NHTSA Complaint #11718945 — 2020 FORD EXPEDITION

Component/System Failure: The vehicle is experiencing a catastrophic transmission failure (specifically the 10R80 transmission) beyond what is described in Ford TSB 24-2101. The transmission slips significantly and loses all power transmission while in motion. Safety Risk: My safety and the safety of other motorists are at extreme risk. While driving at highway speeds (approx. 65-70 MPH), the vehicle suddenly loses the ability to maintain speed or accelerate. This causes an immediate, unexpected deceleration in high-speed traffic, nearly resulting in rear-end collisions. The system takes several seconds to "reset" or catch a gear, during which time I have zero control over the vehicle's propulsion. This is an intermittent but recurring failure that makes the vehicle unpredictable and life-threatening to operate in traffic. Confirmation/Inspection: The problem has been confirmed by a Ford dealership service center and a secondary certified independent mechanic. Both confirmed the transmission is failing and cited TSB 24-2101 as the diagnostic path. The Ford dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that a full transmission replacement is required, but stated they would not provide financial assistance as the vehicle is just past the default warranty, despite the TSB acknowledging a known manufacturing defect. Symptoms/Warning Lamps: Symptoms began approximately August 2025. There were no warning lamps prior to the first failure, although it flashes lights temporarily when the problem occurs. The primary symptom is a sudden "free-spinning" or rattling engine sensation followed by a complete loss of forward momentum. The issue has grown progressively worse over the last months and as such is not safely drivable.