2020 Ford Expedition

419 complaints on file, page 1 of 21.

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Apr 25, 2026Carr, COPower train

   In 2025, our 2020 Ford Expedition had harsh, erratic shifting, then would lurch during shifts or lose power. Ford service replaced the valve body plate and reset the transmission software. This did not fix the harsh shifting; it only cleared the warning lights when the harsh shifting occurred. Now in 2026, shifting and gear sticking have continued to get worse, and now Ford says we need a new transmission, but it is now conveniently out of warranty. This is an issue the dealership was not transparent with us about; it is a safety issue when driving, and now the costs are intended to be completely out of pocket for us.

   NHTSA complaint 11768260
2. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Sep 8, 202697,500 milesJohnstown, COStructure

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11767988
3. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Sep 27, 2026Orlando, FLSeat belts1 injured

   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. ​

   NHTSA complaint 11767966
4. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Sep 29, 2026Houston, TXExterior lighting, Seat belts, Unknown or other

   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)

   NHTSA complaint 11767847
5. Filed Sep 25, 2026Failure Aug 12, 2026Slidell, LAPower train

   Vehicle regularly shifts harshly, and on multiple occasions has completely lost power/forward movement as if the transmission completely disconnected from the vehicle. The vehicle would then reengage with a harsh lurch. Almost rear-ended a few times with children in car. Ford dealer states transmission needs replacement, but ford motor company refuses to financially assist with repair despite this seeming to be a manufacturer or engineering defect. Although I answered “no” to the question if there was a crash below, it was close.

   NHTSA complaint 11767001
6. Filed Sep 21, 2026Failure Aug 21, 2026Social circle, GAService brakes, Unknown or other, Vehicle speed control

   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

   NHTSA complaint 11765964
7. Filed Sep 21, 2026Failure Sep 20, 2026Wentzville, MOSeat belts1 injured

   Beginning XXX, the vehicle's restraints control module repeatedly warned of a fault with the passenger seatbelt retractor pretensioner circuit, via in-vehicle warning light and Ford app alert. This warning recurred on XXX, and again on XXX, each instructing the owner to contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible. On XXX, the vehicle was brought to Clement Ford in [XXX] for diagnosis. Service technician [XXX] confirmed via text message that the diagnostic codes were secondary codes tied to the open recall for the seatbelt pretensioners, and stated that "the pretensioners have been placed on hold for that recall." The technician advised the owner to wait until the recall remedy was released, have the recall repair completed, and verify the concern was resolved at that time. On XXX, the owner again contacted [XXX], this time in connection with a required state safety inspection for license plate renewal. The vehicle passed the safety inspection. In the same exchange, the owner again asked about the open recall, and [XXX] confirmed in writing: "The seatbelt recall is on hold and can not be done at this moment... nothing can be performed at this time. We are just waiting on Ford to get things going." No interim repair, part replacement, or other remedy was offered or performed on either occasion. On XXX, at approximately 1:40 PM, at 79,000 miles, while driving with the engine on and under normal conditions — no collision or impact event — the front passenger seatbelt retractor pretensioner deployed inadvertently. The deployment produced a loud explosion-like sound and a strong odor resembling gunfire/gunpowder. The belt immediately locked tight across the occupant's chest and would not retract or extend, causing an abrasion injury to their arm. This is the exact failure mode described in NHTSA Recall 26V344: driver and/or front passenger seatbelt retractor INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11765826
8. Filed Sep 16, 2026Failure May 27, 2026101,000 milesCastle Dale, UTPower train, Seat belts, Structure

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11764650
9. Filed Sep 16, 2026Failure Aug 23, 2026133,000 milesBridge City, TXPower train

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the transmission independently shifted into park(P), and the rear wheels locked up. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the failure was associated with a recall. The contact was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive with the unrepaired recall. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, parts were unavailable for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11764649
10. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Feb 21, 2026Midlothian, TXPower train

    The transmission malfunctioned at highway speed on the highway. When traveling on the highway at approximately 45 mph in the middle lane, I accelerated moderately to reach 65 mph to safely change lanes. While accelerating to change lanes, the transmission dropped the gear and banged violently, causing temporary loss of forward drive and steering, causing excessive swerving. The collision warning system was beeping since the transmission surge was so violent. The vehicle has been into the dealer for transmission warranty repair before this issue. This issue has occurred three times since the repair. I have taken the vehicle in multiple times to correct the recurring error, but the dealer is claiming they can't reproduce the issue. The vehicle is now out of warranty, and they are claiming there is no issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11764431
11. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Feb 1, 2026Lehi, UTUnknown or other1 injured

    During 2025/early 2026 the chrome peeled up around the center console. We carefully folded it back down, thinking it was just tape. I was cut twice across finger tips during this time. Then we got the recall notice from Ford in June 2026. It seems ridiculous that Ford will take (anticipated) up to 9 months from date of notice to find remedy for this problem. It's clearly a safety hazard. We have been forced more than once to use snippers to trim away peeling edges to prevent further injury.

    NHTSA complaint 11764274
12. Filed Sep 11, 2026Failure Sep 11, 2026Mineral, VASeat belts

    My 2020 Ford Expedition has an open Ford safety recall 26S34 involving the front seat belt retractor/pretensioner. My driver’s seat belt is now completely unusable (shredded and locked in place), making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Ford and the dealership have confirmed that the recall applies to my vehicle, but I have been told the permanent recall part is currently unavailable. I was told that if I want a functioning driver’s seat belt while waiting for the recall part, I must pay out of pocket to have a temporary/older part installed. I explained to Ford that I cannot safely operate the vehicle without a functioning driver’s seat belt and asked what no-cost solution Ford would provide while its recall remedy is unavailable. I requested either a covered temporary repair or alternate transportation and asked for the matter to be escalated. Ford customer service refused to transfer me to a supervisor, and the representative ultimately disconnected the call. I am requesting NHTSA review whether Ford is meeting its obligations under this safety recall when an affected vehicle currently has an unusable driver’s restraint, the recall remedy is unavailable, and the owner is being required to pay out of pocket to restore a functioning restraint while waiting. Ford Case #CXH09305259

    NHTSA complaint 11763697
13. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Aug 22, 2026Canton, GAPower train, Steering, Unknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11763144
14. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Jun 26, 2026Kilgore, TXPower train, Body1 injured

    My name is [XXX] [XXX] and i own a 2020 Ford Expedition Limited Max, there is a recall to inspect transmission recall#26S48/26V402. I contacted Ford dealer and stated there is no fix yet, I asked them what do i do in the meantime, stated i have to wait until Ford figures out the fix. So, in the meantime, we have to continue driving this vehicle with this known issue/safety concern and hope that it does not do it again and cause an accident or god forbid something happen to my family. This is my wife's daily driver with our 4 kids; the vehicle has done this twice where it goes into park while still driving on its own. Luckily both times we were only going about 15MPH, had to turn the vehicle off to be able to turn it back on. This cannot be good for the transmission; the transmission constantly slips i believe as a result now and when i try to accelerate quickly it hesitates. If i wasn't going to be upside down i would trade it in but unfortunately i can not at the moment. I would like to see something done to fix the issues with this vehicle. Aside from this i have had constant AC issues, the center console trim cut my wife's finger, the running boards sometimes come out, it's an ongoing battle with this vehicle. I would for Ford to fix these issues or buy the vehicle back. Please let me know something, rather it be to fix these issues or buy it back, if i don't hear backi will be consulting a lawyer next. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11763021
15. Filed Sep 4, 2026Failure Jul 1, 2026West Boylston, MASteering

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

    NHTSA complaint 11762052
16. Filed Sep 3, 2026Failure Aug 16, 2026Novi, MIExterior lighting

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11761907
17. Filed Sep 2, 2026Failure Sep 2, 202660,000 milesPingree Grove, ILPower train, Seat belts, Structure

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the unrepaired seat belt recall. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts), 26V368000 (Structure), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11761707
18. Filed Sep 2, 2026Failure Sep 2, 2026Austin, TXPower train

    The contact owns a 2020 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 the vehicle shuddered extremely while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the failure and stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.

    NHTSA complaint 11761683
19. Filed Sep 2, 2026Failure May 15, 2026West Monroe, LASeat belts

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. While entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that the front passenger’s side seat belt was locked but was able to be retracted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (SEAT BELTS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure.

    NHTSA complaint 11761569
20. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026Midlothian, TXPower train

    The car will lose power when trying to accelerate on the highway. The car’s transmission will completely shift out of a high gear while traveling 50+ mph at a time when you are trying to accelerate onto the highway or speed up to avoid another vehicle. The car’s transmission will shift to first and slow way down and you cannot regain power or speed for several seconds. This has happened multiple times over the last several months, sometimes multiple times a day.

    NHTSA complaint 11761476