This bulletin supersedes 26-2241. Reason For Update: update the parts list to correct the claim quantity of the part number JB3Z-4B496-B from 3 to 6. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh 3-4, 4-5 upshifts * Harsh 5-3, 4-3 downshifts * Harsh reverse engagements These symptoms may be worse when cold. This may be due to the F clutch friction plates brinelling into the clutch and planetary container cylinder (7B177).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Ford Expedition powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2022 Ford Expedition have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Expedition | 137 |
| 2019 Expedition | 196 |
| 2020 Expedition | 239 |
| 2021 Expedition | 98 |
| 2022 Expedition (this page) | 14 |
| 2023 Expedition | 9 |
| 2024 Expedition | 5 |
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.
This bulletin supersedes 25-2587. Reason For Update: update the Parts list to add the F-clutch friction plates HL3Z-7B164-D and the F-clutch steel plates PR3Z-7B164-A for the proper vehicle lines, replace the transfer case mounting bolt part number from W714288-S438 to W714288-S437, update the part number W720688-S439 quantity from 2 to 1, update the part number ML3Z-7869-C claim quantity from 2 to 1 (only if necessary), update the description of CXT-10-LV6 and XT-10-QLVC by adding "transfer case fluid, 4WD only", move HL3Z-7A191-B and L1MZ-7F396-A fluid pan gaskets to the parts to inspect and replace list, and remove TL1Z-6775-A self adhesive heat shield from the F-150/Expedition/Navigator
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin supersedes 26-2046. Reason For Update: update the parts list to change the claim quantity of the C clutch friction plates (HL3Z-7B164-A), C clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-F), D clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-D), add the rear driveshaft flange CV joint-to-pinion flange cup bolts and retaining straps (LK4Z-4B496-B) for Transit, and update the parts description for the transfer case fluids applicable for each vehicle line. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For 20212026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. When referred to a specific clutch (A-F) test by a pinpoint test in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing, the Clutch Assembly tests have been updated with a hyperlink to the new Transmission Line Pressure Test - Pressure Vacuum Transducer (PVT) Is Available procedure in WSM, Section 307-01 > General Procedures. This procedure provides instructions to perform the FDRS Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test when applica
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh 3-4, 4-5 upshifts * Harsh 5-3, 4-3 downshifts * Harsh reverse engagements These symptoms may be worse when cold. This may be due to the F clutch friction plates brinelling into the clutch and planetary container cylinder (7B177).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report widespread transmission shifting problems in the 2022 Ford Expedition. The most common complaint is harsh, violent, or erratic downshifts under normal driving conditions—not tied to towing, extreme weather, or aggressive driving. Several owners describe cold-start shifting issues: the transmission hesitates or loses power during initial acceleration, sometimes skipping gears or locking into neutral before slamming into gear. One owner reports the transmission shifting into neutral at highway speed; another describes unintended acceleration after engaging drive.
Shift quality deteriorates when the engine is cold, with issues resolving after the drivetrain warms up over several miles. Owners note that shifting feels unpredictably unsafe during merging or stopping. Some experience no forward motion on initial takeoff, with the vehicle behaving as if in neutral.
A pattern emerges around the 10R80 transmission's CDF clutch, referenced in TSB 23-2250. One owner's dealer found the transmission two quarts low on fluid despite recent service. Two separate dealers performed transmission fluid and torque converter replacements on different vehicles without resolving the problem. Diagnostic computers show no fault codes even when mechanics acknowledge the issue. Most vehicles remain under warranty, yet Ford dealers have been unable to replicate concerns consistently or provide lasting repairs. One owner reports a grinding sound during shifting with front differential and transmission issues at 123,000 miles.
Same Ford Expedition powertrain reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Harsh, erratic downshifting
Transmission downshifts violently and unpredictably under normal driving. Owners describe shifts that feel like hitting a pothole with a missing manhole cover. No correlation to towing, hard braking, or extreme climate.
When: Various speeds and normal operating conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Violent, harsh downshifts; Erratic shifting behavior; Loss of control sensation; Unpredictable acceleration or deceleration response
Repairs/costs cited: Two dealers performed transmission fluid change and torque converter replacement on separate vehicles without resolving the issue. No diagnostic trouble codes present despite problem occurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23-2250 addresses CDF clutch defect in 10R80 transmission. Vehicles remain under Ford warranty; dealers unable to provide lasting repair.
Cold-start shifting malfunction
Transmission hesitates, skips gears, or enters neutral during initial startup and early driving when engine is cold. Vehicle behavior normalizes after 3–5 miles of warm-up driving.
When: Cold start and first 3–5 miles of operation
Symptoms owners cite: No gear engagement despite shift indication; Engine revving without acceleration; Harsh drop into gear; Skipping gears or jumping between non-sequential gears; Vehicle stalling or stopping as if in neutral; Erratic reverse engagement
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's transmission was found two quarts low on fluid despite service two months prior. Transmission software update attempted on one vehicle without full resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23-2250 identifies CDF clutch components as source. Ford dealers unable to replicate issue consistently despite multiple visits.
Transmission neutral drop at highway speed
Transmission shifts into neutral while vehicle is traveling at highway speed, eliminating power delivery.
When: Highway speed driving
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended shift to neutral; Loss of power delivery
Unintended acceleration after gear engagement
Vehicle surges forward unexpectedly after transmission is engaged in forward motion, independent of throttle input.
When: Immediately after engaging drive from park or reverse
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden forward surge; Uncontrolled acceleration; No warning lights
Transmission and drivetrain grinding noise with shifting
Grinding or sputtering sound occurs during gear changes. One owner reports front differential failure requiring rebuild; grinding persisted after repair.
When: At various speeds while shifting; one failure at approximately 123,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding sound during shifting; Sputtering noise; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Front differential rebuilt; grinding and sputtering failure continued. Dealer diagnosed transmission failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline.
Clunking noise with acceleration delay
Sharp clunking sound heard when shifting from reverse to drive or at stops, accompanied by delayed acceleration lasting several seconds. Another owner reports abnormal clunking from the front after transmission software update.
When: After reverse-to-drive shift; at stops; one occurrence at approximately 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking sound from transmission or front of vehicle; Delayed acceleration response; Vehicle hesitation
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle received transmission software update, but clunking from front persisted. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no remedy provided.
Transmission cooler line failure
Hose from radiator to transmission failed, causing an abnormally loud noise at low speed. Vehicle became non-drivable and required towing.
When: At approximately 6,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud sound from vehicle; No warning light illumination; Vehicle unable to operate
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator-to-transmission hose replacement required. Vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed of failure; no repair completed.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the infotainment screen went blank without warning. Occasionally the vehicle would inadvertently shut off once the screen went blank. The contact stated that the adaptive driving system feature would independently active, causing the vehicle to jerk out of the driving lane, and the contact would…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 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 2022 Ford Expedition?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 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?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 53,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2022/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.