2020 Ford F-150: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Oct 25, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Transmission has hard/harsh shifts and delayed gear engagement that began around 56,000 miles and have become much worse at 68,000 miles. The delay in engagement when accelerating from a stop, pulling into traffic or merging is a safety concern. A Ford dealer performed a transmission adaptive relearn and software update, but the symptoms continued. The dealer did not verify hydraulic leakage or perform the full diagnostic described in Ford TSB 25-2126 (MC-11016931-0001, harsh/delayed shifts on 2017-2020 F-150), and the only recommendation was to replace the entire transmission at roughly $5,000 after the powertrain warranty expired at 60,000 miles. The incident date entered is today because the symptoms are ongoing and progressive: they developed gradually since about 56,000 miles and are heading toward ultimate transmission failure. Safety concerns: hesitation and delayed engagement when pulling into or merging with traffic, the truck possibly rolling back when engaged on hills, and loss of reliable power on hills.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a delay in the transmission shifting, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed, and the vehicle jolted. The engine revved to 7,000-8,000 RPM. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 25-2301 (Harsh/Delayed Engagement and/or Harsh/Delayed Shift) and Technical Service Bulletin 25-2475(Harsh/Delayed Engagement and/or Harsh/Delayed Shift). The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Our 2020 Ford F150 transmission failed at 80k miles. Ford USA offered to pay half of the repair cost but is not willing to take full accountability on a transmission that was never was put under stress. Our truck never towed anything and was only use to drive from the shop to the job site and with only 1 up to 2 passenger only max. Per google research: The 2020 Ford F-150, equipped with the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission, commonly experiences harsh, erratic, or delayed shifting, sudden jerking or lunging between gears, and gear slippage. These issues stem from software calibration flaws in the adaptive learning system or mechanical wear on internal components. Common Symptoms and Issues Rough Shifting: Hard, delayed, or clunking engagement when shifting between lower gears, especially on cold starts. Lunging or Hesitation: Sudden forward surges or hesitation when trying to accelerate from a rolling stop. Gear Slippage: Temporary loss of power delivery or failure to catch the next proper gear cleanly. Shift Cable Clip Recall: A limited recall addressed a faulty shift cable lock clip where the gear indicator might show a different gear than what was actually selected, increasing rollaway risks

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Transmission · 184,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving in 10th gear, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 3rd gear, and then to 1st gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift into the intended gear, shifted hard into drive(D) or in reverse(R), and the vehicle overheated intermittently. The contact stated that while driving 70-75 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 40 MPH in the middle of the interstate. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the warning light disappeared. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Transmission · NC

I am submitting this complaint regarding the 10-speed automatic transmission in my 2020 Ford F-150 because I believe it presents a potential safety hazard. The transmission has exhibited harsh and unpredictable shifting, including hard upshifts, hard downshifts, delayed engagement when shifting into Drive or Reverse, and sudden jerking during acceleration and deceleration. The vehicle has also experienced hesitation followed by abrupt engagement, creating unsafe driving conditions, especially when entering traffic, making turns, or driving at highway speeds. These transmission problems have occurred repeatedly and have become more frequent over time. The unpredictable operation increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle or being involved in a crash due to delayed or unexpected acceleration. I have maintained the vehicle according to the manufacturer's recommended service schedule and have sought repairs. Despite these efforts, the transmission issues have persisted. The truck has 26k miles and I have only used it as daily transportation. I am aware that many owners of Ford vehicles equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission have reported similar problems. Because these issues appear to be widespread and involve a critical safety-related component, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate these transmission failures to determine whether a safety defect exists and whether additional action is warranted. I believe this defect creates an unreasonable risk to vehicle occupants and the public, and I ask the federal safety agency to review this complaint as part of its ongoing evaluation of Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission.

Filed May 28, 2026 · VA

Transmission issues: Harsh, erratic shifting (jerking, lurching, and hesitating, especially when cold). Delayed engagement (2 to 3 seconds before engaging Drive or Reverse). Gear slippage accompanied by prominent clunking. Severe risk of total transmission failure if left unaddressed.

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Transmission · SC

As I was driving my truck down the highway at 60 miles an hour, it tried to downshift to first gear several times. During that same time it lost several gears in the transmission. Ford is now replacing the transmission which is going to cost me a significant amount since the vehicle is just barely out of warranty. The truck did not have any prior warning lights or codes. It was hesitating to shift between gears occasionally for the last few thousand miles. This was an unsafe situation because the tires could have locked up and caused me to slide off the road at a high rate of speed. The dealer called after the diagnostic and essentially said "there's no way around it, this truck needs a whole new transmission and parts related to the transmission replacement.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Transmission · NH

Vehicle failed to shift properly while making multiple left and right turns from a stop (for the record, the vehicle also had shifting problems at other times). This resulted in the vehicle hesitating while entering traffic. Multiple times other vehicles had to beep horns and brake emergently. One time an 18 wheeler almost tboned me while I had my 2 year old some in the back seat. Definitely a safety issue that almost cost my son his life.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Engine · FL

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious transmission failure on my 2020 Ford F-150. At approximately 68,000 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting dangerous and unpredictable driving behavior, including hard jerking, sudden hesitation, and unexpected deceleration and acceleration while driving. The vehicle would jerk aggressively during gear changes and decelerate without warning, particularly at lower speeds and during normal traffic flow. This behavior significantly compromised my ability to maintain consistent speed, safely merge, or respond to traffic conditions. On multiple occasions, the sudden loss of power and hesitation created a safety hazard, especially when driving in slower or congested traffic, as surrounding vehicles were not anticipating abrupt deceleration. Due to the severity and persistence of these issues, the transmission ultimately required complete replacement. A brand new transmission was installed to correct the problem at only 5 years old and barely over the Ford mileage warranty expiration criteria. This failure occurred well before what I would consider normal or expected transmission life for a modern full-size pickup truck and presented a clear safety risk to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. Sudden jerking and loss of power at speed creates a high likelihood of rear-end collisions or loss of vehicle control. I believe this issue reflects a potential defect in the transmission system and should be investigated to prevent similar safety risks for other drivers.

Filed Oct 23, 2025 · Transmission · NH

The transmission progressively became worse--skipping gears, lurching, clanking, hesitating and losing power. It became unsafe to drive. A complete rebuild of the transmission we required. There is a defect int he transmission that allows bushing/rings to move around.

Filed Aug 28, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NC

* What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission/powertrain; currently available for inspection at time of submission * How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While stopped at stop sign/stop light, the vehicle would have long hesitation before advancing forward. I would initiate hazard lights to prevent driver behind me from crashing into the back of my vehicle. The vehicle would shift harshly and untimely as well as randomly downshift from 10th gear to 1st gear (x2 on 24Aug2025). I would have to pull vehicle off the road and when attempting to resume driving the vehicle would not move. The RPM’s would rev, however the vehicle would not move. I would turn off the vehicle and then restart it and the vehicle would move forward, resuming with harsh shifting. Loss of power, delayed and harsh shifting pose a safety hazard while the vehicle is in operation. * Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes; by independent service center * Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No * Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? First check engine light illuminated on August 16, 2025. (Please note the check engine light disappears once the vehicle is turned off and then restarted). I took the vehicle to AutoZone on 25Aug2025. The tech placed the code reader on the vehicle. 2 codes, P0734-00 and P07F7-00, ‘gear 4 incorrect ratio’ and ‘gear 10 incorrect ratio’ respectively were displayed. Vehicle taken to independent service center on 25Aug2025 who also placed code reader on vehicle. I am not in possession of that information at time of writing. Monthly ‘my vehicle report’ has been clear with no issues whatsoever noted until report dated 25Aug2025 (attached)

Filed May 29, 2025 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the transmission failed to operate as designed, and the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and briefly hesitated while the transmission was unexpectedly downshifting to fourth gear, and then downshifted to first gear. The vehicle returned to normal functionality after the failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was filed, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.