The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into park (P), the gear shifter became stuck, requiring the contact to remove the key from the ignition or depress the brake pedal until a whining sound ceased in order to shift into park (P). The contact stated that while operating the vehicle in reverse (R), the vehicle suddenly shifted into park (P) and stopped immediately. The failure recurred several times while in reverse (R). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Ford F-150 whining noise problems
80 of the 38,399 owner complaints about the Ford F-150 describe whining or grinding noise, most of them for the 2004 model year.
- owner complaints
- 80
- worst model year
- 2004
- typical repair cost reported
- $3,000
- typical mileage
- 20,000
Is there a fix? There are 27 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Grinding brakes 12Harsh shifting 10Jerking 6Hesitation 6Knocking 5Shudder 4Transmission failure 3Won't shift 3
What owners say
10R80 Transmission has started to go bad like all the other complaints. CDF Drum walking, Valve Body leaking pressure, Torque Converter bearings are whining and getting louder. Flaring between gears and now at highway speeds from 9th gear to 10th gear is has a flare then goes into "Neutral Lockup" and tries to go back to 1st gear. Thankfully, it hasn't actually locked into 1st gear but this happens frequently and is a major life threatening defect now. I am afraid to drive the vehicle and Ford Motors knows there is an issue (for years) and has not created a recall for my VIN.
I’ve had the transmission replaced along with the torque converter when both failed less than a year ago. The transmission AND the torque converter are now doing the same thing it was doing prior to the replacement. The transmission slips in 4th, 7th and 8th gears. The torque converter whines loudly. Ford will not fix the issues with these transmissions without a hefty out of pocket fee. It’s become very well known that all of these 10R80 engines/transmissions are a major problem that ford is not remedying. If this transmission gives out when I’m on the interstate it’s going to cause a major wreck. I live in the mountains, so a bad transmission can quickly turn into a deadly accident. These transmissions need a permanent fix, not for us owners to continue paying thousands of dollars for replacements or rebuilds. This is fords problem.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was chugging while driving. While driving 60 MPH the following day, the vehicle made abnormal whining sounds and lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact resumed driving, but the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with a transmission sensor failure. The dealer was contacted and informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
My transmission has begun to shift extremely rough the vehicle now loses power with no notice OR it excellerates up to almost 4000rpm. So much that I have to break and try to pull over immediately. Without any notice the vehicle no shifts rough from 3-4 skips 6 completely and whines out in 8th gear.
Transmission making whining noise. Started making whiny noise at 14,000 miles. Currently has 18,000 miles. Complained to the dealer, but dealer said that this type of transmission makes this kind of noise and it is normal. Which is not normal from everything that I’m reading. It’s basically the transmission is failing and it’s just a matter of time before it quits completely. I will attach a note from the dealer.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the floorboards. The contact stated that there was a pop and then a whining sound before the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to either first or second gear. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle, and had the vehicle towed to the local dealer. The dealer refused to service the vehicle and the contact had the vehicle towed to a second dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train). The contact was informed that the recall repair was performed; however, the transmission had been damaged and needed to be replaced and was not covered under the recall. The contact had notified the manufacturer and was also informed that replacing the transmission was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
Transmission started slipping,hard shifting,whining at only 82,500 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission gradually downshifted to first gear unintendedly. The contact stated that the speedometer and odometer became inoperable. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon pulling over to the side of the road, turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed, but only temporarily. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V433000 (Power Train); however, the failure worsened two weeks later. The contact stated while driving 70-80 MPH in the left lane, the transmission unexpectedly slammed into first gear and made an abnormally loud whining sound, almost causing a crash. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road after traffic had cleared. The contact resumed driving and exited the highway; however, the contact did not exceed 30 MPH due to safety concerns. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was being diagnosed at the contact's expense. The contact was advised that there would be a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000. The VIN was not available.
Whining or whistling noise at idle. Bangs when shifts to lowest gear.
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 whining noise
Which Ford F-150 years have whining or grinding noise problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2004 (13 complaints), 2018 (10 complaints) and 2003 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix whining or grinding noise on the Ford F-150?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,000 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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