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2021 Ford Expedition Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 237 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Expedition, most often about the transmission (47% of complaints, typically around 65,000 miles). It is 12th of 27 Expedition model years by number of complaints and has 12 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a park-outside warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2021 Ford Expedition problems
Transmission
112 complaints · 47%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The power train system message was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure…
Engine
59 complaints · 25%Half of these problems showed up before 53,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
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 contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure…
Other or unspecified
30 complaints · 13%The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The contact was…
Electrical
23 complaints · 10%The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the soy-based electrical wires had been damaged by rodents. The manufacturer was notified of the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that the automatic power running board was suddenly raising and lowering independently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was confirmed that the power running board needed to be replaced…
Visibility and wipers
22 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 27,000 miles. Parts named most often: sun/moon roof assembly, windshield wiper/washer.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a puddle of blue windshield washer fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the washer fluid was also coming into the front floorboards of the vehicle. The contact…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the moonroof. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact was notified of NHTSA campaign number: 25v729000 (visibility). The…
Fuel system
14 complaints · 6%The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact's wife had attempted to start the vehicle several times. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the check engine…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle started to shake abnormally, and lost motive power. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact immediately attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The…
Body and structure
10 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: body.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that the automatic power running board was suddenly raising and lowering independently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was confirmed that the power running board needed to be replaced…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reaching into the center console of the vehicle, a sharp edge on the trim caused an injury to the thumb. The contact stated that the issue reoccurred, and the sharp edge caused a cut on the thumb. No medical attention was needed; however, bandages…
Speed control
9 complaints · 4%The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while the cruise control was engaged at approximately 86 MPH, the RPM increased and the vehicle inadvertently accelerated; however, the contactâs husband was able to disengage cruise control to slow down. No warning lights…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Ford Expedition recalls
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: center console
Risk: Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: pretensioner
Risk: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: linkages
Risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed august 5, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s24.vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on april 1, 2026.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk: A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed november 10, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25sb7. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning october 30, 2025.
Full defect summary
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 the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
Backup camera: software
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 transit connect, 2019-2020 mkz, mkx, edge, continental, f-150, nautilus, fusion, 2019-2023 ranger, mustang, 2020-2021 ecosport, expedition, navigator, 2020-2022 escape, f-250 sd, corsair, 2020-2023 aviator, transit, 2020-2024 explorer, 2021-2024 bronco sport, and 2022-2024 maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 18, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s05.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021 expedition, 2021-2022 super duty f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, f-600, and 2020-2022 lincoln corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.
Equipment: labels
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 explorer, lincoln aviator, 2020-2024 escape, lincoln corsair, 2018-2024 f-150, expedition and lincoln navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
Risk: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 expedition and lincoln navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 f-super duty f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 supercab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 202, "head restraints."
Engine
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed may 25, 2022. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Currently the remedy is available for
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: linkages
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 f-150, expedition, 2020-2022 super duty f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, and 2020-2021 lincoln navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Air bags: side impact
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed november 3, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21c26.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2022 super duty f-250, f-350, 2021 f-150, expedition, and lincoln navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 214, "side impact protection."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Nu car rental of vehicles with open recalls
Summary
Nhtsa is opening this audit query (aq) to investigate nu car rentals (nu car) for compliance with the requirements of the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act.the safety act requires that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 u.s.c. ⧠30120(I). Nhtsa is in receipt of information that indicates nu car rented at least two vehicles to consumers without having performed required recall repairs. The vehicle owner questionnaires (voq) related to this investigation can be found on NHTSA.gov by searching for id number 11730449 and 11504655. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional informat
Questions about the 2021 Ford Expedition
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Expedition?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (112 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles); engine (59 complaints, typically around 53,000 miles); other or unspecified (30 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Expedition have?
- 12 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 24, 2026 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Ford Expedition?
- It is 12th of 27 Expedition model years by number of complaints, with 237 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.