What 116 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Expedition

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the occupants to lunge forward. The tires squealed and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was turned off but failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train). A tow truck company was contacted, and was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An attempt was made to contact the manufacturer, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

NHTSA ODI 11729726

While exiting the freeway at approximately 45 to 50 mph, the transmission downshifted to 1st gear locking up the tires.

NHTSA ODI 11720153

The speedometer will quit working and the vehicle will not shift out of 1st gear, if you can work through it it will start throwing error messages such as zero miles to empty, tire moniter system fault, etc. This is a very dangerous situation especially in high traffic areas. There was a customer satisfaction program on it but only up to 150,000 miles. This program should last the life of the vehicle, also, if it was fixed before ownership, why did it go bad again

NHTSA ODI 11699752

Over a period of time this problem is occurring more often. The vehicle will downshift into first gear. I pull over check engine light is on. I turn off wait turn back on and no problem for awhile. Within the last month this has occurred many times . Each time the check engine light comes on but also now the advance track light. Each time I have the same codes pulled. Driving on the highway with my daughter at 65mph it downshifted and the back tires locked up . Vehicles had to swerve to miss us. The check engine light was on advance track light same codes pulled. The dealership said it’s not in the recall even though it was built in Jefferson co Kentucky 9/2011. I don’t understand why this vehicle wasn’t recalled . I have to continue to drive it’s my only vehicle. I’m so scared for my life.

NHTSA ODI 11695051

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the image displayed on the back over prevention screen was either upside down, distorted, static only, or completely black. The failure was intermittent. During the failure, the contact was able to restart the vehicle to fix the image; however, the fix was intermittent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched and found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V270000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN and model year was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11686275

I was driving my 2012 expedition and suddenly the vehicle went from doing 60 to 40 immediately the tires squealed and threw me into the right lane . This vehicle transmission has a recall for down shifting and power train issues. My vin number does not fit the Recall but my vehicle has all the symptoms of multiple recalls and is not safe to drive . Had i not known how to drive i and my daughter would be in the hospital due to the faulty transmission lead frame and power train . I contacted Ford head quarters they were no help even though there is clearly a recall . I also took the truck to ford of valparaiso and had to pay the 1,000 dollars for the lead frame to be replaced which was in the recall and I shouldn't have had to pay anything .. them replacing the lead frame did nothing the car is still not drive able and is extremely unsafe its my only vehicle and I am a single mother of 2 kids .

NHTSA ODI 11683830

ABS CPU control system. Error Code B1342-EC. Antilock braking system electronic control unit defect.

NHTSA ODI 11679636

JULY 2025 MY 2012 FORD EXPEDITION THREW A P0742 CODE FOR A STUCK TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH. THE VEHICLE HAD JUST UNDER 150K MILES AND STARTED TO JERK IN AND OUT OF GEAR AND THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED SO I, THANKFULLY WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AS IT WAS IN LIMP MODE. WHEN I CLEARED THE DTC CODE THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY TEMPORARILY BUT EVENTUALLY LOCKED BACK UP AGAIN WITHIN A MILE FROM MY HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, FORD DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER THAT THEY HAVE LISTED FOR A REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION LEAD FRAME. I PROVIDED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WITH ALL OF THE NECESSARY INFORMATION AS WELL AS AN INDEPENDENT DIAGNOSIS BY A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. LOOKS LIKE I'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE DAY THAT IT CAUSES A MASSIVE ACCIDENT BY DOWNSHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR AT 65MPH. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I CAN ONLY HOPE THIS DOESN'T COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE.

NHTSA ODI 11676319

I just purchased (2 months ago) a 2012 Ford Expedition EL 5.4l v8 from a private party. I wish I would have done more research as I am ALREADY EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION ISSUES THAT I BELIEVE ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE VEHICLES LEAD FRAME RECALL. IT THREW A P0742 CODE ON ME Torque Converter Clutch Circuit stuck on and decided that it would only drive in limp mode unless I cleared the code, pulled over, cycles the key, and restarted the vehicle. Even as dangerous as this UNEXPECTED SHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS, IT IS EQUALLY AS DANGEROUS TO BE GETTING OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE IN MOVING TRAFFIC DUE TO FORD'S TERRIBLE DESIGN ON THIS VEHICLES POWER TRAIN/TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. I HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL Ford DEALER AND AL CERTAIN I'LL GET THE RUNAROUND/BLAME GAME FOR THIS ONE. 150K MILES AND AS I said, I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 2 MONTHS AND HAVE ALREADY HAD TRANSMISSION ISSUES, BRAKE ISSUES, BELT TENSIONER PULLEY LITERALLY FELL OFF.. AND FROM WHAT I READ, WHAT'S NEXT??? THE CAM PHASERS?? THAT'S IF THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS EVEN FIXED AND IT BECOMES SAFELY DRIVE ABLE AGAIN. COME ON FORD, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS!

NHTSA ODI 11676082

Campaign 19N01 Description Transmission molded leadframe extended coverage Next Steps Contact your dealer for next steps. Did this and was told that the vehicle was not covered due to it being after 10 years and barely over 150,000 miles. I am experiencing transmission issues where the torque converter clutch is now stuck on and the lead frame is more than likely the cause. Thanks FORD, NEVER AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI 11676166

Transmission failed to engage after startup, and while driving will slip out like its in neutral without warning. There was a series of messages that rolled over and over as the vehicle slowed. When we first took it to have it serviced for this problem June of 2024, they optioned to flush, change the filter, and put in new transmission fluid. They could not reproduce the problem. That seemed to take care of it until May 17, 2025 when it started slipping again. Again, the service center cannot reproduce the problem. The sudden slowdown, puts us in a risk for an accident with other vehicles. The vehicle is available for inspection if needed.

NHTSA ODI 11662457

While driving my vehicle, the transmission down shift on its on and the vehicle antilock brakes hit and suddenly stops on its on.

NHTSA ODI 11601512

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and downshifted unintendedly. The contact stated there were two unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the output speed sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact there would be no assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 203,000.

NHTSA ODI 11598352

On [XXX] @ [XXX]. I was traveling [XXX] in Logan Co., OK in my 2012 Ford Expedition EL (purchased used Jan. 2020) at an approximate speed of 45 mph when the vehicle downshifted into 1st gear causing a rapid deceleration wherein the vehicle behind me had to take evasive action to avoid rear ending me. The engine rpms climbed significantly while the speedometer stopped working and the vehicle never shifted into any higher gears for the next five blocks wherein I was able to pull my vehicle into a safe place. Again, the vehicle continued only in 1st gear! After turning the vehicle off and letting it sit for a few minutes, it appeared everything had reset and I slowly drove it straight to my mechanics shop. (However, shop was closed until after Memorial Day, so I again drove it slowly back home). Total trip was approximate 12 miles. Issue took place approximate 5 miles from when I left my residence. Ironically, I had visited my mechanic the day before inquiring about an issue wherein the vehicle would beep and a "wrench symbol" would display on the instrument panel and the speedometer and instrument display would stop working. I advised this was the 2nd time that issue occurred within the past few days, however, once the vehicle was turned off and restarted, all seem to be okay. In responding to my inquiry, my mechanic seemed to think it was an instrument cluster issue. That if it persisted, return to have it checked out. Never during any of these two (2) prior occurrences did the vehicle downshift as it did on the [XXX] of May. As an attorney, I began researching potential causes and came across the NHTSA's previous investigation(s) into this issue. However, I am dumbfounded that as serious as this issue is, NO recall has been made. As to me, it is my understanding that Ford's Customer Service Program has even expired regarding fixing this life threatening issue. I am lucky that there was not a semi-truck behind me or it would have been serious. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11590500

The transmission jumps in and out of gear, the engine revs on its on. I was on the highway the first time and I going between 60 and 65 mph and it sounded like the whole bottom of the truck was just ripped out, the truck went from drive to either park or first gear it locked up the back tires and there was a truck behind me he tried to miss me but he hit the back passenger side of the truck. He was very very upset he threatening and cussing me because he thought I just slammed on my brakes for no reason. I explained to him what was happening and calmed down think God. It could have killed him or me or even several other people. When it locked up the tires then it jumped back in drive and tried tot take off, I threw it in neutral and cut the key off. That scared the sh.. out of me!! I have talked to other people that have around the same year model truck as mine and some of them are having the same issues with it jumping in and out of gear not wanting to shift gears revving up on its own and no engine light comes on I've tried to get a code scanner scan it no codes come up on the truck Ford needs to fix this truck they had a recall on certain models that were manufactured at different plants or something like that I heard but they won't fix my truck they said it's not under recall this truck is going to kill somebody it's the only truck I have and I have to go to work I'm just asking if you can please do something about this before people get killed in or I get killed I'm going to try to get a video of what it does I'm just asking if you can please do something about this Ford knows what the problem is I read stuff on it and they need to fix these trucks before it kills people they know what the problem is if I have a bad wreck and I live to it or this truck causing somebody to lose their life it's going to be a multi multi multi million dollar lawsuit because they refuse to fix the truck I'm just asking you if you can please do something about this thank you

NHTSA ODI 11550843

I was driving regularly down the road when I noticed the smell of electrical fire. Smoke started coming from the undercarriage of the truck. I pulled into a gas station, and the engine died, and I got out to look at what's causing the smoke. I observed what looked to be engine or transmission oil on fire dripping from the undercarriage, so I moved a safe distance from the vehicle, and within about 30 seconds, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department came, and extinguished the fire. The vehicle is 100% casualty, along with everything inside of it.

NHTSA ODI 11543010

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon his wife depressing the accelerator pedal, the RPM raised abruptly however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and seemed as if the transmission was in neutral(N). After restarting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that a failure had occurred with the transmission molded lead frame. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01-Supplement #1 (Power Train) However, the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,112.

NHTSA ODI 11530230

Metal corrosion on the back liftgate is allowing water to leech into the electrical connections to the back camera, causing it to intermittently not work leading to complete failure eventually. The service techs at the ford dealership have described this common problem with this year model expeditions and is due to a chemical problem either with the metal or factory paint or both. Corrosion is not due to rust. We bought the car new in late 2011.

NHTSA ODI 11507158

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle independently decelerated and nearly caused the vehicle to be rear ended by a tractor trailer. The contact indicated that the vehicle was driven home with the transmission stuck in 3rd gear. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,959.

NHTSA ODI 11496107

Uncommanded downshift to first gear in 6R80 transmission. While driving at approximately 30mph, transmission downshifted into 1st gear. Problem repeated itself several times. No "codes" or warning lights. I put the transmission in "3" and drove slowly back home. This is the same issue that has occurred in F-150's. The problem was intermittent at first. Had this occurred at highway speeds it may have resulted in a rear end "lock-up", loss of control and possible accident. Took the vehicle to the repair shop where they were initially unable to get a "code". Later, I was able to repeat the problem and got warning lights and codes showing failure of the transmission output speed sensor which is located on the molded lead frame. This is the same failure as on the F-150. The molded lead frame was not available as single piece so it was necessary to replace the entire valve body unit.

NHTSA ODI 11485590

My vehicle suddenly shifted downward, my gas pedal had no effect, my speedometer stopped working and my fuel and tire sensor lights came on. This happened multiple times on my drive this morning and would have caused an accident if I was being tailgated.

NHTSA ODI 11467696

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle independently slowed to approximately 2 MPH. The contact observed that the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the speedometer went blank. The contact stated that when she depressed the accelerator, the vehicle would jerk forward. The contact pulled off of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that when she restarted the vehicle the vehicle failed to respond when shifted into drive with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that she drove the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11463039

My wife backed my vehicle out of the garage and began her drive to work. She stopped a few times at stop light through town before she got to the freeway. Driving on the highway she notice/got a message on the dash that stated Low Brake Fluid. She wasn't sure what that meant as the brakes were working fine. On her drive to work she has 2 stop lights that are on the highway. Coming up to the first stop light she was unable to stop as the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Her inability to stop caused to to run the red light at around 40 mph. I am a mechanic of 20 years. I went to her work to inspect the vehicle. There were no leaks or broken hoses, the master cylinder was empty except for the front of the reservoir that had maybe an 1/8" of fluid in it. Upon doing some internet research I found that 2013 - 2014 F-150 had the exact same problem with the master cylinder leaking into the brake booster causing the loss of the service brake system to function properly. More research found that the master cylinder in question is the same part number used on all f150 and expeditions from 2010 -2014. The recall number is 16s24. I called Ford customer service and was told that my vehicle had no open recalls. I explained to the agent that I understood recalls are VIN specific but my vehicle has the same master cylinder (based on part number) as the ones failing in the F150 and it has failed in the exact same way (brake fluid leaking, or being sucked into the brake booster) as described in the recall for this issue. This is a serious issue as the brakes worked as designed one minute and there was no brakes the next when needed. The only warning was a low brake fluid light/message. My wife could have been killed or killed someone else had there been another vehicle entering the intersection. There easily could have been a crash/fire/injury or fatality. How many failures/deaths do there need to be before a recall is issued and Ford does the right thing.

NHTSA ODI 11458800

The speedometer went to zero when the vehicle was driven on the highway at 70MPH and the transmission would shift down the wrench symbol came on the LCD display. Had to pull over and shut the vehicle off and open the drivers door to make sure that the vehicle was fully off/reset. Started the vehicle and drove home. Dealer noted that this may be covered under the extended warranty on the lead frame issue... Since the vehicle has 167759 miles on it, that the warranty would not cover the issue (Warranty to 150000 miles). I will get the vehicle repaired at my cost since this is our family vehicle. Since this is a safety issue the warranty should be for all the vehicles that experience this issue. The vehicle was traveling on a highway and this is not an acceptable condition for the safety of my family or others around us when driving. I am confident in noting that the warranty should be amended for this issue. If this issue was caused by me due to carless driving I would not have an issue. Since this is a design/reliability issue I do not understand why I am responsible for the cost of the repair.

NHTSA ODI 11434868

My gear shaft gets stuck in park as if it’s not recognizing that the break is getting pressed. It gets stuck for a while. There is no sticky substance that is causing this.

NHTSA ODI 11430432