Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford Expedition powertrain problems
moderate 47 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
47
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 47 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Ford Expedition, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
Owners have filed 47 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.
During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Some 2015-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The powertrain issues in this cluster break down into a few dangerous patterns. First, limp mode: the vehicle abruptly loses throttle response and power, wrench light comes on, and the only fix is turning the engine off and restarting it. No stored diagnostic code shows up most of the time, so dealers refuse to repair it without Ford authorization—even when multiple service managers say they see the problem constantly. Owners cite throttle body failure, but Ford won't pay without a code.
Second, uncontrolled downshifting. The transmission drops from highway speed straight into 1st gear without warning, throwing occupants forward and locking rear wheels. This happens on interstates and city streets alike. Some dealers found transmission leadframe defects (the molded assembly that holds transmission electronics); Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 covers earlier model years but not 2017s, even though they use the same 6R80 transmission.
Third, parking-related failures: vehicles roll backward while in Park on inclines, or the shifter won't engage gears or recognize Park position. One vehicle rolled 12 feet down a steep Seattle street with children inside.
Fourth, speedometer faults that trigger erratic shifting and loss of control. Owners point out that an F-150 recall addressed this output speed sensor issue, but Expeditions were excluded.
Throughout, the common thread is intermittent failures that reset on restart, leaving dealers unable to capture diagnostic codes and unwilling to repair without Ford's green light.
Same Ford Expedition powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Limp mode / loss of power under acceleration
Vehicle abruptly enters limp mode, losing throttle response and power, often during highway driving or acceleration. Wrench warning light illuminates. Vehicle can be reset by turning engine off and restarting. Occurs at various speeds and sometimes without stored diagnostic codes.
When: Various mileages: 53k, 67k, reported from early ownership through higher mileage. Intermittent, triggered by acceleration, hill climbing, or sustained highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Immediate loss of throttle response; Vehicle slows to crawl regardless of engine speed; Wrench (powertrain) warning light; Rough engine running or pop sound sometimes preceding failure; RPMs unresponsive to pedal input; Vehicle shaking or vibration; Limited forward power
Codes mentioned: P2112 (throttle control system stuck closed), No code stored (intermittent cases), Check engine light sometimes absent
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement reported as fix; some dealers replaced purge valve, which provided temporary relief; cost cited as $600–$790 for throttle body; some cases remained unfixed because dealers could not obtain payment without stored code
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; some owners referenced related recalls for F-150 trucks (e.g., transmission issues) but stated their Expedition was not included; Ford refused to repair some vehicles without diagnostic codes
Sudden harsh downshift to 1st gear
Transmission abruptly downshifts to 1st gear without driver input, occurring at highway or city speeds. Causes sudden severe deceleration, rear wheel lock-up or tire screech, and potential loss of control. May be preceded by output speed sensor or molded leadframe issues. Warning lights may or may not illuminate before failure.
When: Ranging from 80k to 200k+ miles; some cases at lower mileage; intermittent, occurring multiple times over ownership period (one owner reported 20+ incidents)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended downshift to 1st gear; Severe abrupt deceleration; Rear wheel lock-up or tire screech; RPM spike (5,000–8,000 rpm); Jerking motion throwing occupants forward; Wrench or transmission warning lights (inconsistent); Speedometer erratic or dropped to zero; Transmission lag or loss of proper gear engagement
Codes mentioned: P0720 (output speed sensor), P0706, P0707 (transmission range sensor), P0735 (gear ratio error), P1702, DTCs related to molded leadframe, No code stored (intermittent cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis cited molded leadframe assembly failure requiring replacement; some transmissions were replaced; output speed sensor replacement mentioned; repairs vary; some dealers deferred without stored code
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 (Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage) exists but reportedly limited to 2013 and earlier model years or certain VINs; 2017 Expeditions stated as not covered despite using same 6R80 transmission and leadframe as covered F-150s; Ford Engineering Analysis EA26001 references the leadframe issue; some owners noted refusals based on 'system limitations' for Canadian-market vehicles; no recall as of complaint dates
Vehicle rolling in park
Vehicle rolls forward or backward while parked and in Park gear, despite parking brake and transmission in Park position. Occurs on inclined driveways. Typically discovered when vehicle unattended or during parking/exiting.
When: Early ownership (1,049 miles reported) through later years; parking on steep inclines; occurs after placing vehicle in Park and shutting off engine
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls downhill or forward while in Park; Parking brake appears engaged but ineffective; Transmission shifter may hang between Reverse and Park; Vehicle starts normally when restarted; No warning lights or codes associated with rolling
Repairs/costs cited: No repair actions documented in narratives; two dealership inspections found nothing wrong; one owner reported possible shifter inconsistency
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers inspected vehicle (Ford of Kirkland, WA; Bolton Ford, LA) and reported finding nothing wrong; no recall or service bulletin mentioned
Transmission shifter / park engagement failure
Transmission shifter fails to reliably engage Park or recognize Park position. Vehicle may not shift into gears or shifter becomes stuck between Reverse and Park. Alarm system may indicate doors cannot be locked when Park is not properly recognized.
When: Early ownership (28,500 miles, 40,000 miles) through higher mileage (170,000+ miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter fails to recognize Park position; Shifter hangs between Reverse and Park; Vehicle will not engage into gear; Doors unable to be locked (alarm system alert); Vehicle may roll or fail to remain stationary; Multiple ignition cycles required to correct
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission shifter assembly replacement performed at dealer; parasitic battery drain also diagnosed in one case due to failed gear shifter
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer replaced shifter assembly; manufacturer advised contact to file NHTSA complaint; no recall mentioned
Speedometer malfunction and erratic shifting
Speedometer bounces, goes to zero, or becomes inoperative while vehicle is moving, causing erratic or harsh downshifting. Output Speed Sensor issue cited; may be related to molded leadframe defect affecting transmission electronics.
When: Various mileages; intermittent, recurring over days or weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer bounces or reads erratically; Speedometer drops to zero while moving; Erratic or harsh shifting; Vehicle unable to go into gear temporarily; Blind Spot System Fault message; Transmission warning lights; Air bag light may illuminate; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: P0720 (output speed sensor), Leadframe-related codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owner noted F-150 with same transmission and same code was recalled; Expedition with same 6R80 transmission not covered under recall (which only went to 2013 model years)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford stated 2017 Expedition not covered under 2014 F-150 recall (24S37) for output speed sensor despite same transmission; no alternative remedy offered
Throttle body stuck / electronic throttle control failure
Electronic throttle body becomes stuck closed or fails to respond to accelerator input. Vehicle enters limp mode and loses power. Wrench warning light illuminates. Issue resets after engine shutdown and restart but recurs intermittently.
When: Various mileages from 53k to 65k+; intermittent, recurring over months or years
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of throttle response; Vehicle enters limp mode and slows to crawl; Wrench light illuminates; Accelerator pedal unresponsive; Rough engine running; Vehicle vibration during acceleration
Codes mentioned: P2112 (throttle control system stuck closed), No code stored (many cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement performed by some dealers; cost $600–$790 reported; some dealers refused repair because no stored code prevented insurance approval from Ford
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple dealers cited Ford policy: will not pay for throttle body repair without stored diagnostic code; no recall; one owner noted NC Consumers Council successfully petitioned NHTSA for this issue on other Fords but Expedition not included in that recall
Loss of engine power / fuel system failure
Engine loses power suddenly, vehicle feels as though no fuel reaches engine or fuel pump/module fails. Often occurs during highway driving or climbing inclines. Wrench light illuminates. Vehicle can sometimes be reset by restarting; sometimes requires towing.
When: Various mileages; high-speed highway driving; hill climbing; incline situations; elevation changes
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power / acceleration; Vehicle feels fuel-starved; Wrench light illuminates; Loss of power steering assistance sometimes reported; Rough running before loss of power; Pop sound sometimes preceding failure
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (inconsistent)
Repairs/costs cited: One case dealership diagnosed fuel pump and/or fuel pump module problem but did not complete diagnosis or repair; owner suspected contaminated fuel from small gas station; fuel cleaner additive used in subsequent fill-ups
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No repair offered; check engine light turned off on restart without repair work completed
Transmission cooler line failure
Transmission cooler line broke in half at low mileage, causing all transmission fluid to pump out immediately and vehicle to lose power on busy highway. Dealership deemed it a defective part but refused warranty coverage.
When: 34,000 miles; only garage-kept, gently driven
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission cooler line broke in half; Complete transmission fluid loss; Vehicle stopped moving on roadway; No warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership agreed entire line was defective but refused to cover under powertrain warranty; owner responsible for transmission replacement cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refused to cover under powertrain warranty; stated transmission replacement required at owner expense
Rear differential bearing failure
Bearings in rear differential failed, causing noise and potential drivability issues. Owner drove vehicle this way for several months before repair.
When: 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Bearing noise in rear differential
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential rebuilt; repaired under aftermarket extended warranty by Stearns Ford; has been fine since rebuild
Parasitic battery drain from failed shifter
Vehicle failed to start due to parasitic battery drain caused by a failed transmission shifter assembly. Occurred even after battery replacement.
When: 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Corroded battery cable terminals; Parasitic battery drain
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission shifter assembly replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided no assistance
Traction control and hill descent braking malfunction
Traction control warning light and hill descent braking light illuminate while driving uphill, causing vehicle to shake and speed to drop. Codes disappear after engine restart. Issue recurring on same road.
When: Recurring since early September on one road; uphill driving only
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control warning light; Hill descent braking light; Vehicle shaking; Speed drop
No-start with electrical power but no ignition
From time to time, all electrical power comes on at startup but engine does not start. Problem resolves by removing key, waiting, and retrying.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: All electrical power illuminates but no engine start; Resolved by removing key and retrying
Cold-start cam phaser rattle (TSB 23-2143)
Manufacturing defect cited in Technical Service Bulletin 23-2143 involving cold-start cam phaser rattle. Impacts reliability and safety, causing loss of power and premature wear.
When: Cold starts
Symptoms owners cite: Cam phaser rattle at cold start; Loss of power; Premature wear; Noise
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23-2143 issued
Synthesized from 47 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
We were driving on the highway and suddenly lost all power. Vehicle downshifted so hard I thought someone had hit us. Then it was back to normal, driving fine. But now we had no speedometer and the check engine and wrench light were on. My wife said she had felt something like that before but it was minor and at a lower speed. It had never resulted in a check engine light or loss of speedometer.…
I can be driving up a hill the traction control warning light and hill decent braking light come on causing the vehicle speed to drop the vehicle shakes acting like it is trying to stop. Once you stop and turn the vehicle off the error codes go away . This problem has been occurring since early September it currently only occurs going up hill on one road
Was traveling 75 mph on a busy highway and lost power, the message center lit up yellow with a wrench in the middle, vehicle went to idle/coast, had no power to move thru lanes as cars were buzzing by me. very scary somehow got to the side of road safely but close calls many times. had it taken to Ford dealer - pulled the code P2112 THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM STUCK CLOSED/THROTTLE ACTUATOR…
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the instrument panel went blank, and the powertrain malfunction and air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled; however, the contact was able to pull over and waited until the vehicle cooled down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. On another occasion, while…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Ford Expedition?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 47 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 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 38,000 and 111,099 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 111,099. 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/2017/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.