Has Ford fixed the 10R80 transmission?

Background: what the 10R80 is and what went wrong

The 10R80 is Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission first used in the 2017 Ford F-150 and later rolled out to other models like the Expedition, Mustang, and Explorer. Early owners and reviewers reported issues such as rough or abrupt shifts, a low-speed shudder, and occasional torque-converter concerns. Ford responded with a series of service actions aimed at calibration, hydraulic control, and hardware revisions to address these symptoms.

Common early issues (context for the fixes)

Below are broad categories of problems that prompted updates and service actions. Not all vehicles experienced these, and many were resolved or mitigated by software and hardware changes.

• Shifting irregularities, including harsh or delayed upshifts and downshifts


• Low-speed shudder during idle or light throttle



• Occasional transmission failures in a minority of units, typically addressed under warranty

These issues spurred extensive recalibration efforts and portions of the transmission’s hardware were updated as needed to improve longevity and drive feel.

What Ford changed to address the 10R80 issues

Ford’s response spanned software, hydraulics, and, in some cases, hardware revisions. The goal was to improve shift quality, responsiveness, and durability across the 10R80 lineup.

• Software calibrations for the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and engine control unit to smooth shifting and optimize shift timing


• Valve-body revisions and updated solenoids to improve hydraulic control and pressure management


• Torque-converter control updates to refine lock-up behavior and reduce shudder


• Hardware updates in certain production revisions, including revisions to components under warranty, as needed


• Ongoing service campaigns and field actions to apply updates across affected vehicles

Taken together, these measures reduced the frequency and severity of the most widely reported symptoms and improved the transmission’s reliability in later production runs.

Model-year status: which years benefited the most

Understanding which model years saw the most improvements helps buyers and owners gauge current reliability. The updates were rolled out progressively, with later years generally showing stronger performance thanks to cumulative calibrations and hardware refinements.

• 2017–2019 models: early production years where initial issues were most commonly reported; these vehicles received initial software/calibration updates and valve-body refinements


• 2020–2022 models: subsequent updates implemented more aggressive calibrations and hydraulic control improvements; many owners reported better shift quality and reliability


• 2023–2024+ models: ongoing software support and any necessary hardware revisions continued to reduce reported problems; these years benefit from a mature update cycle

For buyers of used 10R80-equipped vehicles, a vehicle history showing recent transmission software updates or valve-body service is a positive indicator, though individual results can vary by vehicle and driving habits.

Guidance for owners and buyers

To determine whether a 10R80 has had the relevant updates and to minimize risk, consider the following steps before or after purchase.

• Check for open Ford campaigns or service notices on the vehicle’s VIN and confirm that the latest TCM/PCM software updates have been applied


• If you own a 2017–2019 model and notice shifting anomalies (shudder, harsh shifts, or delayed engagement), have the dealer verify calibration updates and inspect the valve body and related hydraulic controls


• For used buyers, request service records showing transmission-related updates and consider a dealer inspection to confirm hardware updates if applicable


• Maintain proper transmission fluid type and level (as specified by Ford) and follow recommended service intervals to help longevity

While no single “cure-all” applies to every unit, staying current with updates and using authorized service channels markedly improves the 10R80’s performance and durability.

Summary

Ford’s strategy for the 10R80 has been incremental rather than a one-time fix. Through a combination of software updates, valve-body revisions, and targeted hardware changes, many of the issues reported in early production have been mitigated, particularly in later model years. Prospective buyers and current owners should verify that the latest calibration updates are in place and review service records for any transmission-related actions. With these steps, the 10R80’s reliability and shifting feel have generally improved compared with the initial rollout.

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. 

Is Ford fixing transmission problems?

Ford has made improvements to the 10-speed transmission, and many issues have been addressed through hardware and software updates, particularly in later models and through service bulletins. However, problems like harsh shifting and other issues continue to be reported, and some critics argue the fixes have not fully resolved the underlying issues, says this article from Houston Engines. 
How Ford has addressed the problem

• Hardware updates: A redesigned CDF drum with a lip to hold the bushing in place was introduced in late 2023 and is standard in 2024 models to prevent a common failure mode. Other internal parts like the outer drive shell have also been improved. 
• Software updates: Ford has issued software updates to improve shifting quality. 
• Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): TSBs have been issued to dealerships, which include instructions for repairing the transmission, sometimes with the option to replace the entire unit under certain conditions. 
• Recalls: Ford has issued recalls for specific issues, such as a recall for a software glitch that could cause the transmission to shift into neutral unexpectedly. 

Why some owners still experience problems

• Persistent issues: Despite the updates, some owners of newer models report issues with shifting quality. 
• Unresolved issues: Critics argue that the fixes may not have resolved the core problems, states this article from Houston Engines and some legal observers believe the issues are still unresolved, notes this article from Houston Engines. 
• Older models: Vehicles from earlier model years are more likely to be affected by the original problems, as they have not benefited from the later hardware and software improvements. 
• Inconsistent effectiveness: The effectiveness of the updates and repairs can be inconsistent, and some owners have experienced the same problems after repairs were made, notes this article from Houston Engines. 

What year did Ford fix the 10R80?

Ford fixed the primary 10R80 transmission issue, specifically the CDF drum, in vehicles built after August 15, 2022. This fix addressed problems that affected vehicles from model year 2017 through 2023. As of 2025, new Fords with the 10R80 transmission should have this issue resolved, although some other problems like valve body issues can still occur. 

• The Fix: The primary issue with the 10R80 was a problem with the CDF drum, which could slip out of place. 
• When it was fixed: Ford updated the design of the CDF drum to fix this issue in all transmissions manufactured after August 15, 2022. 
• What this means: Any 2023 model year vehicle built after that date, or any model year 2024 or later, should have the updated drum and be free from the specific slipping problem. 
• Other potential issues: While this major fix has been implemented, other issues, such as valve body problems, can still occur in the transmission. 

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