I can shut off the engine and take out the keys when the transmission is still in d., not p.
2011 Ford Expedition powertrain problems
severe 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 21 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Ford Expedition, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 30% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2011 Expedition has serious transmission and powertrain issues ranging from loss of power and uncontrolled wheel lockup on the highway to unintended acceleration and failure to stop — some occurring before 5,000 miles. Ford has declined recalls on the 2011 model despite identical issues on recalled 2012 models, and parts-only repairs frequently fail to prevent repeat failures.
The 2011 Expedition's powertrain exhibits severe, life-threatening failures. Most critical: vehicles enter limp mode (wrench light) at highway speeds and lose all power, with rear wheels locking and causing fishtailing and loss of steering control. This happens as early as 2,000 miles, sometimes within days of purchase. Owners report being stranded without warning at 60–78 mph.
Transmission solenoid failures, mechatronics unit failures, and control module faults trigger these events. Owners describe violent shaking, unexpected downshifts from 6th gear to 1st at highway speed causing RPMs to red-line, and complete immobilization requiring engine restart to restore function.
Other failures include unintended acceleration that won't stop even with brake pedal down, requiring ignition key off to halt the vehicle. One owner crashed into a parked car. Transmission stalls at low speeds, shift lockup preventing any gear engagement, and repeated failures within 600 miles of repair.
RPM oscillation between 30–40 mph and fuel economy loss plague vehicles starting at 5,000 miles. One owner's transmission was serviced six times without fix. Owners report transmission noise during downshifts and burnt exhaust odor during hard acceleration.
Critically, Ford has refused recalls on the 2011 Expedition despite identical defects triggering recalls on the 2012 model with the same 6R80 transmission. Dealers replace individual components, but failures recur. Multiple owners lost confidence and replaced their vehicles.
Same Ford Expedition powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Limp Mode / Powertrain Malfunction (Wrench Light) — Loss of Power & Control
Vehicle enters limp mode with illuminated wrench indicator, causing loss of throttle response, inability to shift into forward or reverse gears, and complete power loss on the highway. Rear wheels lock up during highway driving, causing loss of steering control and fishtailing. Vehicle becomes immobilized and requires restart to restore function.
When: Highway speeds (60–78 mph), typically early in vehicle's life; one case at 2,000 miles, others at 5,000–16,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wrench/powertrain malfunction warning light illuminates; Zero throttle response; no acceleration in any gear; Rear wheel lock-up causing fishtail and loss of steering control; Vehicle immobilized until engine restarted; Low idle speed with zero oil pressure gauge reading; Loss of power steering response
Codes mentioned: P0975, Soft codes (no hard codes thrown in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: SSE solenoid replacement (part codes 7G136, 7G383, 7G484, 7J136); mechatronix unit replacement; transmission rebuild or replacement attempted but not consistently resolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for 2011 Expedition; recall exists only for 2012 model with same transmission (6R80). Ford declined replacement; stated malfunctions happen and are not preventable. Some dealers authorized only part replacements despite repeat failures.
Transmission Solenoid Failure — Violent Shaking & Loss of Control
Transmission solenoid malfunction causes violent vehicle shake at highway speeds and illumination of mechanical failure warning light. Vehicle becomes difficult to steer. Diagnostic confirms solenoid failure; dealer reprogramming of computer system attempted but unsuccessful.
When: 13,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shakes violently at 60 mph; Difficulty controlling steering wheel; Swerving into adjacent lane; Mechanical failure warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified transmission solenoid as failure point; computer system reprogramming attempted without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no recall or remedy offered
Unintended Acceleration & Unresponsive Brakes
Vehicle accelerates independently when shifted into reverse, crashes into parked vehicle, and does not stop even with brake pedal fully depressed. Shifting into neutral results in vehicle shifting into drive instead. Only method to stop is turning ignition key off.
When: 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Independent acceleration in reverse without pedal input; Brake pedal unresponsive; Shifting into neutral results in unwanted shift to drive; Vehicle continues accelerating forward
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed but not diagnosed; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no action taken
Loss of Acceleration / Transmission Electronic Failure
Vehicle loses all acceleration capability during highway driving despite engine still running. Diagnosed as mechatronics electronic portion of shift mechanism and valve body failure in transmission. Vehicle immobilized until towed.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Thud noise heard; Complete loss of acceleration; Engine still runs but no throttle response; Vehicle can be started and idled
Repairs/costs cited: Mechatronics electronic portion of shift mechanism and valve body replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated this type of problem cannot be prevented and does not happen often (statement contradicted by cluster of 21 complaints)
Repeated Transmission Failure & Recalibration Issues
Transmission fails to accelerate when shifted into reverse and stalls; failure recurs three times within first 19,400 miles. Vehicle taken to dealer ten times. Dealer confirmed transmission needs re-calibration but vehicle was not repaired.
When: First failure at 2,000 miles; current mileage 19,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to accelerate when shifted into reverse; Vehicle stalls; Tow haul light illuminates; Failure recurs cyclically
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed transmission re-calibration required but not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but no remedy provided
Transmission Lockup & Multiple Component Failures
Vehicle locks up and goes into uncontrolled spin immediately after pickup on new vehicle. Loud noise from transmission area precedes lockup. Vehicle does not go into any gear. After replacement of mechatronix unit and TCM, vehicle repeats same failure at 600 miles. Second dealership finds transmission pump gear requires replacement.
When: Within first 600 miles; second failure after 600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from transmission area; Sudden transmission lockup; Vehicle enters uncontrolled spin; Vehicle will not shift into any gear; Repeat failure of same nature after first repair
Repairs/costs cited: First repair: mechatronix unit and TCM unit replacement; Second repair: transmission pump gear replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall information provided in narrative
Transmission RPM Oscillation & Fuel Efficiency Loss
Decrease in fuel efficiency beginning at 5,000 miles accompanied by transmission oscillation problem. During low-speed driving (30–40 mph), engine RPMs oscillate up and down by approximately 250 RPMs continuously. Problem documented by Ford across six service visits but never resolved despite warranty coverage.
When: Begins at 5,000 miles; persists through 11,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Decreased fuel economy; RPM oscillation of ±250 RPMs at 30–40 mph; Continuous engine revving up and down during low-speed driving; Problem documented but unresolved after six dealer service visits
Repairs/costs cited: Problem recorded and documented in Ford computer systems but no repair action taken
Unexpected Downshift & Loss of Control
While cruising at 75 mph with cruise control engaged, vehicle surges forward then unexpectedly downshifts, causing sudden loss of control and near-rollover event. Vehicle will not move in any gear; requires two engine restarts to restore function. Transmission control module replaced under warranty.
When: December 2017; specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Forward surge at highway speed; Unexpected downshift causing jerking deceleration; Loss of control; near-rollover risk; Vehicle immobilized in all gears; Requires multiple engine restarts to restore function
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module replaced; owner cost $100 under active warranty
Severe Downshift from 6th to 1st Gear at Highway Speed
Vehicle downshifts twice from 6th to approximately 3rd then 1st gear while cruising at 70 mph with cruise control. Engine RPMs red-line, causing violent jerk and rapid deceleration. All acceleration power lost; vehicle barely coasts to highway shoulder. Restart restores normal function.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Double downshift at highway speed (6th to 3rd to 1st); Engine RPMs red-line; Vehicle jerks violently; Rapid deceleration despite braking not applied; Complete loss of acceleration power; Engine restart restores function
4x4 System & 4WD Motor/Solenoid Failure
While attempting to accelerate on an incline, vehicle decelerates and front wheels fail to turn. Four-wheel-drive system independently activates without driver command. Dealer discovered 4x4 motor and solenoid failure requiring replacement.
When: 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle decelerates when attempting to accelerate uphill; Front wheels fail to turn; 4x4 system independently activates; Loss of steering response
Repairs/costs cited: 4x4 motor and solenoid require replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; vehicle not repaired
Transmission Stall & Check Engine Light
Vehicle stalls while driving at 20 mph. Check engine light illuminates upon restart. Owner (a mechanic) performed diagnostic indicating transmission failure. Vehicle not repaired.
When: 24,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at 20 mph; Check engine light illumination; Diagnostic indicates transmission failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted
Transmission Shift Noise — Loud Stuttering from 2nd to 1st
Transmission produces loud stuttering noise every time vehicle downshifts from 2nd to 1st gear during deceleration. Noise occurs as early as 25,000 miles and is reported as common issue on Internet forums for vehicles of this year and model. Owner states this is abnormal and a safety concern.
When: Reported as early as 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud stuttering noise during 2nd to 1st downshift; Noise occurs consistently during deceleration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned
Hard Acceleration Shift Issues & Delayed Engagement
Hard, delayed shift from park to reverse with jump from idle when accelerator is pressed. Upon hard acceleration over 3,000 RPM, burnt exhaust odor enters cabin continuously.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifts from park to reverse; Delayed acceleration response from idle; Vehicle jumps when accelerator is pressed from idle; Burnt exhaust odor entering cabin during hard acceleration (over 3,000 RPM); Odor present at all times during acceleration
Transmission Lock & Wheel Lock at Highway Speed
Vehicle suddenly downshifts to 2nd gear then immediately to 1st gear while traveling at 70 mph on highway straightaway, then wheels lock up causing loss of control.
When: Unspecified mileage; highway speed (70 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected downshift from 6th to 2nd to 1st gear; Wheels lock up immediately following downshift; Loss of vehicle control
Shift Interlock Failure — Engine Off in Drive Gear
Vehicle allows driver to turn off engine and remove keys while transmission is in Drive rather than Park. This bypasses critical safety interlocks.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine can be shut off with transmission in Drive; Keys removable with transmission in Drive (not Park); Shift interlock does not function properly
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
After picking up this new vehicle driving down the hwy this vehicle made a loud noise coming from the transmission area.. Seconds later the vehicle lock up and sent me into a spin.the vehicle would not go into gear so I called a tow truck and had the vehicle take to the dealership. The dealership replaced the transmission mechatronix unit and the TCM unit.after picking the vehicle I 600 mile…
Traveling down the highway going approximately 70 MPH when the rear wheels locked causing the vehicle to rapidly decelerate and rear end to swerve. Fortunately there were no vehicles immediately behind the vehicle as this would have resulted in a major rear end collision. The rear wheels unlocked after approximately three to four seconds and I was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of…
While my wife was driving on the interstate with the cruise control set at 78mph, the rear tires on our 2011 expedition suddenly locked up, skidding the tires and caused the vehicle to fishtail she had no control of steering or acceleration. When the vehicle reached approximately 35mph the tires released and she was able to steer into the median. At this point, she could not move the vehicle.…
While on a family trip from tx to fl, the "limp home mode" wrench came on. Pulled over, checked what I could. Got back on the road, about 20 miles down the road, a fine mist starting blowing out the back and the SUV lost all power. Pulled over and call Ford. It was towed to a Ford dealer about 5 miles away. The dealer called monday morning, to say the transmission was blown and needed to be…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2011 Ford Expedition?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2011 Ford Expedition?
It's a meaningful issue. 21 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 22,086 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,086; a quarter make it past 84,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Ford/Expedition.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.