2018 Ford Expedition Power Train

At approximately 100,500 miles, my 2018 Ford Expedition XLT 3.5L EcoBoost developed loud rattling noises consistent with cam phaser failure. Zeigler Ford confirmed the failed cam phasers on October 20, 2025. These phasers were previously replaced on the vehicle at 51,000 miles on February 10, 2022, at Al Piemonte Ford under the Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03. They used the old phasers HL3Z-6C525-CD which are known to be defective rather than the new updated phasers ML3Z-6C525. Cam phaser failure can cause engine misfires, loss of power, and potential engine damage, creating a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds. This issue has been reported by multiple Ford Expedition owners, indicating it is not isolated. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this defect warrants a recall or expanded coverage for vehicles like mine that exceed CSP mileage limits. My vehicle has been properly maintained, and the failure is due to a known defect in the 3.5L EcoBoost cam.

The vehicle often feels like it is slipping when it is changing gears at lower speeds. When trying to accelerate quickly getting on the highway, it fails to increase speed. The gas pedal is pressed and the engine revs and it does not increase speed. This has happened more than once and has caused me to nearly be in accidents because I cannot enter the highway as I should. I took it to a dealer initially in 2023 and they repaired the transmission cooler. Was told it was operating as designed after that. Then in 2024 I took it in for the same issue and was told I needed an engine replacement. I paid for an entire engine replacement and was told the issue was fixed. I am now having the same issue and will be taking it back for a 3rd time. My local shop (not the dealer) told me it is the timing belt which is part of the engine. I feel unsafe in my vehicle and do not feel my $16,000 repair fixed the problem.

When attempting to pass a slow moving vehicle on a 2 lane highway when driving up a hill the transmission failed to properly shift instead making a loud clunking and grinding sound before eventually managing to shift into a gear. This failure to shift properly meant that the vehicle was unexpectedly without power when trying to change lanes leading to a dangerous situation.

My vehicle has started to have problems shifting in some gears(3rd & 7th). I have been doing research, and this seems to be a recurring problem for vehicles with the 10r80 transmission. Where this has caused a big safety risk, is that a few times, the vehicle wouldn't move when pushing on the gas after having the foot on the brake after I had already left and been driving it for 5-10 minutes. This has put me at risk of getting hit by oncoming cars since I couldn't get the vehicle to go as it should to cross a road or intersection. My vehicle shows no dashboard warnings that anything is wrong. I have had all regular maintenance done, don't use the vehicle for towing, and I only have 70k miles on the car. Over the years I have had it where it just feels like the vehicle won't shift, but it has gone away pretty quickly. It's only been since this summer that it is now a persistent issue. I have brought it up over the years to the ford service department, and nothing was shared with me that there was an issue with the vehicle transmission. It is now that it's been consistent(only when the transmission is cold) that this happens on every drive. All Ford wants to do is charge me to rebuild the transmission conveniently now that I am out of warranty!

As I was driving yesterday, my transmission began making a strange noise and did a hard shift. About 1/2 mile later it made the noise again and downshifted to first and would not shift up. I was able to turn off the main road I was on to a side street where I put the car in park and shut it off to look under and around it. Not seeing anything I got back in and started it. I wanted to try to get it into a nearby parking lot, but after being shut off it began shifting again and I was able to get it home. It has had hard shift issues before and lagging response issues, but this is the first time it has done the downshift and noise. I went to some online forums and found multiple people with a similar issue, one of which suggested reporting it.

Ford had to rebuild rear differential. The transmission failed, too. Both unacceptable especially at 62k miles and zero utility usage including trailering or 4wd.

In January 2025, we had issues with the transmission not shifting smoothly while out of town. While driving on the freeway at around 65MPH, in traffic, the transmission suddenly downshifted from 10th to either 3rd or 4th gear immediately slowing the vehicle. We almost got rear ended and tried to get over to the shoulder. By the time we could get over, which took about a minute, the transmission recovered itself and went back into the correct gear. We arrived home, took the truck in and was told the transmission needed to be rebuilt. There was a known issue with the transmission in these vehicles. We paid to have the transmission rebuilt. In April 2025, we heard rattling in the engine. We took it in and was told the Cam Phasers were bad and needed to be replaced. Another known issue. We have had the cam phasers replaced in 2020 under warranty. We had them reprogrammed again in 2022 for a recall. Now we are having to replace them again out of pocket. We again, paid for the repairs and got the vehicle back. I called Ford customer service and asked about any programs or reimbursement for these known issues. (Ref # [XXX]) I was told there are none at this time, despite Ford knowing they have issues. Ford has done nothing to correct the problems, but is obviously aware of the issues. Our vehicle only has about 50K miles and has had the most repairs on any vehicle that I've ever owned. We have already purchased the vehicle, and I'm having to "purchase" it a second time with the high cost of repairs. At the very least, Ford should repair the defective parts and cover the cost of such repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The transmission started jerking and downshifting and and like the brakes was coming on and stoping you and I was pulling out onto the road and it wouldn’t go and I was setting in the middle of the road with oncoming traffic and scared for my life, luckily I didn’t have anyone with me and it moved a little and I was finally able to get it out of the road. This is the problem everyone is having FORD you need to recall these transmissions and replace them with new ones that are better this is a shame and bad business. It is hard enough to afford buying vehicles in this day and time and then it need a transmission that is expensive to replace.

Since November 2024 to date the transmission has reduced power when trying to accelerate thus being unsafe when trying to pull out into traffic. It also will not engage reverse thus again impeding when in traffic. It appears randomly. Verified software has been updated. Ford is saying complete transmission replacement is needed on a vehicle that is only 7 years old.

Recall 24E13 was issued for my vehicle on 4/16/2025 and i had repairs done on my vehicle in march. this recall states that catalytic converters may be replaced unnecessarily and the dealership has agreed with me on this. Ford continues to deny me reimbursement for this issue and I paid +/- 3800 for this repair to be done when I am sure I did not need it now.

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the response I have received regarding the cam phaser replacement for my 2018 Ford Expedition. Why is my vehicle not covered under the Cam Phaser Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03, where 100% of the amount was covered under this program. I had my vehicle diagnosed from Malloy Ford with TSB 23-2148 VCTS replacement. My vehicle has extremely low mileage for being a 2018 with only 44,000 miles. After contacting Ford Motor Company’s Customer Service, I was informed that the faulty cam phasers on my vehicle are not showing under the Field Service Action report. I am aware that for the cam phasers to be marked as faulty within the Field Service Action (FSA) records, the issue must first be diagnosed and repaired under the 21B10 Powertrain Control Module (PCM) program for the Cam Phaser Rattle. Once this procedure has been performed, if the problem persists, the cam phasers can then be replaced under Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03 – Cam Phaser Replacement. Despite this clarification, I remain extremely dissatisfied with the outcome the NHTSA and Ford Motor Company has done to remedy this issue for millions of customers. I believe more can be done to address this issue promptly under the know Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03. The rattle from the cam phasers remains a persistent problem and has not been resolved. More needs to be done to help the millions of customers that are experiencing these issues and help them to avoid the outgrows repair bills only caused by Ford Motor Company using cheap parts. Please help remedy this situation.

-The transmission shifts hard and often skips a gear while driving -On slick roads it is easy to loose control from the sudden shift and jerk. -Yes, I have taken it to the dealer and they confirmed the problem and said that it is a known issue. -Yes the dealer has inspected it -There were no warning lamps or messages.

At highway speed the car erratically shifted and lost power most likely due to cdf drum failure in the transmission. It happens randomly due to a known transmission issue. Can you imagine loosing power at hwy speed with a vehicle full of children?

The transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral while accelerating, particularly between 3rd and 5th gear. This is very dangerous, as the car loses power and stalls. This has led to several close calls, such as when merging into traffic or accelerating from a stoplight, which almost resulted in me being rear-ended or t-boned.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission independently upshifted and then shifted into neutral. The contact stated that the transmission temperature gauge became elevated, and the vehicle shuddered while accelerating. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced twice before owning the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

The transmission is not reliable. The vehicle is shifting erratically and the engine RPMs fluctuate drastically. Our safety is at risk when the vehicle will not accelerate when giving the vehicle gas. It is failing when merging onto highways and climbing hills. It has even begun to experience these issues when downshifting improperly. The FORD dealer has confirmed that the transmission is not performing as originally designed. This seems to be a known problem but FORD is not acknowledging the need to assist the customers. Many other owners of the same vehicle with the 10 speed transmission are experiencing the same problems as reported online. This problem first appeared in our vehicle a few weeks ago but has gotten progressively worse in the last few days.

I was on a road trip of about 900 miles. My vehicle at the time had 103,000 miles. All maintenance service intervals had been complied with since I purchased vehicle new. About half way through the trip the transmission started acting up. I was on the highway between 75 and 80 mph when it suddenly downshifted in a jerk then it failed to accelerate. This whole time I was pressing the gas pedal and my speed continued to drop and the vehicle jerking forward and back. I was able to put it in “manual” selectable speed and regain control. I had the vehicle inspected at my destination and the dealer could find no fault codes and fluid check was good. My vehicle continued random jerky shift changes at the most dangerous times. I still got no check engine light or any such failure or service alerts. On my return trip home, it did it again. This time I was watching all the gauges. I noticed my engine coolant temp spike to 240 degrees and my transmission fluid temp spiked at 247degrees. Outside air temp was 40 degrees and it was three occupants and no towing involved. The dangerous jerking and random transmission shift changes continued. After about 30 minutes of reduced speed driving on the highway the temps dropped. However the shifting was hard and erratic. I took the vehicle to the dealer after returning home. I now need a whole new transmission. This situation was extremely dangerous as to the uncontrollability of the slam shifting of the gears causing a rapid change of speed. I am very fortunate I was not in a wreck! In my research of this problem, I found I was not alone. It is a terrible design by Ford. It gives no warnings other than slamming you around in the vehicle. Something must be done!

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the transmission shuddered abnormally and unexpectedly downshifted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,617.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. the contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH uphill, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering, and the wrench symbol was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

2 instances have occured while driving. Stored codes are P0562 Charging system voltage low and P07E6 Stuck in Park (6/6/2025) and P07E6 Stuck in Park (7/12/2025). I believe the issue may be related to TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - Momentary Neutral-Out Condition In Drive - 23-2120 Upon acceleration to pass a car, I heard a loud knock, lost power, let off the gas, an Engine failure error flashed on my screen, regained power and was then able to accelerate again. The potential cost could be $5,600 and potentially higher due to labor. Ford's have been plagued by transmission issues year after year. How many vehicles need to be affected before a formal defect investigation focused on the 10R80 transmission can be made.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition Max. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking slightly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission computer software was updated; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was attempting to learn the contact's driving pattern and was operating as designed. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked and experienced an unintended transmission downshift into first gear. A message advising that the power train was disabled and to take the vehicle to the dealer was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving, causing the contact to sustain whiplash and neck pain. The contact stated that she was already afflicted with osteoporosis on the neck and spine, and her husband was afflicted with heart disease. The contact was concerned that the failure could further damage their health. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, and the dealer provided an estimated fee for the transmission replacement. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialist, where the same assessment was made. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle could be repaired for a cheaper amount. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would consider covering 40 percent of the expense. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

See attached document for complaint.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the gear shifter failed to shift into drive(D). The shift system fault message was displayed. The contact exited the vehicle, opened the hood, moved a wire on the transmission, and the vehicle operated as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and test-driven without failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle warranty had expired. No additional assistance was provided. The contact related the failure to an undisclosed TSB. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,992.

I was driving down the road at 45 MPH, I pushed the accelerator then my vehicle shifted out of drive to neutral, the RPM increased, the car speed decelerated, then the vehicle put itself back in gear severely downshifted so much that my car lost 20 MPH then the engine returned to normal after a violent shake and loud grinding noise. The car could have caused an accident had there been anyone behind me. Luckily there were no other cars around me. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer. They are unable to duplicate the issue I stated but did indicate a skip in cylinders when they hooked it up. I had the transmission overhauled at 53K when it was not shifting properly. I asked Ford to replace the transmission however they elected to overhaul it. From time to time the transmission would shift odd but nothing of over concern. The incident on Nov 3 was very unusual and safety of travel for me. The vehicle had done something similar earlier that morning but that time it was from a stop and no speed so not nearly as violent as the one later that evening. The vehicle is currently sitting at a dealer needing a transmission replaced, however the vehicle is 500 miles over the 75K ESP. Ford is refusing to discuss the problem.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode with the maintenance warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.