A few months ago I heard a rattle coming from somewhere below the Ford F150, and ever since then the gear changes have been acting strange, from hard gear shifts when vehicle is cold to sudden downshifts from high gears (7,8) all the way down to 1st gear. Sometimes, the gear gets stuck in a high gear when I am completely stopped, and lose all the power. RPMs can get very high before it changes gear. Thankfully nothing catastrophic has happened, but now I feel unsafe to drive it. An independent service center tested and confirmed that, based on peoples experience with the 10 speed transmission, what I heard at the beginning was the CDF drum failure, and that the Transmission was on the way to total failure at 68,000 miles. No lights appeared on the dashboard, and computer hasn't registered anything.
2018 Ford F-150 transmission complaints
Page 7 of 35: complaints 161 to 190 of 1,022, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While driving in the fast lane on the interstate at highway speeds, my 2018 Ford F-150 with a 10-speed (10R80) transmission experienced a sudden hard jerk followed by erratic shifting. The vehicle began shifting unpredictably, including harsh downshifting behavior that caused rapid deceleration. At the same time, the transmission temperature began increasing rapidly, and the truck started overheating. We were forced to quickly move out of the fast lane to avoid traffic and pull over due to safety concerns. This occurred at night on a sketchy exit, approximately four hours from home. We had to wait for help and ended up calling 911 because the situation felt unsafe. We were stranded and had to stay in a hotel. There was no clear warning before this happened. The condition worsened quickly to the point the vehicle could not be safely driven. This created a serious safety risk due to sudden hard jerking, rapid deceleration, overheating, and the need to immediately exit the fast lane, increasing the risk of collision and loss of control at highway speeds. The vehicle previously received a PCM reprogramming update related to transmission performance based on manufacturer service guidance. Despite this, the failure still occurred suddenly and without warning. There have been reports of updated internal components in newer versions of this transmission, suggesting that improvements have been made over time. This issue appears consistent with other reports of sudden downshifting and unsafe shifting behavior in Ford F-150 transmissions.
The contact's husband owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The owner received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25E070000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while her husband was driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle was vibrating with an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into eighth, ninth, or tenth gear and often lost automotive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with cam phasers failure and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the residence and then towed to the contact’s uncle's garage where the vehicle was inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was turned off and parked. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact attempted to purchase a 2018 Ford F-150; however, there was an active recall associated with the VIN. The contact had not yet purchased the vehicle. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25E070000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.
Transmission failed at 52,120.0 miles. Erratic shifting and power loss. CDF drum failure.
I am reporting a serious and ongoing transmission problem with my Ford F-150 that creates a safety hazard while driving. The transmission shifts very harshly and makes a loud thumping noise, especially when accelerating after braking in traffic. There are multiple occasions where I press the gas pedal and the vehicle does not move at all. After a delay, it suddenly engages with a very hard impact that feels like the vehicle has been hit from behind. This issue is extremely dangerous, especially in heavy traffic and on highways, because the vehicle hesitates or fails to move when attempting to accelerate. This puts me at risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership multiple times. The transmission has been replaced three times, but the same issue continues to occur. Despite this, the dealer has returned the vehicle to me stating that no problem was found. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle, especially on highways, and it is my primary transportation to work. The problem remains unresolved despite repeated repair attempts. I believe this is a serious defect that needs investigation.
1. 10R80 (CDF DRUM BUSHING) failure. The vehicle has pressure loss when put into gear, driving or slowing down, taking your foot off the gas, sluggish when put in first gear to drive, performance, and harsh shifting- at any speed when driving, missing gears - it' jolts hard (shifting up or shifting down) when the vehicle shifts, particularly between gears 1–3, 3–4, 6 - 8 it misses 2nd and 7th gear. While driving the vehicle it goes into to neutral despite being in gear. The vehicle has stopped on the road while driving and not able to put the vehicle into gear to drive at all. Wrench Light On: Codes P0732-00, P076F-00, P07F6-00, P07F7-00, U0252-00 Yes the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. Our safety is at risk since the vehicle suddenly changes gears up or down causes major jolt sitting in the seat and abruptly slows down on the rode with traffic, or if you slow down or stop it might not go back into gear. I have had back surgery (lumbar) and it hurts my back. not to mention, the whiplash to our necks every time the vehicle jerks in and out of gear. Vehicle suddenly slows down making it dangerous for vehicle around us as well. 3. We first took the vehicle to Macon Auto Repair 2/23/2026 (no codes at this time unable to determine the problem), 2/24/26 took the vehicle to Rodney's Transmission for a second opinion - they checked the transmission fluids and added one quart of oil (still no codes to determine the problem) . The wrench appeared after the problems started and is whey we took it twice to two different shops not knowing what was the problem. When the wrench appeared we took the vehicle to Rodney's Transmission 4/2/2026 where the vehicle was inspected and the codes are from the diagnostic test done by, Rodney's Transmission, Thompsonville, KY 4. Symptoms yes, described above. Warming light not until after the problems continued to occur.
While driving approximately 40- 50mph the transmission randomly downshifts from 8th gear to 1st gear.
this is the 10 speed transmission. When starting from a stop the truck will start to shift thru gears and then shift into neutral and the engine will rev very high and then slam back into a lower gear.
The vehicle experienced repeated transmission malfunctions involving the automatic transmission system. Symptoms began occurring consistently and included failure to properly shift between gears, particularly failure to engage 3rd gear, resulting in high engine RPM followed by a sudden and harsh engagement into gear. The transmission would also fail to downshift when coming to a stop, at times remaining stuck in higher gears such as 4th or 9th, creating hesitation and delayed acceleration from a stop. Additional symptoms included erratic and delayed shifting between 1st and 2nd gears, with high RPM and abrupt engagement. The issue was reproducible during normal driving conditions and became more frequent over time. Using tow/haul mode temporarily reduced the severity of the issue but did not resolve it. These conditions created a potential safety concern, as delayed or incorrect gear engagement could result in hesitation when accelerating into traffic or when attempting to merge, increasing the risk of a collision. The issue was discussed with a dealership service advisor, who indicated that based on the described symptoms, the transmission likely required rebuild or replacement. The vehicle was subsequently inspected and repaired by an independent transmission specialist, who confirmed internal transmission failure. The transmission required a full rebuild, including replacement of major internal components such as the CDF drum, torque converter, and servicing of the valve body. No consistent warning lights were present prior to the failure, and the condition developed progressively with increasing frequency and severity. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center and required significant repair to restore normal operation.
I was accelerating from a red light and felt like I had lost power. The RPM's of the engine increased, but I was slowing down. After about 5 seconds, the transmission engaged harshly and the wheels started spinning/squealing like burning out. I almost lost control of the vehicle. If the road would have been slippery, I would have lost control, in heavy traffic. I took my F150 into the Ford Dealership to be inspected. Afterwards, I was told I need a new transmission. The cost would be over $11,000.00 with tax for a new transmission! My truck had 75,000 miles on it, just out of warranty. There is no reason for my transmission to go out at such low mileage. I have not hauled or pulled anything heavy. I take care of my vehicles and have scheduled maintenance performed. As I researched this problem, I discovered it is a known issue on the 2018 Ford F150 vehicles. I found where people documented the same problem on YouTube and the internet. I went through dozens of cases by people with the same problem. There are probably 100's but I stopped after confirming the issue. Even Ford personnel said they were aware of it. When a customer walked up and stated they had a problem with their 2018 F150, their first thought was the transmission. This is an extreme hazard. Like in my case, the issue reveals itself while driving. There are no warning lights or indication. It is known to happen in lower gears, so usually on takeoff. There are so many scenarios where people are depending on the vehicle to accelerate, like when turning and other vehicles are approaching. If the vehicle stalls in front of the oncoming traffic, or if you lose control, the results could be catastrophic. I hope this is addressed before someone is severely hurt or killed.
My 2018 Ford F‑150 XLT has the 10R80 automatic transmission with severe issues including harsh shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, and unpredictable shift timing. Symptoms occur during normal driving and create a serious safety hazard. Ford dealer replaced transmission with a remanufactured 10R80, part number JL3Z‑7000‑ERM, and is listed in Ford’s Equipment Safety Recall 25SB3 (dated 10/28/2025) for missing internal bearings and unsafe shifting behavior. When the Ford dealer replaced the transmission on 02/26/2025, they recorded mileage as 70,009 miles, 9k miles lower than the actual mileage of 79,009. This discrepancy creates a false service record and misrepresents when the failure occurred. It also affects warranty determinations, recall eligibility, and the accuracy of the vehicle’s service history. The mileage history shows a consistent progression documented by two independent auto shops (see attached files). This mileage discrepancy impacts warranty and goodwill eligibility, recall-related determinations, accuracy of Ford’s internal service history and Carfax/AutoCheck reporting. Despite the replacement, the transmission continues to exhibit the same dangerous symptoms. As a disabled veteran, I rely heavily on safe, predictable vehicle operation. Delayed engagement and slipping created an elevated risk when operating this vehicle. The dealer informed me that Ford has not provided a fix and that they cannot take further action. I have stopped operating the vehicle due to the severity of the transmission defect and the safety risks it creates. I request that Ford correct this mileage entry and ensure the digital service record reflects the accurate mileage. I also request the federal safety agency investigate the transmission and mileage matters, as the vehicle is unsafe to operate and Ford has not provided a remedy. Thank you in advance.
The 10R80 transmission has shifting shutters and loses what gear it is in and causes loss of throttle, hanging in gear and sudden downshift at road speed causing control issues. A faulty drum in transmission is to blame is my understanding and Ford is aware of this problem for model year, replacement cost is over 10,000 dollars for a poor design. Reading online forums this is a common issue Ford is aware of.
transmission is mis-shift and jerk while shfting. There's a lag between 6 and 8th gear
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25E070000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted harshly and there were delays while changing gear. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
The transmission failed. It is available for inspection but the transmission was replaced at my cost. Traveling on the highway the vehicle bogged down and could not respond to pressing gas peddle. I had no control of the vehicle. All transpired on major highway Route 95. The problem repeated again while I was driving and it was identified by the independent service facility that the transmission failed. The vehicle was inspected by the repair facility and the fault was determined to be the failed transmission. New transmission was installed, we have all receipts. No warning lamps prior to the fault. The problem first appeared when I was traveling home on the highway from the facility I purchased the vehicle. after 1st incident the warning light appeared.
My truck only has 26000 miles and the transmission started acting very funny, shifting erratically, then it was stuck in 5th gear limp mode. There is some kind of bushing that comes loose in these 10 speed transmissions. It cost me $7597.48. And $150.00 towing.
Harsh shifting from failing clutch drum
Manufacturer recall #24E12 (PCM software update) triggered a PO430:00-ED code (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 2) because the new software more strictly monitors the catalytic converter, causing it to detect previously ignored degradation. This reprogram scamming program makes community bothered by paying parts replacements more than 2K, even vehicle was fine before the recall. This needs resolved with FREE FIXED and FREE Catalytic Replacement. This is not right to announce a recall with unfinished repair issues left. This needs action. Thanks, So mote it be!
When the F-150 would be turned off after driving for a while, the truck would not Start for a few hours until it cooled down. I had it checked out at Gator Ford and they saif they could not determine the proble. I drove it to [XXX] and had it check out at Two Rivers Ford in [XXX] and they said the truck clearly had a problem and that they "Believed it eas the 10 gear trsnission getting hot and the truck cutting off. They said I should trade it or risk the proble being the Oil Pump and eng. I took their advice and traded it for an F-150 platunm Vin: [XXX] . This is a problem and needs to be look at as now my 2023 F-150 eng has locked up that I reported with a Vin [XXX] . The cutting off with wait time was a daily occurance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving on the interstate, the vehicle experienced a sudden hard jerk followed by erratic shifting between gears. The transmission temperature rapidly increased (over 219°F), and transmission fluid began leaking. The vehicle became unsafe to drive and had to be pulled over. This vehicle is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission (10R80), which has widespread reports of failure, harsh shifting, and overheating. The failure created a dangerous situation as I was stranded on the side of the road with my children
Continuation of Complaint Number: XXX, submitted electronically to the federal safety agency on 3/9/2026, 12:43:36 PM. I have the Dealership Report, please find attached and add it to my original complaint. The findings match the Technical Service Bulletin: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission hesitated while shifting, and the message “Service Engine Soon” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The independent mechanic determined that the vehicle needed to be taken to a transmission specialty shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred approximately four months later. A handheld diagnostic machine was used to retrieve DTC: P0022. The contact purchased four cam phaser solenoids to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed; however, the four cam phaser solenoids were replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 66,000.
Transmission (10r80) shifted rough, leading to no 1-4th gear and no 10th gear or reverse. Had to do a rebuild of the transmission @80k miles and it still shifts ruff/clunking into gears
My 2018 Ford F-150 had 85,000 miles on it when the transmission began to slip out of gear, delays in shifting, gets stuck in neutral, and or slam back into gear. My wife was barely able to get home from work, and experienced dangerous driving conditions due to the failing transmission. Her attempts to merge onto high speed roadways became dangerous when the vehicle would suddenly lose drive during the merge. We fear what might have happened if she was attempting to make a left on green and the transmission suddenly became stuck in neutral. This truck has the infamous 10R80 Ford 10 speed transmission that thousands of people have reported as defective. Ford has refused to compensate me in anyway, and the Ford dealership has quoted me $9,000 dollars to have the transmission replaced. Ford issued a TSB on this faulty transmission, but has refused to issue a recall despite the widespread failure of this part and the safety concerns.
The vehicle’s 10-speed automatic transmission is experiencing severe, erratic, and life-threatening failures at highway speeds. Erratic Shifting & Sudden Downshifts: While traveling at approximately 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifts from 10th gear directly to 1st gear without warning. This causes violent deceleration and risks immediate rear-wheel lockup. The vehicle also cycles randomly through gears (e.g., jumping 10-1-7-10-3) and frequently 'locks out' upper gears, making power delivery completely unpredictable. Total Loss of Motive Power: On approximately 3/10/26, while in the high-speed 'fast' lane of the highway, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of motive power. While the engine remained running, the digital gear indicator on the instrument cluster began flashing and the transmission failed to engage any gear. I was left coasting in the flow of traffic and was forced to navigate across multiple lanes to the shoulder without the ability to accelerate. Safety Hazard: These combined issues create an extreme risk of high-speed rear-end collisions and loss of vehicle control. The 'flashing' gear indicator and sudden visible on the dash 10-to-1 downshifts suggest a critical electronic, sensor or software failure that makes the vehicle unsafe for highway operation.
See attached document for complaint. In November 2024 I received a letter regarding a transmission recall related to my truck. This came almost 1 year after I had to have my transmission replaced for the reason stated in the recall letter. I have now reached out twice to the Ford Motor Company to try to receive reimbursement for the out-of-pocket expense I incurred to replace the transmission without any response from the company. I’m not sure where to go from here and am requesting assistance from the NTSA. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions. As you can see, I paid an initial $7000.00 to order the transmission. The total amount after installation was $9425.38. Please see all attached documents.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while towing a camper at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle occasionally hesitated to upshift in gear while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds with cruise control, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and restarted the vehicle, which was later taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The parts to repair the vehicle were ordered, and the vehicle was left at the local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
[XXX] Noticed hard shifting while ascending a 13% grade at [XXX] , while ascending for a brief period I lost forward power, throttle was unresponsive. I noted the shift dashboard fluctuating between various gears as though confused as to which gear it should be in. [XXX] Hard shifting between 3rd-4th and 3rd-5th becoming more consistent and noticeable. [XXX] I've been driving this vehicle a lot less but today while driving to my storage room with items loaded in my bed (should be noted, the items were not a weight concern) on the 10 freeway west bound at highway speeds, the truck throttle became unresponsive and once again, seemed to fluctuate between 1st and 10th gear. I found myself in between several big rigs, I was in the #1 lane passing a semi to my right, in between 2 more semi's one in front, one to my rear. The truck slowed down on the freeway, throttle became unresponsive. For that moment, my drivetrain was completely unresponsive. Roughly 20-30 seconds later the transmission decided to land in 7th gear with a loud "thunk" noise accompanying a sudden shudder in the vehicle as I applied the throttle to resume highway speeds. Although at that point, I was very tender with the truck, for the rest of the trip I experienced no further issues other than the 3-5 hard shift. On or about [XXX], I moved the truck from the old house to my new house, approximately 30 miles away. For most of the trip the transmission only exhibited the 3-5 hard shift but at the last mile or two, the drivetrain, became completely unresponsive for more than a minute, shifting between multiple gears, at one point, locking up briefly before resuming. Fortunately I was only driving around 30mph and in a residential neighborhood. At this point, I'm afraid to drive it. I've made an appointment with a Ford dealership on 2025-03-09. They will provide a full inspection report, if possible, I will upload here if I am allowed to update this report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
Approximately 3 months ago the transmission started shifting rough and slipping going into 4th gear.It also got stuck in 4th gear when I came to a complete stop.Took it to a ford dealer,they reprogrammed the transmission,drove it home and parked it.The next morning started it up to leave and 1st gear had no power and immediately jumped to 4th.They came and picked it up,reprogrammed the transmission,and it has not fixed the problem,so now it sits in my driveway because I cant even drive it now.Also,there were no warning lights or engine light that came on.I had a certified transmission specialist tell me its the cdf drum.6,500$ to rebuild it and 4,000$ for a remanufactured one and I cant afford either. 2018 F150 XL 79,500 miles
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