2021 Ford Expedition Problems
Compared with other Ford Expedition years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 3.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 3.2× that of a typical Ford Expedition year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 85 of its 241 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported problem: 10-speed transmission harsh shifting, slipping or losing (114 complaints, median 71,500 mi).
- 12 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Open NHTSA investigationNU Car rental of vehicles with open recalls
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 241filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 43,000miles, 41 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 12campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Ford Expedition (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2021 Expedition most often report transmission problems: harsh or delayed shifting, jerking, slipping out of gear and in some cases loss of power, typically appearing from roughly 40,000 miles upward and often worsening over time. Engine-related complaints center on stalling or no-start conditions traced to the fuel pump, along with check-engine lights linked to catalytic converters and turbo concerns. A smaller group describes electrical, infotainment, wiper, moonroof and trim issues, some at very low mileage.
- Transmission and drivetrain
10-speed transmission harsh shifting, slipping or losing
- 114 complaints (47%)
- median 71,500 mi at 4.0 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $7,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2021–2026
Complaints describe jerky or harsh shifts, delayed engagement when moving from reverse to drive, the transmission holding or popping out of a gear, and brief losses of power or throttle response while driving. Several owners say dealers initially found nothing or advised a software or adaptation reset, and later diagnosed internal damage such as a failed valve body, clutch hub or CDF drum, with transmission replacement recommended. Some report the problem returning after a repair, and several mention the vehicle was out of warranty by the time a replacement was recommended. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 120,000 miles, often appearing first as occasional harsh shifts before becoming persistent.
Recall 26V4020007 related service bulletins
What to check: Have a scan and a road test done at various speeds, including light-throttle upshifts and a reverse-to-drive change, and ask whether the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced. Ask the seller to confirm any applicable transmission service actions or software updates have been completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I originally leased and have since purchased this vehicle. Since owning the vehicle, it sometimes has a harsh shift between gears. It is so harsh that I have mentioned it to at least two different Ford dealerships during the transmission warranry period. No remedy was provided at the time. The car has continued to have shifting issues and now the car will pop out of gear while driving, which is a major safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11678577, filed 2025-08“I have taken my car to the shop for constant transmission clunking, loss of power, random shifting causing a safety issue. It is currently in the shop for the 6th time at 69k I bought it new and have taken it in 5 other times for the same or similar issues with the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11745853, filed 2026-06 - Fuel system
Stall, no-start or loss of power traced to the fuel pump
- 12 complaints (5%)
- median 72,500 mi at 4.8 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2025–2026
Owners describe the engine cutting out or shuddering while idling, at a stop or under acceleration, sometimes followed by a no-start condition and a check-engine light. Dealers in these complaints retrieved a fuel pump related code and replaced the fuel pump, in some cases along with a control module. Some owners link the symptom to a fuel system recall, and a few note that their vehicle was not covered. Reported from roughly 50,000 to 95,000 miles in the sampled complaints.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump or its control module has been replaced, and have a pre-purchase inspection listen for hard starting or rough running at idle and check for stored fuel system codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, the vehicle regained motive power independently. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11677500, filed 2025-07, 53,000 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was inside the vehicle with the vehicle idling, the vehicle vibrated and then turned off. The contact's wife attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer retrieved DTC: P0627; and informed the contact that the fuel pump had failed. The control unit and fuel pump were replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11675577, filed 2025-07, 74,000 miles
Buying note. The dominant item to verify on a used 2021 Expedition is the 10-speed transmission: confirm service history, road test it thoroughly and budget for possible repairs if it has not already been addressed. Also ask for recall completion records, particularly for the transmission park pawl, wiper and rearview camera campaigns.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 241 consumer complaints for the 2021 Ford Expedition. 41 of the complaints include a mileage, and 51% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 43,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns and 141 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Ford Expedition model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain113 47%
- Engine57 24%
- Other or unknown31 13%
- Electrical system24 10.0%
- Fuel system14 5.8%
- Body and structure11 4.6%
- Vehicle speed control10 4.2%
- Brakes6 2.5%
Also reported: Seat belts (4), Air bags (3), Engine cooling (3), Exterior lighting (2), Steering (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While driving down the highway at 70 miles an hour, the transmission popped out of gear the engine revved, and when the transmission went back into gear, it engaged into second gear and locked up the rear tires on the highway. I believe this is due to the CDF drum bushing, causing Line pressure problems. But this has almost caused me in my family to get into an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11747807, filed 2026-07Engine: “The Engine is shutting off completely. I am getting the message Shift to P. the Restart Engine This happened as the light changed to green. Heavy morning work traffic was behind me and I had never seen this before and called Ford Service manager and he had no answer. This is very dangerous especially during traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11618074, filed 2024-10Other or unknown: “There is a chrome decorative trim on the interior of the vehicle that surrounds the cup holders and storage areas. This chrome decorative trim is beginning to delaminate and had a razor-sharp edge. When reaching into the storage compartment that is also a phone charging station the delaminating chrome sliced my hand resulting in me requiring stiches from urgent care.”
NHTSA complaint #11596373, filed 2024-06Electrical system: “I took my vehicle to the dealership to have all recall work done on Feb. 11th 2026. I was told i am up to date on all my recall work at that time. When I received my vehicle back It would intermittently just shut down for no apparent reason while sitting at stop lights, or just stopped in that fashion. I called and the dealership they said unless they could recreate the issue somewhat easily there was noting they could really do. …”
NHTSA complaint #11732203, filed 2026-04Mileage when problems were reported
51% of the 41 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 18,000 and 78,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Ford Expedition. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition · SUV 2WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 20.8% risk |
| Expedition · SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.3% risk |
| Expedition El · SUV 2WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 20.8% risk |
| Expedition El · SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.3% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Ford Expedition version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Expedition 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Expedition MAX 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Expedition MAX 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- EngineCovers: Ford Expedition 2021, Lincoln Navigator 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
- 26V402000Jun 24, 2026Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Ford Expedition 2018–2021, Lincoln Navigator 2018–2021, Ford Explorer 2020–2021 +2 more
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.
- 26V368000Jun 9, 2026Structure › Interior panels › Center consoleCovers: Ford Expedition 2018–2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Expedition vehicles. The chrome plating on the center console may bubble and peel, resulting in sharp edges.
- 26V344000May 27, 2026Seat belts › PretensionerCovers: Ford Expedition 2018–2022, Lincoln Navigator 2018–2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
- 26V204000Mar 31, 2026Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › LinkagesCovers: Ford Expedition 2021–2023, Lincoln Navigator 2021–2023, Ford F-350 SD 2022–2023 +4 more
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
- 25V729000Oct 24, 2025Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Ford Expedition 2021–2022, F-150 2021–2023, Lincoln Navigator 2021–2022 +3 more
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in…
See all 12 recalls for the 2021 Ford Expedition → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- AQ26001NU Car rental of vehicles with open recallsOpen · Jun 9, 2026
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 141 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11036530Aug 22, 2026Seats, Other or unknown. For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if…
- 11035267Jul 21, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. Some 2021-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an "Updating SYNC" message on the vehicle center display screen after an over the air (OTA) update. The message can be cleared from the center…
- 11035465Jul 9, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles…
- 11031263Apr 2, 2026Electrical system, Lane departure. Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed…
- 11031262Apr 2, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. For 20212026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the…
- 11030282Mar 25, 2026Other or unknown, Back-over prevention (rear camera), Lane…. Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
- 11030791Mar 19, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. For 2021-2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the…
- 11029595Feb 17, 2026Electrical system. Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing activation prompt…
- 11026928Dec 2, 2025Other or unknown. Special Field Action 25L02 Certain 2017-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles Transmission Control Assembly Reimbursement
- 11025816Nov 20, 2025Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021-2025 F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0299 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and may also…
Other model years of the Ford Expedition
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 800 | 2 | 5 | 19 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 38 | 7,300 | 6 | 5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 79 | 15,263 | 7 | 5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 65 | 38,000 | 8 | 5 | 19 | 70 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 116 | 30,000 | 12 | 5 | 19 | 75 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 241 | 43,000 | 12 | 5 | 19 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 425 | 62,968 | 18 | 5 | 19 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 522 | 73,000 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 83 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 382 | 55,868 | 14 | 5 | 20 | 85 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 357 | 77,276 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 217 | 66,760 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 52 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 164 | 68,000 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 72 | 90,000 | 0 | 4 | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2013 | 92 | 90,250 | 0 | 4 | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 118 | 82,000 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 14 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2011 | 71 | 55,000 | 0 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 58 | 52,813 | 0 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 28 | 61,000 | 1 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 146 | 62,000 | 3 | — | 14 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 215 | 61,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 299 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 315 | 74,940 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 297 | 76,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 615 | 79,850 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 340 | 83,500 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 578 | 90,500 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 890 | 91,000 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 946 | 98,976 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 836 | 110,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 853 | 120,000 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Ford Expedition model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Expedition?
Owners of the 2021 Expedition most often report transmission problems: harsh or delayed shifting, jerking, slipping out of gear and in some cases loss of power, typically appearing from roughly 40,000 miles upward and often worsening over time. The issues reported most often: 10-speed transmission harsh shifting, slipping or losing; Stall, no-start or loss of power traced to the fuel pump.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Ford Expedition have?
NHTSA recorded 241 consumer complaints for the 2021 Ford Expedition as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Ford Expedition is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 113 complaints (47% of the total), followed by engine with 57.
Has the 2021 Ford Expedition been recalled?
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Ford Expedition do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Ford Expedition 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Expedition get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Ford Expedition (Expedition 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Ford Expedition reported?
Among the 41 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 43,000 miles and the middle half falls between 18,000 and 78,000 miles; 51% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.