The vehicle is experiencing an immediate, uncorrected mechanical steering safety defect where the internal steering geometry physically slips out of specification while driving at highway speeds. During a comprehensive diagnostic tear-down by an authorized manufacturer technician at Porter Ford on September 24–30, 2026 (RO #56117630), a structural component hardware failure was verified and documented in writing. The master technician explicitly noted that the 'steer head alignment was slipping out of spec' and that the root cause was a defective 'worm gear stake causing steer head slip.' Despite three consecutive dealership service alignment attempts, the internal steering mechanism continues to slip while the vehicle is in motion. This causes the vehicle to tracking-drift unpredictably on the highway and alters the steering wheel center position, creating an immediate loss-of-control crash hazard. The manufacturer has been unable to correct this structural failure
2023 Ford F-150: transmission slipping
7 of the 420 complaints about the 2023 Ford F-150 describe transmission slipping.
- owner complaints
- 7
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 4
Transmission slipping by model year
What owners say
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2023 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly shifts violently, lurches from P to D, delayed shifting. This occurred while while driving under normal conditions 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 2023 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly lost power and was totally unresponsive. It slammed into gear and went back to normal operation. The transmission has been reset by the dealership several times and I'm told it's normal operation for it to slam into gear on the upshift and downshift. There are no lights or warnings. This occurred while I was crossing rail road tracks 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 2023 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly shifts down violently from 10th to 8th gear, and rapidly jumping from 10th to 8th to 10th, causing harsh shifts. This occurred while driving on a highway or above 60mph. Just cruising and traveling. 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.
The torque converter inside my transmission on my 2023 f-150 “started coming apart” and has spread metal throughout my entire transmission and transmission cooler. There was no warning signs or lights that were shown to me other than when I noticed the problem which prompted me to immediately set up an appointment with my local ford dealer for a diagnosis and check up. It is a safety hazard because it can cause Sudden Gear Slippage & Power Loss: The torque converter may lose its ability to transfer power to the transmission, causing sudden drops in acceleration or unintended revving where the engine speeds up but the vehicle does not. This is extremely dangerous when trying to merge onto highways.Violent Shuddering: A faulty lockup clutch causes a harsh bucking sensation—often described as driving over a heavy rumble strip—usually between 35 and 70 mph. This can cause a sudden loss of vehicle control.Severe Overheating: Slippage and failing parts generate massive amounts of excess friction and heat. This boiled transmission fluid can melt internal seals, leading to fluid leaks, permanent clutch damage, and a potential engine bay fire if the fluid hits hot engine components. It can also cause Unintended Stalling and the vehicle shut off at stop lights or when driving. The truck is only 3 years old with 70,000 miles which is just outside of the powertrain 65,000 mile warranty. It was investigated and diagnosed by Trilakes ford in Branson. It has since been brought up to ford for a goodwill warranty claim to see what they can do to help with the $13,682 repair cost estimate that was given to me.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was slipping into park unexpectedly. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
My 2023 Ford F-150 3.5 eco boost with 35,000 approx. started having issues about 2000 miles ago with the transmission. It tends to slip gears between 3-4, 4-5 and 9-10. Sometimes it isn’t bad but other times it feels like the transmission is going to drop out from the truck. I also have an issue where the truck shifts into neutral while driving but still displays it is in drive. This doesn’t happen often but 4 times now in 2,000 miles. When this occurs I can’t put the truck back into drive and go, I have to stop, turn off the engine and wait from 5-10 minutes before I can drive away. When these issues occur there is no check engine light and the dealer said there are no snapshots recorded.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2309
- This article supersedes 26-2287
- Intermittent extended crank with no relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2066
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2241
- This article supersedes 25-2302
- This bulletin supersedes 25-2587
- Intermittent extended crank condition when starting the vehicle with no powertrain related diagnostics...
Related recalls
Power train: axle hubs
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 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 in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Either 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. This is a phased recall. Ford owners will receive letters in multiple phases, beginning August 2025 through Winter 2025. Phase 1 will include 2023 F-150 model year vehicles. Phase 2 will include 2025 F-150 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 F-150 model year vehicles. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 22, 2025. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S82. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 23V896.
Recall number 25V512000 · 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: axle assembly
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.
- Risk
- A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S07.
Recall number 23V128000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
- Risk
- The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.
Recall number 23V070000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2023 Ford F-150 slipping
Is transmission slipping a common problem on the 2023 Ford F-150?
7 of 420 owner complaints about the 2023 Ford F-150 (2%) mention transmission slipping. The model year with the most reports is 2018.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2023 Ford F-150?
There are 4 recalls and 69 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2023 Ford F-150
Grinding brakes 20Jerking 18Collision warning 13Harsh shifting 13Loss of power 13Adaptive cruise 8Check engine light 8Sunroof shattered 7Headlights 6Stalling 6Sudden acceleration 6Water leak 6Backup camera 5Brake failure 5Fire or smoke 5Transmission failure 5
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