2020 Ford F-150 transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

The 10R80 transmission failed internally due to the defective CDF clutch drum assembly. Vehicle experienced dangerous gear dropping/slipping. Forced to pay out of pocket at an independent shop for a total rebuild. I have not seen anything from dealer. It was inspected by an independent shop. There was no warning prior to the failure. This happened right over 100,000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11762986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission slips gears and sometimes shifts violently. I took the truck to a Ford dealership for an assessment and was told I need to replace the whole transmission. I also have a problem with oil consumption from the engine. I was told by the same dealership that this was a known problem with the 5.0 engines built from 2019 to, I believe 2023 and that it would require an engine replacement. I bought this truck from an individual and now I am stuck with it.

NHTSA complaint #11763163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission shifted from 4th to 1st while driving a steady 25 mph, then lost all forward drive, the transmission slips, then will slam into gear. I parked it for two weeks until I could get it to the shop. Driving it to the Ford dealer today (2 September 2026) I had to stop the vehicle twice because the transmission was doing the same thing. Currently have 70K miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11761679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Harsh shifting from 3rd to 4th and 7th to 8th

NHTSA complaint #11760435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion failed to grab 1st gear when starting from a stop (revs, doesn't go). This occurred while turning across traffic, creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that NHTSA investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed. Furthermore, I have already had two transmission rebuilds under warranty, and it's going back to the shop for a third time with the same issues 9/8/26. THE SAME ISSUES. I bought this truck in 2024 at 70K miles and it has been nothing but problems.

NHTSA complaint #11760026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving I will get a wrench symbol with a bunch of codes pop up u0121:00:28 u0131:00:28 u0137:00:28 u0164:00:28 u0199:00:28 u0200:00:28 u0212:00:28 u0252:00:28 u0256:00:28 u1012:00:28 p0557:00:28 p1935:00:68 p193e:00:28 I have also had it jerk while driving ( went down into first gear) while having no power to my gauge cluster ac nothing

NHTSA complaint #11758824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Severe transmission shifting delays, unresponsive when accelerating. Shutters and skips when coming to a stop.

NHTSA complaint #11758330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission shifts from a higher gear to 1st when going over 60, also transmission has a hard time shifting skips 2nd, 4th, and sometimes 6th gear.

NHTSA complaint #11756943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Went to speed up as I was approaching a ramp going uphill and almost towards the top the truck decided to down shift to first gear going about 45 mph. No accident occurred as no one was around me.

NHTSA complaint #11756860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Harsh shifting in between gears. Jerky shifting and shudders while shifting as well

NHTSA complaint #11756107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

MY PICKUP HAS THE 10R80 TRANSMISSION. IT CURRENTLY SLIPS IN LOWER GEARS AND SOMETIMES NO 10TH GEAR

NHTSA complaint #11756118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle had hard and sudden shifting and grinding noise coming form gears. Sudden shifting would result in abrupt change in speed. Two repairs were made by a Ford dealership totaling just over $10,000 including replacing transfer case and transmission. There was no vehicle warning indicators that notified me of this problem.

NHTSA complaint #11756168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Truck equipped with the 10R80 downshifted from 10th gear to 1st gear while on the freeway doing 80mph. NOT SAFE AT ALL.

NHTSA complaint #11756186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

There has been harsh shifting observed, both cold and warm. Often when downshifting and slowing to a turn or stop, there is a violent slamming into gear. I have also observed slipping in 3rd gear and making harsh shifts that appear to skip gears by the indicator. This is not a constant but intermittent issue. I have not taken it to the dealership because they will likely not be able to duplicate it in a reasonable amount of time.

NHTSA complaint #11756218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission started "clunking" and shifting erratically over a two week period before warning light came on that said "powertrain needs attention...contact dealer" Took the car to Monticello Ford in Monticello NY and they tested it based on diagnostic code and replaced filter and fluid. They reset the computer and told me to drive it for a week so computer could "relearn" driving habits. Drove truck for 4 days and once again transmission started clunking and shifting hard with loud thunks when transmission gears engaged. Had my [XXX] grandaughter in the truck with me on the highway when the transmission started to slip and would not engage. Other vehicles had to brake suddenly to avoid hitting me. Had to pull over and restart truck to get the transmission to re engage. Transmission issues have been a known problem with the Ford F 150 trucks since 2017 and yet Ford has done nothing to correct the problems with their customers.....there are currently three outstanding class action lawsuits against them regarding the faulty transmissions.....this is a SAFETY issue that Ford must be held accountable for and fix these trucks at NO COST to the customers who own these trucks immediately!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11755955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission shifting issues. Have taken it to the dealerships and they stated it is "normal". Hard shifting and sometimes stalling out when trying to shift into first. The hard shifting on interstates is hazardous because it feels like the whole truck is about to lock up at highway speeds. Stalling is a hazard as well for my and surrounding traffic when it revs but suddenly wont move. No warning lights or messages displayed. Dealer is aware of the same issue affecting multiple vehicles with the same Transmission. They refuse to properly fix the issue stating its normal. It is not normal. Its concerning for my and my families safety. As well as the safety of others around me when driving on the highway.

NHTSA complaint #11755989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission issues that are in line with what seems to be a well known 10R80 issue with a poorly engineered CDF drum. Transmission will randomly shift from a high gear down to first generating a ton of noise and impacting the handling. It has not become a permanant failure yet but is an extremely well known issue that always results in a transmission rebuild with updated/correctly engineered components at MY expense. I am worried it will cause a rear wheel lockup or a damaging amount of engine rpm one of these days. It is sporadic and isn't something that has been duplicated by a technician due to it being isolated and completely random in occurrence. It definitely seems to do it more often when it is cold out.

NHTSA complaint #11755994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Our 2020 Ford F150 transmission failed at 80k miles. Ford USA offered to pay half of the repair cost but is not willing to take full accountability on a transmission that was never was put under stress. Our truck never towed anything and was only use to drive from the shop to the job site and with only 1 up to 2 passenger only max. Per google research: The 2020 Ford F-150, equipped with the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission, commonly experiences harsh, erratic, or delayed shifting, sudden jerking or lunging between gears, and gear slippage. These issues stem from software calibration flaws in the adaptive learning system or mechanical wear on internal components. Common Symptoms and Issues Rough Shifting: Hard, delayed, or clunking engagement when shifting between lower gears, especially on cold starts. Lunging or Hesitation: Sudden forward surges or hesitation when trying to accelerate from a rolling stop. Gear Slippage: Temporary loss of power delivery or failure to catch the next proper gear cleanly. Shift Cable Clip Recall: A limited recall addressed a faulty shift cable lock clip where the gear indicator might show a different gear than what was actually selected, increasing rollaway risks

NHTSA complaint #11755513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the message on “Powertrain Malfunction – Reduced Engine Power” was displayed on the Ford App. After the message was displayed, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. A certified mechanic was contacted and stated that the failure was associated with the transmission. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Camshaft had to be replaced a couple years ago, followed by cam shaft sensor. Then another $6,300 of "critical" issu3s to be fixed. The vehicle is 5 1/2 y/o. Absolutely ridiculous that this amount of money is required for such a young vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11755560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission failed. Truck jerks at stop. Transmission went out at 68,000 miles. My dad has a 2019 with same problem and went out at 72,000 miles. Someone needs to hold ford accountable for this. Extended warranty didn't want to pay the full price. Now I am out of pocket $1,800. Going to file a lawsuit against Ford and the extended warranty company

NHTSA complaint #11754661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving truck down highway with cruise set at 68mph . I was in a bit of incline( not towing) vehicle violently downshifted from 10th to 1st . Service powertrain wrench came up on dash . Vehicle was derated . I came to a stop and shut down key off restarted . Vehicle operated normally again. Took vehicle to ford dealership where they could not find any issue . They also installed a pcm update at that time. Since then the vehicle has a harsh 3-4,5,6 shift and flaring in 7,8,9&10. I am convinced and concerned that the transmission is hurt due to what happened. Ford quoted 13,000.00 to install a new transmission. The truck has never been abused. I don’t wish what is happening to me on anyone as a inexperienced driver in winter conditions would have caused a major accident.

NHTSA complaint #11754150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission….very hard shifting and unexpected downshifting at random times. Needs to be a recall and fix on transmission.

NHTSA complaint #11754179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The transmission would not shift out of second gear turning onto a busy highway and my pregnant wife and I were almost rear ended. It then went to first and hard shifted out of gear putting excessive pressure on our midsections. The cause most likely is a well known issue that ford engineers knew about and negligently ignored for several years with the faulty 10r80 transmission. It is not known whether it was a valve solenoid issue or the cdf drum issue but both are very common issues. My wife could have had issues from the stress of the incident and maybe the pressure from the seatbelt. The probelm has not been confirmed or inspected but i cant not afford testing since transmission doagnostics are extremely expensive. I have attched a summary from my own diagnostics of similiar events as the problem still exists. The system is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11753889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I. Vehicle Purchase and Maintenance History In September 2020, I purchased this 2020 Ford F-150 new. II. Chronology of Defect and Repair Attempts Around 33,000 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting severe excessive oil consumption, an audible engine noise, and visible blue/gray smoke puffs emitting from the exhaust system. The following timeline outlines my exhaustive efforts to have Ford remedy this under warranty: • March 14, 2025 (36,370 miles): First formally reported the noise and exhaust smoke to Service Advisor Shelby Ray. The dealership initiated an official Ford Oil Consumption Test. I was instructed to drive 1,000-mile increments and return for unrecorded level checks. • May 21, 2025 (38,200 miles): Second formal report. The dealership performed Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 192365 CP:6006, an established protocol recognizing inherent oil consumption flaws in this specific 5.0L engine. • August 7, 2025 – September 11, 2025 (41,119 miles): Third formal report. The vehicle was left at Tony Serra Ford for over a month (RO # 6034434) to perform engine repairs mandated by Ford tech lines. A loaner vehicle was provided. • December 9, 2025 (44,144 miles): Fourth formal report. The defect was noted as unresolved and still present between oil changes. The engine was found to be 2 quarts low on oil upon arrival. A new tech line case was opened. • May 7, 2026 – Present (48,086 miles): Fifth formal report. The engine noise and exhaust smoke. Truck has been at dealer for 3 months with no resolution.

NHTSA complaint #11753035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My transmission hard shifts from 1st to 3rd. It really switches in 2nd gear. It also hard shifts into 5th and 8th gear. Sometimes it misses the gear almost like I’m in neutral. This happens when I’m in 7th or 8th gear. Plus, if I’m on the highway and I need to accelerate, I feel a hard clunk while changing gears. This started in May.

NHTSA complaint #11752875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Due to cd drum known issue with these transmissions, they are unsafe to drive, pulling into traffic truck will not accelerate while it searches for gears. I can not drive this truck with this known issue, it's to dangerous.

NHTSA complaint #11752672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission was shifting hard, jerking, and downshifting unexpectedly and randomly switching gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions over the years for the recurring transmission failure. The transmission software updates were performed but the failures persisted. The vehicle later stalled and was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission CDF drum had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was later towed to the local transmission specialist who confirmed the failure and replaced the CDF drum and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11751538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

transmission vibration between 30-45 mph, erratic shifting, sometimes harsh.

NHTSA complaint #11751638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The transmission has failed. The vehicle has barely 100,000 miles. I understand there are multiple class action lawsuits stating Ford knew of the issues with the transmission, yet still allowed it to be sold. The dealership has said this isn’t their problem.

NHTSA complaint #11751265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.