At around 45 miles per hour the transmission shifted hard between gears and almost like a jerk and routinely does this now. Had diagnosed and find its known tech bulletin on this transmission. Ford now has me on hook for new transmission. Just adding my complaints to long list of others with 10r80 transmission issues. Hoping ford will turn into recall help customer.
Ford F-150 transmission failure problems
809 of the 38,399 owner complaints about the Ford F-150 describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 809
- worst model year
- 2018
- typical repair cost reported
- $8,000
- typical mileage
- 90,000
Is there a fix? There are 27 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Harsh shifting 155Jerking 124Slipping 91Loss of power 87Hesitation 70Check engine light 69Won't shift 46Stalling 38
Trouble codes mentioned
P07F7 7P0734 6P0720 5P0722 4P2704 3P0022 2U0253 1U0140 1P2708 1P2707 1
What owners say
Hi my name is [XXX]. I bought my 2021 F-150 used with 40k miles. I love my truck and spend the money to keep up with all of the maintenance in hopes that it will last me a long time. At 61k miles, my transmission blew which seems insane to me. These 10 speed transmissions and known CDF drum failures are happening to so many people I talk to. I’m filing a complaint bc even my new transmission is experiencing hard shifts already after driving it for 9k miles. How many transmissions will I have to go through before Ford takes accountability. It’s unfortunate that these trucks cost so much money and then you potentially have to dump another $20k into it before even reaching 100k miles. I’m filing a complaint because I believe Ford should recall the CDF drum failures a do right for the customer. To my knowledge, these issues were fixed around 2024 models. Additionally, my transmission went out on a toll road where the speed limit is 85mph. I lost significant power and had to reduce my speed to 55-60mph which is a huge safety concern when people are passing you going 30mph faster than you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
10r80 transmission failed at 80k miles. There were multiple occasions where leaving a stoplight it would move and then basically go into neutral while hunting for gears to start moving again. The drls on the headlights have both failed so now in between westher events and day/night events the vehicle no longer has a working drl. If it is cloudy and the headlight sensor doesn’t trigger the headlights to come on there will be no lighting from the front of the vehicle at all
10r80 transmission failed at 80k miles. There were multiple occasions where leaving a stoplight it would move and then basically go into neutral while hunting for gears to start moving again. The drls on the headlights have both failed so now in between westher events and day/night events the vehicle no longer has a working drl. If it is cloudy and the headlight sensor doesn’t trigger the headlights to come on there will be no lighting from the front of the vehicle at all
My 2018 Ford F-150 is a regular-cab, long-bed pickup with a 10-speed automatic transmission and approximately 115,000 miles. The transmission frequently delays or misses both upshifts and downshifts. At times, the truck feels as if it goes into neutral for two to three seconds before the next gear engages. At low speeds, around 5 to 15 mph under light acceleration, the engine RPM rises and gear engagement is delayed. This happens under load and during ordinary driving without a trailer. The symptoms have worsened over the past several weeks. AutoNation Ford North Scottsdale inspected the truck and reproduced the problem. The transmission software has been reprogrammed twice. The repair order states that after reprogramming and clearing the adaptive settings, the technician road-tested the truck and found that it would not shift into second gear. The technician recorded findings indicating an internal transmission failure and recommended transmission replacement or teardown for inspection. A service warning light also came on during service at the dealership. The truck still does not shift properly. The delay in gear engagement makes acceleration unpredictable. If the truck briefly loses drive while I am merging or crossing traffic, I may be unable to accelerate when needed, putting me and other road users at risk. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate the delayed and missed shifts and the temporary loss of drive.
Transmission started slipping and skipping gears. I have to replace the transmission now at a cost of $10100.
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly lost power engine revved up and started to buck . This occurred while I was going down the coastal range pass while towing my boat, 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. Thank you for your consideration.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly failed to operate as intended while attempting to shift into first gear. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently went into LIMP Mode. On one occasion, the transmission warning light illuminated during the failure. The contact stated that the transmission failure had occurred after the dealer completed a software update associated with the transmission. The contact stated that a service center confirmed the transmission failure by telephone. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 89,820.
3 separate things recently happened. First the cam phasers went out, $4600. Second, only months later, the transmission went out, $7100. Third, it is throwing a p0420 and p0421 codes and the catalytic converts need replaced, at least $2000. All of this under 100k miles.
I took my truck to the dealership for them to fix the transmission recall. Afterwards it started shifting funny and was not normal like before, I started getting codes like P0721 I took it back and they said it had nothing to do with what they did. I don't believe that - the truck was fine before. They finally looked at it again and said the recall had been stopped and they could do nothing anymore until it was reinstated. They also said I need a new transmission now. This is pissing me off.
Related recalls
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 F-150 vehicles. Incorrect rear axle tail bearings may have been installed, which can result in rear wheel lock-up or driveshaft separation.
- Risk
- Rear wheel lock-up can result in a loss of vehicle control. Driveshaft separation can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle rollaway if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied. Either of these situations can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rear axle tail bearing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S63. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning September 14, 2026.
Recall number 26V576000 · Recall details
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 model year 2014 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V444. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module (PCM) can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear.
- Risk
- Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S45. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on on July 6, 2026.
Recall number 26V378000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 17V669. Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral.
- Risk
- Unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S42. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on on July 6, 2026.
Recall number 26V375000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.
- Risk
- Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on April 15, 2026.
Recall number 26V237000 · Recall details
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: 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: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
- Risk
- Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
Recall number 25V164000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
- Risk
- Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S37.
Recall number 24V444000 · 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
Questions about the Ford F-150 transmission failure
Which Ford F-150 years have complete transmission failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (194 complaints), 2019 (135 complaints) and 2020 (73 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Ford F-150?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $8,000 (median of 134 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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