293 of the
5,142 complaints filed about the Ford F-350 SD
are about the transmission —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2020.
293
Complaints
6%
Share of all complaints
9
Crashes
2
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
VEHICLE EXTENDED CRANKING WITHOUT STARTING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, AND ONCE STARTED IT WAS LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE DRIVING AND ALMOST WAS IN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS. SHEEHY FORD SEE ITS A RECALL AND SEE ITS EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL IS STATING BUT REFUSING TO FIX IT AND WANT TO CHARGE ALMOST 10K TO DO SO.
NHTSA complaint #11758218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The driveshaft separated resulting in a loss of motive power while we were driving on the highway at around 65-70mph. We heard/felt vibrations, and a harsh noise then a loud popping noise right before/ during the failure. Then heard dragging as we came toward the guard rail. It caused a loss of control of the vehicle almost causing us to crash. We were able to pull to the side of the road while traffic went around us. One vehicle pulled over in front of us checking their car stating they saw something fly out from under ours but then they left. We looked under and the rear driveshaft was hanging down and the vehicle was unable to drive forward or back. When trying to pull it on a tow vehicle the bearings came out. It is available for inspection. We are waiting for paperwork from a dealer to see all the damages that occurred but they told us the cost was $20,500 to repair. A day before we heard a vibration sound when letting off the accelerator but all the systems checked out and we didn't see anything, that was Saturday. This failure happened on Sunday with no warning systems alerting until after everything happened and the vehicle was no longer able to drive. We just saw there is an active recall and that our vehicle matches date, factory and part damage but our VIN is not included.
NHTSA complaint #11756773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle randomly hesitates to shift (slip/flare), usually from 3-4 or 8-9 gears. It is sometimes accompanied by a clunk/slam before/after engaging the higher numbered gear. It seems to happen more often when the transmission is at/approaching normal operating temperature. The slip/flare has been becoming more frequent and is now randomly accompanied by the clunk/slam. I first noticed the slip/flare changing from gears 3-4. At that time the vehicle had 43,000mi on it.
NHTSA complaint #11756450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the transmission was slipping. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her husband attempted to turn the key in the ignition, but the vehicle failed to operate as intended. The messages "Service Advanced Trac", "Oil Change Required", and "Hill Start Assist" were displayed. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The transmission began malfunctioning by having hard shifting issues and losing power in some gears. An indicator on the dash lit up resembling a mechanics open-end wrench. Research online showed that the vehicle should not be driven and taken immediately to a mechanic or dealership. If driven especially pulling a heavy load like the fifth wheel that I bought the truck to tow the transmission could fail causing a serious safety issue. I immediately took the vehicle to a certified Ford dealership. At the dealership they informed me that parts in the transmission had failed and that it was the same exact condition as shown in recall 20S33. The noted recall was for trucks manufactured in January and February of 2020. My truck was manufactured March of 2020. The time warranty had expired for the vehicle but the mileage warranty was for 60,000 mi and the truck failed at $29,800. The transmission failed due to a manufacturing defect but I was billed over $9,800 for the repair. I have attached photos of the work order and receipt.
NHTSA complaint #11747751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased my 2026 Ford F-350 Platinum from Sandy Sansing Ford Lincoln on June 11, 2026. I was not informed that the vehicle has two unrepaired/unresolved Recall's. Both of the recalls were issued in March, 2026. The Dealership had this vehicle on their lot from September, 2025 to the date that I purchased it. The first recall is 26E01 "Powertrain Control Module PCM Software" and the second recall is 26C10 "Trailer Module Reprogramming." I was not aware of and it was never brought to my attention at the time of sale that the vehicle had two recalls and, I purchased the vehicle three months after both of these recalls were issued.
NHTSA complaint #11747451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Recall service not available right now. We have a remedy but parts are not available right now. We will inform you when the service is available. Or, you can contact your dealer.Description On your vehicle it is possible that the trailer module trm may lose communication at vehicle start-up. If a trm loss of communication occurs and a trailer is connected to the vehicle, trailer stop lamps and turn signal indicators will not function. Additionally, for trailers equipped with electronic trailer brakes, the trailer brakes will not function. This loss of communication can occur with-or-without a trailer connected to the vehicle and can only initiate at vehicle start-up. If this occurs, a trailer brake module fault notification will pop-up on the vehicles instrument panel cluster. The vehicle brake and turn signal lamps will continue to operate normally and are not affected by this trm fault. If you do not tow with your vehicle, you may wait for ota deployment for your vehicle remedy. Safety Risk This may result in inoperable trailer brake lights, trailer turn signals and trailer braking functions that can reduce a drivers ability to control an attached trailer and make the trailer less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Software is available to repair your vehicle. Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to reprogram your vehicles trm free of charge. Next Steps Contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.
NHTSA complaint #11744637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-350. The contact stated that after reversing into the driveway and parking the vehicle, the engine was turned off while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact exited the vehicle and entered the residence. Moments later, the vehicle erroneously rolled down the driveway downhill and collided with a building on the property. The contacted stated that the Automatic Return to Park (P) safety feature failed to engage, causing the incident. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While flat towing my 2022 Ford F‑350 behind a motorhome using Ford’s Neutral Tow Mode procedure, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic transmission failure. The Ford dealer documented this clearly on the service invoice: “HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS FLAT TOWED.” After the tow, the truck had severe slipping, delayed engagement, high RPM with no movement, and a wrench light. The dealer confirmed fault codes P0741, P1744, and P27B4. The dealer found catastrophic internal damage: “fluid is burnt with metal debris… filter is packed with metal debris… torque converter has came apart and filled transmission with metal debris… it is catastrophic failure.” These components are available for inspection. The dealer also documented a low battery condition: “batteries. low state of charge.” Ford’s Neutral Tow Mode relies on electronic control modules that require stable voltage, but Ford provides no warning that low voltage can cause the transfer case to exit Neutral Tow Mode. This creates a safety risk because the transmission can be rotated internally without lubrication while being towed, which can lead to sudden drivetrain lockup or loss of control. The problem was confirmed by the Ford dealer, and the vehicle was fully inspected by them. The only warning symptom occurred after towing: wrench light, slipping, and no movement. There were no warnings during the tow itself. This failure mode is not disclosed by Ford and cannot be detected or prevented by the owner.
NHTSA complaint #11735855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11732909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In tow/haul mode on even a slight downgrade while towing a 9000lb fifth wheel camper even the slightest application of brakes causes an extreme downshift from 10th to 4th at highway speeds of 60+ mph revving the engine to over 5000rpms and causing slight rear wheel lockup on dry roads. This could be fatal on even slightly damp roads. This occurred multiple times
NHTSA complaint #11732018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The truck unexpectedly downshifts to 1st gear when traveling up to 45 mph and causes a dangerous change in speed. It recovers after a few seconds and goes back to normal shifting. This has happened multiple times. Once about 6 months ago and then again a couple days ago.
NHTSA complaint #11731974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is a supplemental complaint to ODI Number 11730675 filed on April 16 2026. I am adding the following critical information: I am filing this complaint in relation to Ford's NHTSA Consent Order regarding recall compliance. My 2020 F-350 VIN [XXX] was built at Kentucky Truck Plant in March 2020 — within the exact production window of Safety Recall 22S22. My transmission has failed with the exact defect mechanism described in 22S22. My VIN was excluded from the recall FSA list despite matching build date, plant, and identical failure mode. I am requesting this complaint be reviewed in the context of Ford's consent order obligations regarding proper recall scope. Ford Customer Care Case Number: XXX-XXX." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11731728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle experienced sudden, unexpected downshifting and loss of gear engagement while driving. On multiple occasions the transmission slipped out of gear without warning, including while attempting to pull into traffic, creating an immediate life-threatening safety hazard. Vehicle was unable to maintain gear selection and would unexpectedly lose drive power. These failures match the exact defect described in NHTSA recall 22V256000
NHTSA complaint #11730675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am the owner of a 2020 Ford F‑350 equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine. My vehicle is subject to an open safety recall, NHTSA 24V957, involving the high‑pressure fuel system. I have been informed by an authorized Ford dealer that there is currently no effective repair remedy available. While I have not experienced loss of power, my vehicle has exhibited abnormal transmission shifting behavior beginning around 40,000 miles. This concern was documented by the dealer and described as normal operation. The condition persisted and was documented again around 60,000 miles, although the dealer stated they could not replicate the issue. Given the unresolved safety recall and ongoing powertrain behavior, I am concerned about vehicle safety, drivability, and long‑term reliability, and I am submitting this complaint to document the risk before a safety‑related failure occurs.
NHTSA complaint #11725831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Truck started jerking and shifting hard when driving. Contacted ford and they said that they needed to do a software update. Did the software update and it got extremely worse not wanting to shift into gear. Take the truck to ford in November to have fixed said I needed a new tranny. My extended warranty approves a used one they put it in same thing happening. Send that one back and put another one in same issue with that tranny. It is now March and they cant find another used tranny to fix my truck. After reading many things online it comes down to the CDF drum the bushing/sleeve moves inside the drum. Ford is aware of this issue and has upgraded/revised a drum. Why is this not a recall issue?
NHTSA complaint #11723233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The 10 speed transmission is this truck shifts horribly. It will stall in intersections as it works its way thru 3 or 4 gears shifting away while refusing to move faster than a crawl. It has occasionally jerked harshly into 2nd gear at ONE(1) mile per hour. When you are coasting towards a traffic light it will jerk violently downshifting from 4th to 3rd. That downshift feels like the rear brakes are dragging. All of these behaviors occur at any point in city driving, making it risky to make a left turn in traffic and making passengers uncomfortable when riding, at any time they can be jerked any which way while riding in the truck. To make matters worse, the traffic warning lights on the mirrors will lite and alert occasionally when there is no traffic anywhere near the truck. This has happened on remote roads where there are no other vehicles, plants, shrubs or signs anywhere near the roadway. This truck is uncomfortable to drive and feels unsafe. I believe it is all related to the poorly made and engineered transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11721874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving the vehicle at highway speeds (around 55mph). Driver hear a loud hum, lost power and needed to pull over. The rear axle housing grenaded and twisted the pinion clean off the rear axle. The truck was loaded with tools and pulling a trailer. However this load was well within the GVWR of the vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11715544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.