YearToAvoid

2019 Ford Expedition Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 219 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Ford Expedition, 44% of all 503 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 76,000. A related recall (26V402000) covers park pawl engagement while in motion.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
219
44% of 503
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
76,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden stalling or loss of drive power in traffic, sometimes with a "drive mode not available" message and an orange wrench warning light.
  • Multiple owners describe the 10-speed transmission getting stuck between gears or dropping into neutral during acceleration, followed by an RPM spike and a hard re-engagement jolt.
  • Some owners report the transmission failing to shift out of first gear at highway speed, forcing them to continue driving without normal gear changes.
  • Several complaints describe harsh or delayed downshifts at highway speed causing sudden loss of speed, especially on uphill grades.
  • Owners also report rattling noises from the engine compartment tied to cam phaser wear, with independent mechanics identifying the part as the cause.
  • One owner reported the transmission locking up completely with a grinding sound after towing, requiring the vehicle to be sent to a dealership.

When 2019 Ford Expedition transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 19, 2019, latest Sep 21, 2026.

2019 Ford Expedition transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per quarter222019 Q22020 Q42022 Q12023 Q12023 Q42024 Q32025 Q22026 Q1
219 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2019 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q2 (22).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2019 Ford Expedition

  1. NHTSA 26V402000Jun 24, 2026Transmission & Powertrain741,195 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

    Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Expedition model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201010 (18%)
  2. 201121 (30%)
  3. 201264 (54%)
  4. 201343 (47%)
  5. 201434 (47%)
  6. 201529 (18%)
  7. 201636 (17%)
  8. 201751 (14%)
  9. 2018146 (39%)
  10. 2019219 (44%)
  11. 2020260 (63%)
  12. 2021110 (47%)
  13. 202215 (13%)
  14. 202311 (17%)
  15. 20245 (7%)
  16. 20255 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2019 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA lists 219 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Expedition, which is 44% of the 503 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do these transmission problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 76,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Ford Expedition transmission?
Yes. Recall 26V402000 covers 2018-2021 Expedition and related Ford/Lincoln models where the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion; the remedy is a powertrain control module software update and inspection or replacement of damaged transmission components.
Did the transmission issues cause any crashes?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries linked to this problem area for the 2019 Expedition.
How does 2019 compare to other Expedition model years for this problem?
The 2019 Expedition's 44% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is lower than 2020's 63% but higher than years like 2017 at 14% and 2022 at 13%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.