The transmission began malfunctioning by having hard shifting issues and losing power in some gears. An indicator on the dash lit up resembling a mechanics open-end wrench. Research online showed that the vehicle should not be driven and taken immediately to a mechanic or dealership. If driven especially pulling a heavy load like the fifth wheel that I bought the truck to tow the transmission could fail causing a serious safety issue. I immediately took the vehicle to a certified Ford dealership. At the dealership they informed me that parts in the transmission had failed and that it was the same exact condition as shown in recall 20S33. The noted recall was for trucks manufactured in January and February of 2020. My truck was manufactured March of 2020. The time warranty had expired for the vehicle but the mileage warranty was for 60,000 mi and the truck failed at $29,800. The transmission failed due to a manufacturing defect but I was billed over $9,800 for the repair. I have attached photos of the work order and receipt.
Ford F-350 SD transmission failure problems
25 of the 3,653 owner complaints about the Ford F-350 SD describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 25
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical mileage
- 38,000
By model year
Often reported together
Harsh shifting 3Stalling 2Slipping 2Loss of power 2Jerking 2Engine failure 2Check engine light 2Won't start 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P27B4 1P1744 1P0741 1
What owners say
While flat towing my 2022 Ford F‑350 behind a motorhome using Ford’s Neutral Tow Mode procedure, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic transmission failure. The Ford dealer documented this clearly on the service invoice: “HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS FLAT TOWED.” After the tow, the truck had severe slipping, delayed engagement, high RPM with no movement, and a wrench light. The dealer confirmed fault codes P0741, P1744, and P27B4. The dealer found catastrophic internal damage: “fluid is burnt with metal debris… filter is packed with metal debris… torque converter has came apart and filled transmission with metal debris… it is catastrophic failure.” These components are available for inspection. The dealer also documented a low battery condition: “batteries. low state of charge.” Ford’s Neutral Tow Mode relies on electronic control modules that require stable voltage, but Ford provides no warning that low voltage can cause the transfer case to exit Neutral Tow Mode. This creates a safety risk because the transmission can be rotated internally without lubrication while being towed, which can lead to sudden drivetrain lockup or loss of control. The problem was confirmed by the Ford dealer, and the vehicle was fully inspected by them. The only warning symptom occurred after towing: wrench light, slipping, and no movement. There were no warnings during the tow itself. This failure mode is not disclosed by Ford and cannot be detected or prevented by the owner.
After a few hundred mile trip we stopped at a gas station, put it in park but left the vehicle running. After about 5 minutes of idling put it in reverse and everything acted as normal. Shifted into drive and there was no power to the engine. Was able to get the truck moving before seeing that the transmission was stuck in 7th gear. Shortly after the check engine light came on. Pulled over and stopped and turned the truck off for about 10 minutes and then started it to see the check engine light went off and the truck was acting normal. Got back on the freeway and proceeded the last several hundred miles home and when I pulled off the freeway the transmission was stuck in 7th again. Was able to limp it to the dealership and ended up needing a new transmission with only 2,200 miles.
I own a 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty (VIN: [XXX] , mileage: ~20,000). The vehicle is subject to a recall involving the transmission output planetary four assembly replacement. Ford and the dealer insist that the transmission must be disassembled and rebuilt to complete this recall. I do not agree with this solution because it permanently alters the integrity of the original transmission. Additionally, the dealer (Route 23 Auto Mall, Butler NJ) has repeatedly mishandled repairs, including installing the fuel filter incorrectly multiple times. I have opened several case numbers with Ford Customer Service: Recall Case No: [XXX](02/02/2024) Fuel filter dealer error: [XXX] (01/06/2025), [XXX] (01/15/2025), [XXX] (08/26/2025) Transmission recall follow-up: [XXX] (02/25/2025) Buyback case (denied): [XXX] (03/04/2025) Despite multiple cases, Ford refused to buy back the vehicle because it is registered under a company name. This is unfair and leaves me with a defective and unsafe vehicle. I request the federal safety agency to investigate this recall and require Ford to provide a new transmission replacement instead of a rebuild, and to review Ford’s handling of dealer errors and warranty obligations. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2025 E-350 Safety Recalls* Main control valve body or transmission replacement Recall incomplete As transmission controls highway speed at 60mph and higher. RECOMMENDED FOR ALL 2025 E-350 to be reported as UNDRIVABLE and brought in IMMEDIATELY for Safety Recall, and highway safety international. Please BROADCAST as amber alert and/or new cast notifications.
While driving my 2017 Ford F-350 equipped with the 6R140 transmission, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete transmission failure due to a valve body malfunction. Without warning, the transmission lost all ability to engage gears, resulting in an immediate loss of power and drivability. This failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion, presenting a serious safety risk to both occupants and other motorists — especially in high-speed or high-traffic situations. The risk is further compounded when the vehicle is towing, as it may increase stopping distance, reduce control, and leave the driver stranded in unsafe conditions. This type of failure appears to be part of a broader pattern affecting this transmission platform, which raises significant concerns about its reliability and safe operation under normal usage. There were warning lights or other symptoms prior to the failure. The damage has since been remedied, with an astounding out of pocket cost of $8,300 for a total transmission rebuild.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission shifted hard into gear, and the vehicle was shaking erratically. Additionally, the engine overheated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Transmission unrepaired recall has not been completed or mentioned by manufacturer or dealer. I had to replace transmission ones and fix it again. After last fix transmission fluid is still leaking.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact then observed a loud noise emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle stalled. The contact exited the vehicle to perform an inspection and observed condensation underneath the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under Emission Recall Number: 20E07 (Power Train Control Module Reprogramming). The contact stated that while driving 70-80 MPH, the RPM fluctuated between 2,300 and 2,900 RPM, and the transmission failed to shift into overdrive. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the transmission shifted excessively hard. The vehicle had previously been taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated prior to the vehicle becoming undriveable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Related recalls
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- 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 shaft
- 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)
- 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 shaft
- 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: driveshaft
- 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 transmission
- 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: axle assembly
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks equipped with 6.7L diesel engines and Dana model 275 rear axles. The rear axle housing may not support the load of the pickup truck and deform, which could result in driveshaft separation.
- Risk
- Driveshaft separation may result in a loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the axle housing for deformities, and repair or replace the housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall 21S31.
Recall number 21V536000 · Recall details
Power train: axle hubs
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels and front wheel hub extenders. The front wheel hub extenders may be improperly attached to the front rotor hub assemblies, which could result in separation of the wheels and wheel extenders from the vehicle.
- Risk
- A detached wheel and wheel extender can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Owners are instructed not to drive their vehicles until the torque of the wheel extender nuts can be verified. Dealers will inspect and tighten the front wheel hub extender nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S26.
Recall number 21V390000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter
- 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 transmission
- 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
Questions about the Ford F-350 SD transmission failure
Which Ford F-350 SD years have complete transmission failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (8 complaints), 2020 (5 complaints) and 2017 (2 complaints).
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