NHTSA Complaint #11705259 — 2019 FORD EXPEDITION

While driving, the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of power, after which the transmission goes into what feels like a false neutral. It then violently re-engages and accelerates uncontrollably without driver input. This is an extremely dangerous situation and presents a major safety risk to us and to others on the road. Fortunately, we were able to avoid a crash, but this could have easily resulted in a serious accident. The vehicle was initially brought to the dealership for an A/C issue, and at that time we asked that this transmission concern also be inspected. We were informed that the dealership could not replicate the problem. Since then, the issue has become more frequent and more severe. We have now been told that we can drop the vehicle off, but that it may take 3–4 weeks or longer before diagnostics even begin, and that we would be responsible for out-of-pocket rental car costs during this time. We were also told that because the issue could not previously be replicated, this would now be considered customer pay, despite the fact that this is a serious powertrain and safety-related issue. We find this unacceptable. This is not a convenience issue—it is a known concern with Ford’s 10-speed transmissions, and it places our safety at risk every time the vehicle is driven. We have opened a case with Ford in hopes that assistance will be provided, including: Proper diagnosis and repair of the transmission issue Coverage of related repair costs Assistance with a rental vehicle while the SUV is being evaluated, as it is currently unsafe to drive We trust Ford to stand behind its product and take this issue seriously before someone is injured.