2020 Ford Expedition Problems: Transmission / driveline (403 Complaints)
The most-reported problem on the 2020 Ford Expedition is Transmission / driveline (50% of 403 owner reports). There are 18 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Transmission / driveline — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 403 complaints · 18 recalls
What problems show up on the 2020 Ford Expedition?
203 of 403 filings named Transmission / driveline (50% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.
Second is Engine (35 reports).
There are 18 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Transmission / driveline, Electrical, Rear camera / backup safety, Glass / wipers / cameras, Seat belts, and Body / frame. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.
The 2019 has 489 reports on file; this year has 403. A smaller lifetime total is not a clean bill of health. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.
What owners reported
System named most often: Transmission / driveline 203 complaints · 50.4% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
- Crashes 5
- Fires 7
- Injuries 22
- Deaths 0
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
Which systems owners named
Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.
“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.
View component data as a table
| System / Component | Complaints | Share of Reports | Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) | 203 | 50.4% | 0 crashes · 1 fires |
| Engine (ENGINE) | 35 | 8.7% | 0 crashes · 1 fires |
| Seat belts (SEAT BELTS) | 26 | 6.5% | 1 crashes · 0 fires |
| Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) | 16 | 4.0% | 0 crashes · 1 fires |
| Body / frame (STRUCTURE) | 13 | 3.2% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) | 13 | 3.2% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) | 9 | 2.2% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION) | 7 | 1.7% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Airbags (AIR BAGS) | 6 | 1.5% | 2 crashes · 0 fires |
| Unclassified NHTSA leftover | 86 | 21.3% | 2 crashes · 3 fires |
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
When reports and recalls showed up
When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.
- Campaign 20V366000 was reported 132 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 22V250000 was reported 792 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 23V420000 was reported 1,213 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 24V099000 was reported 287 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 24V852000 was reported 1,731 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 25V197000 was reported 756 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 25V346000 was reported 1,050 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 25V442000 was reported 1,153 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 26V344000 was reported 1,125 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 26V368000 was reported 1,930 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 26V402000 was reported 1,801 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
| Date | Record type | Count | Record identifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-Q1 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2020-Q3 | Owner reports | 3 | |
| 2020-Q4 | Owner reports | 3 | |
| 2021-Q1 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2021-Q2 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2021-Q3 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2021-Q4 | Owner reports | 3 | |
| 2022-Q1 | Owner reports | 3 | |
| 2022-Q2 | Owner reports | 9 | |
| 2022-Q3 | Owner reports | 9 | |
| 2022-Q4 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2023-Q1 | Owner reports | 17 | |
| 2023-Q2 | Owner reports | 14 | |
| 2023-Q3 | Owner reports | 20 | |
| 2023-Q4 | Owner reports | 19 | |
| 2024-Q1 | Owner reports | 31 | |
| 2024-Q2 | Owner reports | 24 | |
| 2024-Q3 | Owner reports | 34 | |
| 2024-Q4 | Owner reports | 27 | |
| 2025-Q1 | Owner reports | 17 | |
| 2025-Q2 | Owner reports | 30 | |
| 2025-Q3 | Owner reports | 24 | |
| 2025-Q4 | Owner reports | 19 | |
| 2026-Q1 | Owner reports | 16 | |
| 2026-Q2 | Owner reports | 26 | |
| 2026-Q3 | Owner reports | 44 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 19V633000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 20V197000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 20V217000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 20V262000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 20V366000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 20V574000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 20V575000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 22V250000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 23V420000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 24V099000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 24V852000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V197000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V346000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V442000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V628000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 26V344000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 26V368000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 26V402000 | |
| Defect investigation | 1 | RQ21002 | |
| Defect investigation | 1 | RQ24015 |
Safety Recalls (18)
Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.
In short, these campaigns were filed about Transmission / driveline, Electrical, Rear camera / backup safety, Glass / wipers / cameras, Seat belts, and Body / frame.
-
Recall campaign 19V633000
Safety recall 19V633000
- Report date
- Component:
- Unclassified NHTSA leftover
- Consequence:
- A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
-
Recall campaign 20V197000
Transmission / driveline
- Report date
- Component:
- Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
- Consequence:
- If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy:
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S18.
-
Recall campaign 20V217000
Safety recall 20V217000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide the intended level of protection, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seatbelt buckle, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S17.
-
Recall campaign 20V262000
Electrical
- Report date
- Component:
- Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
- Consequence:
- If the driver is unaware that the Pre-Collision Assist feature is not enabled, they may rely on a system that is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy:
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram software for the Body Control Module, Antilock Braking System, Instrument Panel Cluster and Headlamp Control Modules, and reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S20.
-
Recall campaign 20V366000
Safety recall 20V366000
- Report date
- Component:
- Unclassified NHTSA leftover
- Consequence:
- An improperly welded headrest bracket may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began July 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C12.
-
Recall campaign 20V574000
Safety recall 20V574000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- In the event of a crash, the incorrect classification would enable the passenger air bag to deploy instead of disabling it, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
- Remedy:
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S54.
-
Recall campaign 20V575000
Rear camera / backup safety
- Report date
- Component:
- Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
- Consequence:
- Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
-
Recall campaign 22V250000
Glass / wipers / cameras
- Report date
- Component:
- Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
- Consequence:
- Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
-
Recall campaign 23V420000
Safety recall 23V420000
- Report date
- Component:
- Unclassified NHTSA leftover
- Consequence:
- Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
-
Recall campaign 24V099000
Seat belts
- Report date
- Component:
- Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
- Consequence:
- Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S06.
-
Recall campaign 24V852000
Safety recall 24V852000
- Report date
- Component:
- Unclassified NHTSA leftover
- Consequence:
- Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
-
Recall campaign 25V197000
Seat belts
- Report date
- Component:
- Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
- Consequence:
- Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S31. Some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24V-099 and did not have parts replaced will need to have this new recall remedy completed.
-
Recall campaign 25V346000
Electrical
- Report date
- Component:
- Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
- Consequence:
- Inoperative pre-collision assist features that fail to perform as expected can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S56.
-
Recall campaign 25V442000
Rear camera / backup safety
- Report date
- Component:
- Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
- Consequence:
- A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
-
Recall campaign 25V628000
Safety recall 25V628000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's numbers for this recall are 22S36 and 22S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 23, 2025.
-
Recall campaign 26V344000
Seat belts
- Report date
- Component:
- Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
- Consequence:
- Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
-
Recall campaign 26V368000
Body / frame
- Report date
- Component:
- Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
- Consequence:
- Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the center consoles as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S38. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 10, 2026.
-
Recall campaign 26V402000
Transmission / driveline
- Report date
- Component:
- Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
- Consequence:
- Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
What owners actually wrote
Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Showing 7 of 403 complaints · page 1 of 17
CrashFireInjuryDeath
My 3rd / Center brake light assembly had to be replaced as it was not working. The issue was caused by condensation. I paid to have it replaced but feel this should be a warranty item. Root cause should be improper seal around light assembly. This would not be normal user “wear and tear”. It is improper design/mfg process. Since it is the high brake light this is a serious safety concern. Thank you
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the unrepaired seat belt recall. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts), 26V368000 (Structure), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered extremely while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the failure and stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. While entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that the front passenger’s side seat belt was locked but was able to be retracted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (SEAT BELTS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The car will lose power when trying to accelerate on the highway. The car’s transmission will completely shift out of a high gear while traveling 50+ mph at a time when you are trying to accelerate onto the highway or speed up to avoid another vehicle. The car’s transmission will shift to first and slow way down and you cannot regain power or speed for several seconds. This has happened multiple times over the last several months, sometimes multiple times a day.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V368000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while parking, the passenger removed their seat belt. As the seat belt retracted, there was a very loud explosion sound. A cloud of dust was observed, and the passenger-side seat belt became extremely tight. The contact stated that the vehicle shook, and the sound and movement originated from the passenger-side seat belt retractor housing. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to perform the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with the failure related to the recall; however, the dealer stated that the contact would have to pay out of pocket for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,849.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems on the 2020 Ford Expedition?
Owners named Transmission / driveline most often — 203 of 403 reports (50%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.
Are there recalls for the 2020 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA lists 18 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Transmission / driveline, Electrical, Rear camera / backup safety, Glass / wipers / cameras, Seat belts, and Body / frame. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.
What should I inspect before buying a 2020 Ford Expedition?
Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.
Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?
No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.
Estimated Ownership Cost
EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates
Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Adjacent Model Years
Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
Methodology & Data Integrity
Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.