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Ford F-250 SD transmission failure problems

46 of the 6,554 owner complaints about the Ford F-250 SD describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2020 model year.

owner complaints
46
worst model year
2020
typical repair cost reported
$3,400
typical mileage
60,000
Is there a fix? There are 10 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2022
    1
  • 2021
    5
  • 2020
    12
  • 2019
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    2
  • 2003
    4
  • 2002
    1
  • 2001
    11
  • 2000
    4
  • 1999
    3

What owners say

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Transmission · WI

Pulled into my driveway, put vehicle in park and vehicle rolled away. Dealer says transmission needs to be replaced. the federal safety agency bulletin 22s22 is a roll away risk for 2020 F-250 but my VIN is not included in this recall but I fear more vehicles were affected by this then what ford reported

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Transmission · VA

Transmission, temporally could be available but to replace it there is a $1500 core charge The transmission catastrophically failed, which lead to the rear wheels to lock up while driving, putting me and others at risk, had i been going faster when it did lock up No the problem has not been reproduced by a independent service center as i am going to replace the transmission myself I have inspected it along with a mechanic via photos showing all the metal fragments in the fluid and filter No warning lamps prior to the failure, but there where warning lights of service vehicle soon before the transmission locked up. Ever since new the transmission has shifted erratically especially from 3-4 and 6-7. Ford told me this was normal when I brough it in back when it only had a 20 or 30k miles on it for the erratic shifting. I now have 76K miles.

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Transmission · NE

This is a follow-up to my original complaint #XXX, filed XXX, regarding the failure of the 10R140 10-speed automatic transmission in my 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty (VIN: [XXX]). The transmission began exhibiting symptoms of gear slipping, jerking, delayed and harsh shifting, and pinging from the torque converter around 100,000 miles. These symptoms progressively worsened until the transmission suffered a catastrophic internal failure. As documented in the attached Sid Dillon Ford repair order, an authorized Ford dealer found metal contamination in the transmission fluid and confirmed that a complete transmission replacement was required. The attached Friesen Ford repair order also shows that harsh engagements were present and that a transmission flush failed to resolve the issue. I have also attached a sworn statement from [XXX], an independent automotive technician who has serviced vehicles for my family for several years. In his sworn statement, he confirms that these 10R140 transmissions have known serious ongoing issues and that many mechanics avoid working on them due to these problems. Ford Motor Company was provided with the above repair records and the sworn statement but has denied any responsibility or reimbursement for the transmission failure. The failure created a serious safety risk due to the sudden loss of propulsion while driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · 60,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle had become inoperable due to a transmission failure. The contact associated the transmission failure with the recall; however, the dealer advised that the transmission repair would be at the owner's expense. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Transmission · NC

2020 Ford F250 with 85,000 miles. We purchased new and all maintenance has been done on time and by Ford Service. Transmission began jerking when going from park to drive (or reverse). Noticeable lunging of the vehicle when putting into gear. This began in December 2025. This is a safety concern if anyone is in front of or behind the vehicle when this happens. The truck jumps. Now the transmission is not shifting gears smoothly when the truck is in motion. This is a known problem with trucks manufactured during this time period with 10R80 transmissions. Ford has been less than helpful in helping me come to a resolution. They tell me there was a TSB sent out. They attempted to reprogram software (at a cost of $424 to me). I will upload the invoice from Ford. This only made the problem worse. They quoted me a "special price" of $8,500 to replace the transmission, however their service department is SIX WEEKS out. For this reason we have chosen to have the transmission replaced at a local transmission shop. Their price is $9,932.41. I have attached that invoice. Ford needs to take accountability for this safety problem and attempt to make these vehicles safe. They should absorb at least some of the cost to fix this design problem. We paid full price to purchase a new, safe vehicle. That is not what we received. Rather than a "Technical Service Bulletin", Ford should be forced to do a recall and make this right for customers who paid top dollar for these vehicles.

Filed Nov 30, 2025 · Transmission · NE

My 2021 Ford F-250 equipped with the 10R140 10-speed transmission suffered a sudden internal failure around ~100,000 miles. The failure symptoms and internal damage match the defect Ford acknowledged in Safety Recall 22V‑256, which applies to the 2020 F-250/F-350 trucks using the same 10R140 transmission. Despite identical symptoms and the same transmission design, my VIN [XXX] ) was excluded from the recall. the federal safety agency’s VIN decoder also returned an “ambiguous model year” notice, suggesting this vehicle may have been built during the transition period where Ford continued using the same defective 10R140 components. Symptoms experienced prior to failure included harsh shifting, delayed engagement, gear slipping, and eventual loss of drive. A transmission shop stated they “won’t touch these transmissions” due to known issues. The failure created a serious safety risk due to sudden loss of power while driving. This appears to be a recall scope error. Early 2021 units like mine are experiencing the same 10R140 internal failures as the recalled 2020 population. I request the federal safety agency investigate whether Ford under-reported the affected VIN range and whether the recall should be expanded to include early-2021 F-250 trucks. 10R140 transmission failure on a 2021 Ford F-250. Identical to the failure described in 2020 Recall 22V‑256. Early 2021 VIN, suspected recall scope error. approximately sometime in January 2025 not exact date. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the transmission failed to downshift from seventh gear, causing the vehicle to jerk. The transmission warning light was illuminated, and the message "Power Train Malfunction - Reduce Power" was displayed on the Ford Mobile App. The contact's neighbor, an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V256000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Transmission · OK

AT 107,000 I lost 10th gear on the highway while pulling a trailer and was almost involved in a collision. The collar of the f250 10 speed is just as bad as the 2018 10 speed on f150s and they are failing at 100k. Complete new transmission needed. This should be recalled and i should be refunded. This is insanely dangerous to lose power while driving

Filed May 29, 2025 · Transmission · VT

10 speed transmission causing unsafe operation. Stalling , stopping decelerated shifting.. replace with a new transmission by ford and nown14k miles in its doing the same thing. Someone will wreck because of this and it won't be good!

Filed Apr 15, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · 285,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the battery warning light had appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where an inspection was performed; however, no defects were found with the vehicle. The contact then stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the instrument panel began to flash as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact immediately turned around and headed home. The contact attempted to reverse(R) into the driveway; however, the transmission failed to operate as needed. The contact coasted the vehicle into the driveway and let the vehicle sit for two days. The contact then drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a defect with the wiring in the electrical system was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was transferred unknowingly to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 285,000.

Related recalls

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported March 3, 2026 · 11,431 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026-2025 F-250 SD and F-350 SD vehicles. The driveshaft friction weld may fail, resulting in rear driveshaft separation and a sudden loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the driveshaft serial number and replace the driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 6, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S13. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on March 4, 2026.

Recall number 26V119000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported December 12, 2025 · 6,819 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Super Duty F-250 and F-350 vehicles. The right rear axle shaft may have been improperly heat-treated during manufacturing and may break.
Risk
A broken rear axle shaft can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the right rear axle shaft date code and replace the axle shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on December 15, 2025.

Recall number 25V866000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported March 14, 2025 · 11,621 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column shifter may have been improperly welded and detach from the steering column.
Risk
A detached shifter will prevent the driver from shifting into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the steering column serial numbers and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S20.

Recall number 25V163000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported August 25, 2023 · 41,555 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Super Duty F250 and F350 vehicles equipped with single rear wheels and a 10.5-inch rear axle shaft. The left rear axle shaft may have been improperly heat-treated during manufacturing and may break.
Risk
A broken rear axle shaft can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the left rear axle shaft date code and replace the axle shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S49.

Recall number 23V595000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported November 29, 2022 · 18,808 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 4x4 vehicles. A radial damper inside the driveshaft may move out of position over time, which can cause a driveshaft imbalance and result in a fracture.
Risk
A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power. Additionally, a vehicle rollaway could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Either of these scenarios increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S74.

Recall number 22V880000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 14, 2022 · 23,165 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A washer within the vehicle's transmission can disintegrate, causing metallic debris to become lodged in the 'Park' mechanism.
Risk
Debris lodged within the 'Park' mechanism may prevent the vehicle from achieving or holding 'Park,' increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway and a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace a gearset within the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 19, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S22.

Recall number 22V256000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: torque converterReported June 23, 2020 · 13 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Super-Duty F-250, F-350, and F-550 diesel pickups. The transmission torque converter damper plate was not tempered, resulting in a brittle damper plate that may fracture and cause the engine to stall or require increased brake pedal effort in order to stop the vehicle.
Risk
An engine stall or requiring additional braking effort to stop the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly, free of charge. This recall began July 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S33.

Recall number 20V365000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported November 14, 2018 · 4 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty and F-450 Super Duty vehicles. An incorrect transmission case casting may cause the park pawl assembly to not be secured, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.
Risk
Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the transmission case, replacing the transmission as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S36.

Recall number 18V802000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported March 31, 2017 · 48,443 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks equipped with 6.2L engines and six-speed automatic transmissions. These transmissions may have a damaged park rod actuating plate that can result in unexpected vehicle movement even though the transmission has been shifted to 'Park.' As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect", and number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk
Unexpected vehicle movement such as a vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the park rod actuating plate and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C06.

Recall number 17V225000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported April 17, 2014 · 3,973 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks manufactured September 13, 2013, through March 28, 2014, and equipped with 6.2L gasoline or 6.7L diesel engines and 6R140 transmissions. An error with the transmission control software may be such that while shifting from "Park" to "Drive" the vehicle may display "Drive" but possibly engage "Reverse" for 1.5 seconds before engaging "Drive." Therefore, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."
Risk
If the vehicle is in "Reverse" while the while the gear selection shows "Drive," unexpected movement could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission software, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2014. Owners may contact Fords customer service at 1‑800‑392‑3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C04.

Recall number 14V204000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford F-250 SD transmission failure

Which Ford F-250 SD years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2020 (12 complaints), 2001 (11 complaints) and 2021 (5 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Ford F-250 SD?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,400 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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