For nearly three decades, Ford Motor Company has marketed the Expedition as a full-size SUV that’s ideal for families and drivers shopping for a vehicle with plenty of space and lots of power. And given Ford’s long history, the manufacturer has leaned on its reputation to promote the Expedition’s reliability.
Unfortunately, some owners have reported ongoing transmission problems with their Ford Expeditions, which make their vehicles less dependable, unsafe, and harder to operate. These issues are so prevalent in Ford vehicles with the 10R80 transmission used in newer Expeditions that they have led to recalls and class action Ford transmission lawsuits. Whether suffering from harsh shifting or facing full transmission failure, even in late-model vehicles, drivers are understandably frustrated and looking for relief and accountability.
The good news is that California has one of the country’s strongest Lemon Laws. If you’re a Ford Expedition owner or lessee who’s experienced ongoing transmission problems with your vehicle that the manufacturer has tried and failed to address on multiple occasions while under warranty, you may be entitled to compensation under the Lemon Law. An experienced Lemon Law attorney from The Barry Law Firm can help you pursue a Lemon Law claim to hold the manufacturer accountable.
Transmission Problems in the Ford Expedition
The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, making it one of the most critical components of a vehicle. A properly functioning transmission in a Ford Expedition allows the driver to smoothly accelerate, change gears, and maintain control of their SUV while driving. A failing transmission can negatively impact the Expedition’s performance, safety, and reliability.
If you’ve noticed any of the following common issues with your Ford Expedition, your SUV may be experiencing transmission problems:
- Hard or delayed shifting – You may feel hesitation or jolts when shifting gears, which can make the vehicle unpredictable in traffic and harder to drive smoothly.
- Slipping gears – The transmission may unexpectedly slip out of gear or struggle to stay engaged, leading to sudden loss of power and potential safety risks on the road.
- Grinding or clunking noises – Unusual sounds during acceleration or gear changes often indicate internal wear or damage, which can worsen if not addressed quickly.
- Transmission fluid leaks – Low transmission fluid levels can cause overheating, erratic shifting, and eventual transmission failure.
- Complete transmission failure – In severe cases, your vehicle may lose the ability to move at all, leaving you stranded.
Transmission issues in Ford vehicles like the Expedition are more than just inconvenient to deal with and costly to repair. They also raise concerns about your vehicle’s safety and long-term reliability, which can reduce its value.
When Ford Expedition Transmission Problems May Warrant a Lemon Law Claim
California’s Lemon Law outlines the conditions under which your Ford Expedition may be considered a lemon. A vehicle qualifies as a lemon when a substantial warranty-covered defect significantly impairs its use, value, or safety and the manufacturer cannot fix it within a reasonable number of repair attempts. As a Ford Expedition owner dealing with transmission issues, the law protects you if the problems persist despite multiple trips to an authorized dealership for repairs.
Several key factors determine whether a vehicle qualifies as a lemon in California:
- Covered vehicles – The Lemon Law applies to new vehicles purchased or leased in California that are under the manufacturer’s original warranty. This includes SUVs like the Ford Expedition.
- Reasonable repair attempts – The manufacturer or an authorized dealership must have a fair opportunity to fix the issue. What the law considers a reasonable number of repair attempts will depend on the issue and other facts in the case.
- Substantial impairment – The defect must meaningfully impact how the vehicle functions, compromise its safety on the road, or reduce its resale value. Transmission failures often meet this requirement due to their direct effects on a vehicle’s drivability and reliability.
If your Ford Expedition meets these conditions, California’s Lemon Law may allow you to demand that Ford buy the vehicle back and compensate you for the financial losses resulting from your purchase of a lemon vehicle.
What to Do If Your Ford Expedition Has Transmission Issues
Have you been dealing with persistent transmission problems in your Ford Expedition? If so, you should take quick action to address the issue and keep thorough records of the process.
By taking these steps and establishing a clear paper trail, you can maintain your valid vehicle warranty and preserve your right to seek financial recovery under California’s Lemon Law if a Ford authorized dealership doesn’t successfully fix your SUV after multiple attempts:
- Document symptoms of transmission issues, noting dates, mileage, speeds, temperatures, dashboard messages, and driving conditions. If possible, ask a passenger to record short videos as issues arise.
- Stay up to date on recalls and technical service bulletins. Look up your Ford Expedition’s VIN on the NHTSA and Ford owner sites, and ask the authorized dealer to check for software updates or TSB-guided repairs.
- Book transmission repair service at a Ford authorized dealership. Describe the problem the same way each visit and request a road test with a technician if issues appear intermittently.
- Get a detailed repair order listing your complaint, the diagnosis codes, the work performed, any parts replaced, mileage, and dates. Keep copies of all paperwork.
- Return to the authorized dealership right away if the problem returns. Records of multiple visits for the same transmission concern help show repeat repair attempts.
- Track how many days your Expedition is out of service. Note when the SUV is at the shop and save receipts for tow trucks and rental or loaner vehicles.
- When possible, get all communication in writing.
- Avoid modifying your vehicle, as installing aftermarket parts can complicate warranty coverage.
- Visit a second Ford authorized dealership if needed. If the shop can’t duplicate the issue, ask them to note “no fault found” in writing.
- If your vehicle meets the threshold outlined in the California Lemon Law, contact a Lemon Law attorney to discuss your options for filing a claim.
Compensation You May Receive for a Ford Transmission Issue
If your Ford Expedition qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to demand that Ford buy it back and provide compensation for your financial losses. Depending on the unique facts of your claim, these costs might include:
- Your vehicle down payment
- Monthly payments you’ve made on your vehicle
- Your remaining loan or lease balance
- Sales taxes you paid when you purchased the vehicle
- Finance charges
- Vehicle registration fees
- Out-of-pocket repair costs
- Towing and rental car expenses
California’s Lemon Law also requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees and legal costs in a successful claim. And at The Barry Law Firm, we’ll never charge you anything – regardless of your case’s outcome.
How a Lemon Law Attorney Can Help
Lemon Law cases can be difficult to handle on your own. Manufacturers may be resistant to refund defective vehicles, and authorized dealerships may downplay or dismiss recurring issues. Plus, large auto manufacturers like Ford have considerable legal and financial resources and will not hesitate to do everything possible to fight your claim.
Having a lawyer focused on California Lemon Law claims from The Barry Law Firm can help level the playing field. Your attorney will walk you through what to expect from the legal process, explain your rights, and handle your case from start to finish. Here’s what we can do to help:
- Review your repair records and car warranty documents
- Determine whether your Ford Expedition meets Lemon Law criteria
- Advise you on the strength of your claim and possible outcomes
- Manage communications with Ford and the authorized dealership
- Assemble supporting evidence such as expert reports or technician testimony
- File your Lemon Law claim with Ford
- Negotiate directly with the manufacturer for fair compensation
- Track deadlines and legal requirements under California law
- Represent you at trial if necessary
- Protect you from signing agreements that limit your rights
- Provide guidance throughout the process so you understand each step
If You Think Your Vehicle May Be a Lemon, Call Us for Support
Have you been dealing with ongoing transmission problems with your Ford Expedition? If Ford’s own authorized repair technicians have tried repeatedly to fix your vehicle while under warranty and you’re still experiencing issues, your vehicle may be a lemon – and you may be entitled to financial relief under California’s Lemon Law.
Since 2010, The Barry Law Firm has exclusively focused on Lemon Law cases. We advocate for the rights of California drivers and have successfully helped thousands of vehicle owners achieve the justice they deserve. We’re not afraid to go up against big manufacturers, and we do so at no financial risk to our clients. You’ll never receive a bill for our services – no matter the outcome of your case.
Contact The Barry Law Firm today for a FAST & FREE consultation to discuss your legal options for relief under the Lemon Law and get help putting your Ford Expedition transmission issues in the rearview mirror.
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