2020 Ford F-150: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with children inside the vehicle, the transmission shifted erratically and began shuddering. The vehicle decelerated unexpectedly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Transmission · MN

Harsh shifting in between gears. Jerky shifting and shudders while shifting as well

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Transmission · CA

While driving my 2020 Ford F-150 on the highway, the transmission suddenly failed, causing loss of normal drivability and creating an immediate safety concern due to reduced vehicle control at highway speeds. The failure involved the transmission system, which I later learned may be related to Ford’s recall notice stating that the installed remanufactured transmission may be missing an internal bearing. Prior to the complete failure, the vehicle exhibited symptoms consistent with the recall, including harsh shifting, shuddering, and vibration. These symptoms escalated until the transmission malfunctioned to the point the vehicle was no longer safely operable, requiring me to tow the truck to Rocklin Transmission. The transmission was replaced out of pocket by that independent service center, and the failed component should be available for inspection upon request through that facility. The malfunction created a serious safety risk because the transmission could become stuck in certain gears, illuminate the check engine light, or potentially fail to properly engage Park, all of which increase the risk of a crash or injury. The issue was confirmed by the independent repair facility when diagnosing and replacing the transmission. The vehicle has not been inspected by Ford or other representatives prior to the repair because the failure required immediate corrective action to restore safe vehicle operation.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 90,400 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the transmission shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that a tune-up was needed. The tune-up was performed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall and the PCM was reprogrammed. The unknown recall repair was performed the day prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,400.

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Engine · 91,800 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,800.

Filed Oct 28, 2024 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking and shuddering while changing gears. Additionally, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The wrench warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Sep 2, 2024 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · TN

This happens consistently,while driving with the cruise control,the truck takes off and speeds up almost causing the truck to ram other vehicles. Then the truck shudders and surges before throwing up several codes. I have read this is a problem with many Ford trucks. I feel like our lives are in serious danger . I was hoping there would be a recall because this is leaving customers in situations that may cause injury or death.

Filed Apr 19, 2024 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the vehicle was sputtering, skipping gears, shuddering, and jerking in the middle of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the earliest available appointment would be in August. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Dec 14, 2023 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and shuddered. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact released the accelerator pedal until the vehicle stopped shuddering. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had experienced a mechanical failure. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the mileage on the vehicle. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Jan 3, 2022 · Transmission · VA

Every time I drive on the highway at speeds over 45+ mph and a load is on the engine and boost is 5+ psi, the truck shudders and shakes like an engine miss. I took it to the dealership 3 times for this and each time they say it is the transmission and it is "normal". Something is seriously wrong with it. It feels like the engine is going to let loose.

Filed Dec 8, 2021 · 6,255 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss motive power when the contact depressed on the accelerator pedal. The vehicle shuddered while decelerating. The contact veered to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle resumed normal operation. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel injector was faulty and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to local dealer and the fuel injectors and fuel pump were replaced. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving on the highway the failure recurred. The contact stated that the engine was blown, and oil was spilling from the engine underneath the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealer. The tow truck driven informed the contact that a rod had gone through the side of the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,255.