Power Train Problems of Ford F-150 - part 1

While driving at speed, my vehicle experienced a severe safety hazard: the transmission jerked violently and the engine completely stalled on the road, causing an immediate loss of power. The dealership diagnosed the truck and stated that tree debris had plugged the cowl drains at the base of the windshield. Because the drains plugged, rainwater backed up and overflowed directly into the passenger cabin, soaking the body control module (bcm) and crashing the central computer network. A vehicle's central computer network should not be engineered in a way that normal outdoor tree debris can completely flood an interior cabin module and cause a dangerous drivetrain shutdown while driving.

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Truck will not shift into 7th gear, will down shift to 1st gear once it reaches 6th gear around 40mph. Causing the vehicle back tires to brake and skid and lose control of vehicle.

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My 2014 Ford F-150 was previously included in Ford safety recall 24s37 regarding unintended transmission downshifts caused by an intermittent output shaft speed (oss) sensor issue. The vehicle was inspected by a Ford mobile technician on January 20, 2026. No qualifying codes were found at that time, and the recall was closed under my VIN. The recall involved the risk of an unintended downshift into first gear that could result in loss of vehicle control. On August 20, 2026, while my husband was driving approximately 40-50 mph, the truck suddenly downshifted and rapidly lost speed. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 10-15 mph and had to be moved into a parking lot to avoid remaining in traffic. After parking, the truck would no longer move under its own power. The wrench warning light illuminated and the vehicle became undrivable. The symptoms experienced appear substantially similar to those described in recall 24s37. The dealership has indicated that the current failure may involve the transmission lead frame and speed sensor system, but I am concerned that this event may be related to the same transmission downshift condition addressed by the recall. I am requesting that NHTSA document and review this incident.

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after receiving notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train), the dealer was contacted, and a mechanic was sent to the residence to perform a software update on the vehicle. After the software update was performed, the vehicle experienced hard shifting, and the gear became stuck in 5th gear and 3rd gear on occasion, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission leadframe was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 155,062.

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The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that smoke was covering the roadway. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, there was oil leaking around the manifold. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving to the dealer for a scheduled recall repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v248000 (power train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.

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While driving home from a work appointment in rockwall, texas, I entered an intersection with three lanes of uncontrolled cross traffic traveling approximately 35-45 mph. As I accelerated my Ford F-150 equipped with the 10r80 transmission, it started into the intersection and then began sporadically hunting for a gear. The truck suddenly lost nearly all acceleration and slowed to an almost complete stop while I was in the middle of the intersection. Vehicles were approaching me from the driver side, leaving me with almost no ability to get out of their path. I was extremely fortunate that I was not t-boned. This is the second time this truck has experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of acceleration, the first was with a 4th gear slip on an on-ramp. Neither incident was preceded by a warning light or other dashboard indication. I understand Ford has been aware of problems involving the cdf clutch drum in the 10r80 transmission and that the design was subsequently revised in later versions. My vehicles issues are textbook cdf drum problems. Meanwhile, the known 10r80 problems have significantly reduced the vehicle's value, leaving me owing more than I can reasonably recover by selling it. This is not simply a reliability issue. A transmission that can unexpectedly eliminate a vehicle's ability to accelerate without warning is a serious safety hazard. Twice, this defect has put me in a situation where I could have been killed by cross traffic. I am asking NHTSA to investigate the 10r80 transmission, including the cdf drum/design issues, and determine whether these failures create an unreasonable safety risk and whether Ford has taken adequate corrective action.

I believe my vehicle is exhibiting the same transmission issues leading up to the failure of transmission components identified in NHTSA recall #: 26v402. My vehicle is having hard downshifts at low speeds, usually between 3rd and 1st gear, while comping to a stop. It seems to happen randomly. My VIN number was not found to be in the effected vehicles when searching on the NHTSA recall page.

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The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that an engineer was sent from the dealer to the residence and the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train); however, after the recall repair, the message that the top speed of the vehicle was limited to 80 mph was displayed. Additionally, the transmission was shifting roughly while shifting gears. The contact stated that the failure started after the recall repair was performed. The dealer was contacted after the recall repair due to the failure but stated that over time the transmission would shift better. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

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Cdf drum failure and torque converter failure. Started at 70,000 miles by shifting hard going into 8th gear. Now it has completely failed at 81,000 miles. It is a safety concern because now the vehicle goes straight to 4th gear when you shift out the park. Fourth gear is too steep to leave from a stop and can lead to somebody getting rear-ended. This is a well-documented problem for the 10r80 transmission and something needs to be done about it.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford F-150 🔎.

Vehicle will downshift from 6th gear to 3rd gear at highway speed (55 mph+).

I purchased a 2017 Ford F-150 on July 9th. It is covered under safety recall 26s28 (NHTSA campaign 26v23700). On July 25th, the vehicle entered highway limp mode due to an output speed sensor failure (code p0722). A Ford dealership performed the 26s28 software flash but left the failing physical lead frame hardware in the vehicle. On August 15th, the truck reverted to a dangerous limp mode on the highway due to the same unaddressed p0722 hardware failure. Ford corporate is refusing to authorize the physical hardware replacement under the safety recall framework, leaving the vehicle fundamentally unsafe to drive.

My 2017 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10r80 10-speed automatic transmission experiences repeated harsh and unpredictable shifting. The transmission will hesitate or delay during shifts and then engage very hard, sometimes producing a severe bang or jolt through the truck. It also experiences abnormal gear hunting and inconsistent shifting behavior. These symptoms can occur during normal driving and create a safety concern because the transmission does not always respond predictably to driver input. Ford has issued technical service bulletins addressing harsh engagement, delayed engagement, harsh shifting, and delayed shifting on 2017-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with the 10r80 transmission. My vehicle is experiencing these same types of symptoms. I am reporting this because I believe the 10r80 transmission in affected 2017 F-150 vehicles should be investigated for a potential safety defect.

The transmission consistently slips, stalls, and shifts very aggressively between gears, specifically between gears 3-4, 7-8, and 6-5. This occurs at various speeds and levels of acceleration. This puts everyone on the road at risk as it makes it difficult to control the speed of the vehicle. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This was inspected at a Ford dealership and confirmed to be a problem by the transmission specialist. There are no warming lamps or error messages.

I received codes p2888, p288a, p0c2c all within the current recall parameters however my VIN is not listed in the recall currently but falls within the same guidelines for those model years, engine, and trim package. It is the parking/pawl codes. I cannot currently drive my vehicle and I am about to face very heavy charges with getting a repair for my vehicle. As of now the Ford service writer at platinum Ford north in pilot point, texas has told me it is unsafe to drive and repairs will need to be made and that the repairs are currently not within any safety recalls for my specific VIN.

Transmission shifts from a higher gear to 1st when going over 60, also transmission has a hard time shifting skips 2nd, 4th, and sometimes 6th gear.

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Despite NHTSA and Ford stating the "recall" has been fixed on my 2013 Ford f150, my truck still performs the exact symptoms of a transmission molded leadframe failure. Not only my safety, but the safety of others was put as risk when my truck suddenly downshifted into what appeared to first gear, while traveling on the road, with no indication. I lost power and was no longer able to move at the speed of traffic. Had this happened at highway speed I would have almost certainly lost traction and could have crashed. I was sitll forced to take evasive action and move to the side of the road, where my truck would not shift out of first gear until after a full restart. No warning lights, lamps, or other messages were displayed before or after the incident.

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The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Subject: formal customer complaint – 2025 Ford F-150 powertrain malfunction / reduced power I am requesting that Ford motor company open a formal customer relationship center case concerning an unresolved powertrain malfunction affecting my 2025 Ford F-150. Vehicle: 2025 Ford F-150 VIN: [xxx] mileage: approximately 19,215 miles servicing dealer: gary yeomans Ford, daytona beach, florida on xxx my Ford mobile application generated an “action needed” vehicle health alert stating: “powertrain malfunction / reduced power. ” my vehicle is also displaying an illuminated wrench warning and a “service engine soon” message. The Ford application continues to show the powertrain malfunction / reduced power condition and states that service is recommended. I contacted gary yeomans Ford regarding the condition. I was informed that a part necessary to repair the problem is on national backorder. However, I have not been provided with the diagnostic trouble codes, exact diagnosis, failed component, Ford part number, estimated part availability, estimated repair date, or written confirmation regarding whether Ford considers the vehicle safe to continue operating while this condition remains unresolved. At this time, I have not experienced an actual loss of power, stalling, abnormal shifting, accident, or other drivability event. Nevertheless, I am concerned about continuing to operate a vehicle that Ford’s own system identifies as having a “powertrain malfunction / reduced power” condition while the repair remains unavailable. I am requesting that Ford: 1. Open a formal customer relationship center case and provide me with the case number. 2. Obtain the complete diagnosis and diagnostic trouble codes from gary yeomans Ford. 3. Provide the name and part number of the failed component. 4. Confirm the warranty coverage for this repair. 5. Escalate the nationally backordered replacement part. 6. Provide an estimated part availability and repair date. 7. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia),.

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The vehicle was previously taken to an authorized Ford dealership to complete safety recall 26s28 (NHTSA campaign 26v237000) for unintended transmission downshifts. The dealer applied the mandated software patch. However, this safety remedy has completely failed.   while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced severe mechanical gear grinding and twice suffered sudden, unprompted downshifts into a lower gear. This caused an immediate and dangerous spike in engine rpms and a sudden deceleration, creating a high-risk highway crash hazard and a potential loss of vehicle control.   the physical hardware defect (the molded transmission lead frame) is actively failing and bypassing the software safeguard. The authorized dealer, nielsen Ford of morristown, is currently refusing to replace the defective hardware under the safety mandate without a permanent dashboard code, despite the vehicle displaying clear, dangerous physical symptoms of a failed recall remedy.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the transmission downshifted from 5th to 4th gear, and the vehicle decelerated to 35 mph. The failure reoccurred, and the transmission downshifted from 3rd to 1st, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The message “service vehicle soon” was displayed and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the cooler lines had snapped due to corrosion on the quick-connect clamp. Additionally, the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The cooler lines were replaced; however, the transmission was not replaced, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,236.

Ford motor sent notice 26s28 to me regarding a possible problem with my transmission/powertrain. On August 12 they reprogrammed my powertrain control module. In the letter regarding this upgrade they also stated, and I quote: " if your dashboard displays a malfunction indicator lamp(mil)or powertrain warning lamp(wrench symbol) either before or after the software update is installed, your dealer will run a diagnostic test. If specific diagnostic trouble codes relating to the transmission codes relating to the transmission are found, the dealer will replace the lead frame at no cost to you under extended warranty program 26n04. " the day after the software update my truck did for first time ever display a yellow wrench symbol. They said bring it back in and they'd run a diagnostic. They did and it showed a stored code p0717. This code relates directly to the input/turbine speed sensor. It is a sensor built directly into the lead frame mentioned earlier, which Ford said they'd replace at no cost under 26n04. But from Fords point of view, this is not one of their acceptable codes for free lead frame replacement. What? it is built "directly into the lead frame, and can't be independently replaced. " in essence, it is the leadframe. This code should obviously be included in the group of acceptable Ford codes as relating to this issue. My case number with Ford is cxh-08937978-d1n4v6. Thank you for your time in reviewing this situation.

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I scheduled an appointment for a recall on my truck. The appt was set for Monday. The dealership in pensacola, FL picked up my vehicle and claims they do not have the ability to service the recall. However, prior to scheduling the appt, the truck was driven from seguin, TX to pensacola without any issues because we have a family emergency with my father in the hospital. Upon arriving in pensacola, the issue that has the recall started so I immediately set the appt. The dealership has had my truck for 3 days and plans on holding it for an unknown amount of time as they do not know how to service the recall. The recall service would fix the issue my truck is experiencing, and I know the remedy does not take multiple days to perform. I need my truck back, but the dealership does not understand that I need to go back to texas with my truck functioning properly. So, I just wanted to make a complaint about the dealership in pensacola, FL having little to no knowledge about to perform the recall remedy and attempting to perform multiple services that will cost me money I do not have because I was not prepared to pay when the recall service should be free. Highly disappointed with them and the fact that I have no way to go back to texas with my truck.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150 used for hauling a trailer. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle became stuck in neutral. The vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear. The contact stated that the gear selector was inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle continued moving and rolled into the water and became submerged in water up to the door. No warning lights were illuminated. There was no injury sustained. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 26v402000 (power train). The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the local dealer, and it was confirmed that there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was eventually towed back to the residence. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and confirmed that there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the wrench warning light illuminated, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to third gear. Additionally, the vehicle immediately went into limp mode and failed to accelerate as needed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 24v444000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with molded leadframe failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle had not experienced a failure associated with NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train); however, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected and serviced under the recall repair to keep the vehicle up to date. The contact stated that after the recall repair was performed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear, and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer due to failure, and it was diagnosed with transmission failure and that there was oil leaking through the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

There was no incident. Ford announced the recall in may with no remedy until August. I had to rent a truck to pull a trailer to [xxx] from [xxx]. They said there was no compensation as there was no "stop driving" notice on the recall but it stated the the vehicle could abruptly slow down /downshift increasing the risk of a crash. Wanted to go on record that compensation should be covered by Ford as this was a considerable safety issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Beginning approximately one year ago, my Ford F-150 has intermittently experienced a serious transmission problem during acceleration. The transmission appears to momentarily lose the connection between the engine and drivetrain. When this occurs, the truck hesitates or fails to deliver power when I press the accelerator, then suddenly and very harshly engages the next gear. The problem can occur when the vehicle is cold or fully warmed up. This creates a significant safety concern because the vehicle can unexpectedly fail to accelerate when needed, particularly when merging onto a highway, climbing a hill, or accelerating from a traffic light with other vehicles behind me. The sudden, harsh engagement that follows the hesitation is also unexpected and could affect the vehicle's stability or the driver's ability to control the vehicle. I contacted my Ford dealer on August 17, 2026, regarding the problem. The dealer indicated that they are familiar with this type of problem on this transmission and stated that their repair procedure is to replace the entire transmission rather than attempt to repair it. I was told the estimated cost would be approximately $10,000–$12,000. The truck currently has approximately 71,000 miles. Although it is no longer under warranty, I am concerned that a major transmission component is experiencing a potentially serious safety-related failure at this mileage. I believe Ford should investigate this issue and determine whether there is a defect or widespread failure affecting these transmissions. Given the nature of the problem and the potential safety consequences, I also believe Ford should provide financial assistance toward the repair, particularly if this is a known or recurring transmission problem.

I got the recall 26s28 done on my truck, and immediately after getting my truck back the transmission is shifting super bad. Really early up shifts, aggressive engagement into drive… truck has 190,000 miles on it and shifted perfectly before the recall was done.

After transmission had programming update it never shifted properly. Took it to the dealer for diagnostic and they said nothing wrong. Transmission failed at only 82000 miles.

What happened is I bought a truck that Ford knows good & well has a defective cdf drum and outer shell but they refuse to issue a recall to fix the transmissions in those year models! yet in late 2022 they acknowledged the problem and updated the 22+ year models with the correct parts while leaving those of us with the prior 4yrs of trucks out in the cold! my truck is currently undergoing getting a new transmission and it hasn't even reached 70k yet. At 61k I had to have all timing components along with a new oil pump replaced due to the common oil consumption issues on the 13th gen models. Now 8k miles later I'm having to have a new transmission because it started with all the common problems and known issues that everyone else has had with the 13th gen trucks. This is absolutely ridiculous and no if's, and's or but's about it Ford should be liable for it! every single one of us especially those of us below 100k should be reimbursed. It is a disgrace to own and pay for a vehicle that spends more time at the shop than it does in your driveway! I am fuming mad. Due to my age and health condition this was supposed to be the last vehicle I ever buy yet being on a fixed income I now have a truck that I cannot trust to get me safely to my dr's appointments or even the local places I have to visit on a weekly basis. Absolutely ludicrous! I have all invoices of all work that has been done and that info has also been put into the carfax records. The shop I use is very proficient when it comes to recording the information. Within a week once the new transmission is installed I will have that invoice as well as it being loaded into the carfax records.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 26v237000 (power train). After retrieving the vehicle, the contact discovered that the parking brake was activated, and the vehicle failed to respond while attempting to reverse. The local dealer was not yet notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.

My transmission slips from 3rd to 4th gear and sometimes when on the highway from 7th to 8th or it will get stuck in 7th gear when going 75mph. The check engine light went on once and has been off ever since.

My f150 10r80 transmission is throwing a p076f code. And the shifting has become very harsh and eratic all across the 10 gears. Hesitations, high revs, hard shifts, etc. This is a known issue by Ford and they have issued tsbs on the issue. They acknowledge that it is a design flaw within the transmission and have issued fixes. But if you are outside of the 60,000mi warranty, the burden of the costs falls on me, the owner. $9400 to replace the transmission with a new Ford transmission here in colorado. This is a known problem in the design but Ford is not stepping up to help. They let the burden fall on the owner.

Transmission started "clunking" and shifting erratically over a two week period before warning light came on that said "powertrain needs attention. . . Contact dealer" took the car to monticello Ford in monticello NY and they tested it based on diagnostic code and replaced filter and fluid. They reset the computer and told me to drive it for a week so computer could "relearn" driving habits. Drove truck for 4 days and once again transmission started clunking and shifting hard with loud thunks when transmission gears engaged. Had my [xxx] grandaughter in the truck with me on the highway when the transmission started to slip and would not engage. Other vehicles had to brake suddenly to avoid hitting me. Had to pull over and restart truck to get the transmission to re engage. Transmission issues have been a known problem with the Ford f 150 trucks since 2017 and yet Ford has done nothing to correct the problems with their customers. . . . . There are currently three outstanding class action lawsuits against them regarding the faulty transmissions. . . . . This is a safety issue that Ford must be held accountable for and fix these trucks at no cost to the customers who own these trucks immediately!!! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My truck has routinely been very hard shifting in 3rd to 4th gear. Recently it downshifted from 8th to 4th without warning and made a loud clunking noise. It still runs, but the transmission seems to be getting worse.