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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2021 Ford Expedition Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
113about this part
Share
47%of 241 total for the year
Median mileage
65,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 113 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Ford Expedition, 47% of the 241 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 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.

“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 2026-07

“Faulty CDF Clutch Drum. The vehicle failed to shift properly while driving in mountains which could have lead to a runaway. Problem has been identified by my dealer and is a known issue with 2017-2023 Ford Expedtions. Vehicle inspected my FoMoCo mechanic and found issue with drum. No warnings or prompts before issue occurred.”

NHTSA complaint #11729922, filed 2026-04

“When driving at interstate speeds, the transmission locked into 7th gear and refused to change gears with changes in speed. This was especially dangerous when I exited the interstate and had to drive in traffic at city speeds. Starting from a stop in 7th gear was extremely dangerous and made me a hazard to myself and other cars around me.”

NHTSA complaint #11594665, filed 2024-06

“Vehicle loses acceleration. When I attempt to pass someone on the interstate, the vehicle does not accelerate. When I push the gas the engine revs, but does not engage. I have to take my foot off the gas for 10-15 seconds for it to go back into gear. Error reads stuck in park . It has been to Ford numerous times with the same result, they can't duplicate the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11593442, filed 2024-06

“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

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025513%
202456%
20231117%
20221614%
202111347%
202026763%
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 2021 Ford Expedition

Engine
57 complaintsOther or unknown
31 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Ford Expedition

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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