Years affected, the mileage it usually shows up at, and what fixes it
About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Ford Expedition since 2012, 330 (11.5%) describe 10-speed transmission problems, making it the most reported problem we track on the Expedition. The reports cluster on the 2018, 2019 and 2020 model years, and the 2020 drew the most, with 119. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 50,000 and 105,000 miles. 3 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Ford has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Expedition's automatic transmission slamming into gear, shifting harshly at low speeds and on the 10-speed trucks dropping into the wrong gear. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2018 to 2020 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I have had issues with my Expedition not shifting gears properly/slipping gears. This usually happens during acceleration. Rpm will rise but act as if Iâm in neutral and significantly reduce my speed, then with a hard thunk it will jerk my car into gear."
2018 Ford Expedition
"My 2018 Expedition has been repaired by Ford dealership three times. The vehicle started with a hesitancy to shift into reverse then eventually a hard jerk into gear."
2018 Ford Expedition
"Ford Expedition max 2023. My vehicle has had issues since day one. Transmission has a Rough idle- can see hood shake, door shake, steering wheel shake."
2023 Ford Expedition
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Ford has sent dealers 35 bulletins that mention this problem on the Expedition. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh 3-4, 4-5 upshifts * Harsh 5-3, 4-3 downshifts * Harsh reverse engagements These symptoms may be worse when c...
This bulletin supersedes 25-2587.
This bulletin supersedes 26-2241.
This bulletin supersedes 26-2309.
Some 2017-2023 F-150, 2018-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Transit and 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 10R60 transmission and built on or before 23-Dec-2022 or with a 18...
This article supersedes TSB 22-2428 and 23-2176 to update the Issue, Action and Service Procedure.
Before you buy a Expedition
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Ford Expedition years have 10-speed transmission problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2018, 2019, 2020 model years. The 2020 drew the most, with 119 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 73,000 miles, and half reported it between 50,000 and 105,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.