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 ↗2023 Ford Expedition powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Ford Expedition have filed 9 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 →
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Expedition | 196 |
| 2020 Expedition | 239 |
| 2021 Expedition | 98 |
| 2022 Expedition | 14 |
| 2023 Expedition (this page) | 9 |
| 2024 Expedition | 5 |
When does it fail?
Of the 9 powertrain complaints filed for the 2023 Ford Expedition, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
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.
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 ↗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 ↗For 2021-2026 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. The Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated under Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing to include this procedure. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Service engine light illuminated indicating different occurrences. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership for repair since it's under factory warranty. The service representative, after taking control of the vehicle, he wrote the following in the repair work order: "When Brandon went to park the vehicle, vehicle did not want to go, barely pressed the throttle pedal and it took off like it…
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that there was an abnormal metal-to-metal sound coming from the front end of the vehicle while driving at slow speeds and downshifting. The contact stated there was something loose in the driver's side front wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer four times, who was unable to determine…
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a hard shift from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that previously, in April 2024, the vehicle experienced the…
See attached document for complaint.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2023 Ford Expedition?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 9 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 9 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 79,409 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.