NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
726 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 11, 2026
Power Train
I had my Transmission serviced at my local Ford dealership. After the service I was told the vehicle may shift "weird" for a while as the computer learns my driving. During this time unbeknown to me the service caused my CDF drum to fail. In the time after the service the vehicle shifted hard, which I though it was "learning" as…
Read full complaint
I had my Transmission serviced at my local Ford dealership. After the service I was told the vehicle may shift "weird" for a while as the computer learns my driving. During this time unbeknown to me the service caused my CDF drum to fail. In the time after the service the vehicle shifted hard, which I though it was "learning" as they stated it would. As I was driving I came to a redlight. When the light turned green I started to make my right hand turn. The vehicle moved into the intersection and then shifted to neutral. During this time the lights indicating the gear started jumping around and finally the transmission went into third gear and started to move. By this time cars were waiting for me to get out of the intersection. I then decided I should not drive the vehicle anymore and get it back to the dealer. Before I reach my residence I have to cross a two lane highway. This crossing is at the bottom of steep decent through woods with lots of turns. There is a turn approximately 600 feet above the crossing. From the time you see a vehicle until it reaches the intersection is about 7 seconds. As I started out into this intersection the transmission went into neutral again and the vehicle came to a stop. Again the shift lights bounced between gears and finally settled in third gear and the vehicle started to move. I am not sure how long I was in the intersection but luckily there was no vehicles in sight. Had one been coming down the hill I probably would have been hit. I then took the vehicle back to the dealer and found out what was actually happening with the transmission. I also found out that these transmissions have a high failure rate for this same issue. Luckily I live in a rural area where there is not a lot of traffic. I feel this issue could be a safety concern and though I should bring it to the NTSBs attention.
NHTSA ODI #11763574
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2026
Forward Collision AvoidancePower Train
I reported transmission issue to my dealer years ago. It started when I would start the truck in the morning and put it in reverse. It would do nothing than al of a sudden lunge in reverse. Than it would clear up and not do it for several months. I pretty much got the blow off from the dealer. Cold Oil, linkage sticking bs. Of …
Read full complaint
I reported transmission issue to my dealer years ago. It started when I would start the truck in the morning and put it in reverse. It would do nothing than al of a sudden lunge in reverse. Than it would clear up and not do it for several months. I pretty much got the blow off from the dealer. Cold Oil, linkage sticking bs. Of course, now it’s out of warranty. The transmission shifts hard and even slips out of gear. It stalled tonight at a stop light because it banged into gear. I have less than a hundred thousand miles on this truck. It’s not even safe to drive down the road. You never know when it’s going to shift out of gear . Or lunge forward when it shifts into the next gear.
NHTSA ODI #11762928
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2026
Forward Collision AvoidancePower Train
We were about 75 miles from the destination when going down hill the transmission would not shift to the lower gear until we were going to fast and then it would down sift very hard. While going up a hill it would down shift ok but as we got up to speed the transmission would not shift up but stay in the lower gear. Finally at v…
Read full complaint
We were about 75 miles from the destination when going down hill the transmission would not shift to the lower gear until we were going to fast and then it would down sift very hard. While going up a hill it would down shift ok but as we got up to speed the transmission would not shift up but stay in the lower gear. Finally at very high RPM it would shift up to the higher gear with a very loud clunk. As soon as we got to our destination we took it to a ford dealer and they said we were lucky because the transmission was on verge of failing completely. Ford has a 60k power train warranty and they said even though it was less than 60K miles my warranty ran out of time 6 weeks ago. If the transmission had failed completely, the car could have had a major safety issue with the trailer behind us. We were not pulling weight more than rated but going up the mountains and the down with only brakes would have been very dangerous. I read that many ford owners are having problems with their 10R80 ten speed transmission in the larger heavy vehicles such as Expedition or F150. Ford Authority reported expeditions pulling trailers have the 10R80 transmission failing after 30K miles.
NHTSA ODI #11762924
36,000 miles · Sep 8, 2026
Power Train
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. While the contact’s husband was reversing at 5 MPH, the transmission slammed hard into reverse. The vehicle was shifting hard into reverse, and the vehicle struck a pole, causing a dent on the rear panel of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was operated as inten…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. While the contact’s husband was reversing at 5 MPH, the transmission slammed hard into reverse. The vehicle was shifting hard into reverse, and the vehicle struck a pole, causing a dent on the rear panel of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was operated as intended. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
NHTSA ODI #11762710
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2026
Power Train
10 speed cvt transmission. Truck was struggling with 1-3 shift, reving, hesitating, and then jumping. Hard shifts, and clunking. Took it to transmission shop got valve body replacement... less than a week later transmission could not hold 10th at highway speed kept down shifting to 9 and then going back to 10 again and again. Af…
Read full complaint
10 speed cvt transmission. Truck was struggling with 1-3 shift, reving, hesitating, and then jumping. Hard shifts, and clunking. Took it to transmission shop got valve body replacement... less than a week later transmission could not hold 10th at highway speed kept down shifting to 9 and then going back to 10 again and again. After 15 min the display showed it in NO GEAR then 1st GEAR at highway speed and then through a wrench warning light and went into limp mode. Back to transmission shop... cdf drum failure, bad bushings and an over haul to get it back up and running again. 8,000.00. First repair 7-24 second repair 8-22.
NHTSA ODI #11760334
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2026
Power Train
Despite several transmission services there remains a clunky shift between gears 7 and 8. The problem continues. Other owners of this model have told me that this problem eventually broke their vehicle, and they were left stranded beside the road. Stranded beside the road is a safety risk.
NHTSA ODI #11760295
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2026
Power Train
My truck has just under 130k miles. Bought it at 18k miles. At 47k miles I had to have the cam phasers replaced and timing chain fixed. At 76k miles the trans (10r80) blew and had it replaced. At 105k miles I had to have the cam phasers replaced again. Multiple times I was denied through ford warranty. And now ford is turning th…
Read full complaint
My truck has just under 130k miles. Bought it at 18k miles. At 47k miles I had to have the cam phasers replaced and timing chain fixed. At 76k miles the trans (10r80) blew and had it replaced. At 105k miles I had to have the cam phasers replaced again. Multiple times I was denied through ford warranty. And now ford is turning there back after I had it inspected at Koch 33 ford for a reimburment in just the trans! Please help! When the transmission blew I was doing 65mph and it just dropped to first gear and i had a rear wheel lock up and skid all over. After i stopped i had no foward or backwards.
NHTSA ODI #11760246
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2026
Power Train
The transmission started to clunk into gear very heavily when I started my drive and then as I was driving down the highway going 60mph, the 10r80 transmission suddenly downshifted from 7th gear to 1st gear, and jolted the truck and I lost all power and it took around 5-7 seconds before the throttle was registering again to pick…
Read full complaint
The transmission started to clunk into gear very heavily when I started my drive and then as I was driving down the highway going 60mph, the 10r80 transmission suddenly downshifted from 7th gear to 1st gear, and jolted the truck and I lost all power and it took around 5-7 seconds before the throttle was registering again to pick up speed. A car was a ways behind me but if it had been closer, there is no doubt I would have likely been hit. After this happened, in trying to increase speed back to the speed limit, the transmission would not shift back into 7th gear, and a wrench and code popped up on the dash.
NHTSA ODI #11758723
Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2026
Power Train
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 s…
Read full complaint
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.
NHTSA ODI #11757857
Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2026
Power Train
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 ge…
Read full complaint
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.
NHTSA ODI #11757829
Official recalls
9Jun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097. When the headlight switch is turned from "Autolamps" to "Headlamps On," the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: ,Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
Jun 27, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Nov 8, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Apr 14, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-150, Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Feb 21, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
Nov 12, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S40.
Aug 28, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:mid/rear Assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Apr 8, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Consequence: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
Equipment:electrical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Consequence: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
Dec 18, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.