General Infomation Needed

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dawgn86

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Good afternoon,

My daughter and family are looking for a used Ford Expedition in the 2019-2021 year range and I wanted to reach out to the group on some advice....First time poster!

Any known problems they should be on the lookout for on engine and transmission issues?....Recalls?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks
 

99WhiteC5Coupe

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Good afternoon,

My daughter and family are looking for a used Ford Expedition in the 2019-2021 year range and I wanted to reach out to the group on some advice....First time poster!

Any known problems they should be on the lookout for on engine and transmission issues?....Recalls?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks


Significant transmission and engine issues for those model years.

Do a search and some reading and you’ll quickly learn about the issues.
 

Grrumpy

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the 2019-2021 suffered from some tranny problems, same as the same year Rangers. The 10R80 trans could have some internal problems.....no all but some. Biggest change was in 2022 when Ford upgraded the internals and same was done across the board. If under warranty Ford would re-build or replace the tranny's.
I had a 2021 Ranger for 4 years, and like many others on the Ranger Forum, never had a problem with mine.
Just be aware that some did have problems, and since the years your looking at won't be under warranty....just something to consider.
I just bought a 2019 with 112,000 miles on it, but the previous owner had the trans rebuilt by Ford in 2023 under extended warranty (have the paperwork) so I don't worry bout it.
You will know pretty quick if you have a bad one....it will skip gears, drop gears, or not go into gear at all.
Engines are great....the 3.5 twin turbo in sport mode just flat out moves, and it tows great if you have the proper tow package/gearing. Sucks a bit of gas, but it is a twin turbo boosted engine so it is to be expected....
Just be aware....Ford and GM both use the same 10R80 trans.....developed by both, and there are millions of em....only a small percentage have problems, but they do exist.
And, you will hear/read about those who have problems and curse the 10R80, but remember, there are thousands upon thousands who don't belong to forums who have no problems at all.....their trucks and suv's just go about their business every day with no problems.
 
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BigOleFordFan

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If I were here, you would know it !
the 2019-2021 suffered from some tranny problems, same as the same year Rangers. The 10R80 trans could have some internal problems.....no all but some. Biggest change was in 2022 when Ford upgraded the internals and same was done across the board. If under warranty Ford would re-build or replace the tranny's.
I had a 2021 Ranger for 4 years, and like many others on the Ranger Forum, never had a problem with mine.
Just be aware that some did have problems, and since the years your looking at won't be under warranty....just something to consider.
I just bought a 2019 with 112,000 miles on it, but the previous owner had the trans rebuilt by Ford in 2023 under extended warranty (have the paperwork) so I don't worry bout it.
You will know pretty quick if you have a bad one....it will skip gears, drop gears, or not go into gear at all.
Engines are great....the 3.5 twin turbo in sport mode just flat out moves, and it tows great if you have the proper tow package/gearing. Sucks a bit of gas, but it is a twin turbo boosted engine so it is to be expected....
Just be aware....Ford and GM both use the same 10R80 trans.....developed by both, and there are millions of em....only a small percentage have problems, but they do exist.
And, you will hear/read about those who have problems and curse the 10R80, but remember, there are thousands upon thousands who don't belong to forums who have no problems at all.....their trucks and suv's just go about their business every day with no problems.
Agreed, but that word you used just makes me giggle every time I see it....





Oops, gotta get my mind out of the gutter & back onto the subject being discussed, sorry, hahaha :D
 

LokiWolf

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Significant transmission and engine issues for those model years.

Do a search and some reading and you’ll quickly learn about the issues.
Significant is an Extreme Stretch, coming from the person who hasn't owned one. We had a 2020 Max for 4+ Years, put 50+K on it, 47K of that tuned, and had zero issues with the Transmission or the Motor. It just went. Got new plugs around 20K, cause easy maintenance, and changed the gap.
 

ms136

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My experience with a 2020: "new" transmission @ 70,000mi, coolant leak from driver side turbo coolant return line @ 79,000 mi. Fortunately no Cam Phaser issues as of yet, but this was a late 2020 build and that issue was more common for model years 18'-19'.
 

ZigZagFred

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We have had no issues with our 2019 Limited as far as the drivetrain goes. We did have the plastic connector for one of the heater hoses blow out. It is made out of PLASTIC! It lasted 80,000 miles so I guess it's not a catastrophe. However, if it had happened while we were on a long trip, it would have been a serious problem. Another issue is the liftgate "close" switch on the liftgate itself. It is a high-fail item. I've already replaced it once, and it has quit working again. I get replacements from Rock Auto for $15! That tells me it's a pretty "cheesy" switch. I use the dashboard switch all of the time now.
 

Amphigory

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There was an issue with some cam phasers through MY 2020. The redesigned parts were implemented for the 2021 model year. Either stay with the '21 or newer, or change the oil regularly. I spoke with many dealerships while shopping; they are united in saying the issues were not a problem for people who were careful about maintenance. I bought a '21.
 

99WhiteC5Coupe

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Significant is a very strong word. I would say isolated would be a better choice. People that have had no problems don’t post, except me!


Ford has issued numerous TSB’s involving the 10-speed transmissions for multiple year models. They have issued software changes and updated parts that were failing. One problem involved the possibility of the transmission downshifting to the lowest gear while being driven at higher speeds.
 

LokiWolf

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Ford has issued numerous TSB’s involving the 10-speed transmissions for multiple year models. They have issued software changes and updated parts that were failing. One problem involved the possibility of the transmission downshifting to the lowest gear while being driven at higher speeds.
SO, the 5.4 was a catastrophic failure then if we go by that metric. So were MANY Transmissions and Engines through the years that have had MANY TSB's, and it in no way means they had "Significant" issues. Many were software tweaks. The 10 Speed has been around for a while now. Most of it's issues can be resolved with a relearn, and a software update.
The CDF Drum issue is pretty much the only issue that has plagued the 10R80 for several years, and some never have an issue(My tuned 2020 for example).

Also, can you send me the TSB# for this downshifting to 1st(lowest gear) while running at higher speeds. Yes there are many reports of hard shifts and TSB's associated, but I for the life of me in a brief search can't find that one. I would love to read it and it's cause/resolution.
 

Mr Big

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I've owned Ford vehicles my whole life. You can have issues with any make and model vehicle. I think a lot has to do with maintenance. If used, make sure you get paperwork to ensure it was well maintained. My 2019 Platinum has 80,000+ miles and has no issues. I routinely change the oil and filter, using full synthetic oil and Motorcraft filter, and flush the cooling system, at least once a year, along with other maintenance.
 

ROBERT BONNER

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I have a 2020 that I use in a variety of offroad conditions as well as on the highway. I have 55K on it now. Both rear shocks failed before 30K, I believe due to insufficient travel at full extension. These vehicles are extremely stiff and frequently 3 wheel when off road. The Transmission was completely rebuilt under warranty at ~52K for harsh downshifts that plagued it on occasion. I just replaced the front wheel bearings at 50K. Other than that it's been trouble free and has never left me stranded. I love to drive it on and off road.
 

99WhiteC5Coupe

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SO, the 5.4 was a catastrophic failure then if we go by that metric. So were MANY Transmissions and Engines through the years that have had MANY TSB's, and it in no way means they had "Significant" issues. Many were software tweaks. The 10 Speed has been around for a while now. Most of it's issues can be resolved with a relearn, and a software update.
The CDF Drum issue is pretty much the only issue that has plagued the 10R80 for several years, and some never have an issue(My tuned 2020 for example).

Also, can you send me the TSB# for this downshifting to 1st(lowest gear) while running at higher speeds. Yes there are many reports of hard shifts and TSB's associated, but I for the life of me in a brief search can't find that one. I would love to read it and it's cause/resolution.


I can’t find the TSB I referenced. (I do know GM issued a TSB and recall for a similar issue with their transmission).

However - Ford has just issued another safety recall involving 4th generation Ford Expedition's (and other models) repaired with a service transmission: https://fordauthority.com/2025/10/ford-10r80-automatic-transmission-recalled-over-shifting-issue/

This brings the number of Ford’s safety recalls in 2025 to over 120 separate recalls, involving more than 9.5 million vehicles.
 

Mr Big

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I can’t find the TSB I referenced. (I do know GM issued a TSB and recall for a similar issue with their transmission).

However - Ford has just issued another safety recall involving 4th generation Ford Expedition's (and other models) repaired with a service transmission: https://fordauthority.com/2025/10/ford-10r80-automatic-transmission-recalled-over-shifting-issue/

This brings the number of Ford’s safety recalls in 2025 to over 120 separate recalls, involving more than 9.5 million vehicles.
Is this the bulletin you are looking for?
 

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  • FORD-TSB 25-2132 - 2018-2021 Expedition-Navigator - Harsh-Delayed Engagement And-Or Harsh-Dela...pdf
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BigOleFordFan

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Service bulletin, not "safety recall".
In case anyone doesn't know, these are 2 different things.

A bulletin is basically just the mfgr acknowledging that an issue may or may not exist, which is probably not a major safety issue, but if you are experiencing the issue(s) outline in the bulletin, you should have it checked out by a dealership. This does NOT mean that the mfgr will automatically agree to pay for the repairs/replacement parts, but could if certain conditions exist....

One big plus here is that it lets the dealership know that you know that there is an issue that the mfgr has acknowledged & which probably needs their attention. This could prevent or minimize the "well we can fix it, but it's gonna cost ya major $$$$$$$$" syndrome that is so common at dealerships nowadays...

Recalls are those issues which the mfgr has also acknowledged, and registered with the NHTSA, and have agreed to notify the impacted owners to take their vehicles into a dealership AND to get it repaired at the mfgr's expense....

I witnessed this recently with my son's Cherokee, where the repairs would have cost him over $800, but the recall saved him from having to pay to get fixed....

All this over a wiring harness that was routed incorrectly at the factory, resulting in it becoming worn & frayed over time, which could have caused a parasitic battery drain, or worse, a short in the starting circuit, which could have fried several relays on it's way to the main ECM...and a $3000 replacement/reprogramming thereof....I can only imagine what a yuk major friggin yuk that would have been :D
 

LokiWolf

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I can’t find the TSB I referenced. (I do know GM issued a TSB and recall for a similar issue with their transmission).

However - Ford has just issued another safety recall involving 4th generation Ford Expedition's (and other models) repaired with a service transmission: https://fordauthority.com/2025/10/ford-10r80-automatic-transmission-recalled-over-shifting-issue/

This brings the number of Ford’s safety recalls in 2025 to over 120 separate recalls, involving more than 9.5 million vehicles.
This only affects 34,000 vehicles, and only the re manufactured Trans used as replacements for other issues, and only in some cases is it an issue. Recalls are a thing plaguing all manufactures right now.
 
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