CarRecallDB

2012 Ford Expedition recalls and problems

3 recalls and 118 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Ford Expedition.

3
recalls
118
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Ford Expedition recalls

Power train: automatic transmission

NHTSA campaign 16V248000 · reported April 27, 2016 · Ford Motor Company · 153,581 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.

Exterior lighting: back up lights · Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 12V190000 · reported May 3, 2012 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 10,500 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 11, 2012. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Seats: mid/rear assembly

NHTSA campaign 12V034000 · reported February 2, 2012 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 569 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the seat head restraint may not provide the required strength, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the head restraints as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on february 21, 2012. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 12, 2026 · Vehicle speed control

vehicle shifting erratically and shows fuel mileage low and loss of speedometer

Aug 12, 2026 · Vehicle speed control

vehicle shifting erratically and shows fuel mileage low and loss of speedometer

Apr 7, 2026 · Power train · 166,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the occupants to lunge forward. The tires squealed and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was turned off but failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The…

Feb 24, 2026 · Power train

While exiting the freeway at approximately 45 to 50 mph, the transmission downshifted to 1st gear locking up the tires.

Nov 17, 2025 · Vehicle speed control

The speedometer will quit working and the vehicle will not shift out of 1st gear, if you can work through it it will start throwing error messages such as zero miles to empty, tire moniter system fault, etc. This is a very dangerous situation especially in high traffic areas. There was a customer satisfaction program…

Expedition model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 12820
2010 058101
2011 07121
2012 311862
2013 09233
2014 072102
2015 316486

Across all years, the 2000 Expedition has the most complaints (890). All Ford Expedition years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Ford Expedition have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Ford Expedition, the most recent reported on April 27, 2016 (Power train: automatic transmission). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Expedition?
Owners have filed 118 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (64 complaints), followed by electrical system (20).
How many 2012 Ford Expedition complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 118 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 13 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 12, 2026.