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2021 Ford Expedition: transmission slipping

12 of the 243 complaints about the 2021 Ford Expedition describe transmission slipping.

owner complaints
12
of this car's complaints
5%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 26 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Transmission slipping by model year

  • 2024
    1
  • 2022
    1
  • 2021
    12
  • 2020
    47
  • 2019
    28
  • 2018
    19
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    1
  • 2012
    2
  • 2010
    2
  • 2007
    3
  • 2006
    2
  • 2005
    2
  • 2004
    1
  • 2003
    4
  • 2002
    2
  • 2001
    2
  • 2000
    6
  • 1999
    6
  • 1998
    3
  • 1997
    2

What owners say

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Visibility · MN

Wiper switch not working for auto, because switch itself is broken. When accelerating to pass a car the transmission skips/slips and car pauses and gas pedal won't work for 10 seconds. Car basically stalls. Could have caused accident if unable to pass or slide back over behind the car trying to pass.

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · Transmission · FL

My Ford Expedition’s 10-speed automatic transmission experienced repeated slipping and sudden loss of propulsion. While accelerating from a stop and entering the highway, typically around 15–20 MPH, the engine would suddenly rev but the vehicle would stop accelerating, as if the transmission had shifted into neutral. I had to release the accelerator for several seconds and slowly reapply throttle before the transmission would re-engage. This occurred repeatedly and created a serious safety hazard when pulling into or crossing traffic because the vehicle could begin accelerating normally and then unexpectedly lose propulsion with approaching traffic. The transmission also exhibited severe harsh/banging shifts during harder acceleration and produced a rattling noise while slipping until the accelerator was released. CDF drum failure has been confirmed. The vehicle is currently at a reputable independent transmission repair facility undergoing a transmission rebuild due to the CDF failure. The transmission/components are available for inspection during the repair. There were no warning lights or messages that reliably warned of the impending loss of propulsion. This was not simply poor shift quality; the transmission defect caused an actual loss of propulsion while driving. Because this failure can leave a driver unable to accelerate while entering an intersection, pulling onto a highway, or merging into traffic, I believe the CDF failure presents a serious safety risk. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate CDF-related transmission failures and determine whether a safety recall is warranted. TSB 23-2250

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Transmission · MO

The vehicle first experienced severe, violent jerking and slipping when shifting between the 4th & 5th gears. The vehicle was held by a Ford dealership for 21 days for this issue, but the repair failed. Two months after being out of the shop the transmission has rapidly degraded and is now actively experiencing the same severe, violent jerking and failing to engage in every single gear except 10th. The vehicle completely loses acceleration power while driving, creating an immediate crash hazard. Dealerships in my area are refusing to accept the vehicle for 2 to 3 weeks due to scheduling backlogs, leaving me with an active, dangerous powertrain failure under warranty.

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Transmission · FL

Hard Shifting & Slipping: Drivers frequently report clunking, hard shifts (particularly around gears 3-5), and the vehicle lurching forward when accelerating. It does this while driving and is a serious safety issue.we complained to the dealer about a year ago and they told us they checked and it was fine. Now it is worse.

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Transmission · FL

“10R80 transmission slips and loses power during acceleration. Matches Ford TSB 23‑2250. Sudden loss of propulsion creates safety risk when merging or crossing intersections.”

Filed Aug 23, 2025 · Transmission · TX

The transmission shakes the truck at 5th gear and up. It slips out of gear. Sounds like the toque converter is coming about. Or the High gear clutches are slipping.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Transmission · NC

This vehicle continues to exhibit transmission shuddering, slipping, and hesitation during acceleration—despite two full transmission replacements in two years and multiple dealership service visits. These unresolved issues compromise safe operation, especially during highway merging, rapid acceleration, and lane changes. Both dealerships were unable to permanently address the issue after extensive mechanical intervention. Ford has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins addressing transmission concerns in the 10R80 unit used in the Expedition. The most recent bulletin, TSB 25-2132, revises procedures for harsh and delayed shifting, shudder, and internal hydraulic leakage tied to the CDF clutch drum—which aligns directly with the findings from my own transmission overhaul documented in June 2023. Previous service entries noted suspected internal leakage around the CDF clutch, RPM flare during shifts, gear hesitation, and recurring drivability issues despite component replacement. These match symptoms targeted in prior TSBs, including: TSB 23-2123: Harsh engagement and shift delays TSB 24-2101: Hydraulic leakage diagnosis linked to clutch cylinder TSB 25-2023: Update to inspection and service steps for gear shift quality While dealerships performed repairs and even full transmission replacements, the lack of lasting resolution and repeat issues reflect a broader mechanical defect addressed reactively rather than proactively through these bulletins. Despite awareness at the manufacturer level, I experienced significant delays, financial burden, and ongoing drivability risks. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency further investigate Ford’s handling of repeated 10R80 transmission failures in the Expedition, particularly concerning the effectiveness of these bulletins in preventing recurrence and mitigating safety impact

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Transmission · GA

Transmission Failure Rough or jerky shifting: This occurs when accelerating or decelerating, and even when shifting between gears. Delayed gear engagement: Shifting from park to drive or reverse can be slow, or the vehicle may lunge into gear. Transmission slipping: The transmission slips between gears, causing a loss of power or acceleration. It can also cause a violent grinding/shaking between shifting gearshifts resulting in loss of acceleration.

Filed Mar 7, 2025 · Transmission · GA

Power Train went out on our family vehicle at 107k miles. This is a known problem by Ford for this model, and it is a major hazard. It created a dangerous driving situation for our family. The transmission would slip or quickly shift down to lower gears while driving at higher speeds causing the vehicle to malfunction in traffic and creating a very dangerous driving situation for our family. The vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership awaiting repair. Ford is aware there is a safety hazard concerning the transmissions in this model and they need to fix it ASAP.

Filed May 23, 2024 · Transmission · AL

Transmissions quickly break down. First signs are hard/loud gear shifting followed by slipping gears then eventual inability to accelerate. Regular transmission drains find metal contamination indicating breakdown of gears. Ford Motor Company is aware of this issue and will replace the transmission with the same failing transmission. Their proprietary system makes it difficult to diagnose and repair leading consumers to have to buy a replacement after 60k miles (which just so happens to be the extent of their warranty).

Filed Aug 14, 2023 · Airbags, Transmission · TX

Transmission is slipping and hard shifting or fails to shift. I noticed it at hot temperatures but does it now constantly. Airbag is starting to come out of the perforation below the Ford symbol on the horn. I'm concerned it will deploy while driving and cause a traffic accident/injury/death.

Filed May 1, 2023 · Transmission · AL

Severe transmission slippage/failure at all speeds. Gear disengages randomly during acceleration. No Ford dealer wants to take the responsibility to repair or fix it. Per the dealers, the computer doesn’t log the occurrences. Hard to believe that and hard to believe there is a major class action lawsuit in CA regarding this.

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 2021 Ford Expedition slipping

Is transmission slipping a common problem on the 2021 Ford Expedition?

12 of 243 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford Expedition (5%) mention transmission slipping. The model year with the most reports is 2020.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Ford Expedition?

There is 1 recall and 26 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2021 Ford Expedition

Harsh shifting 32Transmission failure 28Jerking 24Loss of power 19Stalling 13Check engine light 11Fuel pump 10Wipers 9Hesitation 8Backup camera 7Grinding brakes 7Won't shift 6

All model years of the Ford Expedition

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