Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 26 | 24% | 120,000 miles |
| 2024 | 58 | 30% | 11,000 miles |
| 2023 | 158 | 38% | 34,000 miles |
| 2022 | 160 | 27% | 30,000 miles |
| 2021 | 318 | 31% | 55,000 miles |
| 2020 | 357 | 48% | 59,000 miles |
| 2019 | 737 | 55% | 67,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1,015 | 44% | 60,000 miles |
| 2017 | 551 | 38% | 84,000 miles |
| 2016 | 605 | 29% | 98,000 miles |
| 2015 | 429 | 25% | 89,000 miles |
| 2014 | 426 | 28% | 101,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1,343 | 45% | 94,000 miles |
| 2012 | 681 | 38% | 90,000 miles |
| 2011 | 828 | 38% | 97,000 miles |
| 2010 | 121 | 14% | 60,000 miles |
| 2009 | 33 | 10% | 40,000 miles |
| 2008 | 50 | 14% | 50,000 miles |
| 2007 | 57 | 12% | 70,000 miles |
| 2006 | 46 | 8% | 39,000 miles |
| 2005 | 112 | 10% | 66,000 miles |
| 2004 | 232 | 11% | 35,000 miles |
| 2003 | 62 | 15% | 40,000 miles |
| 2002 | 53 | 6% | 54,000 miles |
| 2001 | 74 | 6% | 66,000 miles |
| 2000 | 47 | 4% | 54,000 miles |
| 1999 | 75 | 7% | 84,000 miles |
| 1998 | 83 | 6% | 95,000 miles |
| 1997 | 151 | 5% | 102,000 miles |
| 1996 | 26 | 8% | 121,000 miles |
| 1995 | 75 | 12% | 120,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I believe whats happening is - The transmission is downshifting too early, and applying a significant and random amount of braking resistance. This braking goes off and on at random. It prevents the driver from braking in a controlled manner, as this random and unpredictable additional braking caused by - i think - the transmission is constantly changing. Therefore sometime my truck will randomly and suddenly slow down, then accelerate. As a driver, I am always trying to match the trucks random braking, and brake calmly. Its impossible to do. This has caused me to nearly rear end people at stop lights, Fly out of my lane and into oncoming traffic while turning, or other people nearly rear end me. It is hard to explain exactly whats happening, but imagine a second person stepping on and off the brakes, at random times, and trying to drive normally with this extra braking. …
The contact owns a 2025 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after the vehicle came to a complete stop, the front driver-side door was opened, and the transmission independently shifted to Park (P). The transmission then seized. The contact disconnected the battery to reset the computer, which required several hours. The vehicle was restarted, and the transmission was able to shift out of Park (P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the gear shift module needed to be replaced, but the part was on back order. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 26-2294 (Power Train); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by email, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,053.
After operating the vehicle normally and backing into a parking space, I stopped the vehicle and selected Park, turned the vehicle off, and exited. Before the driver's door was closed, the vehicle began to roll forward unexpectedly. I ran back to the vehicle and reentered it to regain control, with the driver's door still open and the seatbelt not fastened. After stopping the vehicle, I selected Reverse, at which point the vehicle surged backward unexpectedly. The open driver's door struck another vehicle and the driver, and my vehicle continued backward, colliding with a fence and then a tree. The vehicle did not behave as expected after Park was selected, creating a serious safety risk to myself and others. Several vehicle systems appeared to malfunction or fail during the incident. …
On 4/22/2026 while flat towing this vehicle behind my motorhome, it burst into flames. The trip began in [redacted] . Driving south on [redacted], I stopped about 120 miles later at a rest stop near [redacted]. I did a complete walk around inspection. There were no issues, everything looked fine. We continued on and about 20 miles later another vehicle driver was telling me frantically to pull over. I looked at my rear camera and saw the Ford was smoking. This was not due to an improper neutral tow setting. The truck would have burned in the first 20 miles. I have towed this vehicle many times. I know the importance of doing it properly., Thankfully there was a good place to pull over. I tried to extinguish the fire with my extinguisher but it was too hot. I was unable to disconnect from the motorhome. Both are a total loss. …
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter was sticking. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter was shifted into park; however, the shifter gear independently shifted into reverse. The vehicle crashed into the garage at the residence. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the vehicle was reversed to attach the trailer to the vehicle. The contact was almost struck by the vehicle. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Complaint Description The vehicle is equipped with a Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission that exhibits erratic and unpredictable shifting behavior. The transmission frequently hesitates, shifts harshly, or delays engagement, particularly when accelerating from a stop, slowing down, or attempting to merge into traffic. At times, the vehicle fails to deliver power when the accelerator is pressed, creating a delay in acceleration. This is especially dangerous when pulling into intersections, making left turns across traffic, or merging onto roadways where immediate and predictable power is required to avoid collisions. The transmission also downshifts harshly and unexpectedly, causing sudden jerking and brief deceleration. …
The contact owns a 2022 Ford f-150. The contact stated while his wife was reversing, while the vehicle was still in reverse, the vehicle suddenly lunged forward and accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into an oversized tree before coming to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The front bumper and hood on the vehicle were damaged. The contact was concerned that his wife and several bystanders could have been seriously injured or killed due to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard and a day later was towed to a body shop to be repaired. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic to be repaired. The paramedics and local Police arrived on the scene. A Police report was filed. The contact stated that due to the impact of the crash into the tree, his wife bit through her tongue. …
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal depressed the floorboard but failed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. As a result, the contact collided with the rear of two vehicles ahead. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that sometime later, while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed reading "Full Accessory Power Active," after which the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. The contact's wife was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. …
Related recalls (25)
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 F-150 vehicles. Incorrect rear axle tail bearings may have been installed, which can result in rear wheel lock-up or driveshaft separation.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle tail bearing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V444. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module (PCM) can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear.
Remedy: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S45.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 17V669. Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Show 20 more recalls
Power train › Axle hubs
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. This is a phased recall. Ford owners will receive letters in multiple phases, beginning August 2025 through Winter 2025.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-188. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Valves/valve body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Axle hubs
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Axle assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 12, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The two-piece driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, which could result in driveshaft separation.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with 5.0L or 6.2L gasoline engines, that previously had the powertrain control module (PCM) software reprogrammed under recall 19V-075.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions and 2018 Ford F-150 and Expedition vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions (excluding Expedition vehicles with a Rotary Gear Shift Dial on the console).
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the shift cable locking clip and properly seat it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-150 vehicles equipped with ten-speed transmissions. The pin that attaches the transmission shift linkage to the transmission may come out, preventing the transmission from responding to movement of the shift lever.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the roll pin with an updated part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine, a 6-speed transmission and a column mounted shift lever. Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S35.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 f-150 vehicles manufactured from September 9, 2011, through September 22, 2011, and model year 2012 f-250, f-350, f-450 and f-550 heavy duty vehicles manufactured from September 12, 2011, through September 22, 2011.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake shift interlock switch function and replace the switch if necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 22, 2011.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. If the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached to the steering column bracket, the shift cable assembly can come out of the bracket.
Remedy: Dealers will make the proper attachment of the transmission shift control cable to the steering column bracket and add a tie strap to that connection.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The transmission bracket end fitting can separate from the shift cable assembly resulting in operator inability to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new transmission shift control cable.
NHTSA investigations
Automatic transmission control
On September 4, 1997, Ford filed a defect information report concerning approximately 15,000 1997 model year f-150 trucks, manufactured from February 16 through March 4, 1996, and built at the norfolk or kansas city assembly plants.these vehicles could have incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission control cables installed which can result in a separation of the cable end fitting from the cable conduit at the…
Failure transmission park engagement/loc
By letter dated September 4, 1997, the manufacturer advised NHTSA that a safety-related recall action would be initiated to correct a potential failure of the transmission shift cable in approximately 15,000 of the subject vehicles.the suspect cables were supplied to Ford by teleflex automotive and installed in the subject f-150 trucks built at Ford's norforlk and kansas city assembly plants between February 16,…
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles.
Unintended Transmission Downshift
In September 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) issued safety recall 16V-248 which included certain model year (MY) 2011-2012 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed (6R80) automatic transmissions. This recall was in response to allegations of unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear without warning, often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lock-up, increasing the risk of a crash…
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford).
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford).
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford F-150 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (1,343), 2018 (1,015), 2011 (828), 2019 (737) and 2012 (681) model years. Transmission complaints make up 45% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Ford F-150 transmission problems?
Yes — 25 recalls, including 26V-576 (differential unit, Sep 9, 2026); 26V-402 (automatic transmission, Jun 24, 2026); 26V-378 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Jun 9, 2026). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford F-150 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (488 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (54).
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.