repaired · 2017 Q4
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk…
2012 Ford ExpeditionProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 119 owner complaints about the 2012 Ford Expedition, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-248 the manufacturer reports only 69% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Ford Expedition has problems
119 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
64Power train2 crash/fire/injury
20Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
18Vehicle speed control3 crash/fire/injury
15Structure4 crash/fire/injury
13Engine2 crash/fire/injury
6Service brakes
4Fuel/propulsion system
3Suspension
3Air bags
138 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 64 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 20 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 18 | 3 |
| Structure | 15 | 4 |
| Engine | 13 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 2 |
| 8 other systems | 13 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2012 Ford Expedition recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Exterior lighting: back up lights
Risk. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES…
no report yet
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
108kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 47 power train complaints. 43% were reported before 100,000 miles.
4under 30k miles20under 100k miles27100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Expedition year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Expedition median. How we score
'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Ford Expedition safety ratings
2012 Ford Expedition EXTENDED SUV 4x4 in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 4 stars (19.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Ford Expedition, and the recalls they led to.
- Unexpected Transmission DownshiftLed to recall 19V-075
In owners' words
What Expedition owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the occupants to lunge forward. The tires squealed and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was turned off but failed to restart. No warning light was…
Over a period of time this problem is occurring more often. The vehicle will downshift into first gear. I pull over check engine light is on. I turn off wait turn back on and no problem for awhile. Within the last month this has occurred many times. Each time the check engine light comes on but…
I was driving my 2012 expedition and suddenly the vehicle went from doing 60 to 40 immediately the tires squealed and threw me into the right lane. This vehicle transmission has a recall for down shifting and power train issues. My vin number does not fit the Recall but my vehicle has all the…
Own a 2012 Expedition?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.