2020 Ford F-350 SD Transmission Problems

Which parts fail

• Automatic transmission
  3

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  829%
• 25k–50k
  414%
• 50k–75k
  414%
• 75k–100k
  311%
• 100k–150k
  621%
• 150k+
  311%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ford F-350 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owned a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, towing a boat he heard a loud popping noise. The contact stated that the rear wheels were locked in place, and skid. The vehicle whiplashed and the right side of the vehicle collided with the guard rail and came to a stop and inspected. The contact observed condensation under the middle and rear of the vehicle and the drive shaft lying on the ground. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. No medical attention was needed. The vehicle was towed to a lot where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into park(P), the vehicle rolled back and crashed into another vehicle. There were no injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V256000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting hard between gears. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was previously serviced at a local dealer under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B03 to replace the No. 1 planetary and ring gear assembly. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure persisted, and that the vehicle was jerking while shifting between gears. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V256000 (Power Train) and 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. …

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350, The contact stated that after the vehicle had been turned off for an extended period, after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle would not immediately drive forward or in reverse; however, the vehicle would roll if on an inclined surface. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the condition was caused by transmission fluid draining back from the torque converter. The contact was informed that manufacturer was aware of the condition and had advised that no service be performed to resolve the issue; but owners should be advised in order to prevent the condition from occurring, to allow the engine to run for a while before attempting to drive. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that no service would be performed to correct the condition. …

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle lurched forward, and the brake pedal was depressed with more force for the vehicle to respond as intended. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted hard and downshifted with reduced power. The Forward Collision Avoidance alarm sounded after the vehicle downshifted. The contact pulled over to the side of the road before continuing to drive. Additionally, the vehicle rolled backwards while in park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V365000 (Power Train) and 22V256000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. …

The contact owns a fleet of 2020 Ford F-250. The contact's employees had informed him that while driving at various speeds and shifting between gears, the vehicles were jerking as the check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred on various occasions, and the contact's employee also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes were applied and failed to respond so the gear was shifted into neutral(N) and he had to depress the brake pedal with excessive force in order for them to respond and avoid almost hitting another vehicle. The contact called various local dealers and made them aware of the failure; however, there was no availability or capacity for the fleet vehicles. The vehicles were not yet diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer then followed up with the dealer and was informed that the failure was not associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V256000 (Power Train) even though the VIN was included. The manufacturer closed the case and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The dealer informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the transmission was slipping and unintendedly downshifting. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled with the transmission stuck in 10th gear, nearly causing a crash. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed upon depressing the accelerator pedal a second time. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The power train malfunction warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the earliest appointment for a diagnostic test would be approximately 6 weeks. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,500.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse the vehicle, the engine revved but the vehicle would not move. The power train malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with number one planetary and ring gear assembly failure. The number one planetary and ring gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B03 (Number One Planetary and Ring Gear Assembly) however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MH, the transmission was slipping while downshifting and upshifting. The contact also stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission seized after shifting into 4th gear, with the powertrain malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer. The contact became aware of Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B03 (Transmission - Number One Planetary and Ring Gear Assembly); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

Related recalls

Transmission complaints in other F-350 SD years