Ford Expedition won't shift problems

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Acceleration · PA

While driving my 2019 Ford Expedition uphill with my wife and children in the vehicle, the transmission unexpectedly dropped into a lower gear and the vehicle's normal drivability was disrupted. The event occurred suddenly and created a dangerous situation because the vehicle did not shift or respond the way I expected while actively traveling on the roadway. I had received no indication that such a sudden transmission malfunction was about to occur. I am concerned about the potential for a crash if this occurs during acceleration, while climbing a hill, or in surrounding traffic. I subsequently learned that Ford has issued technical service bulletins concerning harsh or delayed transmission shifting in 2018-2021 Expeditions equipped with the 10R80 transmission.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Transmission · SC

While driving at highway speeds, specifically during sudden acceleration and lane-change maneuvers, the vehicle experiences a severe dynamic mechanical binding event. The transmission briefly forces a sudden "halt" or engine-braking downshift, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow down in active traffic before entering a temporary limp mode. This sudden loss of propulsion and unexpected deceleration creates an immediate rear-end collision hazard on the highway. This happened to my wife while merging onto a highway almost causing an accident. Diagnostic and Mechanical Verification: The vehicle was taken to an authorized Ford dealership for evaluation. The dealership officially scanned, verified, and documented diagnostic trouble code P0786 (Shift Timing Solenoid "A" Range/Performance). Following an advanced diagnostic review, the certified Ford technician officially diagnosed a failed transmission park solenoid (parking pawl solenoid). Direct Relation to Active Safety Recall: The component failure (park solenoid), diagnostic code (P0786), and severe dynamic highway-speed binding symptoms are identical to the safety defects outlined in Ford Safety Recall 26S48 (the federal safety agency Campaign 26V402). Reason for Filing / Manufacturer Action: Despite an authorized Ford dealership verifying the exact failure mechanism of this active federal safety recall, Ford Corporate are currently refusing to cover 100% of the repair costs. They state that my specific VIN has not yet been "activated" in their database due to Ford’s phased tranche rollout schedule extending through 2027. I am being forced to pay out-of-pocket for an active, dealer-verified, federally recognized safety hazard. We cannot drive the vehicle with this significant safety risk. I am paying mostly out of pocket to cover the repair.

Filed Sep 27, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Our 2019 Ford Expedition Max Platinum (VIN [XXX]) is covered by the federal safety agency recall [XXX] / Ford recall 26S48 for the transmission park system defect. Transmission problems began not long after purchase, within the warranty period. The transmission shifted hard and banged loudly during acceleration. We reported this to the dealer on multiple occasions. The dealer's repeated response was PCM reprogramming, which never corrected the condition, and the dealer repeatedly stated they could not replicate the problem. The transmission was never repaired under warranty. In XXX, an independent shop, [XXX], diagnosed a stored TCM code P07E6, "Stuck in Park." The vehicle now attempts to shift into Park on its own and jumps out of gear while driving. It is barely drivable. The dealer quoted approximately $9,867 to replace the transmission and did not acknowledge the open recall on the VIN, despite the recall appearing in both the federal safety agency's and Ford's own VIN lookups. I contacted the Ford Customer Relationship Center referencing recall 26S48. The representative stated nothing could be done because this is an advance-notice recall, refused to open a case number, refused escalation to a regional manager, and ended the call. Ford separately instructed the dealership not to open a ticket. The permanent remedy is not expected until Q2 2027. The vehicle is unsafe to drive now. Ford has offered no interim remedy, no inspection, no loaner, and no case number. I am proceeding with an out-of-pocket transmission replacement because the vehicle cannot safely remain in service for another year. I am filing because the interim remedy is inadequate for owners whose vehicles have already failed, because warranty complaints were dismissed as unable to replicate, and because Ford declined to document my report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · GA

The parking pawl is engaging during speeds of about 25-30 mph when switching gears. This happens randomly at times and puts everyone in my car at risk because I lose all horsepower to my car. I have to wait until my car drops to about 20 mph to begin accelerating again. The component has not been inspected but does have a current recall. However upon speaking with Ford representatives the remedy will not be available until after April of 2027. I have had the car read for codes and the code stated that it was stuck in park. This is also causing damage to my transmission as it is now skipping gears and showing shifter sensor error. This started to appear around 8/21/2026

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Transmission · CT

My 2016 Expedition has the same 6R80 transmission as the Ford F150, for which there is a recall for the Lead Frame. My wife was driving the vehicle on the highway and the check engine light came on and the vehicle went into "limp mode" causing the vehicle to decelerate to approximately 35 mph. Needless to say, she almost caused several accidents as she tried to move to the shoulder at a very reduced speed. The code was P0715 and P0717 which is the Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor which is part of the lead frame in the transmission. As stated before, there was a recall on this issue with the F150 but not to the Expedition since Ford did not sell as many Expeditions as F150's? I was able to have the lead frame replaced, at my cost, to remedy the situation, however, the fact that this is a known issue with this transmission and only some of the cars with this transmission were recalled is morally wrong. This could have caused a major accident resulting in serious injury or death since Expeditions were not part of the recall.

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

On August 11, 2026 at approximately 5:17 PM, the vehicle was traveling about 25–30 MPH and approaching a stop sign. The driver began braking normally, but the vehicle did not adequately slow despite repeatedly pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle continued completely through the stop sign and intersection. Fortunately, no cross traffic was present and no collision occurred. After passing through the intersection, the vehicle slowed while traveling uphill. At approximately 5 MPH, the electronic parking brake automatically applied by the vehicle and brought the vehicle to a stop. After being placed in Park, the vehicle would not shift out of Park and displayed multiple fault messages. FordPass recorded simultaneous faults for Antilock Brakes, Electronic Parking Brake, Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power, Pre-Collision Assist, and Blind Spot/Cross Traffic systems. One message specifically stated that the anti-lock brake system had detected a fault and was disabled. After several power cycles, the vehicle could be moved, but an orange wrench remained illuminated and cruise control was unavailable. After being shut down for approximately one hour, the warnings cleared and the vehicle appeared to operate normally. There were no warning lamps, messages, or braking symptoms before the failure occurred. Because the vehicle failed to respond normally to braking and traveled through an intersection, the incident created a serious risk of collision, injury, or death. The vehicle was subsequently towed to an authorized Ford dealership and is currently available for inspection. Dealer diagnosis is pending. The dealer has been asked to preserve the diagnostic trouble code/fault history and investigate the brake, electronic brake booster/ABS, electrical, and related control systems.

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 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · NM

I am filing this complaint because I truly believe this transmission issue is a safety problem. I was driving my 2021 Ford Expedition and was merging onto a busy highway when I pressed the gas to get up to traffic speed. Instead of accelerating, the engine revved but the transmission would not shift. It felt like the vehicle was stuck between gears or in neutral. My SUV would not accelerate when I needed it to, and I remember thinking, “This is how someone gets hit.” As a mom, it was terrifying. I depend on my vehicle to safely get my family where we need to go. When you press the gas while merging into fast-moving traffic, you expect your vehicle to respond. Mine didn’t. I was left trying to merge while traffic was approaching and my SUV would barely move. Before this happened, I had noticed increasingly harsh shifting and delayed gear changes. The vehicle had been properly maintained, and the transmission had recently been serviced. After the incident, an authorized Ford dealership diagnosed the transmission with a failed CDF drum in the 10-speed transmission. The transmission had to be completely rebuilt. After researching this problem, I found many other Ford owners reporting the exact same failure and the same scary symptoms. This doesn’t seem like normal wear and tear. Losing the ability to accelerate without warning is a serious safety concern, especially when merging onto a highway or crossing an intersection. I hope the federal safety agency investigates this issue before someone isn’t as lucky as I was. I was fortunate to avoid an accident, but I can’t help thinking another family may not be.

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at speeds over 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. While the transmission was shifting gear, there was an abnormal metal clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the message "See Service Manual" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the residence and then to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. An unknown code indicating that the transmission was stuck in park(P) was displayed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

Multiple times we have received Powertrain Failure warnings. These warnings typically happen when driving in cruise control but also happens in normal driving. The car has trouble shifting gears, gets stuck in gears, and has trouble downshifting. This creates unsafe and unstable driving especially at high speeds. Repeated visits to the dealer have yielded no results and the dealer has not mentioned transmission work one time despite a clear issue and widespread issues with this transmission model. This issue has been persistent since the car was bought.