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2012 FORD EXPEDITION Complaints and Recall Information

The 2012 FORD EXPEDITION has 15 complaints and 4 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report transmission problems including unexpected downshifting, slipping out of gear, and torque converter clutch issues. Additional complaints include ABS control system errors and malfunctioning rearview camera displays.

Common Issues

  • Transmission slipping. Owners report the transmission slipping out of gear suddenly, sometimes at highway speeds, causing unintended slowing and loss of power delivery.
  • Torque converter clutch failure. The engine control system detects a P0742 code, indicating the torque converter clutch is stuck on, resulting in limp mode operation and jerking between gears.
  • Unexpected downshifting. The vehicle can downshift suddenly to first gear while moving at high speeds, causing rapid deceleration and loss of control.
  • Transmission lead frame defect. Complaints link transmission failures and erratic shifting to a faulty transmission molded lead frame, which some owners report is outside warranty coverage despite recall extensions.
  • ABS control system errors. Error codes such as B1342-EC indicate defects in the antilock brake system electronic control unit, potentially affecting braking performance.
  • Rearview camera malfunction. The rear over prevention system screen image may appear upside down, distorted, static, or completely black intermittently.
  • Belt tensioner pulley failure. Owners describe the belt tensioner pulley falling off, causing vehicle drivability issues and requiring repair.
  • Brake issues. Some owners report problems with the braking system, although detailed symptoms are not provided in complaints.

There are four recalls affecting the 2012 FORD EXPEDITION related mostly to transmission and safety systems. These recalls involve the transmission range sensor calibration, seat head restraints, backup lighting, and the risk of unintended downshifting due to software defects.

Recalls

  • Rear seat head restraints. (NHTSA 12V034000, 569 vehicles) Welds on the second row right-hand seat head restraint support bracket may fail, reducing crash protection and increasing injury risk. Ford will replace the head restraints free of charge.
  • Transmission range sensor. (NHTSA 12V190000, 10,500 vehicles) The sensor is calibrated out of specification for reverse gear, which can cause the transmission not to engage reverse or fail to illuminate reverse indicators. This increases crash risk or pedestrian injury. Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor at no cost.
  • Backup lighting and transmission control module. (NHTSA 12V190000, 10,500 vehicles) Defects cause backup lamps and dashboard reverse indicators to fail, and may lead to transmission shift errors, elevating crash hazards. Ford will perform free repairs for affected vehicles.
  • Unexpected transmission downshift. (NHTSA 16V248000, 153,581 vehicles) Vehicles may unexpectedly downshift to first gear regardless of speed, causing abrupt deceleration and rear tire locking. Ford will update the powertrain control module software free of charge.

Owners facing repeated repairs for transmission failures, safety-related malfunctions, or unresolved recall issues may want to review their rights under state lemon laws. Legal consultation could be beneficial for those with ongoing safety or drivability concerns.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION Summary

2012

Model Year

15

Total Complaints

3

Total Recalls

164650

Vehicles Affected

Recalls

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

153581 vehicles affected

16V248000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

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 of a crash.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

10500 vehicles affected

12V190000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.

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 VEHICLE’S TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE “R” MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLE’S NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

569 vehicles affected

12V034000

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINTS." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE HEAD RESTRAINT SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT-HAND SEAT.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Complaints

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2128331

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the image displayed on the back over prevention screen was either upside down, distorted, static only, or completely black. The failure was intermittent. During the failure, the contact was able to restart the vehicle to fix the image; however, the fix was intermittent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched and found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V270000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN and model year was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2124688

POWER TRAIN

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 symptoms of multiple recalls and is not safe to drive . Had i not known how to drive i and my daughter would be in the hospital due to the faulty transmission lead frame and power train . I contacted Ford head quarters they were no help even though there is clearly a recall . I also took the truck to ford of valparaiso and had to pay the 1,000 dollars for the lead frame to be replaced which was in the recall and I shouldn't have had to pay anything .. them replacing the lead frame did nothing the car is still not drive able and is extremely unsafe its my only vehicle and I am a single mother of 2 kids .

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2124687

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 symptoms of multiple recalls and is not safe to drive . Had i not known how to drive i and my daughter would be in the hospital due to the faulty transmission lead frame and power train . I contacted Ford head quarters they were no help even though there is clearly a recall . I also took the truck to ford of valparaiso and had to pay the 1,000 dollars for the lead frame to be replaced which was in the recall and I shouldn't have had to pay anything .. them replacing the lead frame did nothing the car is still not drive able and is extremely unsafe its my only vehicle and I am a single mother of 2 kids .

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2118523

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ABS CPU control system. Error Code B1342-EC. Antilock braking system electronic control unit defect.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2118522

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS CPU control system. Error Code B1342-EC. Antilock braking system electronic control unit defect.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2113651

POWER TRAIN

JULY 2025 MY 2012 FORD EXPEDITION THREW A P0742 CODE FOR A STUCK TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH. THE VEHICLE HAD JUST UNDER 150K MILES AND STARTED TO JERK IN AND OUT OF GEAR AND THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED SO I, THANKFULLY WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AS IT WAS IN LIMP MODE. WHEN I CLEARED THE DTC CODE THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY TEMPORARILY BUT EVENTUALLY LOCKED BACK UP AGAIN WITHIN A MILE FROM MY HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, FORD DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER THAT THEY HAVE LISTED FOR A REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION LEAD FRAME. I PROVIDED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WITH ALL OF THE NECESSARY INFORMATION AS WELL AS AN INDEPENDENT DIAGNOSIS BY A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. LOOKS LIKE I'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE DAY THAT IT CAUSES A MASSIVE ACCIDENT BY DOWNSHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR AT 65MPH. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I CAN ONLY HOPE THIS DOESN'T COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2113650

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

JULY 2025 MY 2012 FORD EXPEDITION THREW A P0742 CODE FOR A STUCK TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH. THE VEHICLE HAD JUST UNDER 150K MILES AND STARTED TO JERK IN AND OUT OF GEAR AND THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED SO I, THANKFULLY WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AS IT WAS IN LIMP MODE. WHEN I CLEARED THE DTC CODE THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY TEMPORARILY BUT EVENTUALLY LOCKED BACK UP AGAIN WITHIN A MILE FROM MY HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, FORD DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER THAT THEY HAVE LISTED FOR A REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION LEAD FRAME. I PROVIDED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WITH ALL OF THE NECESSARY INFORMATION AS WELL AS AN INDEPENDENT DIAGNOSIS BY A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. LOOKS LIKE I'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE DAY THAT IT CAUSES A MASSIVE ACCIDENT BY DOWNSHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR AT 65MPH. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I CAN ONLY HOPE THIS DOESN'T COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2113649

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

JULY 2025 MY 2012 FORD EXPEDITION THREW A P0742 CODE FOR A STUCK TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH. THE VEHICLE HAD JUST UNDER 150K MILES AND STARTED TO JERK IN AND OUT OF GEAR AND THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED SO I, THANKFULLY WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AS IT WAS IN LIMP MODE. WHEN I CLEARED THE DTC CODE THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY TEMPORARILY BUT EVENTUALLY LOCKED BACK UP AGAIN WITHIN A MILE FROM MY HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, FORD DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER THAT THEY HAVE LISTED FOR A REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION LEAD FRAME. I PROVIDED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WITH ALL OF THE NECESSARY INFORMATION AS WELL AS AN INDEPENDENT DIAGNOSIS BY A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. LOOKS LIKE I'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE DAY THAT IT CAUSES A MASSIVE ACCIDENT BY DOWNSHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR AT 65MPH. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I CAN ONLY HOPE THIS DOESN'T COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2113435

POWER TRAIN

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.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2113434

ENGINE

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.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2113433

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2113296

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. 150K MILES AND AS I said, I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 2 MONTHS AND HAVE ALREADY HAD TRANSMISSION ISSUES, BRAKE ISSUES, BELT TENSIONER PULLEY LITERALLY FELL OFF.. AND FROM WHAT I READ, WHAT'S NEXT??? THE CAM PHASERS?? THAT'S IF THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS EVEN FIXED AND IT BECOMES SAFELY DRIVE ABLE AGAIN. COME ON FORD, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS!

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2113295

POWER TRAIN

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. 150K MILES AND AS I said, I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 2 MONTHS AND HAVE ALREADY HAD TRANSMISSION ISSUES, BRAKE ISSUES, BELT TENSIONER PULLEY LITERALLY FELL OFF.. AND FROM WHAT I READ, WHAT'S NEXT??? THE CAM PHASERS?? THAT'S IF THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS EVEN FIXED AND IT BECOMES SAFELY DRIVE ABLE AGAIN. COME ON FORD, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS!

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2113294

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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. 150K MILES AND AS I said, I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 2 MONTHS AND HAVE ALREADY HAD TRANSMISSION ISSUES, BRAKE ISSUES, BELT TENSIONER PULLEY LITERALLY FELL OFF.. AND FROM WHAT I READ, WHAT'S NEXT??? THE CAM PHASERS?? THAT'S IF THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE IS EVEN FIXED AND IT BECOMES SAFELY DRIVE ABLE AGAIN. COME ON FORD, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS!

2012 FORD EXPEDITION

ID: 2093599

POWER TRAIN

Transmission failed to engage after startup, and while driving will slip out like its in neutral without warning. There was a series of messages that rolled over and over as the vehicle slowed. When we first took it to have it serviced for this problem June of 2024, they optioned to flush, change the filter, and put in new transmission fluid. They could not reproduce the problem. That seemed to take care of it until May 17, 2025 when it started slipping again. Again, the service center cannot reproduce the problem. The sudden slowdown, puts us in a risk for an accident with other vehicles. The vehicle is available for inspection if needed.