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2020 Ford Expedition: engine overheating

5 of the 430 complaints about the 2020 Ford Expedition describe engine overheating.

owner complaints
5
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 23 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine overheating by model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 14, 2025 · Fuel system, Transmission · AL

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which manages engine-transmission communication and regulates cooling system performance, malfunctioned, resulting in a cascade of related failures: Transmission system: Delayed shifting, hesitation, and eventually a “transmission stuck in park” code. Cooling system: Repeated overheating that led to a ruptured radiator. These issues stem from the faulty PCM referenced in Ford Recall 24E13, issued on April 25, 2025. Yes, the failed components remain in the possession of Harbin Motor Company in Scottsboro, AL, where the vehicle is still located. The vehicle has not been repaired and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This vehicle was operated while exhibiting documented powertrain and overheating symptoms—including while transporting children. Harbin Ford repeatedly instructed continued use despite: Diagnostic scans on April 10, 2025 confirming PCM-related failures including “transmission stuck in park” and overheating. A coolant leak that occurred without warning lamps, leading to the radiator bursting. These failures put occupants at serious risk of breakdown or fire, especially in high-traffic or high-temperature driving conditions. Operating a vehicle with a malfunctioning PCM increases the likelihood of gear slippage, sudden deceleration, or complete transmission failure. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue has been repeatedly confirmed by Harbin Motor Company, an authorized Ford dealer: On April 10, 2025, a scan identified “transmission stuck in park,” overheating, and a third unidentified code. On May 15, 2025, the service manager Craig Davis confirmed the transmission had an internal issue requiring a full rebuild and located a coolant leak. These confirmations were documented via servi

Filed May 17, 2024 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked significantly. The contact stated that the failure occurred mostly while shifting into a lower gear. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as needed while driving at a consistent speed. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was overheating while driving. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, where the transmission was rebuilt, and reprogrammed. Additionally, the dealer replaced the transmission fluid and a cooling system valve; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that on one occasion, the vehicle jerked significantly, causing both the contact and his daughter to feel nauseated and the contact's daughter vomited. The contact stated that while driving on a congested road, the transmission overheated to 250 degrees. Additionally, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the front driver's side of the vehicle, and there was a burning odor coming through the vents. The contact stated that he sustained headaches due to the burning odor. The contact veered to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the vehicle temperature was 234 degrees. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that Ford engineers were scheduled to arrive at the dealer to diagnose the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Filed May 1, 2024 · Engine · 110,000 miles · WV

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed front cover seals and an oil leak with metal shavings in the cylinder. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred in July 2023 and the front cover seals failed and were replaced under warranty. The contact stated that the vehicle then had a coolant leak, and the coolant hose was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Aug 10, 2023 · Transmission · 42,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side running board failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and the contact was informed that the vehicle was cleaned; however, the failure persisted. The contact demanded that the dealer repair the vehicle, and the running board motor was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted and the engine overheated with black smoke coming from the vehicle. The powertrain wrench warning light illuminated with a message to check the Owner's Manual. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed back to the dealer, and it was determined that the torque converter needed to be repaired. The vehicle remained unrepaired at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2023 · Transmission · MN

Problems with my transmission since day 1. bought the vehicle with 7k+ miles it now has 39650, the transmission, was not shifting properly, found it was 2qts low. no difference, reprogram it, no difference. Was on highway went to pass, engine revved, car did nothing, except make a huge bang, where I thought something broke. New valve body, seemed to correct some of the issues. Another trip trans overheated 288 degrees and leaked fluid. Remedie new gasket and new pan. Another trip trans overheated 240 degrees Ford engineer says it ok to 275 degrees. Now pan is leaking fluid again and trans still running hot. There is something not right with this transmission...it still soes not shift well in lower gears and the overheating is shortening the lift of the transmission as well as spilling oil everywhere.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported September 19, 2025 · 4,632 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.
Risk
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's numbers for this recall are 22S36 and 22S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on September 23, 2025.

Recall number 25V628000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2020 Ford Expedition overheating

Is engine overheating a common problem on the 2020 Ford Expedition?

5 of 430 owner complaints about the 2020 Ford Expedition (1%) mention engine overheating. The model year with the most reports is 2018.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Ford Expedition?

There is 1 recall and 23 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2020 Ford Expedition

Harsh shifting 70Jerking 61Loss of power 58Slipping 47Transmission failure 42Hesitation 29Stalling 23Won't shift 20Seat belt 19Check engine light 15Backup camera 14Shudder 12Grinding brakes 11Collision warning 9Sunroof shattered 9Fire or smoke 8Screen failure 6Headlights 5Warning lights 5

All model years of the Ford Expedition

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