Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Ford Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In the days prior I would sometimes have to manipulate the gear shift (automatic) in order to start the car. The car was in park on the flat part of my driveway when I stepped into the garage for less than 10 seconds. The car rolled away doing several thousands of dollars in damage to my vehicle and taking out the neighbor's tree and landscaping. The gentleman that helped me can attest that when he went to back the car up - the car was in park and he had to physically put it in reverse to move it.
2000 Expedition windshield was replaced in November leak caused vehicle to do crazy things like try to start when I turned the headlights on with key out of ignition and had a burning smell. This morning vehicle wouldn't start after rain. After jump starting vehicle overdrive light on gearshifter handle was blinking and vehicle wouldn't go into gear feels like you're driving with brakes on. No problems moving in reverse. Problem started out of nowhere, also lights flicker when tried to jumpstart. Connected cables wouldn't start lights went dead repositioned cables lights came on after doing this for over an hour car finally started with the above noted problems.
(1) air bag light stays on after vehicle started. (2) dealer stated air bag would not deploy in accident unless sensor replaced. (3) sensor has been replaced once and wiring harness has been replaced once. (1) instrument cluster odometer flickered then failed. (3) instrument cluster replaced. (1) engine knock (2) 5.4 engine failed at 32,000 miles. (3) engine replaced under warranty. (1) transmission slipping at 55,000 miles. (2) transmission slipping. (3) transmission replaced. (1) transmission began slipping again at 76,000 miles. (2) high RPM before shifting into next gear. (3) body assembly replaced under extended warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Expedition. The contact was shifting the vehicle into reverse when a screw detached from the steering column and the vehicle would not move in reverse. The vehicle was then shifted into park but continued to move forward. The driver engaged the parking brake and shut the vehicle off. He then attempted to restart the vehicle but the vehicle would not respond. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 215,000.
When making a right turn onto a high-traffic, four-lane surface street, both rear lower control arms failed under acceleration. This failure caused the rear axle to twist, the rear differential to shift position, and for the drive shaft u-joints to bind. The result was an effective loss of power and an in inability to accelerate to match traffic flow. Several vehicles had to brake hard or swerve into the adjacent lane to avoid the obstruction my vehicle created.
On a dry-flat road, the SUV was stopped - put in reverse - the SUV automatically accelerated to 50 miles per hour - the brakes would not stop the SUV - an ey-witness said the the SUV was "bucking" - possibly from the brakes catching but not stoping the SUV. The svu hit a tree and flew into the woods -- only then did it stop. Ford corp. Has not responded to any inquires - this needs attention - the next time - someone could be seriously hurt!
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park, the vehicle started to roll away in reverse. The contact was able to jump back into the vehicle and apply the emergency brake. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer or local mechanic for a diagnostic test. The contact stated it was difficult to shift the vehicle into park. The failure mileage was 162,835.
Total transmission failure on 2000 Ford Expedition with 35,070 miles on it. The car clunked and had metal on metal sound before coming to a stop. Car undrivable at that point. Towed to Ford dealer and diagnosed with total transmission failure. Cost to replace transmission $2,600 - out of warranty based on age of car!! Very unhappy with Ford motor company!!
Vehicle experienced shift cable failure. When this occurred the shift lever became difficult to shift, also, driver was unable to indicate what gear the vehicle was in. The cable was removed and replaced. There was recall on 97 v 171 000 on this issue, but this vehicle was not included.
Concern: engine running rough with hesitation between shifts (automatic) and the amber service engine soon light is on. Correction by dealer: test eec, r&I upper intake, clean EGR passages, replace pfe sensor and number three coil, replace spark plugs
Transmission complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Ford Expedition, 5% of the model year's 890 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Expedition transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 Ford Expedition, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Ford Expedition transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.