transmission vibration between 30-45 mph, erratic shifting, sometimes harsh.
2020 Ford F-150 transmission complaints
Page 3 of 13: complaints 41 to 70 of 364, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission was shifting hard, jerking, and downshifting unexpectedly and randomly switching gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions over the years for the recurring transmission failure. The transmission software updates were performed but the failures persisted. The vehicle later stalled and was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission CDF drum had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was later towed to the local transmission specialist who confirmed the failure and replaced the CDF drum and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.
The transmission has failed. The vehicle has barely 100,000 miles. I understand there are multiple class action lawsuits stating Ford knew of the issues with the transmission, yet still allowed it to be sold. The dealership has said this isn’t their problem.
At about 15000 mile (under warranty) I had to take it to the dealer for hard shifting. At around 58000 mile and still under warranty I started to have intermittent hard shifting and searching for gears. At 63000 (out of warranty) I had complete transmission failure with gear lockouts occuring on 2nd and 7th gear and hard shifting. Applied for to FORD for after warranty assistance and was told to keep driving the truck while they worked it out with Customer Service Assistance. AI is reflecting to STOP driving the vehicle immediately as it is a known safety issue from FORD. WTH!
Unknown
the 10 speed transmission at low transmission temps shifts extremley hard to the point where it will down shift in a slow acceleration back to first gear and chirp the tires, in the rain this could cause me to lose traction in adverse weather conditions. Somtimes it will shift into to neutral and not accelerate at all for a few seconds before shifting back into first gear, making it dangerous if I im trying to cross a road and the truck essentially stalls for a few seconds blocking the road way. The last full service oil change i had said the transmission fluid was correct. on online forums i have seen a lot of the same issues with other owners. I asked ford dealership about it and they told me to drive it until a warning light comes on. this sounds like some issue with the transmission itself and not a wear and tear issue as i have 100,000 miles on the truck and do very little towing with it.
I bought the vehicle at 33,000 miles. Since 40,000 miles I’ve noticed hard shifting and stickiness in my powertrain whether in high gear or low gear. I’m at 105000 currently, and wasn’t warned of any of these manufacturing issue when I bought it. The worst of it has always been 1st gear. The lack of responsiveness and slow shifting has caused me on numerous occasions to propel forward suddenly in parking lots and other sites.
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.
Drive a 2020 Ford f150 with a 2.7 l. XLT with a a 10r80 transmission. I was getting on the highway. Got up to 70 75 mph didn't make it very far and my transmission jerked real hard shut me forward and I hit the steering wheel and broke a tooth and it went from 70 to 75 mph down to zero from top gears all the way to one and now it won't go past 7th gear on the highway and if it does it's either at a slight downhill or level roadway and I might make it into 8th or 9th. But to continue with forward celeration to keep current speed, it stays in seven gear running at high RPMs and Ford won't do nothing about it because it's not on a recall list and I contacted Ford corporate and filed with them. Heard nothing filed with my Ford dealership that's in town for them to file it with Ford and nothing and Ford won't do their job to fix the problem that's been going on with the 10 already transmissions and the vehicle is not safe to operate or drive and it's my only vehicle and it puts me at risk driving it for my life. And with it being a safety concern, Dave won't do anything about it and I don't have $10 to $20,000 for them to replace the transmission and the labor and all that
The vehicle started rolling on its own and there was a clicking sound. I have a video of it and audio. Your uploading limit cannot handle a video of 28 seconds. The Google Drive link below has the video. If you are unable to open Google Drive please reach out to me. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Over the past year (2025) we have noticed that our F150 King Ranch occasionally was having a rough or harsh shift between the 7-8 gear. We took the Truck to the dealer where we purchased the Truck, Mullnax Ford of Central Florida, in the summer of 2025. We left the vehicle with the service manager, later he called us and indicated that the technician could not replicate the issue. Several months later in November, 2025, with the problem recurring all the time and also happening at other shift points. We took the truck back to the dealer, Mullnax Ford of Central Florida, 1551 E Semoran Blvd, Apopka, FL 32703. We left the vehicle with the service advisor, Sam. Later that day the service manager Sam said the technician “test drove the truck and said needs a new transmission at a cost of almost $10,000.” Based on research I conducted I determined that there was an existing TSB 25-2475 recently issued October 25, 2025 regarding this harsh/delayed shifting issue on the 10R80 transmission and applicable to our Truck. We have taking the truck to 2 Ford dealers asking them to perform the diagnostic process outlined in TSB 25-2475 The harsh shifting is not only annoying, the sudden sharp shift especially at lower speed presents a possible significant safety risk. The harsh shift many times causes the vehicle to lurch unexpectedly. The truck is only 5 years old and has less than 100k miles We sent certified letters to the CEO of Ford and to the Ford Customer Relationship Center, with no response. This is a wide spread problem and is well known to Ford.
My transmission “slips” causing the truck to “jerk” very harshly when it shifts. The problem is VERY scary when I’m driving the vehicle, making me feel and think that the truck is breaking down. It is psychologically very scary. I purchased the vehicle brand new in 2020. I have taken it in multiple times complaining of it (still have the documentation noting the problem). The dealership has not been able to reproduced, but I know that they have been aware of this specific problem since before I bought the vehicle.There are never any warning lights or symptoms. When I took it in for service complaining of the problem, the vehicle was under warranty. They never fixed the problem, even AFTER they had a fix for it. Now it is out of warranty. I am [XXX] old. I bought the vehicle expecting it would be the last vehicle I would purchase as I will retire soon. Once I retire, I will not be able to afford a car payment. I will have my social security ONLY to live on!! I am terrified that my vehicle now will not last the remainder of my life. I am very traumatized by this whole thing, knowing that Ford knew about the problem and never acknowledged to me the problems there were with this 10 speed transmission, much less fixed it. I need HELP from someone getting Ford to do the right thing. I don’t understand why there was never a recall for this problem. I know there have got to be thousands of other Ford owners out there experiencing the same problem with their vehicles. My son has the same issue with his vehicle and Ford has told them there is NO fix. But I know there is. It is the CDF drum causing the problem. Why is Ford not being forced to fix the issue? HELP, PLEASE!! I do not have a specific date for the “incident” as it has happened multiple times. I do have documentation of my complaint to Ford. I will retire in 2.5 years at the age of [XXX]. I cannot buy another car. I cannot afford to make payments at this stage in life. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was driven to a nearby rest stop. The power train malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission had overheated. The vehicle was turned off to allow the transmission to cool down. The contact stated that occasionally while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission had been replaced thirteen months prior to the failure. The contact was informed that the transmission had a one-year warranty coverage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
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.
CDF drum failure on transmission causing transmission to miss shifts, rough shifts, and caused catastrophic damage to transmission, at just over 100K miles. It was out of warranty, but considering the number of complaints surrounding this issue, this needs to be a recall, and there needs to be financial reparations made by Ford to vehicle owners who have experienced this issue, necessitating a transmission replacement. Totally unacceptable.
Driving on freeway 10 speed transmission failed - hard knock and jerk, almost got in an accident. Gears 6-9 dead. Apparently this 10-speed transmission is a known issue, with many technical service bulletins issued, class action lawsuits, and angry customers. Ford refuses to issue a recall and the federal safety agency refused to hold them to account. Something is broken - how can Ford make such a known, terrible important component to a vehicle that fails regularly - yet get away with it? I thought the federal safety agency was supposed to protect us from these unsafe vehicles?
The 10R80 transmission shifts extremely rough. For example, mine has 67,600 miles on it and has horrible shifting behavior in the lower gears (3,4 and 5) whether shifting up or down. This is a very common problem and Ford has yet to deal with it for recalls and improve safety. The fix is extremely expensive and needs to be addressed.
My 2020 Ford F150 was diagnosed by a shop to have the well known CDF drum issue. This issue is very expensive to repair and have experienced several safety concerns while conducting daily drives to and from work or other locations nearby. The transmission will not allow you to accelerate while on the freeway making it impossible to merge safely out of the way or even just get up to speed safely. The truck will flare up in RPM but will not accelerate or shift into the next gear. Once it does it will do it very violently.
I suspect a CDF Clutch Drum sleeve migration. This is a notorious manufacturing defect in 2017-2020 1080 units. The truck just passed the 60,000 mile power train warranty. A 2020 4x4 Sport is a highly sought-after, higher-trim truck. I invested heavily in a premium vehicle and expected it to last well past 65,000 miles. My truck is at the group 1 ford dealership in Shreveport and the service manager stated I need a new transmission. Quoted $8,800. I can not afford this and would like it to be covered for helped paid for. The service manager told me to call customer service at ford and ask for a goodwill case stating these transmissions are in a lawsuit currently and ford made a replacement part for the specific transmission. The cdf drum. The truck up and down shifts while driving down the road randomly and is a safety concern. Hard shifting between 1-3 and 4-6 speed. The 10 speed transmission
Transmission failed Transmission locks up slamming vehicle to a stop. transmission sometimes will not change gears and go into neutral when driving down highway. Dealer has confirmed problem and stated that ford knows that it has a faulty CDF drum in transmission. there were not any warning lights before this started occurring.
While driving my 2020 F150 VIN # [XXX], at highway speeds, transmission abruptly shifts down to 1st gear then back to 9th gear and does not advance to 10th Gear. Also, while accelerating, at 3 gear shift to 4th, there is a slipping of the transmission and eventually it kicks in to 6th gear. When the downshift occurs at highway speeds, the transmission slows immediately where we have to pull over or get hit by traffic in our lane. This problem was confirmed by an independent Service center once i took it in. Other than the independent service center, i have not had anyone else inspect the vehicle. When this error happens, i get a wrench light come on and it will not go away until i shut off the engine and wait 1 min or so, then restart the truck. In one incident, when the truck was rolling at highway speed and the downshift occurred, the rear wheels locked as though i had hit the breaks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Another Failed CDF on 10r80 transmission, these are happening everywhere! Where is the recall?!?!?!?!
2020 Ford F-150 custom-built in Sept 2020 developed severe, textbook warning signs of rear-end failure while traveling—specifically severe low-speed metallic clanging and high-pitched whirring from the rear wheels. Recognizing the potential danger, we safely exited the highway and sought an immediate diagnostic from an independent shop. The diagnostic confirmed the defect mechanism detailed in the federal safety agency Campaign 23V896000: fractured axle hub bolts, disintegrated pinion gears, and metal shaving contamination throughout the 9.75-inch axle housing. While we avoided a high-speed highway shutdown by proactively seeking repairs, the underlying structural manufacturing defect is identical to the active recall. My truck's build date sits squarely inside the part production window specified by Ford in that campaign (starting Jan 28, 2020), but my VIN is excluded due to a generation cutoff. Note: We have retained the full replaced axle assembly fully intact and available for physical inspection by the federal safety agency investigators.
The transmission failed while driving. While accelerating to speed, there was a "clunk" and then the vehicle was unable to shift to another gear, stuck in 7th. The vehicle lurched continuously, decelerated suddenly, and I was unable to shift up or down. Cars behind me swerved to avoid hitting me. Luckily I was able to drive at below speed with hazards lights flashing to the nearby dealership. Truck has completed every recommended maintenance check and only has 65,600 miles on it. Repair costs for new transmission were stated to me at $9800 by the dealership. There were no warning signs or symptoms prior to the failure. However, reading multiple online complaints indicates Ford has known about the defect for the 10R80 transmission failure for years, as early as 2017, and there is a recall for this for model years 2017-2018. This is clearly a safety issue, and I am lucky I was not on the highway at high speed nor had my grandchildren in the vehicle.
Transmission failure vehicle when pulling into traffic/or road while up shifting the trans would have harsh shift and would slip as if not in gear the engine would rev rpm’s and slam hard into gear usually 2nd gear through 7th gear. Sometimes while driving say going downhill the transmission would down shifting from 10th gear to 8th gear hard, sometime it would down shift on the display to first gear and seemingly be coasting until it would just up shift to any gear it chose. My safety and that of my passengers was that while merging into traffic with the transmission slip or hunting for gears caused other traffic to brake, slow or avoid my vehicle.There were never any warnings on the display dash. Manufacturer Dealer had 7 week wait list for appointments but was scheduled. Manufacturer Dealer mechanic tested vehicle and determined code o76f present for 7th gear leading to failure of transmission and recreated the same failure results while test driving. Recommended transmission replacement and has since replaced the transmission with new transmission at my expense of $8630.00- taxes plus charge of $199.00 for diagnostic work.
10r80 transmission shifts from 7th & 9th gear to 2nd gear causing truck to jerk and over rev. there were two mil lights local shop was able to read and reset once and cleared codes. This just recurred and truck was not able to be driven. Ended up replacing transmission same week as this problem started. New transmission has been fine since.
* This complaint concerns a catastrophic failure of the transmission in my vehicle. This defect was first reported to a Ford dealer while still within the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty (Jan 3, 2023, at 58,679 miles; Invoice #XXX). * The condition worsened. Between July 2024 - Jan. 2026, I received 7 digital "Service Engine Soon" warnings via the Ford App. My dealer advised that the vehicle was "OK to drive" as long as the light (which never stayed on) was not flashing. I was told diagnostics could not be made unless the light was active at the dealership. Jan 16, 2026, the light came on; I was able to take the truck to the dealer. A fault code was finally captured, but the dealer reported a two-month service backlog. I could not wait that long. *Feb 2026, I established a clean engine baseline. I spent $833.15 to replace O2 sensors (EJ’s Automotive) to rule out engine−related performance issues. During this service (at 103,431 miles), an inspection confirmed metallic clutch material contamination in the transmission fluid only 10,248 miles after a 2nd professional flush. This failure occurred despite a total maintenance investment of $11,533.80 across 21 service visits. * This failure resulted in a dangerous Loss of Motive Power, creating a collision risk. The vehicle is currently grounded and completely inoperable. The dealership verbally designated the vehicle as VOR due to the confirmed diagnosis, only to contradict that status by claiming it was "driveable" after I declined a $15,000 quote for a teardown to diagnose the issue. * Since the truck can no longer tow, 2 third-party transports for a horse and a trailer relocation are necessary. The failure has also resulted in a total parasitic battery drain. The tailgate latch and door locks are inoperable, suggesting the transmission fault is interfering with module communication. This is consistent with the root cause Ford has acknowledged in TSBs 24-2101 and 25-2126 involving the CDF clutch drum sleeve. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF
The transmission has a history of harsh shifting and slipping. At 101,600 miles being told this is a known issue with the transmission and likely needs to be replaced.
I took it to the ford dealership, they said the transmission needed to be replaced
I own a Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 10-speed transmission. The truck has approximately 79,000 miles and has been diagnosed by a Ford dealership with CDF drum/cylinder and solenoid body failure. The quoted repair cost is over $10,000 for a remanned transmission replacement. This truck has shifted hard since approximately 30,000 miles, but I was led to believe it was normal behavior for the 10-speed transmission. The vehicle has been lightly used and properly maintained through Ford. It is still on its original tires and brakes, which supports that this is not a high-abuse or heavy-use vehicle. A major transmission failure at 79,000 miles under normal use is not reasonable vehicle durability. The failure involves the CDF drum/cylinder, a known failure point in the Ford 10R80 transmission. This can cause harsh shifting, delayed engagement, gear skipping, slipping, abnormal acceleration behavior, and unpredictable shifting. These conditions create a safety concern when accelerating into traffic, merging, turning across lanes, passing, or driving at highway speeds. Ford has issued technical service guidance related to the 10R80 transmission and CDF drum/cylinder failure, including diagnostic procedures for hydraulic leakage and internal repair. This confirms the issue is known and identifiable, yet owners are still facing extremely expensive failures outside the standard warranty period. Another concern is that Ford is proposing remanufactured transmission replacements rather than new replacements, despite reports of repeat CDF-related failures after remanufactured units if updated CDF components are not included. This is not normal wear and tear. This is premature failure of a known defective transmission component that affects drivability, reliability, and safety. Ford should not leave customers responsible for potentially multiple $10,000+ repair costs for a known 10R80/CDF drum failure.
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