2020 Ford Expedition electrical problems

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · IL

2020 Ford Expedition MAX. Ford issued Safety Recall 26S48 / the federal safety agency 26V402 confirming a transmission park pawl defect causing potential rollaway and crash risk. Remedy not available until Q2 2027. Vehicle has experienced the exact defect symptoms since at least November 2025 including stuck-in-park diagnostic codes and shifting anomalies. Prior to November 2025 the transmission failed to execute a commanded shift at approximately 65mph while passing another vehicle on an expressway causing sudden unexpected deceleration with family members present — a near-miss consistent with the park pawl defect Ford now confirms. An authorized Ford dealer visit in June 2026 for computer reprogramming included verbal acknowledgment of transmission concerns but no documentation on the repair order. Eight days later Ford issued Recall 26S48. Separately this vehicle has generated over 1,400 Restraints Indicator Lamp Warnings logged in Ford’s own connected vehicle app since at least April 2023. Restraints warnings began within 30 days of purchase at under 400 miles. Ford issued Recall 26S34 / the federal safety agency 26V344 for Front Seatbelt Retractor inspection on this vehicle. On multiple dealer visits spanning 2021 to 2026 service advisers verbally acknowledged the restraints warning but documented no concern and performed no diagnostic action on repair orders. Ford’s telematics platform received all warnings in real time with no proactive owner notification. Remedy not available for either recall.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Body, Electrical · 31,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled on several occasions, and the instrument panel turned blank, forcing the contact to coast to the side of the road to restart the engine. Additionally, when shifting from Park to Drive, the vehicle shuddered violently and unintendedly shifted into Park. The contact associated these failures with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The contact also stated that the cup holder was collapsing inward, and the text or coating on every control button in the vehicle was peeling off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no diagnostic trouble code was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · NC

We purchased a used 2020 Ford Expedition Max Platinum, VIN [XXX] , from Deacon Jones dealership. The vehicle currently has 128,888 miles. At the time of purchase, we were assured the SUV was in “tip-top shape” because it had previously belonged to a manager’s friend and had supposedly been well maintained and serviced. However, within only two weeks of purchasing the vehicle, the transmission began slipping out of gear while accelerating, causing the vehicle to lose power and fail to move properly. This is an extremely dangerous safety issue, especially considering I travel frequently to doctors’ appointments and regularly transport my seven grandchildren in this SUV. In addition to the transmission failure, the main electrical system controlling the dashboard frequently glitches and malfunctions, even after Ford performed a software update. These ongoing electrical problems create additional safety concerns and make the vehicle unreliable. We immediately contacted the dealership after the problems began. Their only offer was $750 toward a transmission replacement that will cost over $5,000. We simply do not have that kind of money, especially while continuing to make monthly payments of $850 on a vehicle that is unsafe to drive. We have also since discovered the vehicle had previously been involved in an accident that was never reported to us before the sale. What is most concerning is that this vehicle appears to have received an inspection sticker despite clearly not undergoing a proper inspection. A transmission that slips out of gear and significant electrical malfunctions should never have passed inspection. This places not only my family at risk, but also everyone else on the road. We have written several letters to Ford regarding the safety concerns surrounding this vehicle and the danger it poses to our family. Unfortunately, Ford responded stating they would not assist us in any way. It is extremely disappointing INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a black screen and independently blinked on and off, causing the safety features to become unavailable while operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Body, Electrical · TX

The power liftgate system appears to be malfunctioning. The vehicle intermittently displays a warning that the liftgate is open when it is fully closed and secured. When this occurs, the liftgate will not open using the exterior handle, interior button, or key fob. Additionally, the false “liftgate open” alert triggers the vehicle’s alarm system to activate unexpectedly without any attempt to access the vehicle. The issue occurs randomly and without warning. This malfunction creates a safety risk because the liftgate cannot be opened when needed, which could prevent access to emergency supplies, child safety items, or the spare tire in an urgent situation. The false alert also causes the vehicle alarm to activate randomly, which can startle the driver and others nearby, potentially causing distraction while driving or in traffic areas. Additionally, the system incorrectly indicates that the liftgate is open, creating uncertainty about whether the vehicle is secure and safe to operate. A malfunctioning liftgate could present a hazard if the vehicle incorrectly detects an open door while in motion. Yes, the issue has been reproducible at Bluebonnet Ford in New Braunfels, TX. No, alerts prior to it happening, when I does alert all lights in the vehicle turn on, as well as notifications on the Ford Mobile app

Filed Mar 17, 2026 · Electrical · MS

I’m reporting a parts‑availability problem with Ford recall 22S36/22S48 on my 2020 Expedition. My VIN shows the recall in FordPass and my dealer confirmed it, but they cannot get the replacement battery junction box. I was advised to contact larger dealers because parts are not being supplied. This is a fire‑risk recall, and the delay prevents the safety repair. Please document the shortage and ensure Ford provides adequate parts.

Filed Jul 22, 2025 · Electrical · AL

Just about every time we get in the vehicle the center screen won’t light up and requires a power and fast forward button to reset. Sometimes this needs to be done twice in one drive.

Filed Apr 28, 2025 · Electrical · 63,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that when the A/C was activated, there was condensation pooling on the passenger’s side fuse box, causing the transmission to not be able to shift out of park(P). The contact stated that he was able to start the vehicle. The contact stated that numerous warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact was unable to turn off the headlights. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that condensation had damaged the fuse box and caused the body control module to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 20-2170 Water Leaking on Right Front Floor After A/C Use (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Filed Jan 23, 2025 · Electrical · MN

The rear camera started to work intermittently, when taken to the dealer it was not on the recall list, when I believe it should have been. Dealer could not identify which of (4) possible cameras where in the vehicle by the VIN, stating he had to disassemble the car to visually identify which camera it was. Why wasn't this VIN included in the recall when Ford can't even identify which camera was in the vehicle when manufactured. Looking forward to your response.

Filed Dec 13, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Frequently when driving my 2020 Ford Expedition max the transmission slips out of gear causing it to go into neutral and put me in a position when i am unable to accelerate my vehicle. This happens mostly on the freeway when we are driving 65 MPH and greatly endangers the safety of my family. Reading several on-line forums indicates this is a common problem and should be fixed via a recall. Also, my dashboard viewing screen often turns black for no reason when using or simply does not turn on.