Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | 4% | 188,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2012 | 15 | 6% | 90,000 miles |
| 2011 | 13 | 5% | 82,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 7% | 64,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% | 106,000 miles |
| 2008 | 14 | 7% | 53,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% | 1,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 4% | 17,000 miles |
| 2005 | 14 | 10% | 48,000 miles |
| 2004 | 12 | 8% | 101,000 miles |
| 2003 | 12 | 10% | 33,000 miles |
| 2002 | 12 | 8% | 61,000 miles |
| 2001 | 28 | 13% | 46,000 miles |
| 2000 | 23 | 7% | 110,000 miles |
| 1999 | 61 | 10% | 87,000 miles |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 1997 | 34 | 11% | 145,000 miles |
| 1996 | 19 | 11% | — |
| 1995 | 36 | 20% | 123,000 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
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed hauling a trailer, the exhaust manifold dropped raw fuel into the exhaust and it caught fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. The exhaust filter over maximum limit message was displayed. There were no reported injuries, crash , police report or air bag deployment. The fire department was on the scene. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that cylinder one was down and the engine and transmission needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the EPF may be damaged and not work. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 1st gear. The contact stated that the RPM gauge climbed into the "RED" zone and the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that the shift indicator on the instrument cluster was flashing and then showed that the vehicle was in 1st gear. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over 50 MPH, the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failures could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted and that the transmission was slipping while shifting. The contact also stated that prior to entering the vehicle, he noticed a fluid leak underneath. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where unknown transmission repairs were completed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the fuel pressure regulator and heater malfunction failure codes were retrieved, and it was diagnosed that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine seizure due to coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact stated that while the dealer was in the process of replacing the engine, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission also needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine and the transmission. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was bucking and jerking. The gear shift indicator light displayed that the transmission was slipping from drive(D) to neutral(N) and reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while the vehicle parked and on for approximately 15 minutes, there was an abnormal popping noise and the vehicle immediately began to roll away into a frozen lake. The vehicle went through the ice and began sinking. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed from the scene and taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was awaiting inspection to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Driving through my neighborhood at approximately 30mph. Less than a mile from my house, vehicle displays warning to stop vehicle safely. I began to turn into a driveway so that I could turn around and head back home and the vehicle shut down. My truck was now blocking the roadway and a person's driveway at the only entrance to the subdivision during the morning commute hours. I shut the truck off, and tried to re-start it, but it would not re-start. The vehicle would not shift into neutral so that I could push it out of the roadway. I had to call a tow truck to haul the vehicle to the dealership. The dealership said it was a faulty sensor. (this was the second indecent for me involving a faulty engine sensor.) I have spent more that $300 fixing sensors that should not fail. Leaving me stranded in the middle of a roadway, blocking traffic. …
Since I have owned this truck from 2010 to current I have had problems with the exhaust manifolds and a transmission overflow relief valve. The exhaust manifolds keep popping the studs which allows fumes inside the truck upon a $2000.00 bill every time... This issue could cause the whole exhaust system to fall right out from under the truck while driving. The other issue is the trans overflow....everytime it happens it spits the fluid out all over the exhaust which causes a fire everytime. I have been reporting these problems since I have purchased the truck.these problems need to be adressed before someone gets hurt or worse.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford f-250. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle accelerated out of control without warning. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal traveled to the floorboard and the engine revved. The contact placed the gear in neutral, slammed on the brakes, and turned off the ignition. The vehicle lost power and was coasted to the contact's residence. The dealer was contacted (simmons rockwell, 7327 ny-54, bath, ny, [phone]) and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and not included in a recall. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Related recalls (3)
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 › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
On certain trucks equipped with a 6.4l diesel engine, excessive temperatures in the diesel particulate filter in the exhaust system May result from excess hydrocarbons in the exhaust.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the power train control module. The recall began on April 3, 2007. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford F-250 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (61), 1995 (36), 1997 (34), 2001 (28) and 2000 (23) model years. Transmission complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Ford F-250 transmission problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 11V-582 (automatic transmission, Dec 8, 2011); 07V-139 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Mar 26, 2007); 97V-171 (gear position indication (prndl), Oct 7, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford F-250 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 45% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (101 mentions), followed by the clutch assembly (26).
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.