This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission molded leadframe to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. This is a one-time repair program.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford Expedition powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Ford Expedition have filed 43 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 90,500 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
43
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Expedition | 4 |
| 2010 Expedition | 10 |
| 2011 Expedition | 21 |
| 2012 Expedition | 64 |
| 2013 Expedition (this page) | 43 |
| 2014 Expedition | 33 |
| 2015 Expedition | 28 |
| 2016 Expedition | 34 |
| 2017 Expedition | 50 |
When does it fail?
Of the 43 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 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 47% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 43 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year F-150 and 2012- 2013 Model Year Expedition/Navigator Vehicles Equipped with A 6R80 Transmission Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage In some of the affected vehicles, an output shaft speed (OSS) sensor failure may result in an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) and/or wrench light in the instrument cluster with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0720, P0722, P0731 and/or P1500 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2018 F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with four wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit an intermittent grinding noise while driving in two wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration. This may be due to a loss of vacuum to the integrated wheel end (IWE) actuators and/or wear of the IWE components. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the worn vacuum and/or IWE components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01: Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year F-150 and 2012- 2013 Model Year Expedition/Navigator Vehicles Equipped With A 6R80 Transmission - Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant complaint is molded leadframe failure in the transmission control module. Owners report the wrench icon and check engine light suddenly illuminate, speedometer reads zero, and the transmission downshifts abruptly—often to first gear at highway speeds of 50–70 mph. The vehicle enters limp mode and sometimes stalls; restarting temporarily restores function, but the problem recurs intermittently over months or years.
Ford issued TSB 13-6-8 and Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 (10 years or 150,000 miles coverage) for this exact issue on 2011–2012 models. Owners note that 2013 models exhibit identical symptoms but were excluded from the original recall, leaving them unprotected once warranty expires. Dealers confirm the diagnosis but deny coverage when the vehicle exceeds the program window.
Output speed sensor failures also appear frequently, causing speedometer malfunction, erratic downshifts, and limp mode. Some owners report tire lockup and rear-end skidding during unintended downshifts. One owner reports transmission fluid cooler line rupture at the aluminum-steel fitting junction, a known pattern issue in Ford forums.
Owners describe secondary failures: throttle control erratic even after replacement, rear differential ring-and-pinion wear at low mileage, and one driveshaft connection bolt missing. One owner reports the transmission unexpectedly shifted from park to reverse with the engine running, causing property damage.
Repair costs range $1,100–$1,300 for leadframe replacement when out of warranty. Parts have been on national backorder. Most dealers and Ford corporate refuse assistance citing expired warranty dates, not mileage alone.
Same Ford Expedition powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Molded Leadframe Failure (PCM/Transmission Control Module)
The molded leadframe in the transmission control module fails, causing loss of gear selection, limp mode, inability to shift, and complete loss of transmission control. Owners report this is a known defect addressed in TSB 13-6-8 and covered under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01, but only for vehicles within 10 years/150,000 miles from purchase date.
When: 135,000–200,000 miles; occurs sporadically and intermittently over months or years; some owners report first instances at 82,000–135,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wrench icon or check engine light illuminates on dashboard; Speedometer reads zero while vehicle is still moving; Transmission downshifts abruptly to first gear without driver input, often at highway speeds (50–70 mph); Vehicle loses power and enters limp mode; Fuel gauge reads empty or displays erratic readings; Instrument cluster becomes inoperative or flashes dashes; Vehicle may stall or require shutdown and restart to regain function; Occurs sporadically; restarting vehicle temporarily resolves issue
Codes mentioned: P0720
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of molded leadframe quoted at $1,100–$1,300 out of pocket when out of warranty; parts on national backorder in some cases; Ford refuses coverage once Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 expires (10 years or 150,000 miles from original purchase)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 13-6-8; Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 (10 years/150,000 miles coverage); Ford states no recall exists for 2013 model year despite identical issues in recalled 2011–2012 models; Extended warranty denials citing mileage or date expiration
Output Speed Sensor (OSS) Failure
The output speed sensor in the transmission loses electrical connection or fails, causing the transmission control module to receive incorrect or no speed data. This leads to erratic downshifts, failure to shift, and limp mode activation. Often occurs concurrently with leadframe issues.
When: 82,000–180,000 miles; failures are intermittent and recurrent
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer reads zero despite vehicle moving at 25–70 mph; Vehicle downshifts unexpectedly or fails to shift into higher gears; Wrench light or check engine light illuminates; Transmission enters limp mode; Fuel gauge and instrument cluster malfunction; Vehicle may remain stuck in first or third gear
Codes mentioned: Output shaft speed sensor circuit fault (narrative reference)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report sensor replacement cost estimated around $1,100; independent mechanics diagnosed this; Ford dealerships often unable or unwilling to repair under warranty once Customer Satisfaction Program expires
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 covers sensor issues within 10 years/150,000 miles; no recall issued for 2013 models; Ford may refer owners to NHTSA hotline when warranty expired
Transmission Control Module Reprogramming (Temporary Fix)
Ford issued TSB 19B05 recommending reprogramming of the powertrain control module as a temporary measure for certain shift and sensor issues. Owners report the reprogramming provides only temporary relief before symptoms recur.
When: Intermittent; failures return months to years after reprogramming
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended downshift to first gear; Speedometer malfunction; Wrench light illumination; Loss of normal shifting behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reprogramming performed; owners report problem recurs and permanent hardware replacement (leadframe or sensor) ultimately required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 19B05 (reprogramming procedure); Ford limits permanent repairs to vehicles with active wrench light warning, effectively delaying or denying repairs when symptoms are intermittent
Transmission Fluid Cooler Line Rupture
Transmission fluid cooler lines rupture or fracture at the fitting where dissimilar metals (aluminum and steel) meet, causing loss of transmission fluid and complete loss of propulsion. One owner noted this is a known and recurring issue in Ford forums and YouTube videos affecting Expeditions and similar models.
When: Reported at low mileage (specific mileage not stated by owner reporting this failure); timing unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of propulsion; Transmission fluid leak
Repairs/costs cited: Line replacement required; parts availability and cost not detailed in narratives
Throttle Body and Electronic Throttle Control Malfunction
Electronic throttle control fails, causing erratic or unresponsive acceleration. Symptoms mimic transmission issues but originate in throttle body electronics. One owner reports dealer replaced throttle body twice without resolving the problem.
When: Frequency and mileage not specified; recurring issue even after parts replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle binding or not responding smoothly to pedal input; Sudden acceleration or lurching forward without driver input; Delayed throttle response followed by sudden surge; Wrench light illumination; Loss of power while driving
Codes mentioned: Throttle body sensor fault (narrative reference)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body sensor cleaned and electronic throttle body replaced twice on one vehicle with no resolution; repair cost not specified
Front Axle Shaft Fracture
Front axle shaft fractured at low mileage, causing wheels to seize and collateral damage to transmission cooling line and oil pan. This failure occurred very early in vehicle life.
When: Approximately 1,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging noise from front end; Wheels seized; Damage to transmission cooling line; Oil pan damaged
Repairs/costs cited: Parts ordered; vehicle scheduled for repair when parts available; collision and secondary damage incurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of defect
Transmission Main Control Valve Body Failure
Main control valve body in transmission fails, causing sudden deceleration and loss of shift control. One owner reports failure recurred after dealer repair.
When: Approximately 200,080 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle independently decelerates to 0 mph while driving at 65 mph; Check engine light and wrench symbol illuminated; Loss of transmission control
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced main control valve body; failure recurred; no permanent resolution achieved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised contact to call NHTSA hotline; no financial assistance or recall offered
Rear Differential Failure (Ring and Pinion Degradation)
Ring and pinion gears in rear differential began failing at low mileage. Ford initially claimed howling noise was normal, then acknowledged failure when damage became significant.
When: Symptoms noted at 13,000 miles; confirmed failure at 31,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Howling or noise from rear differential; Ring and pinion gear degradation
Repairs/costs cited: Complete ring and pinion replacement required; work order with part numbers available
Driveshaft Connection Bolt Looseness/Failure
One or more bolts securing the driveshaft to the rear end became loose or missing, causing vibration. At least one instance involved a missing bolt and another loose bolt.
When: Symptom reported starting at 25 mph speed threshold
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration starting at 25 mph and continuing as speed increases
Repairs/costs cited: Missing bolt required replacement; loose bolt tightened
Transmission Shift Selector / Park Engagement Failure
Transmission unexpectedly jumped out of park into reverse while engine was running and driver door was open. Vehicle moved suddenly and caused property damage and collision with trailer.
When: Mileage/timing not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifted from park to reverse without driver input; Sudden unexpected vehicle movement; No warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; vehicle caused property damage (fence, trailer damage)
Synthesized from 43 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
While vacationing in virginia I was driving about 60 MPH on a busy highway when the car suddenly shifted into first gear, which very nearly caused a rear end collision by the vehicle behind me. I got the car to a Ford dealership and it was repaired under warranty. Seems like a very dangerous defect!
The transmission is shifting dangerously. All the lights on the dash are flashing and the speedometer doesn't work. We were driving at highway speed and the transmission shifted into first gear causing an abrupt slowing of the Expedition. When we stopped at a red light the vehicle would remain in third gear and therefore we couldn't accelerate from a stopped position. This was previously…
At 13,000 miles rear differential started showing signs of failure, Ford stated howl and noise was normal. At 31,000 miles Ford stated there was an issue and ring and pinion had begun to fail. Had it failed while driving the rear end would have most likely locked up. A complete work order with part numbers is available for NHTSA review.
The throttle is erratic. Sometimes acceleration from a stop is smooth and sometimes its as if the throttle is binding against something. Other times the throttle is depressed and nothing happens until the vehicle suddenly lurches forward. The last episode was pulling into a parking place and the engine suddenly went into idle. I mashed the gas more and more and it suddenly almost lurched over the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford expedition. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, a loud banging noise was heard from the front end of the vehicle as the wheels seized. The contact was able to travel at low speed in 2-wheel drive. The vehicle was later towed to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the front axle shaft was fractured and caused damage to…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated to 0 MPH. The check engine warning light and the wrench symbol was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty main control valve body in the transmission. The vehicle was repaired; however, the…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the RMPS were fluctuating, and the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to second or to third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road, and then the contact resumed driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission…
Transmission, is available for inspection upon request, trans will downshift to 1st gear causing rear wheels to lock up, speedometer to read zero mph, wrench to be displayed, and dashes across digital display on mph. called dealer and was told out of recall/warranty parameters, as well as ford corporate customer service. No inspection, only verbal verification from dealer. No advance warning…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Ford Expedition?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 43 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 63,000 and 146,500 miles, with the median around 90,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 63,000; a quarter make it past 146,500. 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/2013/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.