2019 Ford Expedition Owner Complaints

On September 24, 2026 around 4:10PM, the driver's front seatbelt retractor/pretensioner on my 2019 Ford Expedition unexpectedly malfunctioned and deployed while I was driving on the interstate approximately 70 mph. There was no collision or crash. The seatbelt made an extremely loud popping sound and immediately tightened and locked so tightly around me that it made a rash/burn on my neck. The vehicle has an open seatbelt pretensioner recall, and the airbag warning light had illuminated prior to this incident. I called the local Ford dealer when the light came on, they told me it was not related to the seatbelt recall. I contacted a Ford dealer after the incident and reported what happened, but the vehicle and component have not yet been inspected or confirmed by the dealer, manufacturer, police (told me they would not dispatch and I needed to take it to the dealership), insurance company, or an independent service center. I also contacted Ford Corporate Customer Service and they told me I did not need to operate the car, but there is not a fix until September 30. The local dealer told me that I could bring the car to them and pay out of pocket to get it fixed, if it was the same fix the recall suggests then I would be reimbursed, my worry is, what if they fix it but then the recall suggests a different way to fix it? The vehicle and component remain available for inspection upon request. I am concerned that the unexpected deployment of the driver's pretensioner created a serious safety hazard and that another affected seatbelt in the vehicle could malfunction and cause injury to another occupant.

NHTSA ID

11766799

Incident

Sep 24, 2026

My vehicles warning lamp came on 9/10/2026 and I'm honestly nervous to drive with that recall because it affects my driver seatbelt and airbags. At first, it was just a known recall but when it personally affected my vehicle being that my warning lamp came on, I called a ford dealership near me and they all stated that I had to wait because the inspection can't be completed yet until they get the parts from ford which won't be for a couple weeks to a month. I am wondering if I can get a loaner vehicle until this is fixed because this is a very serious issue if I were to get in a car accident and not be protected. That is a huge lawsuit waiting to happen. I just don't feel safe driving it with that issue because those are my main sources of protection when a car accident occurs.

NHTSA ID

11765904

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ID

11765871

Incident

Apr 15, 2022

Mileage

84,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the driver's seat belt pretensioner deployed inadvertently with an explosion and smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle, and the seat belt latched very tightly. The contact freed himself from the seat belt; however, the seat belt no longer retracted and became inoperable. The contact stated that an air bag module warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was a gun powder odor inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance in replacing the seat belt and pretensioner. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.

NHTSA ID

11765799

Incident

Sep 21, 2026

On XXX, I experienced a serious safety incident involving my 2019 Ford Expedition, VIN [XXX]. My family and I were parked at a Lowe’s with the vehicle running but completely stationary. I was in the driver’s seat wearing my seat belt. Without any collision or impact, there was a sudden loud pop and the driver’s seat belt forcefully tightened around my chest. It was violent enough that I initially thought another vehicle had struck us from behind. Immediately afterward, smoke/haze appeared inside the cabin and moved toward the windows, accompanied by a strong chemical/burnt odor. My family and I immediately exited the vehicle and remained outside for approximately 30–40 minutes before entering again. Lowe’s may have surveillance footage confirming that the vehicle was stationary, no collision occurred, and we exited immediately afterward. The driver’s seat belt has not functioned normally since the incident. The vehicle had also displayed an airbag/SRS warning light prior to this event. I have photographs documenting the condition of the seat belt immediately afterward. I contacted Ford Customer Relations. The first representative requested my Social Security number, which I declined to provide, and then requested an account number I did not have. The interaction became hostile, and he told me I was “terrible.” When I asked to speak with a supervisor because of his behavior, the call was disconnected. I called again and spoke with a more courteous representative. She initially stated that she could not find a recall associated with my VIN. I asked her to review NHTSA information regarding the Expedition seat-belt pretensioner issue, after which she located the recall information I was referring to. When I requested escalation, she said a supervisor would contact me Monday but also stated that the supervisor would give me the same answer. Ford has not provided a repair, rental/loaner, towing assistance, or another transportation solution INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA ID

11765507

Incident

Sep 19, 2026

I was driving my 2019 Ford Expedition normally. The driver’s seat belt suddenly and rapidly tightened around me. I heard a loud popping sound immediately after the rapid tightening. The seat belt then appeared to malfunction. The force and sudden movement of the seat belt caused burns to my neck and collar/chest. There was no collision, crash, or other impact preceding the event.

NHTSA ID

11765322

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

While driving my 2019 Ford Expedition the passenger airbag deployed unexpectedly. This resulted in the seat belt not retracting or extending. There were no warnings, messages or problems prior to this occurring. Yes, safety was put at risk by the airbag deploying unexpectedly and the seat belt quickly retracting , it was very startling. This also caused damage to my passenger seat

NHTSA ID

11765217

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

Due to the recall listed below there has been multiple instances where I am driving on highway (DC area) and my vehicle kicks back and there is no acceleration power causing the vehicle to transmission may suddenly disengage or feel like it is in neutral, causing the engine to rev unexpectedly before slamming back into gear with a loud clunk and a shift system fault error message. This has caused me to lose control of the vehicle movement and basically wait in the middle of exchanging lanes or driving until it shifts back into gear and allows me to accelerate. Took my vehicle to Ford dealership to be inspected and I was informed by the tech that the Parking Pawl code came up on the computer. Also informed as there is no remedy for this issue if he was to further check and issues were found with the parking pawl and transmission I would be financially responsible otherwise he cant do nothing about it as directed by his manager. This is a HIGH SAFETY concern as I almost got into multiple accidents due to this issue and fearing for my safety I would have no other choice but to expect to wait or be without a vehicle until 2nd quarter of 2027 when a remedy comes up! Manufacturer Recall Number26S48 NHTSA Recall Number26V402 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary ON YOUR VEHICLE, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE YOUR TRANSMISSION MAY BRIEFLY ENGAGE IN PARK WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL MOVING. THIS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE PARKING SYSTEM.

NHTSA ID

11765111

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH with the cruise control activated, the cruise control independently deactivated. The RPM increased, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the transmission independently shifted into park(P) while driving. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed default sensor. The contact was informed that the default sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that a diagnostic fee was required. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11765017

Incident

Apr 16, 2025

Mileage

92,000 mi

Our vehicle cannot shift into gear. This results in it jolting, and almost stopping while we are driving. The is a huge safety issue on roads and especially highways. The check engine light is on. We have taken it multiple times to mechanics and have been told this is a transmission issue. We received a transmission safety recall notice a few months back and were hopeful that Ford would fix the issue. However, we were disappointed to hear that the recalled parts aren't even made and will not be available until late 2027. This car has 3 recalls on it and Ford has not been able to fix a single one of them.

NHTSA ID

11764172

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

My vehicle is included in NHTSA recall 26V402. It has already rolled twice after I shifted into park and applied the electronic parking brake. I want these rollaway incidents documented and I want the park system inspected. One time it rolled backward several feet out of the driveway. Luckily, it stopped before it rolled down the street! The second time, it rolled a couple feet backward on a slight incline. This is dangerous! I always apply the parking brake in addition to putting the truck into park. I will need to take it in to a dealer or service center and have it inspected. I just want it documented here that it has happened twice and you are saying there is no remedy.

NHTSA ID

11763870

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed, with the powertrain warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, shifted to park, and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle temporarily drove normally. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA ID

11763376

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V344000 (Seat Belt), 26V368000 (Structure), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt had deployed. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 135,772.

NHTSA ID

11762780

Incident

May 27, 2026

Mileage

135,772 mi

I am submitting this complaint regarding an intermittent transmission and loss-of-motive-power issue with my 2019 Ford Expedition equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission. When I first start the vehicle and begin driving, I experience an intermittent delay, particularly around the 1st-to-2nd gear transition. I press the accelerator and the engine RPM increases/revs, but the vehicle does not move forward or accelerate as expected. There is approximately a 3–5 second delay before the transmission engages and the vehicle suddenly begins moving. During these events, it feels as though the transmission has temporarily gone into neutral even though the vehicle is in Drive. This is not simply a harsh or uncomfortable gear change. The engine responds to the accelerator, but power is temporarily not being transferred to the wheels. I consider this a significant safety concern because a 3–5 second loss or delay of motive power could leave me unable to accelerate when entering traffic, crossing an intersection, merging, or attempting to avoid another vehicle. The vehicle can suddenly engage after the delay, which could also cause an unexpected surge forward. My vehicle has previously been taken to a Ford dealership for a transmission/PCM-related recall, and I was told that the recall had been corrected. However, I continue to experience this loss/delay of motive power. I am aware that Ford has issued technical service information addressing delayed engagement and delayed shifting in 2018–2021 Ford Expeditions equipped with the 10R80 transmission. I am concerned that my symptoms may be related to the known transmission issues affecting these vehicles and that this condition may represent a broader safety concern. I am requesting that NHTSA review this condition and determine whether further investigation or additional safety action is warranted.

NHTSA ID

11761958

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

On 8/6/2026, the transmission/powertrain of my 2019 Ford Expedition malfunctioned, causing a complete loss of propulsion. While traveling on a busy mountainous highway with my three children, I stopped in a center turn lane to merge into fast-moving traffic. When I attempted to accelerate, the vehicle would not move. The transmission display showed 4th gear even though the vehicle was stopped. We were stranded in the center turn lane with traffic approaching from both directions, creating a serious collision risk. No accident occurred. This vehicle has a documented history of recurring transmission problems since 2024, including harsh/delayed shifting, bucking, hesitation and jerking, repeatedly involving 4th gear, and even loss of propulsion with the initial 2024 issue. In Jan. 2025, the dealer documented a delayed upshift and harsh bump/buck into 4th gear. In July 2025, the dealer documented hesitation/jerking that was worse going into 4th. The transmission has been removed/disassembled multiple times and has undergone major repairs including CDF drum/internal transmission work, main control/valve body repairs, and most recently torque converter and additional valve body replacement in early 2026. Previous transmission symptoms have been reproduced and verified by the dealer. After the 8/6/2026 incident, the vehicle was taken to the Lincoln dealer. The current repair record documents "complete loss of propulsion with gear stuck in 4th" and delayed shifting surrounding 4th gear. The dealer attempted to reproduce the failure and obtain diagnostic codes but has not been able to duplicate it and reports no codes at this time. I do not recall any warning lights or messages immediately before the failure. The vehicle is available for inspection. Ford has previously been contacted regarding these recurring transmission failures and provided partial assistance with a prior repair.

NHTSA ID

11761931

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

I started by 2019 Ford Expedition and was driving through a parking lot at a low speed when there was an explosion sound (comparable to a gun shot over my left shoulder as the driver). My seatbelt pulled in and locked down. My car smelled like a firework had been set off and there was a white-grey powder across my lefts. I immediately stopped and parked my vehicle. I had my passenger move to the back of the car as a safety precaution. It took effort to get the belt to unlatch and off. We moved the vehicle to a safer parking spot and had it towed to David McDavid - FtW. I have a seatbelt burn on my neck. My left shoulder, across my chest, and right hip are very sore today. We received the recall notice the day prior. However, the letter states that: Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving your vehicle…. Had this happened while driving at a faster speed, the incident could have very easily been catastrophic. My concern now is that the dealership is trying to say this is an interior trim concern, and Ford’s customer service could do nothing other than repeat their script that there is no remedy at this time. Their advice lent the consumer to saving receipts for rental and/or repair with faulty parts until the advanced notice becomes an active one. I have no vehicle to drive, I have mild injuries, and we have zero support from Ford. Making matters worse, our dealership is wanting to charge us for inspecting the vehicle and calling it an “interior trim concern”, while listing the seatbelt retractor inspection right after it for free. THESE ARE THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11761923

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

I was in a collision and the whole front end was crushed but the airbags did not deploy

NHTSA ID

11761920

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

While pulling into a parking space, vehicle in drive, the passenger seatbelt exploded. There was no accident and no one was sitting in the passenger seat. It sounded like a gunshot went off inside the truck, followed by smoke filling the cabin, and a smell like fireworks. The seatbelt was then permanently on a retracted position. No air bags were deployed but the plastic casing on the inside of the vehicle popped out where side airbags are stored. This incident was traumatic as the vehicle was in motion, but thankfully at a low speed. Ford says the remedy is not available and currently will not repair the seatbelt so that the vehicle is legally safe, and drivable.

NHTSA ID

11761441

Incident

Aug 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belt). The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH with his wife seated in the passenger’s seat, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that approximately 5 minutes later, the passenger’s seat belt pretensioner exploded. The contact's wife sustained stomach bruises when the seat belt tightened on her stomach, and the contact released the passenger from the seat belt. Medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ID

11761393

Incident

Aug 30, 2026

Mileage

78,000 mi

The car has recalls since 2024? Some are serious safety issues if in an accident. Way too long for a remedy from FORD. 2019 FORD EXPEDITION 2019 FORD EXPEDITION VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on XXX 4Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN FEB 09, 2024 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11761221

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

The passenger-side seat-belt retractor pretensioner, which is part of the supplemental restraint/airbag system, malfunctioned. The pretensioner apparently deployed without a collision, and the passenger seat belt became permanently locked and unable to retract or extend. The vehicle and failed component remain available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of my passengers were put at risk because the pretensioner activated unexpectedly with a loud explosion-like bang, a burning or chemical smell, and movement of the passenger-side interior panel. The passenger seat belt is now unusable, leaving that seating position without a functional restraint. The unexpected deployment could also have startled the driver and caused a crash, and I am concerned that other restraint components may deploy unexpectedly or fail during an actual collision. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. Before the failure, the airbag warning light illuminated. I took the vehicle to the Ford dealership, where personnel looked it over and scheduled an appointment for August 28, 2026. At that appointment, the dealership performed diagnostic testing and documented code B007F for an open passenger-seat-belt pretensioner circuit. The dealership also confirmed that an open Ford Field Service Action appears in OASIS for this concern but stated that the campaign is currently on hold until Ford releases the repair. The vehicle has been inspected by the Ford dealership but, to my knowledge, has not been inspected by Ford corporate representatives, police, insurance representatives, or another independent service center. The airbag warning light was the warning symptom that appeared before the unintended deployment. After the failure, the passenger seat belt was locked, the airbag light remained illuminated, and the dealership’s diagnostic test confirmed the pretensioner-circuit fault.

NHTSA ID

11760375

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V402000 (Power Train), 24V099000 (Seat Belts), 26V344000 (Seat Belts), and 26V368000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact was mostly concerned about NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train) recall. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11759516

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

My 2019 Ford Expedition Max 4WD has approximately 120,000 miles. Intermittently the engine RPM increases but the vehicle does not accelerate as expected when I press on the accelerator. The transmission does not appear to be shifting between 5th and 6th gears. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle does not always accelerate when expected, specifically when entering or merging with highway traffic. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership on August 24, 2026. I described the symptoms to the service representative. The representative told me that this transmission has a known issue involving the clutch shaft/sleeve and indicated that repair would require significant transmission work. I declined the $200 diagnostic service because I do not intend to authorize the approximately $9,000+ repair. The vehicle has not been formally diagnosed.

NHTSA ID

11759103

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

There is a known recall on the front seatbelt restraints on 2019 Ford Expeditions. It has been over a year and Ford still does not have a remedy. I got a fault code and light on the dash regarding the front drivers side seatbelt. Ford confirmed I’m at risk of the pretensioner detonating and tightening but refuses to give a loaner car, a temporary fix, or issue a no drive warning.

NHTSA ID

11758812

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

There was a loud bang and the seat belt suddenly tightened unexpectedly while I was driving. I cannot retract the seatbelt and can no longer fasten it.

NHTSA ID

11758137

Incident

Aug 20, 2026