2021 Ford Expedition Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 110 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Ford Expedition, 47% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 65,000. A related recall (26V402000) covers the transmission park pawl engaging while the vehicle is in motion.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 110
- 47% of 232
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 65,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners describe the transmission getting stuck in a single gear (such as 6th) with the gear display going blank while driving at speed.
- Several report a popping or grinding sound when shifting out of park or reverse, sometimes followed by hesitation when accelerating.
- Multiple complaints describe the transmission slamming or jolting hard during downshifts, especially between gears like 4-5, 5-6, or 9th to 8th, strong enough to move occupants in their seats.
- Some owners report the vehicle briefly losing motive power on the road, with warning lights illuminated, before regaining acceleration.
- One owner described a front differential grinding noise that appeared after switching into 4WD in cold weather.
- A few report the transmission going out of gear at speeds ranging from 10 mph to 70 mph, accompanied by a grinding sound and sudden loss of power.
When 2021 Ford Expedition transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 21, 2021, latest Sep 10, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Ford Expedition
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2021 Ford Expedition have?
- NHTSA lists 110 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Expedition, which is 47% of all 232 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2021 Ford Expedition?
- Yes. Recall 26V402000, reported in 2026, covers a transmission park pawl that may engage while the vehicle is in motion. Ford's remedy is a powertrain control module software update and inspection/replacement of damaged transmission components.
- At what mileage do 2021 Expedition transmission problems usually appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 Expedition is 65,000 miles.
- Are the 2021 Expedition's transmission problems worse than other years?
- The 2021 model's 47% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is lower than 2020's 63% and 2019's 44%, but higher than 2017's 14%, based on NHTSA complaint data across model years.
- Did any 2021 Expedition transmission issues cause crashes?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2021 Expedition includes 2 crashes and 2 injuries, with no fires reported.