Are there any recalls with Ford 10 speed transmission?
Yes. Ford and U.S. safety regulators have issued recalls affecting vehicles equipped with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission (the 10R80 family) in certain model years and configurations.
These recalls have extended across several Ford and Lincoln models, including popular trucks and SUVs, and they are issued for specific VIN ranges and production periods. Owners should verify their vehicle’s recall status using official sources and, if affected, follow dealer instructions to obtain a free remedy.
Which models use the Ford 10-speed transmission?
The 10-speed automatic transmission, commonly referred to as the 10R80 and related variants, is used in a range of Ford and Lincoln vehicles. It has been employed in models such as the Ford F-150, Expedition, Navigator, and certain Mustang and Lincoln configurations, with application varying by engine, drivetrain, and production year.
What recalls have targeted the 10-speed transmission?
Recall campaigns tied to the 10-speed transmission have appeared for multiple model years and configurations. The campaigns typically address issues that could affect drivability or safety, such as transmission fluid leaks, shifting irregularities, or electrical/hydraulic control faults. Remember: inclusion is determined by VIN and production date, so not every 10-speed-equipped vehicle is affected.
- Potential transmission issues that could lead to improper shifting, shudder, or loss of drive in certain VIN ranges.
- Hazards related to hydraulic or electronic control components that could impair transmission operation.
- Possibility of fluid leaks or related conditions that could pose a fire or vehicle-performance risk.
Because recall scope depends on specific VINs and build dates, owners should confirm status for their exact vehicle rather than assume all 10-speed models are affected.
To verify recall status for your vehicle, use these steps:
- Visit the NHTSA recall database and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see open campaigns.
- Log in to Ford’s official Owner Portal or contact a Ford/Lincoln dealer to view personalized recall information for your VIN.
- If a recall is active, schedule service with an authorized dealer for the approved remedy.
Remedies are provided at no cost to the owner, and the dealer will perform the approved fix, which may include software updates, replacement parts, or component replacements.
If your vehicle shows symptoms such as shifting hesitation, unexpected gear engagement, or warning lights, but you’re not seeing an open recall notice, contact your dealer. Symptoms can indicate conditions that may or may not be covered by a recall, and a dealer can confirm whether a service bulletin or other corrective action is warranted under warranty.
What to expect from a recall remedy
When a recall relates to the 10-speed transmission, Ford dealers typically perform the approved remedy at no charge. Depending on the specific campaign, this could involve a software update to the transmission control module, replacement of affected hardware (such as valve bodies or sensors), or, in some cases, transmission replacement. The service duration varies by campaign and the vehicle, and owners are usually offered a loaner vehicle if the repair time is lengthy.
The ultimate goal of these recalls is to restore reliable shifting and prevent potential safety or reliability problems. The exact remedy and timeline depend on the campaign’s scope and the vehicle’s VIN.
Summary
Ford has issued recalls affecting some vehicles equipped with the 10-speed transmission (the 10R80 family). The safest way to know if your specific vehicle is affected is to check your VIN against the NHTSA recall database and Ford’s owner portal, then contact a dealer for the official remedy. If a recall is active, the fix will be performed at no cost to you. If you experience transmission symptoms even without an active recall, consult your dealer promptly for a diagnostic evaluation.
What is the latest recall on Ford transmissions?
Ford is recalling 34,481 of its 10R80 re-manufactured automatic transmissions, which were used as service repair parts for 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, because the transmission may not hold the Park position and roll away, increasing the risk of a crash or injury, according to a NHTSA report.
Has Ford fixed its 10 speed transmission problems?
No, Ford has not fully fixed all the 10-speed transmission problems, though some specific issues have been addressed in newer models. Ford implemented a physical fix for the CDF drum issue in transmissions built around August 2022, and newer vehicles may have improved software tuning, but many consumers and mechanics still report ongoing problems like hard shifting and failures, and a 2025 recall for remanufactured transmissions was issued.
This video explains the history of Ford's 10-speed transmission problems, including the CDF drum issue: 1mThe Car Guy OnlineYouTube · Mar 29, 2025
Specific improvements and lingering issues
- CDF Drum: Ford released an updated drum with a lip to prevent the bushing from moving, which was the source of many failures. This fix was reportedly implemented starting around August 2022.
- Software Updates: Ford has issued software updates and reprogramming to try and mitigate rough shifting, but these have not fully resolved the issues for all drivers.
- Ongoing Problems: Despite the fixes for the CDF drum, other issues persist, including hard shifting, slipping, and transmission failures, even in newer models. Some owners report multiple transmission replacements.
- Recalls: A recent 2025 recall was issued for remanufactured 10R80 transmissions, indicating that issues are still present even in service replacement parts.
Will Ford recall the 10R80 transmission?
Yes, Ford has issued recalls for vehicles with the 10R80 transmission, and the company is actively addressing related issues through service bulletins and recalls on specific models and remanufactured units. There have been recalls related to specific problems like a missing part in remanufactured transmissions or a valve body defect, but ongoing issues like hard or erratic shifting continue to be a point of concern for some owners, and a full recall addressing all problems has not yet been announced.
This video discusses the history and failures of the Ford 10R80 transmission: 59sGearBocksYouTube · Jul 13, 2024
Current recalls and service actions
- Remanufactured transmissions: In November 2025, Ford recalled remanufactured 10R80 transmissions sold as replacements between 2017 and 2021 due to a missing T10 bearing that could prevent the transmission from properly engaging park.
- Valve body defect: Ford recalled certain 2024 and 2025 models due to a valve body defect that could cause a vehicle to move forward when in reverse.
- Specific model recalls: Ford has also recalled certain 2022-2023 models of the F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and Lincoln Aviator for issues related to the transmission.
Ongoing issues and potential future actions
- Design and manufacturing defects: Lawsuits have been filed against Ford over alleged design and manufacturing defects in the 10R80 transmission, leading to problems like harsh shifting, shuddering, and gear slipping.
- Redesigned components: A 2023 redesign of the CDF drum bushing is expected to resolve some of these issues in newer vehicles.
- Service bulletin: Ford has issued a technical service bulletin to address the shifting issues, but some owners report that the fixes do not fully resolve the problem.
- Uncertainty about a full recall: It remains unclear if Ford will issue a broader recall to address all of the problems reported by owners, but the company is aware of the issues and is working to address them through service bulletins and targeted recalls.
You can watch this video to learn about the Ford 10R80 transmission's failure analysis: 1mNational TransmissionYouTube · Jul 17, 2025
What you can do
- Contact your local Ford dealership: Discuss the specific issues you are experiencing with your vehicle and ask if it is covered by any recalls or service bulletins.
- Check for recalls: Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to check if your vehicle is included in any recalls.
- Keep records: Keep a record of all communication with Ford and your dealership, including repair attempts and costs. This will be important if a future recall is announced or if you need to file a complaint.
This video is a deep dive into the Ford 10R80 transmission recall: 1mThe Car Guy OnlineYouTube · Jun 2, 2025
What is the Ford 10 speed recall?
Ford has issued recalls for its 10-speed transmissions, most recently for some 2024-2025 Bronco models and certain 2017-2021 vehicles with remanufactured transmissions that may not shift into or hold park correctly. Earlier issues involved the 10R80 transmission, which could experience problems like harsh shifting and loss of power, leading to multiple recalls and lawsuits over the years. The fixes for these issues have varied, including a recall for a missing T10 bearing in remanufactured units and technical service bulletins for other problems.
You can watch this video to learn about the failure of Ford's 10-speed transmission: 1mTimeless CTYouTube · Jul 8, 2025
Recent recalls
- Remanufactured 10R80 transmissions: A recall was issued for approximately 34,481 remanufactured 10R80 transmissions used in 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles. The issue is a missing T10 bearing, which can prevent the transmission from holding in park and increase the risk of a crash.
- Bronco models: A recall was issued for select 2024-2025 Bronco and Bronco Sport models due to unexpected vehicle movement after being put into park.
Common issues with the 10R80 transmission
Harsh or jerky shifting, Unexpected gear changes or slipping, Overheating, Loss of power, and Stalling.
How to check your vehicle
- You can check your vehicle's recall status by using your VIN on the Ford website or on the NHTSA website.
- Some owners have reported that the recall fixes did not resolve the underlying problems, and there have been multiple class-action lawsuits over the years.
This video discusses the problems with the 10-speed transmission, including the issues in Ford F-150s, Rangers, and Mustangs: 48sFlying WrenchesYouTube · Jan 19, 2024
