Ford Expedition key fob problems

Filed May 27, 2026 · Body, Electrical · FL

On May 26, 2026, my 2019 Ford Expedition suffered a total systemic safety failure that resulted in my toddler being locked inside the vehicle in direct sunlight, requiring an emergency extraction. I used the FordPass app to unlock the vehicle and opened the driver’s door and passenger door on the diver's side. I placed my bag containing the proximity key fob onto the driver’s seat floorboard while the vehicle was completely off. I closed the driver's door and walked to the rear door behind the driver's seat, which was still open, to buckle my child into his car seat. Upon closing his door, the vehicle immediately initialized a "ghost lock" command, sealing all doors with the key fob inside, directly violating the vehicle's "Smart Unlock" and Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) safety protocols. The FordPass remote application then completely failed, refusing to process any commands to unlock the vehicle or remote-start the engine to turn on the air conditioning for the child. Even after uninstalling and reinstalling the application via a good samaritan’s cellular hotspot, the app remained completely unresponsive due to a total communication crash with the vehicle. I called 911. Local police arrived on-site first and attempted an emergency manual override using a mechanical lockout tool down the window frame, which failed. Due to the rapidly increasing interior heat in the direct Florida sun, arriving firefighters determined the child was in critical danger and shattered the rear passenger door main window to perform an immediate extraction. This failure represents an unmitigated malfunction of the door latch systems documented under Ford TSB 20-2421, which overrode all safety failsafes without warning. An upcoming diagnostic testing appointment is being scheduled at an authorized Ford dealer to pull the module codes and initiate a manufacturer safety review.

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 Jun 18, 2025 · Transmission · NC

While driving at highway speeds very quickly the speedometer went to 0 , the fuel low warning came on , the transmission locked up dragging the rear wheels and engine goes to high rpm , this has happened numerous times , I’ve checked with local ford dealership and they tell me there are no updates for my vehicle , when this situation happens I pull over to the side of the road and shut vehicle off , count to ten and restart , drive away and wait for the next instance. I have read where earlier ford products have had this same issue. One additional item on this unit , it has a sporadic 1.5 amp drain that will kill the battery sometimes , very sporadic. Myself and two others have tried to find this drain but unsuccessfully , took to dealership and $500 later still same issue so I found a electronic battery shutoff with a key fob that disconnects the battery to prevent battery draw , but doing this prevents codes from storing , I have recently started leaving vehicle hooked up to automatic tricle charger to prevent battery from being drained so I can get codes stored up for dealership to troubleshoot at a cost to me off $150 to plug up and read codes. Does that come with lube or will that cost extra ?

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Locks · FL

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the liftgate failed to open with the key fob remote or manually. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the sensor was inoperable. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed May 23, 2023 · NC

In the past year, the horn has gone off several times when car was locked and no one in it. Recently the horn stopped working with the key fob when locking the car and then this past week the horn has completely stopped working. This has been a faulty horn from the beginning and after doing a bit of research I see that others have had the same issue. This can become a safety issue as I realized it when someone cut in front of me and the horn did not work.

Filed Nov 16, 2022 · Body, Driver assistance · DE

Recalls fixed 11/15/2022 on my 2017 Ford Expedition. I purchased in March 2018 After picking up my Ford from WINNER Ford, Dover DE yesterday 11/15/2022 I realized my backup Camera screen is fuzzy, the stopped working before I even left the premises. In 2022 Ford recalled Expedition Backup Carmera camera with distorted screens but not for 2017. I have had 2 batteries. There has to be an electrical problem. My remote start stopped working in 0ctober 2022 after the recalls were fixed but my keyfob can still lock and unlock, my driver power seat does not move when started or turning off, my doors will not lock using the door buttons, when I open my drivers door there's and alarm as if there's a light on or a malfunction. Fordpass SYNC will not update to the system to newest version and my ForD. I have Ford connected service on my Ford Pass app.

Filed May 3, 2019 · Electrical, Visibility · 204,000 miles · FL

The vehicle was stationary, when unlocking the vehicle with the keyless entry, it moved the sideview mirrors and never movws back. I put the mirrors back where they belong and every following time when I unlock the vehicle with the key fob, it continues to do the same. I bought the vehicle this way.

Filed Sep 8, 2016 · Body, Electrical · 44,977 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford expedition. The contact stated that the key fob failed to unlock the doors intermittently. In addition, the contact stated that the key pad located on the driver side door failed to operate. As a result, the contact was unable to access the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lock motor on all the doors failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,977.

Filed Mar 30, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 203,538 miles · MI

Went to store, came out battery dead, car wouldn't start. Had not left lights or any accessories on. Got a jump, drove to auto parts store. They checked alternator and battery and said battery dead, needed an overnight charge. Let them charge battery, put back in car, horn started blowing and would not stop despite my using both the key and key fob. Horn blew for 5 hours before I found out how to disconnect from google. Got horn to stop, and car wouldn't start. Ford dealer said anti-theft system had to be reprogrammed at cost of $250 plus tow to dealer. I never armed the system and it should not have shut my truck down and prevented me from driving it. I don't have $250 and then I found out the repair is only $100 at most. But this according to my dealer happens to any ford anytime the battery goes dead and is replaced, anti-theft system is making people pay $250 to ford to reprogram what should not have to be reprogrammed. Please help me. Thank you. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 6, 2015 · Electrical · 2,250 miles · MA

I was not able to open the rear lift gate, the window did work fine. This would happen every now and then non predictable.. The dealer replaced the latch and was amazed the electric key fob did not work of the manual lift gate. There is no emergency override!!!! If some was in the 3rd road seat, and something happened they could not get out. August 1, 2015 I went to the vet with my dog in her kennel in the back. Outside air temp was 93 degrees. I could not open the back hatch to get my dog out. I had to lower all the middle seats, open her kennel, and "convince " her to come out and walk around . I had to lift her up and put her on the ground. Being handicapped this was not fun.. Of course after the vets visit, the darn thing worked it is dangersous!!!