Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Ford Expedition powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Ford Expedition have filed 33 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 131,000 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
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Expedition | 10 |
| 2011 Expedition | 21 |
| 2012 Expedition | 64 |
| 2013 Expedition | 43 |
| 2014 Expedition (this page) | 33 |
| 2015 Expedition | 28 |
| 2016 Expedition | 34 |
| 2017 Expedition | 50 |
| 2018 Expedition | 137 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 33 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Ford Expedition, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ 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 46% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 33 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.
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 ↗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 ↗FORD: AFTER POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IS ON WITH SEVERAL DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P06B8, P068A, P2610, IF KEY NOT LEFT FOR 30 SECONDS IN OFF POSITION FOLLOWING PROGRAMMING ON SOME MODEL 2009-15 VEHICLES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Expedition powertrain problems center almost entirely on the 6R80 transmission's molded lead frame assembly. Owners describe sudden downshifts from highway speed into 1st gear, with rear wheels locking up and vehicles skidding across lanes. One owner was at 65 mph on a freeway when it happened; another at 70 mph with four children aboard. Engine RPMs spike to redline during these events, and power steering and braking feel unpredictable until the vehicle either regains normal operation or comes to a stop.
Instrument clusters malfunction in parallel: speedometer reads zero while the vehicle moves, fuel gauge shows empty on a half tank, and a service wrench light appears. These glitches often clear after a restart but return intermittently.
A handful of owners report throttle actuator failure causing near-instantaneous deceleration from 80 mph to a crawl, and shifter problems where the transmission doesn't recognize park, trapping the ignition key or allowing the parked vehicle to roll.
The lead frame part number (AL3Z7G276D) was recalled for 2011–2013 model years and some 2013 F-150s, but Ford explicitly excludes 2014 Expeditions despite housing the identical part. Repair costs run $1,500–$3,000, with parts backordered for months. Dealers and Ford refer owners to NHTSA; the manufacturer claims no responsibility and no recall applies.
Same Ford Expedition powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Unexpected transmission downshift to 1st gear at highway speed
Transmission suddenly downshifts to 1st gear while driving 40–70 mph, causing rear wheels to lock up, skidding, loss of control, and risk of collision. Engine revs spike to redline. Multiple owners report this happening without warning while on freeways or highways.
When: Typically 140,000–212,000 miles; some as early as 66,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden downshift into 1st gear while traveling at highway speed; Rear wheels lock up; vehicle skids; Engine RPMs spike to redline; Loss of vehicle control; Tires smoking
Codes mentioned: P0720 (Output Speed Sensor fault), P1500 (Rear Output Speed Sensor failure), P2070
Repairs/costs cited: Molded lead frame/valve body assembly in 6R80 transmission requires replacement. Owners report $1,500–$3,000+ in repair costs. Some dealers have replaced TCM (transmission control module). Part availability has been severely delayed—owners cite months-long waits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recalls for 6R80 lead frame defect in 2011–2013 model years and later expanded to include some 2013 F-150 models, but 2014 Expeditions are explicitly excluded from recall coverage despite having the identical part and failure mode. Ford has stated no responsibility in some cases and refers owners to NHTSA.
Intermittent instrument cluster and powertrain control loss with wrench light
While driving, speedometer drops to zero, fuel gauge shows empty or low despite half tank, tachometer may be sole functioning gauge, and a service wrench icon appears. Vehicle loses power momentarily. Dashboard may go completely dark except for RPMs. Issues typically self-correct after restart but recur intermittently.
When: Ranges from 70,000 to 149,000 miles; some cases at lower mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer reads zero while vehicle is moving; Fuel gauge shows empty or low incorrectly; Dashboard warning lights illuminate (service wrench, check engine); Temporary loss of instrument cluster function (all gauges go dark except RPM); Tire pressure warning may also appear; Power loss or reduced power
Codes mentioned: P0720, Lead frame connector fault (diagnosed with decoder plug during test drive)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have diagnosed molded lead frame or powertrain control module (PCM) issues. Some owners spent $3,000+ on misdiagnosed repairs (fuel pump, throttle body, timing chain). Typical repair involves lead frame replacement or TCM reprogramming. One owner cited $150 dealer diagnostic fee and continued need for battery trickle charger.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall limited to 2011–2013 model years. Ford told some owners 'nothing they have seen on the Ford Expedition but symptoms are similar to an issue on F-150.' No TSB or recall applies to 2014 Expedition. Manufacturer referred owners to NHTSA Hotline.
Gear shifter malfunction and key interlock failure
Shifter becomes mushy or fails to register park position to the transmission, preventing key removal from ignition even when engine is off and shifter is in park. Vehicle may roll or fail to remain in park. One case involved shifter stuck in park, unable to move vehicle.
When: 75,500 miles; 66,000 miles (early failure); one case mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Key cannot be removed from ignition when vehicle is off and in park; Shifter feels mushy or sluggish; Transmission does not recognize park position; Vehicle rolls when parked in park with key removed; Shifter stuck in park, vehicle will not move
Repairs/costs cited: Shift assembly replacement required (Ford part number BL1Z-7210-CA). Repair cost approximately $945. One case involved complete shift assembly replacement at Christian Brothers.
Throttle body/actuator magnetic failure causing sudden deceleration
While driving at highway speed (80 mph), throttle body or throttle position actuator fails magnetically, causing sudden loss of engine power and rapid deceleration (0 to 80 mph in approximately 0.02 seconds). Vehicle comes to near-complete stop in traffic lane with loss of all power. One mechanic noted this failure is 'very common' but no recall exists.
When: One case reported; mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of engine power while at highway speed; Vehicle decelerates from 80 mph to near-zero rapidly; Green wrench warning light illuminates; Complete loss of power to vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Entire throttle body/actuator unit requires replacement. Mechanic shop described the failure as 'very common' but confirmed no recall. Owner stated repair was performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite mechanic noting this is a common failure mode.
Transmission stuck in lower gear after downshift
Transmission downshifts unexpectedly and remains stuck in a lower gear (often 2nd or 3rd), unable to upshift. Vehicle exhibits high RPMs and sluggish acceleration. Issue may persist for several minutes or require restart to resolve.
When: Various mileages reported
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission downshifts and becomes stuck in lower gear; High RPMs while stuck in lower gear; Sluggish acceleration; Difficulty exceeding certain speed (e.g., 20–40 mph); Transmission fails to shift up after restart
Codes mentioned: P0722
Repairs/costs cited: Molded lead frame/valve body assembly or TCM replacement. One case involved TCM flush and computer system reprogramming.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall does not cover 2014 Expedition models.
Vehicle rolling or shifting out of park when parked unattended
Vehicle parked in park with keys removed and doors locked suddenly rolls or drifts away on its own. One vehicle rolled into a parked implement; another failed to remain in park as designed.
When: One case 6 minutes after parking
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls while in park with key removed and doors locked; Vehicle rolls into adjacent objects; No warning or apparent cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford counsel advised 'no responsibility in the event.' Ford did not investigate the Ring camera video evidence provided by owner.
Persistent battery drain
Vehicle exhibits a sporadic 1.5 amp battery drain that intermittently kills the battery. Drain is intermittent and difficult to diagnose. Owner installed an electronic battery shutoff with key fob to prevent discharge but this prevents code storage.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Sporadic battery drain (1.5 amp draw); Battery dies intermittently; Unable to locate source of drain after multiple diagnostic attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership spent $500 without resolving issue. Owner installed aftermarket battery disconnect switch ($cost not stated) and now uses automatic trickle charger ($150 for setup); owner pays $150 per diagnostic attempt to read codes.
Transmission control module and engine failure from locked-up transmission
After transmission seizes or locks during downshift at highway speed, engine sustains damage. Fractured rocker arms occur, with needle bearings intruding into engine, requiring full engine replacement. Occurs after unresolved transmission lead frame issues.
When: 212,000 miles (engine failure secondary to transmission lockup)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission seizure at highway speed; Downshift to 1st gear; Loss of speed control; Inability to exceed 40 mph after incident; Fractured rocker arms in engine (secondary failure); Needle bearings intruding into engine
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. Vehicle not repaired; estimated cost not provided but engine replacement typically $4,000–$8,000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no assistance.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The key to start/stop the vehicle engine could not be removed from the ignition steering column due to a problem with the gear shifter. The gear shifter (on the floor, not the column) thought the car was not in park even though the engine was off and IN park. The auto is available for inspection and I took it to Christian Brothers and they are replacing the shift assembly, FORD part number…
P0722 code stored in power train control module. Intermittent output shaft speed sensor failure.
Transmission will suddenly shift gear while driving. On one occasion it downshifted to 1st gear as I was travelling down the highway at 70 mph with my family in the vehicle. Tires locked up and vehicle slid but I was able to regain control and did not hit anything. In addition, in multiple occasions the Instrument Panel shuts off all the gauges for the exception of the RPM's and shows a wrench…
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the transmission downshifted to first gear unexpectedly, causing the rear tires to lock-up. The vehicle drove off the road into a ditch. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not sustained any injury and was able to drive to the nearby residence. The contact is an independent mechanic. The…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Ford Expedition?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 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 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 105,660 and 148,000 miles, with the median around 131,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 105,660; a quarter make it past 148,000. 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/2014/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.