2021 Ford Expedition El Safety Report
2021 Ford Expedition EL: Excellent crash safety, but significant powertrain reliability concerns with numerous reports of transmission failure and loss of power.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ford Expedition El
Reliability Score
The 2021 Ford Expedition El receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2021 Ford Expedition El
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ford Expedition El:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10r80 Transmission Failure/Malfunction Numerous reports of jerky shifting, slipping out of gear, harsh downshifts, loss of motive power, and complete transmission failure, often leading to the vehicle being stranded or unable to accelerate safely. |
High | Common | 30000-70000 miles |
| Loss Of Motive Power/Stalling Vehicle unexpectedly loses power or stalls while driving, particularly during acceleration or at highway speeds, often linked to transmission or fuel pump issues. |
High | Common | variable miles |
| Engine Overheating/Failure Reports of engine overheating and displaying 'Drive Mode Inoperable' messages, sometimes leading to vehicle shutdown. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Fuel Pump Failure Fuel pump fails without warning, leaving the vehicle stranded, often in dangerous traffic situations like express lanes. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Panoramic Sunroof Shattering Sunroof spontaneously shatters or implodes while driving, without visible external cause. |
Medium | Rare | variable miles |
| Rodent Damage To Wiring Soy-based wiring insulation attracts rodents, leading to damaged wiring, battery issues, and engine/computer performance problems. |
Medium | Rare | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Ford Expedition El:
Frequent complaints about the 10R80 transmission, including harsh shifts, slipping, loss of power, and complete failure.
Issues such as overheating, stalling, and general engine malfunctions.
Reports of fuel pump failures leading to loss of motive power and stranding.
Problems with windshield wipers jerking or panoramic sunroof shattering.
Notifications of functions turning off due to inactivity, battery drain, and wiring issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ford Expedition El
Is the 2021 Ford Expedition EL safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Ford Expedition EL received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side; 4-star rollover). However, it has a high number of consumer complaints (181 total), particularly concerning powertrain issues like transmission failure and loss of motive power, which can compromise real-world safety. There have been 3 crashes and 4 injuries reported.
What are common problems with the 2021 Ford Expedition EL?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Ford Expedition EL are related to the POWER TRAIN (57 complaints), primarily the 10R80 transmission experiencing jerky shifts, slipping, and complete failure. ENGINE problems (21 complaints) like overheating and stalling are also significant. Fuel pump failures and panoramic sunroof shattering are other notable concerns.
Has the 2021 Ford Expedition EL been recalled?
As of the available data, the 2021 Ford Expedition EL has 0 recalls issued by NHTSA. This is notable given the high volume of consumer complaints, especially regarding critical powertrain components.
How does the 2021 Ford Expedition EL perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford Expedition EL performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash protection, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Are there any known transmission issues with the 2021 Ford Expedition EL?
Yes, there are widespread and significant transmission issues reported for the 2021 Ford Expedition EL, specifically with the 10R80 transmission. Complaints detail jerky shifting, hard downshifts, slipping out of gear, loss of power, and complete transmission failure, often occurring at mileages between 30,000 and 70,000.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While offering strong crash protection, prospective buyers of the 2021 Ford Expedition EL should be highly cautious due to prevalent and severe powertrain issues, particularly transmission failures and loss of motive power, which are frequently reported in NHTSA complaints.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ford Expedition El
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ford Expedition El. The data includes 181 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Ford Expedition El an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.