In July of 2024 I took my truck into Cleburne Ford in Cleburne, Texas for transmission issues. The vehicle registered 39, 581 miles at that time. My complaint was mainly clunky issue regarding shifting when down and upshifting. The dealer test drove and advised completing transmission rebuild IAW with TSB 24-2176. The truck stayed at the dealership for approximately one month closing out the work order on 8/6/2024. I drove the truck for approximately two years until experiencing a serious issue that was extremely dangerous. On a road trip to to El Paso from Glen Rose with the cruise control set travel at approximately 80 miles per hour, which is the legal limit on that stretch of road. The vehicle started lunging, lurching, and hunting! it was extremely unnerving and could have caused a lesser driver to lose control of the truck, because at that speed it only takes one small issue to happen and a grave accident could have occurred. The service engine soon indicator light then came on the dash. The cruise control was deactivated and we were near a rest stop where we stopped. When I turned the truck back on the service engine soon indicator light was off. For some reason I thought maybe it has something to do with the cruise control, so I did not turn it on again for the remainder of the trip there and back. The truck seemed to be ok, but I wanted to take it in again to have it checked. I took it to Triple Crown in Stephenville Texas, because I felt upset to think I might have experienced another transmission issue just two years ago. They system identified code P 07F7 and determined TSB 26-2226 was required. They commenced to do another rebuild replaced everything again. They did not find evidence of the CDF or trash can being bad. They said its also important to replace the pump and valve body to mitigate the possibility or reoccurrence. Ford paid approximately $1,800, because of a request from the dealership and I paid approximately $2,200 out of my pocket.
2021 Ford F-150: jerking or lurching
55 of the 1,052 complaints about the 2021 Ford F-150 describe jerking or lurching.
- owner complaints
- 55
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 60,000
- recalls
- 5
Jerking or lurching by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and hesitated while shifting into drive(D). The contact later discovered that the gear shifter was stuck in park(P) and the vehicle was undriveable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the parking pawl solenoid had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was notified of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (POWER TRAIN); but was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The failure mileage was 50,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshift. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions; however, the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted and the dealer disassembled the transmission and replaced the hub assembly, Part Number: ML3Z7H351B; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where a service technician test drove the vehicle with the contact and the technician stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. After months of waiting for a response, the contact took the vehicle to another dealer for assistance. The second dealer test drove the vehicle and disassembled the transmission and recommended that there was an adjustment of the clutch clearance, replace the necessary seals, and replace the C-clutch and seal. The technician acknowledged the failure and provided the recommendation, and the contact was later informed that the dealer would only clear the codes. The technician suggested that the contact monitor the vehicle for future issues. The contact stated that the failure immediately returned after the codes were reset. The failure mileage was 19,605.
When I begin the accelerate from a stopped position I apply the accelerator to begin driving and after a couple seconds after entering the roadway, the vehicle looses power and appears to stall, after a couple more seconds or less the vehicle revs and accelerates very quickly in a jerking fashion and resumes moving forward. Sometimes the vehicle will do this several times in a short distance. This loss of power and erratic motion have happened several times when I have entered into traffic form a stopped position and while driving. I took the vehicle to the dealership where I have it regularly serviced and described the problem. After they investigated the issue I described they were able to re-create the issue and told me that the transmission needed repair. I was able to look up similar complaints and have identified that this is a pervasive issue with the 10R80 transmission in this model year, there is a Ford TSB 26-2226 that identifies the symptoms that I experienced and pointed to a defective part in the Transmission that is the likely cause of the erratic behavior of the transmission and power train. Loosing power and stalling unexpectantly while entering an intersection or in traffic could cause a collision and injuring persons or damaging property. The Service Department where I have the vehicle serviced was very aware of the issue with the Transmission and Ford has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins to include TSB 26-2046 and TSB-26-2226. This may also be related to Ford Special Field Action 25-L02 regarding the Transmission Control Module and/ or the Safety Recall Notice Ford Number 26S48,/ the federal safety agency 26V402.
Subject: Steering Rack Failure Reimbursement Request, VIN [XXX] To Whom It May Concern, I am requesting review and reimbursement for an electronic steering rack replacement on my 2021 Ford truck, VIN [XXX]. The electronic steering fault first appeared at start-up and when turning the wheel to full lock. Initially, I could pull over, shut the truck off, restart it, and the warning would clear. After a battery replacement, battery monitoring system reset, and multiple steering relearns, the steering failed completely. When the failure occurred, steering became extremely difficult. After hitting a bump, the steering wheel jerked suddenly and caused pain to my hand and thumb. This also created a serious safety risk for me and others on the road due to the reduced ability to steer. The dealership replaced the electronic steering rack at a cost of over $2,000. The truck had only about 40,000 miles at the time. I later found Ford Recall 21S28, which appears to cover certain trucks built between XXX. Based on my VIN and build date, my truck appears to fall within that range, but the dealership advised my VIN was not included. Given the low mileage, safety risk, and apparent build-date match with Recall 21S28, I request that Ford and the federal safety agency review my vehicle’s eligibility under this recall or any related program and reimburse me for the repair. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly downshifted hard, with a jolt that shook the whole truck, then went into emergency limp mode, where I had to pull over to the shoulder, on Interstate 240 in heavy traffic. I was attempting to accelerate to merge into merging traffic. Because of this it created a dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. Other times I have had hard shifting, but did not result going into limp mode. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that the federal safety agency investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
My vehicle is having bad shifting and jerking from 1st to 2nd. It has now gotten worse and does the jerking through all gears at 81,000 miles. A certified Ford dealer is doing a diagnosis on it. But Ford wont cover anything as the transmission it has is widely know issue. The CDF drum is only a bulletin no full recall. This issues occures while driving and will shoot up to gear 8 and try to shift its self to 1st gear at 5 miles per hour struggling.
I am reporting a safety-related transmission failure I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly failed to engage and then shifted violently, causing an unexpected loss of power and then a change of propulsion. This occurred while merging at highway speed, creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed acceleration. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information for 2021–2022 F-150s identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, or turning could leave a driver unable to accelerate as expected and create a collision hazard. An unexpected downshift or lurch can also abruptly alter vehicle behavior. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that the federal safety agency investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in 2021 F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly violently jerks from 2nd to 3rd gear I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem l experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly will shift gears violently, unexpectedly downshifted. This occurred while accelerating, merging onto a highway, turning, crossing an intersection, traveling at highway speed, stop-and-go traffic, creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that the federal safety agency investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly downshifts aggressively resulting in the rear tires locking up and sliding for a moment. This occurs while driving in stop and go traffic as well as coming to a stop light/sign, creating a potentially dangerous situation. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that the federal safety agency investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly slammed into the next gear, i had never felt that before, it happens when it shifts from 2nd gear to 3rd, and someone’s after i have already been driving at highway speeds for a while it will rev up as if it’s slipping or missing a gear. This occurred while driving on a main highway, and also happens right when i leave my driveway, creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. A loss of power in the middle of busy traffic could cause an accident. This happens every single time i drive my truck, currently my truck has less than 55k miles. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that the federal safety agency investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2226
- This article supersedes 26-2287
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2066
- This article supersedes 25-2302
- This article supersedes TSB 26-2130 to update labor operation to reprogram the PCM and check EVAP system...
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2046
- Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in...
- Emission Recall 23E01
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
- Risk
- Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on June 26, 2026.
Recall number 26V402000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V‑188. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
- Risk
- An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S24.
Recall number 25V169000 · Recall details
Power train: axle hubs
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.
- Risk
- Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S65.
Recall number 23V896000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
- Risk
- An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 12, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S15.
Recall number 22V188000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The two-piece driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, which could result in driveshaft separation.
- Risk
- Driveshaft separation may result in a sudden loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S25.
Recall number 21V381000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2021 Ford F-150 jerking
Is jerking or lurching a common problem on the 2021 Ford F-150?
55 of 1,052 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford F-150 (5%) mention jerking or lurching. The model year with the most reports is 2018.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Ford F-150?
There are 5 recalls and 105 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 Ford F-150
Headlights 77Harsh shifting 53Wipers 53Loss of power 40Stalling 40Fuel pump 35Backup camera 32Check engine light 30Transmission failure 29Slipping 27Hesitation 25ABS 21Power steering loss 19Adaptive cruise 17Engine failure 17Collision warning 16Screen failure 16Door locks 15Shudder 14Grinding brakes 13Knocking 11Overheating 10Won't shift 10Misfire 9Oil consumption 7Sudden acceleration 7Sunroof shattered 6Won't start 6Fire or smoke 5
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