2012 Ford Expedition Powertrain (other) Problems

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 NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ID

11729726

Incident

Apr 4, 2026

Mileage

166,000 mi

While exiting the freeway at approximately 45 to 50 mph, the transmission downshifted to 1st gear locking up the tires.

NHTSA ID

11720153

Incident

Feb 23, 2026

Over a period of time this problem is occurring more often. The vehicle will downshift into first gear. I pull over check engine light is on. I turn off wait turn back on and no problem for awhile. Within the last month this has occurred many times . Each time the check engine light comes on but also now the advance track light. Each time I have the same codes pulled. Driving on the highway with my daughter at 65mph it downshifted and the back tires locked up . Vehicles had to swerve to miss us. The check engine light was on advance track light same codes pulled. The dealership said it’s not in the recall even though it was built in Jefferson co Kentucky 9/2011. I don’t understand why this vehicle wasn’t recalled . I have to continue to drive it’s my only vehicle. I’m so scared for my life.

NHTSA ID

11695051

Incident

Oct 13, 2025

I was driving my 2012 expedition and suddenly the vehicle went from doing 60 to 40 immediately the tires squealed and threw me into the right lane . This vehicle transmission has a recall for down shifting and power train issues. My vin number does not fit the Recall but my vehicle has all the symptoms of multiple recalls and is not safe to drive . Had i not known how to drive i and my daughter would be in the hospital due to the faulty transmission lead frame and power train . I contacted Ford head quarters they were no help even though there is clearly a recall . I also took the truck to ford of valparaiso and had to pay the 1,000 dollars for the lead frame to be replaced which was in the recall and I shouldn't have had to pay anything .. them replacing the lead frame did nothing the car is still not drive able and is extremely unsafe its my only vehicle and I am a single mother of 2 kids .

NHTSA ID

11683830

Incident

Aug 11, 2025

JULY 2025 MY 2012 FORD EXPEDITION THREW A P0742 CODE FOR A STUCK TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH. THE VEHICLE HAD JUST UNDER 150K MILES AND STARTED TO JERK IN AND OUT OF GEAR AND THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED SO I, THANKFULLY WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AS IT WAS IN LIMP MODE. WHEN I CLEARED THE DTC CODE THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY TEMPORARILY BUT EVENTUALLY LOCKED BACK UP AGAIN WITHIN A MILE FROM MY HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, FORD DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER THAT THEY HAVE LISTED FOR A REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION LEAD FRAME. I PROVIDED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WITH ALL OF THE NECESSARY INFORMATION AS WELL AS AN INDEPENDENT DIAGNOSIS BY A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. LOOKS LIKE I'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE DAY THAT IT CAUSES A MASSIVE ACCIDENT BY DOWNSHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR AT 65MPH. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I CAN ONLY HOPE THIS DOESN'T COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE.

NHTSA ID

11676319

Incident

Jul 24, 2025

Campaign 19N01 Description Transmission molded leadframe extended coverage Next Steps Contact your dealer for next steps. Did this and was told that the vehicle was not covered due to it being after 10 years and barely over 150,000 miles. I am experiencing transmission issues where the torque converter clutch is now stuck on and the lead frame is more than likely the cause. Thanks FORD, NEVER AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11676166

Incident

Jul 24, 2025

I just purchased (2 months ago) a 2012 Ford Expedition EL 5.4l v8 from a private party. I wish I would have done more research as I am ALREADY EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION ISSUES THAT I BELIEVE ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE VEHICLES LEAD FRAME RECALL. IT THREW A P0742 CODE ON ME Torque Converter Clutch Circuit stuck on and decided that it would only drive in limp mode unless I cleared the code, pulled over, cycles the key, and restarted the vehicle. Even as dangerous as this UNEXPECTED SHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS, IT IS EQUALLY AS DANGEROUS TO BE GETTING OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE IN MOVING TRAFFIC DUE TO FORD'S TERRIBLE DESIGN ON THIS VEHICLES POWER TRAIN/TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. I HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL Ford DEALER AND AL CERTAIN I'LL GET THE RUNAROUND/BLAME GAME FOR THIS ONE. 150K MILES AND AS I said, I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 2 MONTHS AND HAVE ALREADY HAD TRANSMISSION ISSUES, BRAKE ISSUES, BELT TENSIONER PULLEY LITERALLY FELL OFF.. AND FROM WHAT I READ, WHAT'S NEXT??? THE CAM PHASERS?? THAT'S IF THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS EVEN FIXED AND IT BECOMES SAFELY DRIVE ABLE AGAIN. COME ON FORD, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS!

NHTSA ID

11676082

Incident

Jul 24, 2025

Transmission failed to engage after startup, and while driving will slip out like its in neutral without warning. There was a series of messages that rolled over and over as the vehicle slowed. When we first took it to have it serviced for this problem June of 2024, they optioned to flush, change the filter, and put in new transmission fluid. They could not reproduce the problem. That seemed to take care of it until May 17, 2025 when it started slipping again. Again, the service center cannot reproduce the problem. The sudden slowdown, puts us in a risk for an accident with other vehicles. The vehicle is available for inspection if needed.

NHTSA ID

11662457

Incident

May 17, 2025

While driving my vehicle, the transmission down shift on its on and the vehicle antilock brakes hit and suddenly stops on its on.

NHTSA ID

11601512

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and downshifted unintendedly. The contact stated there were two unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the output speed sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact there would be no assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 203,000.

NHTSA ID

11598352

Incident

Jun 29, 2024

Mileage

203,000 mi

On [XXX] @ [XXX]. I was traveling [XXX] in Logan Co., OK in my 2012 Ford Expedition EL (purchased used Jan. 2020) at an approximate speed of 45 mph when the vehicle downshifted into 1st gear causing a rapid deceleration wherein the vehicle behind me had to take evasive action to avoid rear ending me. The engine rpms climbed significantly while the speedometer stopped working and the vehicle never shifted into any higher gears for the next five blocks wherein I was able to pull my vehicle into a safe place. Again, the vehicle continued only in 1st gear! After turning the vehicle off and letting it sit for a few minutes, it appeared everything had reset and I slowly drove it straight to my mechanics shop. (However, shop was closed until after Memorial Day, so I again drove it slowly back home). Total trip was approximate 12 miles. Issue took place approximate 5 miles from when I left my residence. Ironically, I had visited my mechanic the day before inquiring about an issue wherein the vehicle would beep and a "wrench symbol" would display on the instrument panel and the speedometer and instrument display would stop working. I advised this was the 2nd time that issue occurred within the past few days, however, once the vehicle was turned off and restarted, all seem to be okay. In responding to my inquiry, my mechanic seemed to think it was an instrument cluster issue. That if it persisted, return to have it checked out. Never during any of these two (2) prior occurrences did the vehicle downshift as it did on the [XXX] of May. As an attorney, I began researching potential causes and came across the NHTSA's previous investigation(s) into this issue. However, I am dumbfounded that as serious as this issue is, NO recall has been made. As to me, it is my understanding that Ford's Customer Service Program has even expired regarding fixing this life threatening issue. I am lucky that there was not a semi-truck behind me or it would have been serious. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID

11590500

Incident

May 24, 2024

The transmission jumps in and out of gear, the engine revs on its on. I was on the highway the first time and I going between 60 and 65 mph and it sounded like the whole bottom of the truck was just ripped out, the truck went from drive to either park or first gear it locked up the back tires and there was a truck behind me he tried to miss me but he hit the back passenger side of the truck. He was very very upset he threatening and cussing me because he thought I just slammed on my brakes for no reason. I explained to him what was happening and calmed down think God. It could have killed him or me or even several other people. When it locked up the tires then it jumped back in drive and tried tot take off, I threw it in neutral and cut the key off. That scared the sh.. out of me!! I have talked to other people that have around the same year model truck as mine and some of them are having the same issues with it jumping in and out of gear not wanting to shift gears revving up on its own and no engine light comes on I've tried to get a code scanner scan it no codes come up on the truck Ford needs to fix this truck they had a recall on certain models that were manufactured at different plants or something like that I heard but they won't fix my truck they said it's not under recall this truck is going to kill somebody it's the only truck I have and I have to go to work I'm just asking if you can please do something about this before people get killed in or I get killed I'm going to try to get a video of what it does I'm just asking if you can please do something about this Ford knows what the problem is I read stuff on it and they need to fix these trucks before it kills people they know what the problem is if I have a bad wreck and I live to it or this truck causing somebody to lose their life it's going to be a multi multi multi million dollar lawsuit because they refuse to fix the truck I'm just asking you if you can please do something about this thank you

NHTSA ID

11550843

Incident

Sep 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon his wife depressing the accelerator pedal, the RPM raised abruptly however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and seemed as if the transmission was in neutral(N). After restarting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that a failure had occurred with the transmission molded lead frame. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01-Supplement #1 (Power Train) However, the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,112.

NHTSA ID

11530230

Incident

Jun 23, 2023

Mileage

100,112 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle independently decelerated and nearly caused the vehicle to be rear ended by a tractor trailer. The contact indicated that the vehicle was driven home with the transmission stuck in 3rd gear. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,959.

NHTSA ID

11496107

Incident

Dec 5, 2022

Mileage

59,959 mi

Uncommanded downshift to first gear in 6R80 transmission. While driving at approximately 30mph, transmission downshifted into 1st gear. Problem repeated itself several times. No "codes" or warning lights. I put the transmission in "3" and drove slowly back home. This is the same issue that has occurred in F-150's. The problem was intermittent at first. Had this occurred at highway speeds it may have resulted in a rear end "lock-up", loss of control and possible accident. Took the vehicle to the repair shop where they were initially unable to get a "code". Later, I was able to repeat the problem and got warning lights and codes showing failure of the transmission output speed sensor which is located on the molded lead frame. This is the same failure as on the F-150. The molded lead frame was not available as single piece so it was necessary to replace the entire valve body unit.

NHTSA ID

11485590

Incident

Sep 7, 2022

The speedometer went to zero when the vehicle was driven on the highway at 70MPH and the transmission would shift down the wrench symbol came on the LCD display. Had to pull over and shut the vehicle off and open the drivers door to make sure that the vehicle was fully off/reset. Started the vehicle and drove home. Dealer noted that this may be covered under the extended warranty on the lead frame issue... Since the vehicle has 167759 miles on it, that the warranty would not cover the issue (Warranty to 150000 miles). I will get the vehicle repaired at my cost since this is our family vehicle. Since this is a safety issue the warranty should be for all the vehicles that experience this issue. The vehicle was traveling on a highway and this is not an acceptable condition for the safety of my family or others around us when driving. I am confident in noting that the warranty should be amended for this issue. If this issue was caused by me due to carless driving I would not have an issue. Since this is a design/reliability issue I do not understand why I am responsible for the cost of the repair.

NHTSA ID

11434868

Incident

Sep 29, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle independently down shifted to first gear causing both rear tires to lock up. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16V248000 (Power train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

NHTSA ID

11425032

Incident

Jul 13, 2021

Mileage

164,000 mi

unexpected transmission downshift for no reason and it hesitate and it chugs along down shifts drops out and kicks back in

NHTSA ID

11422969

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, there was an unexpected transmission downshift and the vehicle speed decelerated inadvertently. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.

NHTSA ID

11421309

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

Mileage

123,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY SLOW. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE WITH AN UNKNOWN RECALL. DON MYER FORD, INC. (2010 N LINCOLN ST, GREENSBURG, IN 47240) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVER THE MILEAGE FOR A RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.

NHTSA ID

11406512

Incident

Apr 5, 2021

Mileage

163,000 mi

RANDOMLY DROPS INTO FIRST GEAR WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT GO OUT OF FIRST GEAR AFTER THAT UNLESS DISCONNECTING BATTERY AND RESETTING EVERYTHING. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANYTHING. THIS CANNOT HAPPEN WITH THREE KIDS IN THE CAR. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED AT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY? OCCURRED 2/3/21 AND 2/8/21.

NHTSA ID

11395196

Incident

Feb 3, 2021

Mileage

111,895 mi

VEHICLE IS DOWNSHIFTING GEAR WHILE DRIVING. IT CAUSED JERKS IN THE SUV AS IT TRIED TO SHIFT GEARS AND THEN BECAME STUCK ON FIRST GEAR. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY AND AGAIN ON A CITY STREET. FORD DEALERSHIP REPORTING IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR CURRENT RECALL ALTHOUGH OTHER 2012 FORD EXPEDITIONS WITH THE SAME ISSUE ARE.

NHTSA ID

11386918

Incident

Jan 3, 2021

Mileage

150,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED AND JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE GEARS TO SEIZE WITH THE RPMS INCREASING. ADDITIONALLY, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND DROVE OFF OF THE ROADWAY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V248000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11352439

Incident

May 1, 2020

Mileage

65,000 mi

DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT APPROX 50 MPH, VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER GOES TO 0, MILEAGE GOES OUT, DASH LIGHTS FLASH, WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON, VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS (HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES (SOMETIMES ACCELERATED FROM 1ST GEAR)) TO 1ST GEAR AND GOES INTO A LIMP MODE. HAD TO PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE TRUCK- ALL FINE WHEN RESTARTED. COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. VERY SCARY. THIS TRUCK HAS HAD A RECALL REPAIR FIXED FOR WHAT WAS DESCRIBED AS EXACTLY THIS PROBLEM. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES NOW.

NHTSA ID

11351183

Incident

Aug 25, 2020

Mileage

141,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF MOMENTS LATER THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, CROSSING THE STREET AND CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBORS HOUSE. DURING THE INCIDENT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND NO POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. *DT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS FAULTY GEAR SHIFTER AND PARTS WERE BACKORDER. DAMAGED HANDLE REPAIRED.*JB

NHTSA ID

11328850

Incident

Jun 14, 2020

Mileage

179,000 mi