9,112 of the
48,021 complaints filed about the Ford F-150
are about the transmission —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
9,112
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
218
Crashes
35
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
Ford did recall on transmission, it failed on my way home. I took it back and they refuse to fix trying to separate event to warranty issue. 3weeks later I have no truck and being stalled by ford. Even Elena Ford has it on her desk(computer) 4 days no response. They quickly processed the recall so they can imply it never had one. Lead module(connector) is reason and part of recall.
NHTSA complaint #11763985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on the [XXX], close to [XXX], throttle response was lost on the vehicle. Immediately put the hazards on, turned them off momentarily to indicate a turn off to the shoulder, traffic was right behind me, with some fast movers. “Hill start assist not available” was displayed on the main panel and “trac off”/ traction control. Below approx 10 mph the vehicle started shaking violently and we came to a stop. Turned the vehicle off and started looking in the manual and online for associated issues. Was able to restart the vehicle with no annunciated issues and continued driving at a cautious speed. A few minutes later the same issue arose. Had to pull over and reset the vehicle. By this time we had committed to taking the vehicle to the Ford service center on the interstate and made it there after occurring 4-5 more times where we had to pull over during the worst time of day, avoiding traffic on the on/off ramps. We had to use heavy braking once as we were disabled and there was another disabled vehicle also pulled over and we had to stop before them with enough safety clearance. We made it to Ford. According to SB 16B32B, our truck qualifies for an expired recall based on the [XXX] plant and the production date. Ford produced P2112 code for throttle body issues. We paid for the repairs. Requesting a re-inquiry of SB 16B32B. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11763952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAFETY HAZARD & RISK The 10R80 transmission exhibits sudden, unpredictable gear slipping, power loss, and violent slamming/lunging during gear shifts while navigating active traffic. This erratic behavior creates an immediate collision risk when merging, accelerating, or changing lanes, as the truck unexpectedly loses momentum or lunges forward. INCIDENT & REPAIR HISTORY The vehicle required two complete transmission overhauls under 68,000 miles at Apple Ford (Columbia, MD), both confirmed by certified technicians and warranty inspectors: Overhaul #1 (Invoice #273111 | Aug 14, 2024 | 42,571 miles): Diagnosed under TSB 24-2101 for shift failure. The dealer overhauled the valve body and replaced internal components, including the CDF drum (Part #JL3Z7H351B). Overhaul #2 (Invoice #351672 | Sep 11, 2026 | 67,587 miles): Less than 25,000 miles later, severe slipping and 5th gear binding recurred. Teardown revealed a sticking main pressure control valve, burnt E & F clutch packs, and an outdated CDF drum. The dealer replaced the complete valve body (Part #JL3Z7A100CRM), installed a redesigned CDF cylinder (Part #PC3Z7B177A), and replaced scorched clutch/steel plates. COMPLAINT RESPONSE SUMMARY System Failed: 10R80 Transmission (CDF drum sleeve migration, sticking valve body, burnt E & F clutches). Vehicle is available for inspection. Safety Risk: Sudden power loss and violent lunging in active traffic, creating severe collision hazards. Confirmed by Dealer: Yes. Diagnosed and verified twice by Apple Ford master technicians. Inspected By: Authorized Ford dealer technicians and an official warranty company inspector. Symptoms/Timeline: No warning lights appeared prior to failure. Physical symptoms (slipping, violent slamming) first appeared before Aug 2024 (42,571 miles) and recurred in July 2026 (67,587 miles).
NHTSA complaint #11763889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Started with harsh shifting, lead to no shifting and no movement. Shifting came back and lunged forward and harsh stop. Happened multiple times and now vehicle will not move.
NHTSA complaint #11763891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2015 Ford F-150 experienced multiple sudden downshifts at highway speeds 75 mph and then started downshifting at lower speeds. Heavy clunking heard and wrench warning lamp came on with a very general warning message and turned both off after moving to the side of the highway and restarting the car. Warning sign returned while driving at significantly lower speeds on city streets, locked up tires when turning from a low speed twice. Extremely unsafe and could have caused a serious accident if people were following close behind me. Took it to the dealership to get repaired and they diagnosed DTC P0722 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor - No Signal) and confirmed that the signal failure caused the transmission to lock in 3rd gear and operate at maximum line pressure. Technician notes it resulted in damage to forward, direct, and overdrive clutches and recommended the replacement of the entire transmission ($5,739 for parts). I paid $8,636.93 out-of-pocket at a Ford dealership for this service repair.
NHTSA complaint #11763766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving my f150 and all of a sudden it downshifted with a bang into 5th gear. I slowed down and noticed my transmission wouldn't downshift into any other gear. I had to stop truck with it stuck in 5th gear and transmission cooling fan sounded like a turbo fan. There was a wrench light that displayed and when I checked the codes it came up with P0720/P0721/P0722. All pointed to transmission issue. Shortly after they came out with the safety recall and after the "fix" my truck thru P0722 code again. Then the customer satisfaction program sent out letter said they would replace the lead frame at no cost even if you had over 150k. I paid over $400 dollars and multiple trips to dealer, and they stated that the truck didn't display Fords specific DTC Codes. My codes were identical to recall in 2014, and deadbeat ford won't replace my lead frame even though it's the same issue since 2011. When will the NHTSA step in an require ford to fix a well-known issue with this transmission?
NHTSA complaint #11763752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had my Transmission serviced at my local Ford dealership. After the service I was told the vehicle may shift "weird" for a while as the computer learns my driving. During this time unbeknown to me the service caused my CDF drum to fail. In the time after the service the vehicle shifted hard, which I though it was "learning" as they stated it would. As I was driving I came to a redlight. When the light turned green I started to make my right hand turn. The vehicle moved into the intersection and then shifted to neutral. During this time the lights indicating the gear started jumping around and finally the transmission went into third gear and started to move. By this time cars were waiting for me to get out of the intersection. I then decided I should not drive the vehicle anymore and get it back to the dealer. Before I reach my residence I have to cross a two lane highway. This crossing is at the bottom of steep decent through woods with lots of turns. There is a turn approximately 600 feet above the crossing. From the time you see a vehicle until it reaches the intersection is about 7 seconds. As I started out into this intersection the transmission went into neutral again and the vehicle came to a stop. Again the shift lights bounced between gears and finally settled in third gear and the vehicle started to move. I am not sure how long I was in the intersection but luckily there was no vehicles in sight. Had one been coming down the hill I probably would have been hit. I then took the vehicle back to the dealer and found out what was actually happening with the transmission. I also found out that these transmissions have a high failure rate for this same issue. Luckily I live in a rural area where there is not a lot of traffic. I feel this issue could be a safety concern and though I should bring it to the NTSBs attention.
NHTSA complaint #11763574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a severe safety defect where Ford Motor Company's sequential safety recall software updates are actively corrupting powertrain modules and inducing physical mechanical failures while the vehicle is in operation.Following the completion of the 24S55 Engine Intake Valve Recall (which reflashed the PCM and wiped the transmission's adaptive learning tables), my 2021 Ford F-150 developed an immediate operational shudder. Shortly after, a forced Over-the-Air (OTA) update for the 26C10 Trailer Brake Module triggered a secondary network reset via the CAN-bus. The intersection of these two software-driven actions caused an operational fault that physically broke the torque converter clutch.A compromised torque converter clutch can cause sudden vehicle stalling, unpredictable acceleration lags, and catastrophic powertrain locking while driving at highway speeds, creating an imminent crash hazard. The local Ford dealership service department confirmed the hardware failure and noted that pushing automated software updates over unstable tables leaves the entire transmission highly vulnerable to total systemic failure.Ford is currently refusing to open an escalation file or address this issue. Because Ford's official remedy for safety recalls 24S55 and 26C10 directly introduces a secondary, severe safety risk to the vehicle's powertrain integrity, I request that NHTSA investigate the technical compatibility and safety of these sequential software updates.
NHTSA complaint #11763680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2023 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly shifts violently, lurches from P to D, delayed shifting. This occurred while while driving under normal conditions 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.
NHTSA complaint #11763650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifted abnormally. The transmission unexpectedly downshifted and upshifted. The contact stated that occasionally the transmission was stuck in fifth gear. In addition, there was an abnormal clucking sound coming from the vehicle, and the power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an unknown sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 26N04. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the repair was completed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that four days later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the required failure codes were not present during the diagnostic test. The dealer submitted a request for repair to the manufacturer on behalf of the contact; however, the request was denied. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
NHTSA complaint #11763371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The torque converter has malfunctioned and the vehicle is currently at the dealership for repairs. The truck experiences significant vibration and shuddering at speeds above 45 mph. There is an existing recall for this exact issue; however, our VIN is not included in the affected vehicle population. With only 60,000 to 70,000 miles on the truck and less than 10 years of service, a major component such as the torque converter should not require replacement, especially on a vehicle that has been properly maintained throughout its life.
NHTSA complaint #11763384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission became stuck in fifth gear. The “WRENCH” warning light was illuminated at start-up. The contact stated that while shifting from neutral(N) to reverse(R), the vehicle made a clunking sound and lurched backward. The failure became progressively worse. While driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. A dealer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
NHTSA complaint #11763188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2015 Ford F-150 equipped with the 6R80 transmission. I have experienced multiple intermittent transmission problems that I believe may present a safety concern. During one freeway incident, the wrench warning light came on and the transmission went into what appeared to be failsafe/limp mode. The truck would not accelerate normally and I was unable to get the vehicle much above approximately 50 mph. I pulled over, shut the engine off, and restarted it. After restarting, the transmission operated normally again. On multiple other occasions , I had separate incidents where the transmission became stuck in a gear while I was slowing to a stop at a traffic light. When I attempted to accelerate, the engine RPM became very high but the vehicle had very little acceleration. The transmission eventually began operating normally again, but then shifted very harshly into the correct gear. The vehicle currently has DTC P0717, Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A — No Signal. I am attaching a Ford dealer service record. The service advisor’s written description states that the truck “down shifted to 1st” and was “stck in gear.” I want to clarify that these are the service advisor’s words summarizing my report, I did not tell the advisor that I observed the transmission downshift to first gear. I explained the incident on the freeway, only later learning this was likely the transmission going into failsafe, the wrench light came on, and the truck lost normal acceleration. The same dealer record recommends replacement of the transmission molded leadframe/filter. I am concerned that an intermittent failure involving the 6R80 transmission’s sensor/leadframe system could cause unexpected transmission behavior or loss of normal acceleration while driving, creating a safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11762944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In September 2025 my 2015 F-150 did a hard downshift at speed. I took it in and they replaced the transmission lead frame, charging me $2,500. Since that time it has shifted hard from 1st to 2nd and 5th to 6th. In July, 2026, I received Ford Safety Recall 26S28, addressing the exact downshifting defect I paid to fix. I brought the truck in for the prescribed software remedy, in August, 2026 but the harsh shifting remained so i took it back on September 3rd, 2026 at which time they replace the valve body or lead frame and road tested it; the hard 1st to 2nd and 5th to 6th remained and the told me the transmission is "broke" and would require the entire transmission be replaced for ~$8,400. I reported this to Ford Motor Company Customer Satisfaction and it was escalated, case # CXH-09263554-W5R5T3, but was just told that "...there are no programs available to provide assistance with the repairs."
NHTSA complaint #11763044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle's transmission changed gears suddenly and unexpectedly causing a slight difficulty to control. Following the sudden gear change, some lights on the dashboard began flickering erratically. I have video of the dashboard after the gear change. For this incident, I was driving about 25 MPH. I experienced similar behavior before and at highway speeds. Since then, the vehicle was serviced by Ford for a Safety Recall Notice 26S28/NHTSA Recall 26V237. The service performed under the recall did not fix the problem. The local Ford dealer told me they would charge me to have the problem investigated, so I have not brought the vehicle in to them.
NHTSA complaint #11763161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
I’m concerned about the 1080R transmission CDF drum issues that ford had on these year models.Mine is downshifting hard at times not every gear but more between 5-8 gears, or especially coming to a stop light it will down shift hard from 3rd to 1st. Shifting up is not as bad as the downshifting but it still does shift harder than normal.Just doing research on others that had the bad parts in their CDF drum issues seem like mine is having same issues.
NHTSA complaint #11763169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 3rd gear. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the dealer and manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall, and the fault code listed in the recall was not retrieved from the vehicle. The contact stated that after the vehicle skidded on the roadway after the unexpected downshift, there was an orange WRENCH light illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11762837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fails to downshift to 1st gear when coming to a stop. Instead, it remains in 3rd gear, requiring the truck to pull away from a complete stop in 3rd gear. The dealership did perform the software update on 08/20/2026 ,yet the issues remain the same. The vehicle has set diagnostic trouble code P0722 for the transmission output speed sensor. I have been informed that the output speed sensor is molded into the transmission lead frame and cannot be replaced separately, requiring replacement of the lead frame. Today, the transmission malfunction created an immediate and potentially life-threatening safety situation. As I pulled out of my driveway, the truck remained in 1st gear and would not properly progress through the gears. It then abruptly jumped into 2nd gear and caused the vehicle to stall/lose forward progress while I was entering the roadway. Oncoming traffic was nearly upon me and I was almost struck. The vehicle eventually engaged the proper gear and continued moving, but by that time I was in a dangerous, life-threatening situation. This is not an isolated incident or an occasional inconvenience. The transmission has been repeatedly malfunctioning, including going into limp mode in 5th gear and failing to downshift appropriately when stopping. The vehicle's inability to properly select and engage the appropriate gear creates a serious risk when pulling into traffic, stopping, accelerating, or attempting to avoid another vehicle. Ford has a customer satisfaction program related to the transmission lead frame/output speed sensor issue. However, I was told that my vehicle is not covered because P0722 is not one of the diagnostic codes included for coverage.
NHTSA complaint #11762766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.