Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2024 | 7 | 18% | 18,000 miles |
| 2023 | 7 | 16% | — |
| 2022 | 21 | 17% | 30,000 miles |
| 2021 | 25 | 15% | 60,000 miles |
| 2020 | 77 | 29% | 69,000 miles |
| 2019 | 46 | 4% | 22,000 miles |
| 2018 | 16 | 4% | 24,000 miles |
| 2017 | 25 | 2% | 50,000 miles |
| 2016 | 14 | 5% | 144,000 miles |
| 2015 | 19 | 6% | 48,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 8% | 0 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 10% | 107,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 5% | 50,000 miles |
| 2011 | 10 | 8% | 45,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 9% | 15,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% | 10,000 miles |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% | 30,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 6% | 28,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% | 5,000 miles |
| 2005 | 16 | 5% | 44,000 miles |
| 2004 | 21 | 8% | 12,000 miles |
| 2003 | 20 | 11% | 50,000 miles |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% | 44,000 miles |
| 2001 | 45 | 16% | 68,000 miles |
| 2000 | 21 | 9% | 52,000 miles |
| 1999 | 23 | 9% | 75,000 miles |
| 1997 | 8 | 21% | 73,000 miles |
| 1995 | 1 | 11% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while the dealer was performing a routine service on the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was designed with 2 different 4-Wheel Drive hubs, a driver's side automatic hub and a passenger's side dummy hub. The contact was concerned that the design could reduce fuel efficiency. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000. The VIN was not available.
On numerous times when you start the truck there is a delay from when you engage drive and the drivetrain gets power. To the point that 1 time the truck rolled back into another destroying their bumper.
I was on an overpass in the left hand lane doing 40-45mpg getting ready to make a left hand turn on an expressway on ramp. I coasted for just a bit and applied the brakes gently, then a little more. The truck was not slowing down like it should have so I applied alot more brake pedal pressure and it slowed down some then it down shifted several times and the engine was roaring, I'm guessing around 3K rpms or more and pulling me forwards. I put as much pressure as I could on the brake pedal and got it down to 4-5 mph and then as it was almost at a stop, still with the motor roaring, I slammed it into park and turned the key off. The motor turned off thank goodness. I sat there for about 20 seconds or so, luckily no one was behind me, then I turned it on again and it was idling just fine. I crept through the intersection and proceeded down the on ramp at 10mph or so and pulled over. …
During the 1st 20 min or so of operation the truck tries to "high idle" when in gear. This forces the operator use excessive brake pressure to keep the vehicle stopped. There have been several times my leg gets tired of holding the brake pedal down so hard the truck will creep forward unintentionally. The brakes grunt due to excessive force trying to keep the truck stopped. The dealer blows it off as normal, saying the truck is doing what its supposed to. I don't think the truck should be allowed to high idle in gear. I am afraid that I am going to accidently roll forward and hit someone. I have driven other 3/4 ton trucks and the ford 7.3 engine this is the only one that does this. I called ford and they said there is nothing to do if the dealership says the truck is operating properly.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH the transmission would downshift. The transmission warning light illuminated the instrument panel. The contact stated the installation on the vehicle fell on the draft shaft and caught on fire and melted. The fire and smoke were on the rear of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the contact. There was no fire report. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer which did not diagnose a failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V087000 (STRUCTURE, POWER TRAIN). The approximate failure mileage was 700.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH in the center lane of a busy highway, the transmission suddenly malfunctioned and the vehicle abruptly decelerated. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure on five separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission coolant pump was faulty and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from under the floorboards. The contact was towing a 16-foot dump trailer with an approximate load of 16,000 lbs. during the failure. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stopped the vehicle and inspected the rear of the vehicle and became aware that the rear of the drive shaft was hanging down and touching the road surface. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the rear axle housing had failed, causing the driveshaft to shear off. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the transmission was slipping. The contact wait for a while before the vehicle responded as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to three other local dealers: DeSoto Ford (3039 SE Hwy 70, Arcadia, FL 34266); McDonald Ford (6790 Midland Rd., Freeland, MI 48623); and Richardson Ford (3781 S Huron Rd., Standish, MI 48658), and was made aware of TSB: SSM 51420; and that the vehicle was working as designed. The contact was informed that engine oil was moving into the torque converter and needed to warm up for proper operation. The mechanic informed the contact to let the vehicle run for a while before shifting into gear. …
Related recalls (10)
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026-2025 F-250 SD and F-350 SD vehicles. The driveshaft friction weld may fail, resulting in rear driveshaft separation and a sudden loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driveshaft serial number and replace the driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 6, 2026.
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Super Duty F-250 and F-350 vehicles. The right rear axle shaft may have been improperly heat-treated during manufacturing and may break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the right rear axle shaft date code and replace the axle shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2026.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column shifter may have been improperly welded and detach from the steering column.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column serial numbers and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2025.
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Super Duty F250 and F350 vehicles equipped with single rear wheels and a 10.5-inch rear axle shaft. The left rear axle shaft may have been improperly heat-treated during manufacturing and may break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the left rear axle shaft date code and replace the axle shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 4x4 vehicles. A radial damper inside the driveshaft may move out of position over time, which can cause a driveshaft imbalance and result in a fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S74.
Show 5 more recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A washer within the vehicle's transmission can disintegrate, causing metallic debris to become lodged in the 'Park' mechanism.
Remedy: Dealers will replace a gearset within the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 19, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Torque converter
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Super-Duty F-250, F-350, and F-550 diesel pickups. The transmission torque converter damper plate was not tempered, resulting in a brittle damper plate that may fracture and cause the engine to stall or require increased brake pedal effort in order to stop the vehicle.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly, free of charge. This recall began July 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty and F-450 Super Duty vehicles. An incorrect transmission case casting may cause the park pawl assembly to not be secured, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the transmission case, replacing the transmission as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks equipped with 6.2L engines and six-speed automatic transmissions. These transmissions may have a damaged park rod actuating plate that can result in unexpected vehicle movement even though the transmission has been shifted to 'Park.' As such, these…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the park rod actuating plate and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2017. 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 model year 2015 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks manufactured September 13, 2013, through March 28, 2014, and equipped with 6.2L gasoline or 6.7L diesel engines and 6R140 transmissions.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission software, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2014. Owners may contact Fords customer service at 1-800-392-3673.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford F-250 SD years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2020 (77), 2019 (46), 2001 (45), 2017 (25) and 2021 (25) model years. Transmission complaints make up 29% of all complaints for the 2020.
Is there a recall for Ford F-250 SD transmission problems?
Yes — 10 recalls, including 26V-119 (axle shaft, Mar 3, 2026); 25V-866 (axle shaft, Dec 12, 2025); 25V-163 (gear position indication (prndl), Mar 14, 2025). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford F-250 SD transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (90 mentions), followed by the axle hubs (10).
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.