Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Ford Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving regularly down the road when I noticed the smell of electrical fire. Smoke started coming from the undercarriage of the truck. I pulled into a gas station, and the engine died, and I got out to look at what's causing the smoke. I observed what looked to be engine or transmission oil on fire dripping from the undercarriage, so I moved a safe distance from the vehicle, and within about 30 seconds, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department came, and extinguished the fire. The vehicle is 100% casualty, along with everything inside of it.
I just purchased (2 months ago) a 2012 Ford Expedition EL 5.4l v8 from a private party. I wish I would have done more research as I am ALREADY EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION ISSUES THAT I BELIEVE ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE VEHICLES LEAD FRAME RECALL. IT THREW A P0742 CODE ON ME Torque Converter Clutch Circuit stuck on and decided that it would only drive in limp mode unless I cleared the code, pulled over, cycles the key, and restarted the vehicle. Even as dangerous as this UNEXPECTED SHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS, IT IS EQUALLY AS DANGEROUS TO BE GETTING OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE IN MOVING TRAFFIC DUE TO FORD'S TERRIBLE DESIGN ON THIS VEHICLES POWER TRAIN/TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. I HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL Ford DEALER AND AL CERTAIN I'LL GET THE RUNAROUND/BLAME GAME FOR THIS ONE. …
Campaign 19N01 Description Transmission molded leadframe extended coverage Next Steps Contact your dealer for next steps. Did this and was told that the vehicle was not covered due to it being after 10 years and barely over 150,000 miles. I am experiencing transmission issues where the torque converter clutch is now stuck on and the lead frame is more than likely the cause. Thanks FORD, NEVER AGAIN.
My vehicle suddenly shifted downward, my gas pedal had no effect, my speedometer stopped working and my fuel and tire sensor lights came on. This happened multiple times on my drive this morning and would have caused an accident if I was being tailgated.
Identical to numerous other registered complaints (June 4, 2018 NHTSA id number: 11099593, September 26, 2018 NHTSA id number: 11131784, June 14, 2018 NHTSA id number: 11101913, April 9, 2018 NHTSA id number: 11084000, August 8, 2016 NHTSA id number: 10894005): sudden deceleration with gauges flashing - wrench light on, miles to zero with no numbers, speedometer fails. At the same time, the car begins bucking with sudden acceleration and deceleration, but ultimately the vehicle is losing power and acceleration is limited or useless. Several times I could reset the engine problem by turning the vehicle off and restarting. The last two times it occured when accelerating from a stop and the vehicle refused to shift from 1st gear. I attempted to restart it after pulling off the road but it did not fix it this time. (and on these occasions the dash lights did not change right away/first). …
Vehicle downshifts while driving at different speeds. Panel reads, flat tires, no fuel, no gauges will work. I was pulling out of a gas station on a major hwy, I gave the vehicle gas to enter the lane, as I was approaching a higher speed , my vehicle downshifted and the vehicle behind me had to slam on their breaks to avoid hitting me in the back. Another time at a high rate of speed on an interstate , as I was switching lanes, my vehicle downshifts almost causing another wreck. If it had not been for car seats, my grandchildren would have hit the floor. If it had not been for the other drivers quick actions, people could have been injured or even worse dead. After a few more incidents, I find out a recall for this problem was made, but not on my vehicle . Same year, same model, same factory, just not my VIN! Recall 16s19- NHTSA id# 16V248000 . …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. While driving, the low fuel indicator illuminated, all the lighting on the instrument panel flickered, and the vehicle decelerated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and powered off the engine. When the vehicle was restarted, the instrument panel was reset and the vehicle was able to drive normally. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to all star Ford (located at 2586 range park dr, denham springs, la 70726, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the lead frame speed sensor of the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Customer complained of the vehicle stalling. Testing found an electrical issue with the fuel supply and delivery system. Removal and inspection of the fuel pump found the internal power wire to the pump rubbed through on the pressure regulator ground spade causing a short circuit inside the fuel tank - this short circuit blows fuse 44 in the underhood fuse box, causes the vehicle to stall without warning, melted the safety ground wire between the fuel pump and pressure regulator, and has a high chance of causing a fire inside the gas tank. This was on the factory oe motorcraft fuel pump assembly.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. While driving approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted. The check engine, fuel, and tire sensor warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the speedometer failed. The vehicle was taken to rivertown Ford (1680 whittlesey rd, columbus, ga 31904) where it was diagnosed that the LED frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case to be sent to the dealer. The failure mileage was 143,115. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shut off and the speedometer gauge went to zero. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be coasted to the side of the road and would restart occasionally. The contact called monaco & sons motor sales, inc (767 new london turnpike, glastonbury, ct 06033, [phone]) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall and advised the contact to call NHTSA. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Electrical complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Ford Expedition, 17% of the model year's 118 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford Expedition electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2012 Ford Expedition, though it has 3 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 2012 Ford Expedition electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.