Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Ford Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the passenger's side catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Bozard Ford Lincoln (540 Outlet Mall Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084), where the passenger's side catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure recurred 8 months later. The vehicle was taken back to the second dealer, where the driver's and passenger's side catalytic converters were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered monetary compensation; however, the contact stated that the monetary compensation was not adequate to correct the persistent failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with the Check Engine warning light illuminated. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 62,500.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, the vehicle regained motive power independently. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to a fuel system recall that had not included the model year of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Vehicle caught fire on February 29, 2024, with family members inside the vehicle. The fire appeared to start under the hood on the right passenger side, which would directly correlate with the current open recall. The family had just made a trip back from a basketball game and was dropping off a passenger when smoke was noticed. Upon further inspection, there was an active fire under the hood, which soon erupted into a burst of flames, causing the vehicle to be declared a total loss. Emergency responders had to be called to the scene to alleviate the fire. The fire report depicts a vehicle malfunction as the cause of the ignition. Ford has made no efforts to contact the consumer regarding the fire and subsequent damage.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact state while driving 55 MPH, there were abnormal sounds coming from the engine and the transmission. The temperature gauge warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Chevrolet dealer twice to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. After the second repair the contact noticed that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealer and the transmission was replaced another time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 89,035.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle started to shake abnormally, and lost motive power. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact immediately attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine overheated. The message "Drive Mode Inoperable" was displayed. The contact pulled over for 20 minutes, and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed that parts were on back order for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V346000 (Engine). The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was due to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 99,130.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway, and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure had since become a persistent failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started jerking with an abnormal odor coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was notified by a telephone App of an issue with the catalytic convertor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a catalytic convertor failure. The vehicle was not repaired, due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the soy-based electrical wires had been damaged by rodents. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would cover the cost of the repair. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 3,100.
Related recalls
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed.
Engine complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2021 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2021 Ford Expedition, 25% of the model year's 238 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Ford Expedition engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 22V-346 (engine, May 17, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford Expedition engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.