Ford Mustang slipping problems

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Transmission · WA

The 10-speed automatic transmission on my 2020 Mustang failed internally at approximately 18,073 miles. The vehicle began shifting harshly at low speeds with an intermittent clunk. While driving, the transmission would slip slightly and then either surge forward or hesitate with a dull thud before engaging. The behavior was unpredictable and worsened over time. No warning lamp ever appeared and no diagnostic trouble codes were stored, so the driver gets no advance notice of this condition. This is a safety hazard when pulling into traffic, turning across an intersection, or merging. When power arrives late, abruptly, or not at all, the driver cannot judge a gap in traffic reliably. An authorized Ford dealer verified the concern on a test drive, confirmed the vehicle failed the CDF clutch cylinder leak test, and documented an internal tapping noise in Drive and Reverse. Fluid level was in spec. The dealer performed Ford TSB 25-2475, which addresses harsh and delayed shifting on this transmission: the unit was removed, torn down on the bench, the CDF cylinder replaced, and the unit reassembled and reinstalled. It did not correct the concern. The dealer's written notes state the concern was still present, the TSB did not cure it, and the transmission has an internal failure requiring replacement. Independent transmission specialists I consulted all recommended full replacement rather than rebuild, citing known problems with this transmission in this model year. Ford has revised multiple technical service bulletins on harsh and delayed shifting for this transmission over several years. My vehicle failed at roughly 18,000 miles, far under the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty limit, but Ford declined assistance because the five-year time limit had passed.

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Transmission · NC

I have a 2018 Mustang GT with the 10R80 transmission. The transmission started giving me problems like slamming and slipping while shifting and sometimes jumping in and out of gear when drinking in the highway.The problem came from an engineering is with the CDF Drum... Ford has updated the CDF Drum and has fixed the problem. Ford never issues a recall to fix this problem with the vehicles produced with this issue but instead just used the updated production parts in the later models leaving the customers like myself to have to either pay out of pocket or rely on a warranty or after market warranty company to have this very expensive issue fixed. Right now as I am writing this, my car is in the transmission shop. Please help me. When I did a Google search of the CDF Drum issue, this is what was quoted: "The 2018 Ford Mustang GT with the 10R80 transmission can experience issues with the CDF (Clutch-Drum-Forward) drum, specifically with its bushing. This problem can lead to slippage, harsh shifting, and potential transmission failure. Ford has addressed this issue with design revisions to the CDF drum, including adding a lip to the bushing to prevent it from moving and causing fluid leaks."

Filed Jul 10, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

My vehicle recently had a head gasket leak due to a faulty engine block design. I noticed one day the coolant was lower than it should be but nothing concerning, over a month or so it got progressively lower & the car would also sputter/misfire on startups from time to time. This is due to coolant slipping through the gasket & getting into the cylinder & oil which can lead to catastrophic engine failure or worse. Eventually I got a check engine light & was told it was a misfire after running a diagnostic on the vehicles OBD2. I researched what the issue could be &it became more & more apparent that it was a head gasket issue. The oil was contaminated & coolant was getting very low. Apparently it’s a big issue since Ford is now facing a class action over the defect. The vehicle also has some issues with the transmission, for example ill start the car up on a cold California morning 50°F & let it warm up before driving & when I go into reverse after the car will jolt hard as if you were backing up & hitting something like a wall, even in the afternoon when you start it from a cold start & go into reverse it will do it. Not sure why but it’s concerning to say the least. The transmission also feels confused when shifting, when I’m in 4th about to push fit it will get confused & revs will drop slightly before going up again to up shift, also when downshifting due to braking the shifts can feel a bit hard, especially when needing to stopping fast. The engine & transmission are the most importantly parts of a vehicle & without them working properly is something no one should have to face.

Filed May 29, 2025 · Transmission · VA

Yes, if the federal safety agency communicates with me that they need to look at my transmission, and I am either provided another equal mode of transportation or paid for my lack of ability to use my vehicle during inspection/possession/out of service by the federal safety agency. 10R80 10 speed transmission was finally replaced under warranty by FORD in January. The new transmission has been problematic and getting worse since march. Transmission flairs/slips. Transmission acts as if the brakes are put on at times/acceleration is greatly decreased for no reason. Hard shifts at times… I and other others are put at risk due my car, responds erratically and this could become a safety issue by causing a crash or loss of control by the Ford MACH 1 Mustang. Transmission often is too high gear and the as a result, the engine is lugging too much. No idiot, lights or warning lights have come on this go round. The police have not inspected the transmission. I would not expect them or ask them to inspect the transmission because I would assume 99% of them would know very little to nothing about it. Same goes with the insurance company. Ford and Chevy the two manufacturers of this transmission are both aware of the multiple problems of this poorly designed and manufactured transmission. I was not sure what incident date you wanted. The first transmission or second transmission? There are multiple incidents and issues starting from my first ownership of the car when I first test drove the car and had 550 miles on it. The original and replacement transmission are both and have been problematic and unsafe.

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 Mar 14, 2025 · Transmission · NY

Vehicle has serious transmission problem, jerking on upshifting, downshifting, banging when changing gears - any speed, skipping gears, slipping while shifting, making grinding sounds, whining sounds when shifting gears, clunking sounds while shifting from park to drive, reverse, neutral. Vehicle have no power, hardly moves.

Filed Jan 13, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · SC

I was driving home from work at approximately 65mph when my transmission shifted and slammed back into gear. I stopped in a safe location, cut the car off and then back on, but the transmission is still slipping. The dealership was notified of powertrain, electrical, and oil consumption issues at three different service appointments, but the manufacturer has been no help at all. Had I not known what to do, this could have been a completely different scenario.

Filed Sep 14, 2024 · Transmission · CA

After driving for 2 blocks, my car would not drive when hitting the gas pedal, the engine only reved. Unable to move the car in any gear, pedestrians helped push my car out of the middle of the road. Towed the car to a Ford dealership because the Ford app on my phone said "shift solenoid stuck in off position". Upon diagnosis the dealership said yes the solenoid is stuck in the off position but now the gears are slipping and you need a brand new transmission. This is the 10r80 automatic transmission that has had problems like this nationwide. I don't understand how this has not been recalled yet. With 63,000 miles a transmission should not be failing. There have been hundreds of documented cases of this specific transmission failing for countless reasons involving internal components.

Filed Mar 5, 2024 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was experiencing hard shifting, and the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, where the contact was informed that the transmission fluid was low, and a quart of transmission fluid was added to the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred 6 months later. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal from a complete stop, and the vehicle had become undrivable. The message "See Manual" was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Jun 16, 2022 · Transmission · IN

Transmission unexpectedly slipped gear while driving at a steady pace in traffic. Caused RPMs to rev high and loud, with inability to control speed suddenly. Had to quickly pull over and turn off car. After waiting a few minutes, was able to restart car and continue driving without issue. This has happened 3-4 times now. Took to my local mechanic who stated there is an issue with a sensor inside the transmission. Spoke to my Ford dealer I purchased the car from, and was informed that this is a known issue occurring with many 2012 Form Mustangs, and they expect a recall to be announced shortly.