2017 Ford Expedition power train problems

“Our 2017 Ford Expedition, has been diagnosed with a failure involving the molded lead frame/transmission sensor assembly in its 6R80 transmission. We were advised that the failure can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift at highway speed, resulting in sudden deceleration and possible loss of control. Ford has recalled 2015–2017 F-150 vehicles equipped with the 6R80 for a substantially similar unintended-downshift condition, but Ford states that our Expedition is not included and has declined financial or repair assistance. The required component is currently backordered, leaving us without a safe vehicle or a timely repair. We request that NHTSA investigate whether 2015–2017 Expeditions equipped with the 6R80 should be included in the affected population.”

“I am reporting a severe, systemic manufacturing defect in the 3.5L EcoBoost engine timing system (cam phasers and timing chain) of my 2017 Ford Expedition that poses an immediate highway safety hazard. Approximately February 2026 Upon start up heard odd rattle type noise, a week later heard noise again thought maybe due to recent Ford Dealership changing engine belts. Searched websites discovered notable issues regarding serious known manufacturing defect, cam phasers, timing chain, water pump. Followed Ford recommendation to change oil well before normal schedule to address. At approximately 54,550 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting continuous mechanical rattling and timing instability upon startup, a condition heavily documented across Ford’s truck/SUV platform and acknowledged internally via Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 23-2143. The 3.5L EcoBoost is a high-compression interference engine. A failure or skipped tooth of the timing chain or cam phaser system while operating at high speeds causes instantaneous, catastrophic engine failure. This results in an immediate stall and a complete loss of vacuum-assisted power braking and power steering. This…”

“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle downshifted to first gear independently. The contact pulled to the right side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission lead frame connector had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure through a customer representative, who informed the contact that they were not technical inclined to answer the contact's question. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.”

“Vehicle suddenly shifts to 1st gear while travelling at 45MPH or more causing immediate jerking and slowing of vehicle, placing driver, occupants and other drivers at risk of crash. In this condition, the speedometer reads 0MPH while still travelling and other warnings on dash are: Airbag Failure, Blindspot system fault, Cross traffic system fault, and See manual. Vehicle then appears stuck in 3rd gear until pulling over, stopping the engine and restarting. All warnings clear after restarting. This has occurred many times without proper diagnosis from Ford service. Now vehicle is doing this two to three times weekly and is currently in Ford service. Now diagnosed as Lead Frame Failure. Estimated cost is $1,523.38 and Ford refuses to pay for repair due to no active recalls on this specific vehicle, however the same transmission issue is in recall on same year model F-150's with the same transmission.”

“Sudden and severe downshifts occurred at roadway and highway speeds resulting in sudden speed decrease. Also revving and loss of power occurred. Problem codes P0706 & P0707 were logged which point directly to the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS), which is integrated into the molded lead frame. This sudden and uncontrolled loss of speed caused significant danger to vehicles, ocupants, and other vehicles.”

“As is the same with the Ford F-150 recall for the transmission downshift issue my Ford Expedition has that same problem I sent an email into your website and hopefully it will be addressed because it is the exact same thing. When I accelerate to access an on-ramp at the highway or if I try to pass somebody on the highway and accelerate the transmission downshifts and almost causes me to lose control. It down shifts very abruptly and hard and sounds like it's going to yank my transmission out.”