · 741,195 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Risk
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on June 26, 2026.

Recall number 26V402000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2019 Ford Expedition harsh shifting

Is harsh or hard shifting a common problem on the 2019 Ford Expedition?

61 of 531 owner complaints about the 2019 Ford Expedition (11%) mention harsh or hard shifting. The model year with the most reports is 2020.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2019 Ford Expedition?

There is 1 recall and 27 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2019 Ford Expedition

Seat belt 64Loss of power 44Check engine light 41Transmission failure 41Jerking 38Slipping 28Airbag light 25Hesitation 24Stalling 17Knocking 16Won't shift 16Shudder 13Grinding brakes 11Fire or smoke 11Engine failure 10Overheating 8Door locks 7Headlights 7Adaptive cruise 5

All model years of the Ford Expedition

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