VehicleVerdict

2012 Ford Expedition transmission problems

The 2012 Ford Expedition has 64 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 39% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

64

Transmission complaints

39%

Share of year

2

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Expedition transmission complaints by model year229 complaints1997: 79 complaints1998: 76 complaints1999: 71 complaints2000: 44 complaints2001: 41 complaints2002: 18 complaints2003: 51 complaints2004: 28 complaints2005: 44 complaints2006: 22 complaints2007: 27 complaints2008: 14 complaints2009: 4 complaints2010: 10 complaints2011: 22 complaints2012: 64 complaints2013: 42 complaints2014: 34 complaints2015: 29 complaints2016: 36 complaints2017: 50 complaints2018: 137 complaints2019: 203 complaints2020: 229 complaints2021: 92 complaints2022: 14 complaints2023: 10 complaints2024: 5 complaints2025: 3 complaints
Expedition transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

16V248000TransmissionApril 27, 2016 · 153,581 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence

An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.

What owners report

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF MOMENTS LATER THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, CROSSING THE STREET AND CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBORS HOUSE. DURING THE INCIDENT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND NO POLICE WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 14, 2020 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2012 Ford Expedition have?

NHTSA has 64 complaints about the 2012 Ford Expedition transmission — 39% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Ford Expedition transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 16V248000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.