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2023 Ford F-150: complete transmission failure

5 of the 420 complaints about the 2023 Ford F-150 describe complete transmission failure.

owner complaints
5
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
4
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls and 69 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Complete transmission failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Transmission · PA

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.

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Transmission · KY

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.

Filed Aug 1, 2026 · Transmission · GA

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.

Filed Jun 29, 2025 · Transmission · VA

The vehicle has had its automatic transmission replaced twice by a ford dealership within a one year period due to mechanical failures within the transmission. The dealership confirmed the same issue both times. Each transmission replacement was new from the manufacturer. The transmission failures caused hard shifting and stalling, which has posed a safety risk. An indicator that the transmission was failing had been the presence of a loud banging/clunking noise when shifting gears.

Filed Apr 25, 2025 · Driver assistance, Transmission · TX

The contact owns a 2023 FORD F-150. The contact stated that the Pre-collision Alarm Sensor Default was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced two sensor cables. While driving at approximately 35-40 MPH, there was a sudden winding sound coming from the bearings, which could be heard underneath the hood. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who replaced the alternator, and while repairing the vehicle, the dealer noticed that the idler pulley had failed. The idler pulley and serpentine belt were replaced. After having the vehicle repaired, the driver’s side seat cushion started deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the driver’s seat cushion. The contact smelled burning transmission fluid entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The final decision for the repair was not yet provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: axle hubsReported August 8, 2025 · 103,174 vehicles affected
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 hubsReported December 22, 2023 · 112,965 vehicles affected
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 assemblyReported February 24, 2023 · 240 vehicles affected
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 transmissionReported February 10, 2023 · 1,138 vehicles affected
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 transmission failure

Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2023 Ford F-150?

5 of 420 owner complaints about the 2023 Ford F-150 (1%) mention complete transmission failure. 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 8Slipping 7Sunroof shattered 7Headlights 6Stalling 6Sudden acceleration 6Water leak 6Backup camera 5Brake failure 5Fire or smoke 5

All model years of the Ford F-150

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