The problem is the transmission and what happens is a huge safety concern The failure occurs while the vehicle is in operation and creates a significant safety hazard. Losing the ability to accelerate or move with the flow of traffic without warning places me , and my passengers, and others motorists at a risk of a collision, particularly when turning , crossing intersections, merging or traveling in traffic. I have also experienced abnormal transmission shifting behavior. I have sought assistance regarding this transmission failure, but Ford has denied my request for assistance stating I didnt meet their scoring criteria which is determined by the amount of cars I buy from them or service from them for the transmission. I am extremely concerned that a vehicle experiencing such serious loss of propulsion is being denied assistance without an adequate resolution to the underlying safety issue. I took my van into Ford to have it diagnosed and they determined that fell under the TSB 24-2304 Technical Service Bulletin. The Next step was to have the transmission rebuilt as per the bulletin and ask Ford for Assistance. I am particularly concerned that a transmission failure of this severity is being treated solely as a warranty or scoring-criteria issue rather than being given a thorough safety-related review. I am asking Ford to review this matter fairly and in good faith, taking into account the nature of the failure, the potential consequences of losing propulsion in traffic, and the need to prevent a potentially dangerous incident. Please document this appeal under my existing customer assistance case and provide a written response with the outcome of the review. Sincerely, Vehicle Owner 2020 Ford Transit 250 High Roof, RWD Approximate Mileage: 73,900 miles Portal Message cxh-09694609-n3k3x0 Telephone: [732‑865‑6966
2020 Ford Transit transmission problems
19 complaints (22% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 87,000.
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 22%
- typical mileage
- 87,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Transit transmission problems in other years
Related recalls
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Transit vehicles equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD). The bolts that attach the rear driveshaft to the transfer case may become loose or damaged, which can result in separation of the driveshaft from the transfer case.
- Risk
- Driveshaft separation can result in a loss of drive power, or unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft bolts. If any loose bolts are found, the driveshaft, attachment hardware, transfer case flange kit, and seal will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S54.
Recall number 21V978000 · Recall details
What 2020 Ford Transit owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power and came to a complete stop in traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with internal transmission failure involving the sleeve and cylinder of the 10-speed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by email, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
The bolts holding the axle together to the driveshaft failed on the rear right wheel, nearly causing an accident but fortunately it was 6am with little traffic on the interstate. The axle came out and destroyed our driveshaft, requiring a full replacement. We have had the vehicle serviced regularly since our purchase.
Transmission intermittently struggling to reach 3rd, 4th, 5th gears. Performed IDS diag at shop, found hitorical code P0734 for "Incorrect gear 4 ratio" TSB 26-2046 to overhaul transmission.
Vehicle shakes violently on or about 65 to 70 mph. Upon slowing to approximately 60 mph the shaking stops. Also at slower speeds the vehicle pulls to the right. Contacted Ford Fairfield, California dealer two days ago; left voicemail no reply at this writing.
We started experiencing slight transmission shifting issues in early-mid 2024. More issues in December 2024/January 2025 - this time it was really hard and jerky shifting. It was sporadic at this time, but it was often. My wife and I have 7 children. This vehicle is usually driven by my wife to pick up kids from school, run errands, etc. At the beginning of March 2025, my wife was merging onto the highway, but it didn't want to shift. She stated that a big rig was coming behind her and the van was not shifting and picking up speed. She said the engine was revving but just was not shifting up. She said the big rig honked and had to change lanes or else he would have hit her and my kids. Several seconds after the big rig passed was when the transmission hard shifted and jerked and it began to pick up more speed, but from that point on, the transmission was not operating properly. We have not driven it since March 2025. I have been saving up to fix the transmission, but I read so many other Ford owners have the same issue with this particular transmission. The Ford dealer confirmed it had a TSB on this exact issue and that many other 10r80 transmissions were doing the same. The issue was reproduced by the Ford dealer. It states the CDF issue in the invoice. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the experience merging on to the highway. I reached out to a local independent mechanic and he upgrades the parts in these Ford transmissions all the time - proving it is a very common issue. This is a huge safety risk for anyone operating or riding in a Ford with this transmission.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was started, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the right front wheel activated, and the ABS activated while making a hard right turn. The contact was not depressing the brake pedal during the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the brake lights remained activated. The contact stated that several functions were deactivated. 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 contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Only I have 88,000 k on 2020 transit the transmission have problems with shifting while driving on highway start with delay on 2nd gear now fault code for gear 10
Driveshaft both front and rear failed as pieces broke off while driving at different times requiring tow and repair
Loss of power while driving with no warning. Almost crashed. Shifting violently. After a few months it wasn't safe for anyone and was happening all the time . It's at the dealer getting the transmission rebuilt with re engineered parts . That's what the dealer told me . He said this will resolve the problem for good . 8000$$ 67k miles ford is not helping with cost. Ford had to re engineer the parts that are going in my van , isn't that them admitting they have a transmission that was no good from the start
Questions about the 2020 Ford Transit transmission
Does the 2020 Ford Transit have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the transmission of the 2020 Ford Transit, 22% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2020 Ford Transit transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 87,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Ford Transit transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 21V978000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Transit have bad transmission?
The Ford Transit model years with the most transmission complaints are 2015 (78 complaints), 2016 (60 complaints) and 2017 (40 complaints).
Other 2020 Ford Transit problems
Seats 27Electrical 15Driver assistance 6Steering 6Brakes 5Engine 5Wheels 5Tires 4Body 3Visibility 2Acceleration 1Airbags 1Lights 1Suspension 1
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