2018 Ford Mustang: jerking or lurching

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Transmission · TX

My 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with the 10R80 automatic transmission began experiencing hesitation, delayed engagement, and harsh jerking during low-speed acceleration (15-20 mph), especially when cold. Engine RPM would increase, but the vehicle would hesitate before engaging. The condition worsened over time and eventually the vehicle entered limp mode, causing a significant loss of power and illuminating a wrench warning light. An authorized Ford dealership diagnosed DTC P07F6 (Gear 9 Incorrect Ratio). The dealer verified fluid level, updated the PCM, and performed adaptive relearn procedures, but the problem remained. The transmission fluid was found to be dark with a burnt odor, and the dealer diagnosed an internal transmission failure requiring complete transmission replacement at an estimated cost of $9,250. This created a safety concern because the vehicle did not consistently accelerate as expected when entering traffic, crossing intersections, or merging onto roadways. Delayed engagement and loss of power reduced the ability to accelerate when needed. The vehicle has approximately 82,256 miles and has been maintained according to Ford's recommended service schedule. I am also aware of numerous publicly documented owner reports, technical discussions, and litigation involving the Ford 10R80 transmission used in vehicles from this generation. One of the commonly discussed concerns involves the CDF drum design in earlier 10R80 transmissions. My understanding is that Ford later revised the CDF drum design in subsequent production; however, when I contacted Ford regarding this transmission failure and requested assistance with repair const, they advised that my vehicle was not covered by any recall, customer satisfaction program, or warranty extension related to this issue. I am submitting this report so that my experience can be considered together with other reports to determine whether a broader safety-related defect exists.

Filed Dec 31, 2025 · IL

Transmission would hesitate and jerk very aggressively. If trying to accelerate, the car wouldn’t move at all. Constantly jerking or pulling forward very hard when shifting from park to drive or even while trying to accelerate. Problems started occurring near 30k miles. The problem was attempted to be fixed by the ford dealership before by replacing the valve body but due to poor inspection another service center confirmed it is a failed CDF drum.

Filed May 9, 2025 · Transmission · 102,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle jerked until shifting into gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the CDF drum and the main control were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 25-2126 as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 102,000.

Filed Apr 15, 2025 · Transmission · IL

2018 Ford Mustang Echo boost. Engine light came on code P0420 which is the Catalytic Converter and we already new this when bringing it into Ford dealership. We informed the check in Advisor the Transmission feels like it's slipping or jerks when in 2nd Geer which slows down the vehicle. Took it to Ford and was first informed the Transmission was good nothing wrong with it just need to change my Catalytic Converter because that was the code. We changed the Catalytic Converter but when driving still was experiencing the same thing we originally brought it in for which is the Jerking and slowing down upon accelaration. Took it back to Ford they re checked it and said the CDF Drum is failing and to repair it would cost $4000. I don't have $4000 and my vehicle is out of warranty because of the mileage.

Filed Apr 14, 2025 · Electrical, Fuel system · LA

Car jerking,Rpm needle jumps alot,feel like im going to run into someone or something, not getting gas mileage like before.

Filed Jan 2, 2025 · Engine · FL

For three years, this Mustang will lurch frequently after you shift into first or reverse from park. I had it looked at Paradise Ford 3 years ago and they REFUSED to look at transmission until the car had 125k miles on it. At that time, the car only had 98k miles on it. I tried to insist, but they refused. The service helper was named Mark, I believe. The other day I was driving on a 10mph park road .....more like coasting because it was a low speed limit. The car suddenly jerked forward. Today I took it into Gary Yeoman Ford in Palm Bay, FL for a transmission check. The service advisor was Jason. They said there was a cdf hub issue and stated I needed a new transmission for 6600.00. Of course I refused and came home to research their "diagnosis". I found an article about a,10R80 bushing that has caused the same exact problem is other Mustangs. I feel like they were giving me the run around. I don't want this to cause further problems. It should have been fixed at Paradise Ford. I have owned this car for 5.5 years. I'm quite familiar with how it runs. Please advise.

Filed Oct 30, 2024 · Tires, Transmission · 44,113 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle jerked abnormally. In addition, the contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was provided with the cost of a diagnostic test fee. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with valve body failure. The contact was informed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 21-2115. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was also informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 10R80; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the program. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,113.

Filed Jun 9, 2023 · Transmission · NC

When shifting into drive from reverse there's a two to 3 second delay and when it does go into drive it jerks foward

Filed May 20, 2023 · Transmission · MI

2018 Ford Mustang with 10R80 10 speed transmission. Bronco like action when slowing almost whiplash like , stalls when stopping sometime, very hard shift jerking, hard downshifting when slowing, clunking into reverse, loss of power suddenly on the FREEWAY!!!!!!!!!, very hot transmission temperatures (230+), limp mode, Very unsafe if in any FORD or other vehicles have the 10R80. Immediate recall is needed, immediate acknowledgement by FORD MOTOR COMPANY is needed here so all the multiple lawsuits can stop and safety can / should be the top priority here. SAFETY 1ST.

Filed Apr 5, 2022 · Transmission · 2,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH and accelerating, the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated while shifting gears the service tire mobility kit warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to several dealers to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.

Filed Oct 27, 2021 · Transmission · TX

10 speed Ecoboost transmission, doesn't stay in gear and delayed shifts causing acceleration problems. Hard shifts, jerking, and hard lunge forward when shifted into Drive. The forward lunge is unstoppable even with the brake fully engaged. Transmission slip when changing gears while driving. Yes, it's available for inspection. Yes, mine and others safety risk are at risk. Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealer. Inspected by an authorized dealer/manufacturer. NO other warning lamps or messages.

Filed Jun 5, 2021 · Transmission · TN

The transmission failed while driving on a busy street making a left turn. My safety and my passenger's safety was at risk because there was oncoming traffic when I made a left turn and a car was trailing me. Just like another complaint, "10 speed transmission did not engage then failed less than a second later while pulling into an intersection. This caused the car to enter the intersection but fail to go forward more than a few feet. The problem resolved after three attempts to go forward by pumping the gas peddle. The transmission also was jerking or jumping from 1st through 3rd gear as if the car could not find the correct gear to be in while going forward. The problem resolved after the first mile of driving". However, for me the problem returned again once I turned the car off, and restarted it. After less than a mile of driving, the transmission began malfunctioning again jumping, and jerking until the transmission just stopped working altogether. Someone has posted experiencing the same malfunction on the same model and year vehicle and I wonder if there are others that have had the same scary, horrible experience? Due to my transmission malfunctioning during my turn, I was lucky that the oncoming car just stopped and blew at me, and the car behind me just went around me instead of crashing into my rear. The car was towed to the dealer and is in the process of being evaluated. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the incident and the automobile is now at the dealership because the vehicle totally stopped driving.