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Ford Expedition grinding brakes problems

124 of the 9,415 owner complaints about the Ford Expedition describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 1997 model year.

owner complaints
124
worst model year
1997
typical repair cost reported
$1,200
typical mileage
53,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Transmission · 150,500 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was a grinding sound coming from the engine and the engine was raised; however, the vehicle failed to drive forward. Additionally, the power train warning light was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed not to bring the vehicle back. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to an alternate dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,500.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Transmission · MI

When accelerating hard, the vehicle attempted to downshift the transmission, but failed and all power was suddenly lost. Vehicle transmission was loud and grinding. Warning lamps stating Shift failure was displayed but disappeared quickly. After removing acceleration, transmission seemed to slip into gear and normal acceleration was restored. About 30 seconds later when holding constant speed, vehicle suddenly jerked and downshifted unexpectedly, again grinding could be heard and RPM's shot extremely high. Again foot was removed from acceleration and normal driving was restored.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Transmission · 84,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jolted, the vehicle failed to maintain the intended speed, with an abnormal squeaking sound as if the brakes were engaged, even though the brake pedal was not depressed. The message "See Service Manual" was temporarily displayed. The local dealer was contacted. In addition, the contact stated that, as per the Ford App, there was no failure identified. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2026 · Transmission · FL

Failing Transmission, does not shift into the gear just hear grinding noise, after few seconds of it, transmission makes very hard shift. This takes place in all phases or driving leading to potentially very dangerous situation of the car not moving or stopping while crossing a street with upcoming traffic, crossing intersection or any other phase of driving. Visited few shops and was advised that Ford has a major problem with 10R80 Transmission and failing CDF Drum.

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · MI

I have a 2021 Ford Expedition Max that we purchased new. From the time we first purchased it, it has had an intermittent issue. During these times if I accelerate hard or try to give gas to go up a hill, it will occasionally act like it is losing power- like it drops into neutral and stops accelerating. If I do not let off of the gas immediately, it is followed by a loud metallic rattling/ grinding noise. If I release the accelerator, it recovers quickly and seems to “reset” and I’m able drive like normal. On a few occasions a brief warning has popped onto my dash but it goes away so quickly that I never know exactly what it said. It MAY have said something related to parking but I can’t recall what I’ve seen before it goes away. I’ve learned to adjust my driving, making as few hard accelerations as possible to avoid this. Sometimes they can’t be avoided. It becones scary when I’m trying to merge or have to make a quick turn to get into a break in traffic because when it happens at those times I’m not able to accelerate to avoid the oncoming traffic. It doesn’t do it every time but seems to do it more the more I’ve driven like longer trips and I believe it’s gotten more frequent over time despite my adjustments in driving. Last year a Ford dealership looked at it and we thought the recall they fixed might fix it but it did not. Now they’ve reproduced the issue and diagnosed DTC P07E6 referencing TSB 23-2249 and saying the transmission needs replaced. I am aware of the federal safety agency Recall 26V402 (Ford 26S48) involving similar vehicles with transmission/park system concerns. Although my VIN is not currently included, the similarities prompted me to submit this complaint in case my vehicle represents the same or a related safety issue. I don’t have the official diagnostic report yet as the dealership still has my vehicle but I’ll include a photo of my conversation with the dealership,

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Transmission · TN

When trying to pass a vehicle between approximately 40-50 mph, transmission slips out of gear, engine revs, lack of acceleration and a light gear grinding sound followed by a loud bang is heard, vehicle regains gear. Occasionally a 'transmission fault' message appears but does not set a OBD2 code. We understand this is likely related to the CDF Drum

Filed Apr 26, 2026 · AK

Mid shift between 5th and 6th gear it sounded like marbles in my engine(grinding) so I let off the gas. It then switched down to 1st gear shuttered and slowed down and then shifted back to 6th. Was lucky no one was behind me or I would have been rear ended. Then going up my driveway same day. It disengaged(stopped) part way up my driveway. Wouldn’t go into gear and wouldn’t move. I had to shut it off put it in park and start it again. Then when I shifted back to drive it made some clunking noises and didn’t move until I put it in reverse. I rolled down the hill then was able to shift into drive and go up the driveway. I no longer trust it. So it’s been parked ever since.

Filed Apr 25, 2026 · Brakes · IN

I am submitting a formal consumer complaint regarding a persistent brake issue—specifically a loud squeal when coming to a stop in a 2022 Ford Expedition Max Limited purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle through Ford’s Blue Advantage Program. At the time of sale, I was assured the vehicle met certification standards, had no unresolved safety concerns, and that any recalls had been addressed. However, I later learned that Safety Recall 25S47 (the federal safety agency Campaign 25V‑314) had been issued in May 2025—one month prior to purchase—for a front brake line defect that may cause brake fluid leaks, reduced braking performance, and increased crash risk. Despite this, the vehicle was certified and sold with representation that the recall showed “no concern.” Since purchase, the vehicle has exhibited constant brake squealing, worsening stopping performance, and reduced responsiveness. The issue occurs at every stop and persists despite replacement of front and rear brake pads and rotors. Timeline: • Apr 2024 – Prior brake-related service • May 9, 2025 – Recall issued • June 4, 2025 – Brake service prior to sale • June 14, 2025 – Purchased as certified • Within 1 week – Issue reported • June 25, 2025 – Inspection found “no concern” • July 2025 – Pads/rotors replaced • Within 2–3 months – Issue returned • Ongoing – Condition deemed “within guidelines” Multiple attempts to resolve this through the dealer, a consumer complaint organization, a state regulatory complaint, and a manufacturer repair case have not resulted in a fix. This raises concern that a vehicle with a known safety-related defect was certified and sold without proper resolution. I request investigation into whether certification standards were properly followed and whether consumer protection requirements were violated. I am seeking a permanent manufacturer-backed repair, repurchase, or other appropriate relief.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 166,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the occupants to lunge forward. The tires squealed and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was turned off but failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train). A tow truck company was contacted, and was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An attempt was made to contact the manufacturer, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Transmission · SC

The 10-speed automatic transmission has harsh/ erratic shifting, clunking, hesitation and power loss. We were turning on to a 4-lane highway. The expedition lost power and would not go. A vehicle almost ran into the back of the expedition. When we tried to accelerate the transmission made a clunking/ grinding sound and finally went into a gear. Yes, the problem has been reproduced by the ford dealership. It is scheduled to be inspected this week. There were no warning lamps or messages or other symptoms of the problem. The problem started a week ago.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control moduleReported December 1, 2025 · 679 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk
An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on December 3, 2025.

Recall number 25V823000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: softwareReported July 25, 2025 · 312,120 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk
An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.

Recall number 25V488000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported May 9, 2025 · 273,789 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.
Risk
A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front brake line and replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S47.

Recall number 25V314000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported April 11, 2025 · 123,611 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Risk
A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑150.

Recall number 25V236000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported March 11, 2022 · 195,864 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Risk
A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall number 20V‑332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.

Recall number 22V150000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkagesReported November 17, 1998 · 4,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles may have a missing or partially installed retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm.
Risk
Increased brake stopping distance can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles to see if the retainer clip was installed, and repair, if necessary.

Recall number 98V296000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford Expedition grinding brakes

Which Ford Expedition years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1997 (15 complaints), 2003 (12 complaints) and 2018 (11 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix grinding or squealing brakes on the Ford Expedition?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,200 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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