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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2012 Ford Expedition Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
64about this part
Share
54%of 118 total for the year
Median mileage
108,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 64 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Ford Expedition, 54% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I was driving about 40 MPH, and the vehicle on the vehicle appeared to have a sudden downshift. The card drastically reduce speed very quickly and remained in a low gear although it said it was in drive. The description of what happened matches recall 16s19, however, they said my specific vehicle was not available for that recall. Same year and very similar issue.”

NHTSA complaint #10894684, filed 2016-08, 69,000 miles

“While driving vehicle on a city street it down shifted and caused tires to skid. I contacted Ford motor company after researching the problem and finding a recall for this situation (16s19). However they informed me that my vehicle is not included in the recall.”

NHTSA complaint #11012545, filed 2017-08, 73,598 miles

“While driving with my four children the vehicle will down shift all of a sudden while traveling down the freeway. Brought it to the dealership and was told it was not under warranty they said to call the Ford 1-800 #. Called 1-800 # and was told that it was not on the recall yet. So I am expected to pay for a repair which could be placed on a recall list. The diagnosis was the lead frame and the same issues as the recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10924607, filed 2016-11, 10 miles

“Ford expdetion lead frame recall. I experienced an unexpected downshift in my vehicle. This was attributed to lead frame on my car. This issue was addressed by a recall but my vehicle was not included.”

NHTSA complaint #11129997, filed 2018-09, 120,000 miles

“While driving my vehicle off of homestead rdmy truck slams into 1st gear just randomly sometimes while im driving fast and sometime when I'm driving slow I think the back wheels locked at one point putting me into oncoming traffic but it released just in the nick of time to get out of the way I was very scared I'm still worried to drive it but as of right now it's my only means of transportation so I just drive carefully I've heard of other trucks like mine doing this but mine isn't recalled only other ones”

NHTSA complaint #11153556, filed 2018-11, 180,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025513%
202456%
20231117%
20221614%
202111347%
202026863%
201922443%
201814939%
20175114%
20163617%
20152918%
20143447%
20134347%
20126454%
20112130%
20101017%
2009414%
20081410%
20072713%
2006227%
20054414%
2004279%
2003508%
2002185%
2001407%
2000425%
1999677%
1998708%
1997769%

Other parts of the 2012 Ford Expedition

Electrical system
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Ford Expedition

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology