Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
First started having problems with 4x4 randomly engaging and then shortly after that a complete loss of braking capability. Warnings of Park Brake Fault, Check Brake System, Reverse Brake Assist not Available, Check Brake System, Park Brake Limited Function, Pre-Collision Assist not Available. This happened at approximately 240 miles on a new vehicle. Took to Ford Dealership, after about 5 days got the vehicle back and drove it about 4 miles before all the brake system lights came on again and another complete loss of braking capability. Had truck towed to dealer the second time (drove the first time and had little to no braking ability which happened during middle of drive). Truck still at dealer with about 270 miles on it now with no solution yet. Ford Engineers have proposed replacing a pigtail for potential loose pin fitment.
I have a 2026 F150 3.5L Twin-turbo ECOBOOST Hybrid King Ranch. I have experienced the following behaviors: (1) rough transitions when climbing grades; (2) rough transitions when braking hard/coming down grades; (3) 10-speed transmission - electric motor slippage during de-accerelation (especially when Adapted Cruise is activated); (4) transmission seems to have gear hunting at low speeds/stop and go; and (5) harsh shifts/unpredictable downshifting with adaptive cruise. I purchased this f150 since Ford advertised the Eco-Powerboost Hybrid/10-speed transmission was built for heavy duty hauling/towing. In my mind, heat is the silent killer of hybrid long-term reliability and longevity (I live in SC - a hot climate). In my mind, I feel this electric-gas powertrain guesses my driving habits instead of responding to my driving habits.
The first indication of a problem was a red "SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM NOW" message at 121 total vehicle miles and continued to be intermittent. The vehicle was returned to the selling Ford dealership the next day. After a day in the service department, they were unable to duplicate the problem. This same message reappeared sporadically, but did not seem to affect the safe operation of the vehicle. At approximately 1460 miles the red "SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM NOW" and many other messages appeared while I was on an interstate traveling at 70mph. As I started maneuvering for the nearest exit, the steering would not respond without using EXCESSIVE force, creating a dangerous, unsafe situation. I managed to safely exit the highway and park the vehicle. It would not reset or operate normally. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a Ford dealer. …
New 2025 F150 Lariat with 3.5L V-6 Twin-Turbo Full Hybrid. Truck was sitting in garage and off when suddenly a message appeared on the digital speedometer area saying there was a powertrain fault. Truck only had 280 miles. At about 310 miles, service light came on indicating service was due. Checked FordPass app and the on board diagnostic program indicated there was a power train fault detected. I've checked several online forums and many owners are reporting that there are known Ford Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) regarding this issue and the issue has to due with faulty starter, alternator, and battery. Ford know about this issue and that it is common yet they have failed to issue a recall to fix all of these.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to shift from reverse to drive, the gear shifter remained stuck in drive or reverse. The contact stated that while researching online, the contact learned to disconnect the battery and allowed the vehicle to cool down, reconnect the battery, and once the battery was reconnected, the transmission independently shifted into park. The contact stated that while his son was at a complete stop, the vehicle was turned off and restarted and operated as intended. The contact's son returned to the residence and turned off the vehicle without shifting into park(P), and the transmission independently locked while the gear shifter was in drive. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. …
Involved in total loss of truck and trailer April 11. 2025 by possible rear axle bolts breaking while hauling a trailer causing loss of control, violent trailer sway, difficulty braking and steering resulting in a wreck. We were towing our RV trailer when the wreck happened. We were lucky to be able to walk away because the trailer ended up on its right side and the truck on its roof. If this happens to other drivers injuries or fatalities are possible. Ford issued a safety recall August 2025. We were not aware of the possibility of the axle bolts breaking until the safety recall letter was received August 25, 2025. When the wreck accrued there were no prior symptoms of a problem. A walk around inspection was done minutes before the wreck.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and taking his granddaughter to practice, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was shuddering while depressing the accelerator pedal to the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact came to a stop on the highway and then pulled over. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and shifted into drive however, the vehicle failed to respond. …
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal crunching sound coming from the rear passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that later while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 700. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford F-150 Hybrid years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2021 (125), 2022 (76), 2023 (34), 2024 (9) and 2025 (6) model years. Transmission complaints make up 47% of all complaints for the 2021.
Is there a recall for Ford F-150 Hybrid transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Ford F-150 Hybrid model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford F-150 Hybrid transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles; 69% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the axle assembly › axle shaft (3 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › gear position indication (prndl) (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.