2020 Ford Expedition Problems

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, attempting to accelerate to 65 MPH, the vehicle locked up on the freeway. The vehicle jolted like someone hit the rear of the vehicle. Ford customer relations was contacted by phone. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who scanned the vehicle and determined the failure was related to P07E6 and U1A00. The contact sustained bruises on her chest and shoulder from the seat belt. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer  Star Ford Service : 1101 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204, and the dealer determined and advised the recall remedy was not available for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was unknown.

2020 Ford Expedition 10 speed transmission 
Numerous times while driving in the [XXX]/[XXX] area we were attempting to merge into traffic. While trying to merge, we pressed the gas in order to merge into traffic and the powertrain seized up with a total loss of power (it was basically like it went into neutral) and the RPM’s jumped to 6000-7000 rpm. When we let off the gas, the transmission finally slammed back into gear with a loud clunk and it finally re-engaged. This shifting situation has happened several times over the past 8-12 months. Just recently (XXX) it happened three times in that day. This is an extremely dangerous issue. The last incident there was had a cement truck coming up on and I could have been run over. I’ve have had the car in the dealership approximately 3-4 times for this issue and each time they state they cannot replicate the problem. If it happens three times to me in one day and Ford can’t replicate the issue???I have had three other family and/or friends with me when this issue has happened so it’s quite real issue. Frankly. I feel like Ford just don’t want to pay the expense to fix the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, attempting to accelerate to 65 MPH, the vehicle locked up on the freeway. The vehicle jolted like someone hit the rear of the vehicle. Ford customer relations was contacted by phone. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who scanned the vehicle and determined the failure was related to P07E6 and U1A00. The contact sustained bruises on her chest and shoulder from the seat belt. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer  Star Ford Service : 1101 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204, and the dealer determined and advised the recall remedy was not available for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was unknown.

2020 Ford Expedition 10 speed transmission 
Numerous times while driving in the [XXX]/[XXX] area we were attempting to merge into traffic. While trying to merge, we pressed the gas in order to merge into traffic and the powertrain seized up with a total loss of power (it was basically like it went into neutral) and the RPM’s jumped to 6000-7000 rpm. When we let off the gas, the transmission finally slammed back into gear with a loud clunk and it finally re-engaged. This shifting situation has happened several times over the past 8-12 months. Just recently (XXX) it happened three times in that day. This is an extremely dangerous issue. The last incident there was had a cement truck coming up on and I could have been run over. I’ve have had the car in the dealership approximately 3-4 times for this issue and each time they state they cannot replicate the problem. If it happens three times to me in one day and Ford can’t replicate the issue???I have had three other family and/or friends with me when this issue has happened so it’s quite real issue. Frankly. I feel like Ford just don’t want to pay the expense to fix the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact was concerned that the vehicle could not be rented because of the open recall.

While operating the vehicle, the seatbelt retractor unexpectedly misfired and deployed with explosive force directly adjacent to my left ear. As a military veteran who already manages service-connected tinnitus, the concussive sound—comparable to a gunshot—significantly aggravated my condition, resulting in elevated ringing and heightened health impacts. ​Furthermore, the seatbelt mechanism is now permanently locked in a compromised position. This creates an unsafe driving environment, as it squeezes me tightly against the seat and distances me improperly from the steering wheel. ​This failure has severely impacted multiple aspects of my daily life: ​Professional Impact: My role as a Security Project Manager requires frequent travel between various operational sites. The current condition of the vehicle makes commuting unsafe and directly impedes my ability to perform my job duties. ​Health & Lifestyle: The physical discomfort, combined with the severe aggravation of my pre-existing ear condition and the general disruption to my family's routine, has caused significant distress. ​Following the incident, I contacted Ford frontline support, documented the situation, and received a case number. I was advised to bring this case number to my local Ford service department to secure a courtesy vehicle or loaner. They could not provide loaner and has sent me to Hertz ​As a loyal, repeat Ford customer who has purchased multiple vehicles from the brand. Given the safety implications and the disruption to my work and health, I request immediate assistance regarding a safe, long-term resolution and appropriate temporary transportation. ​

2020 Ford Expedition MAX. Ford issued Safety Recall 26S48 / NHTSA 26V402 confirming a transmission park pawl defect causing potential rollaway and crash risk. Remedy not available until Q2 2027. Vehicle has experienced the exact defect symptoms since at least November 2025 including stuck-in-park diagnostic codes and shifting anomalies. Prior to November 2025 the transmission failed to execute a commanded shift at approximately 65mph while passing another vehicle on an expressway causing sudden unexpected deceleration with family members present — a near-miss consistent with the park pawl defect Ford now confirms. An authorized Ford dealer visit in June 2026 for computer reprogramming included verbal acknowledgment of transmission concerns but no documentation on the repair order. Eight days later Ford issued Recall 26S48. Separately this vehicle has generated over 1,400 Restraints Indicator Lamp Warnings logged in Ford’s own connected vehicle app since at least April 2023. Restraints warnings began within 30 days of purchase at under 400 miles. Ford issued Recall 26S34 / NHTSA 26V344 for Front Seatbelt Retractor inspection on this vehicle. On multiple dealer visits spanning 2021 to 2026 service advisers verbally acknowledged the restraints warning but documented no concern and performed no diagnostic action on repair orders. Ford’s telematics platform received all warnings in real time with no proactive owner notification. Remedy not available for either recall.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled on several occasions, and the instrument panel turned blank, forcing the contact to coast to the side of the road to restart the engine. Additionally, when shifting from Park to Drive, the vehicle shuddered violently and unintendedly shifted into Park. The contact associated these failures with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The contact also stated that the cup holder was collapsing inward, and the text or coating on every control button in the vehicle was peeling off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no diagnostic trouble code was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

Was trying to merge into traffic by accelerating but the transmission was not shifting properly or slipping which caused me to almost be in a wreck due to this problem. Took vehicle to dealer and was told the transmission needs replaced due to a cdf drum inside transmission. Said there is a tsb for the issue but no recall. Said it's a known issue but I have to pay for a new transmission. Also have issues with the park brake setting while still moving which will also damage the transmission and there is a recall for that but no remedy yet. Why would I put a new transmission in and pay for it when it still has the park brake issue that will damage the new transmission. Afraid to drive the vehicle with these problems but paid a huge amount of money for it to just sit in the driveway

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

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50-55 MPH and approaching the interstate, the roof molding detached from the vehicle. The driver and the contact became aware that the passenger’s side was loosened and were concerned another portion or component of the molding might detach. The mounting retainer was still in place. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was confirmed that there were no recalls or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The contact provided an estimate for the repair. The issue was normal usage and wear and tear. The customer service was contacted by phone and informed the contact that it was normal wear and tear after speaking with the dealer and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 97,500.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V344000 (Seat Belts), 26V368000 (Structure), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the parts to be available. The contact stated that after pulling into the driveway and shifting into park(P), the parking brake engaged independently, causing the vehicle to jerk into park. The failure was intermittent. The following morning, the gear shifter shifted hard into reverse(R) while attempting to reverse out of the driveway. While driving at lower speeds under 50 MPH and coasting forward, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact attempted to continue driving but the vehicle slightly jolted forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there were metal shavings inside the transmission. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound and the sun/moon roof glass shattered overhead. At the time of the failure, the contact did not know that the sound was associated with panoramic moonroof and believed there was a blowout of a tire. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the sun/moon roof glass had shattered. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof fractured. The contact stated that there was no impact on the sunroof. In addition, the contact stated that the sunroof glass had exploded outward. The contact stated that had the sunroof had exploded from the inside, the shattered glass pieces would have fallen onto the contact's wife, who was seated in the front passenger's seat. The contact stated that as the owner of the vehicle, the sunroof had never been opened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for a sunroof replacement on the following day. In addition, the contact stated that, according to the internet forum, it was a known failure with similar vehicles. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Was trying to merge into traffic by accelerating but the transmission was not shifting properly or slipping which caused me to almost be in a wreck due to this problem. Took vehicle to dealer and was told the transmission needs replaced due to a cdf drum inside transmission. Said there is a tsb for the issue but no recall. Said it's a known issue but I have to pay for a new transmission. Also have issues with the park brake setting while still moving which will also damage the transmission and there is a recall for that but no remedy yet. Why would I put a new transmission in and pay for it when it still has the park brake issue that will damage the new transmission. Afraid to drive the vehicle with these problems but paid a huge amount of money for it to just sit in the driveway

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

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the driver airbag assembly on my 2020 Ford Expedition. The driver-side steering wheel airbag cover has split open along the factory tear seam to the point that the airbag material is exposed. There was no collision or airbag deployment associated with this failure. Ford previously issued SSM 50786 concerning 2018–2021 Ford Expeditions and other Ford vehicles with cracked or splitting driver airbag covers. That communication states that the condition may occur at the airbag cover tear seam and that an updated driver airbag assembly with a more robust cover design was released. My vehicle has experienced the same type of failure described in that Ford communication. I contacted my Ford dealer and Ford Motor Company. Ford stated that my VIN is not covered by a recall or other applicable coverage and declined to pay for the repair because the vehicle is outside the warranty period. Ford opened case number CXH-09566474-R5G5K1. My concern is not simply cosmetic damage. The failure involves the driver Supplemental Restraint System, and the airbag is visibly exposed through the separated cover. I am concerned about whether the damaged cover could affect proper airbag deployment, create unintended debris during deployment, or otherwise compromise the safety performance of the driver airbag system. I am asking NHTSA to review this condition and determine whether there is a broader safety defect involving the driver airbag cover/tear seam on 2018–2021 Ford Expeditions and whether additional investigation or corrective action is warranted.

2020 Ford Expedition MAX. Ford issued Safety Recall 26S48 / NHTSA 26V402 confirming a transmission park pawl defect causing potential rollaway and crash risk. Remedy not available until Q2 2027. Vehicle has experienced the exact defect symptoms since at least November 2025 including stuck-in-park diagnostic codes and shifting anomalies. Prior to November 2025 the transmission failed to execute a commanded shift at approximately 65mph while passing another vehicle on an expressway causing sudden unexpected deceleration with family members present — a near-miss consistent with the park pawl defect Ford now confirms. An authorized Ford dealer visit in June 2026 for computer reprogramming included verbal acknowledgment of transmission concerns but no documentation on the repair order. Eight days later Ford issued Recall 26S48. Separately this vehicle has generated over 1,400 Restraints Indicator Lamp Warnings logged in Ford’s own connected vehicle app since at least April 2023. Restraints warnings began within 30 days of purchase at under 400 miles. Ford issued Recall 26S34 / NHTSA 26V344 for Front Seatbelt Retractor inspection on this vehicle. On multiple dealer visits spanning 2021 to 2026 service advisers verbally acknowledged the restraints warning but documented no concern and performed no diagnostic action on repair orders. Ford’s telematics platform received all warnings in real time with no proactive owner notification. Remedy not available for either recall.

The aluminum around the cup holders has been peeling for over a year. It sliced my finger and my [XXX] foot. It is VERY sharp and I am currently holding it down with tape. There is a safety recall but no solution. When will there be a solution for this? Next, all my seatbelts immediately lock once retracted out to buckle. This makes moving around in the seat hard since it automatically locks and when trying to buckle. If you don’t pull it out far enough to buckle, it will lock where it is and you have to retract it back to unlock it. There is a recall for this too with the front seat belts but it specifically happens with my back seatbelts. This has happened since I bought the car in 2020z INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 3rd / Center brake light assembly had to be replaced as it was not working. The issue was caused by condensation. I paid to have it replaced but feel this should be a warranty item. Root cause should be improper seal around light assembly. This would not be normal user “wear and tear”. It is improper design/mfg process. Since it is the high brake light this is a serious safety concern. Thank you

See attached document for complaint.

Hard shift 3rd-6th gear as well as from park to reverse or drive

The SUV was driving smoothly at 55mph speed, suddenly I hit the break and tried to reaccelerate and felt a hard transmission shift, felt like metal hitting metal, felt like it was forced to shift to drive mode from parking mode. After that I started using 93 octane rated gasoline, do not observe the problem too much. I will really scary and unsafe, the whole SUV shook hard for 2sec.

We own a Ford Expedition 2020. In 2023, we started noticing jerky, harsh, and aggressive “slips” when the vehicle was trying to change gears - upon multiple occasions. But, in 2024, we experienced three, major, different instances - all were extremely scary and it was miraculous they didn’t cause accidents, car pile ups, or worse! The first instance, the vehicle jerked and sputtered just as I was pulling out into a busy intersection. I thought it was going to die in the middle of the road. The second instance, several weeks later, it happened, again, as our family was driving in pouring rain down the interstate; it jerked so hard it felt like we hit a small wall. The third and final instance, we were on our way to vacation - 9 hours away with our family. It sputtered, jerked, and laid in 1st gear. Thank God, we were right at a hotel and able to pull in. We found a local mechanic to take the Expedition in and begin work on it. He was so kind to loan us his car to take on to PA to the Sight & Sound Theater so we wouldn’t lose our money on the tickets. We ended up losing 2 full days of our 4 day vacation; had to rent a vehicle to drive back home; and left our Expedition in VA for 6 weeks while they rebuilt a transmission and cleaned the catalytic converter. $12,160 to the mechanic + $1000 in car rentals. Here we are, now in August 2025, and there’s been a recall on the Powertrain Control Module and that’s being replaced. Lo, and behold, what does the PCM do? It acts as the vehicle’s main computer, managing and controlling various engine and TRANSMISSION functions (adjusting engine parameters like fuel injection, ignition timing, and transmission shift points) - imagine that!

Recurring dangerous transmission defect in my 2020 Ford Expedition (3.5L EcoBoost, 10-speed 10R80, ~136,826 mi). It has lost power and shifted violently multiple times, each a crash risk. 1) ~Aug 22, 2026: Accelerating to pass on the highway, the whole vehicle shut down. I lost all power INCLUDING power steering and had to coast off the road. It restarted after stopping. Losing power and steering while passing at speed is extremely dangerous. 2) Weekend of ~Aug 29-31, 2026: Going up a slight residential driveway, the transmission slipped (engine revved, vehicle didn't move) then slammed into gear with a hard jolt. 3) Another time, accelerating to pass, it made an extremely loud bang and violent jolt; I thought the transmission had failed. ONGOING since I bought it used (June 2023): it repeatedly slams/clunks hard into gear, including while just coasting down a slight grade with NO foot on gas or brake, jolting violently as if it dropped into Park. This is not just my vehicle. The 10R80 transmission (2020 Expedition, F-150, etc.) has many complaints for the same thing (sudden downshifts, power loss, harsh shifting, slipping) and is subject to a class action (filed 4/2023, MA) covering 2017-present F-150/Expedition/Mustang/Ranger/Navigator, alleging Ford knew since 2018. I raised this repeatedly with Ford and two dealerships and was told there were no recalls and no known issue. Ford's open recall 26S48 (26V402) is only about the PARKING system and does NOT cover this loss-of-power/violent-shift behavior. Please investigate.

The leather on the steering wheel keeps peeling off. It’s unsafe Becuse the steering wheel becomes slippery

Last week I took the cover off our car seat to wash and the foam on the headrest was cracked all the way through. I have no idea when this happened or even how it could have. This car seat is barely 2 years old. I’ve never been in an accident or dropped this seat, and it is not used improperly.

The infant base was installed according to manufacturer guidelines in the rear seat of the car. Upon our testing of the stability of the infant seat when placed into the base, we realized that the seat can be pulled up from the rear connection point of the base, causing that connection to separate. Thinking perhaps this was caused by our error in connecting the infant seat to the base, we revisited the manufacturer guidelines to properly connect the infant seat to the base. Again and again we connected the seat to the base, pulled up on the handle of the seat, and were absolutely horrified and shocked to realize that the infant seat released from the rear connection of the base every time. The front connection of the seat to the base did not release, so the entire seat did not fully detach from the base, but it did partially detach with just an upward force on the carrying handle. I am happy to share videos, but I could not get them to attach to this report.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while depressing the lock panel with the numbers on the driver’s side door, the seat unintendedly moved forward, and the seat belt retracted, and the driver was squeezed in the seat. The contact turned off the vehicle and seat belt to returned to the original position. The contact stated that coolant was added to the coolant reservoir; however, the vehicle was leaking coolant. The contact was unsure if the cap was positioned correctly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V344000 (Seat Belts) and 26V368000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and remained for five days. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the seat needed to be adjusted. The dealer informed the contact that the coolant reservoir tank needed to be inspected. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 106,920.

The transmission seems to be missing gears and shifting violently at weird times, completely losing transmission engagement and randomly shifting into neutral when acceleration pedal is engaged at a higher speed on the highway and then the vehicle will all of the sudden try to shift back into gear violently at moments of high speed acceleration. It has issues finding the gear sometimes completely disengaging into neutral and a crackling popcorn sound coming from front passenger side under the car. The headrest in the third row, driver side is permanently, flipped down and gaged into the back of the head of the passenger, possibly resulting in a life-threatening injury during an accident The information screenshot of vehicle in the front, which displays all of the apps, air, music, sometimes randomly is blank, black screen with no power

THE VEHICLE SHAKES/VIBRATES WHEN DRIVING OVER 65MPH, GETS WORSE THE FASTER YOU GO. SEEMS WORSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER WE PURCHASED FROM AND THEY COULDN'T FIND AN ISSUE, JUST SAID ITS SOMETHING WITH THE TIRES OR RIMS. TOOK IT TO LOCAL FORD DEALER AND SAME THING, SAID IT WAS RIMS OR TIRES GIVING VIBRATION. BRAND NEW VEHICLE!! SHOULD BE A SMOOTH RIDE, AND DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHY IT DOES THIS, AND HAS NO SOLUTIONS OTHER THAN GOOD LUCK. STARTED LAST SUMMER, AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALERS DIDN'T NOTICE ANY DAMAGE OR ANYTHING NOTABLE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE.