Has Ford fixed the PowerShift transmission?
Yes—Ford has taken steps to address the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission, including software updates, hardware fixes, and recalls, with many newer models showing improved performance. However, experiences vary by model year, and older vehicles may still exhibit symptoms.
This article explains what PowerShift is, the fixes Ford has deployed, the current status across different models, and practical guidance for owners seeking recall coverage, service options, and what to expect in the market today.
What PowerShift is and why it mattered
PowerShift is Ford's branding for a family of dual-clutch automatic transmissions used in several small- to mid-size models. The design pre-selects gears with two electronically controlled clutches to deliver quick shifts and better fuel economy. In practice, many drivers reported shuddering at low speeds, abrupt or hesitant shifts, and occasional loss of propulsion, especially in city driving or when starting from a stop. These symptoms prompted recalls, dealer service campaigns, and warranty coverage across multiple model years and regions.
Symptoms reported by owners
Common complaints included noticeable shuddering when accelerating from a stop, jerky or harsh downshifts, hesitations during gear changes, and occasional transmission failure warnings. These issues prompted investigations and a range of dealer interventions over the years.
Ford's response has involved several categories of fixes and outreach:
- Software updates to the transmission control module to smooth shifting and reduce shudder.
- Hardware updates, including revised valve bodies and enhanced clutch assemblies, applied in later production runs and during service visits.
- Recalls and service campaigns overseen by Ford and, where applicable, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with coverage tied to VIN and model year.
- Warranty extensions or goodwill coverage offered in some markets for affected components or drivetrains.
In practice, these measures aimed to reduce the most common symptoms and restore drivability for many owners.
Current status by model-year and region
The PowerShift transmission refers to a family of dual-clutch units Ford used across several models. Over time, Ford has moved away from PowerShift in newer lineups, opting for traditional automatics or redesigned transmissions in many markets. In the United States and Europe, newer models released since the late 2010s rely less on PowerShift, while older vehicles still on the road may require service or replacement to address persistent symptoms. Ford has provided updates and service options for older vehicles under recall and warranty programs, but the degree of fix depends on the specific model-year, region, and whether the vehicle is still covered by ongoing campaigns.
Typical affected models included the Focus, Fiesta, Escape, and some Transit variants; availability of fixes and coverage varies by market and year.
What this means for owners is that Ford's interventions have targeted both software and hardware to reduce common PowerShift symptoms, and many customers report improvements after updates. Yet, because some issues stem from hardware wear or older design, a complete elimination across all units isn’t guaranteed and outcomes can vary by vehicle history and service records.
What owners can do now
To determine whether your PowerShift-equipped vehicle is up to date on fixes or eligible for service, follow these steps:
- Check recall status for your vehicle by entering the VIN on the NHTSA recall database or Ford's official recall/warranty page.
- Visit an authorized Ford dealer or certified repair shop and request a diagnostic check of the PowerShift transmission, plus any available software updates or component inspections.
- Ask about options that may be available under warranty or goodwill programs, including software updates, valve-body or clutch-pack replacements, or, in some cases, transmission replacement.
- Document symptoms (shuddering, hesitation, hard shifts) and your service history to support warranty or goodwill requests if needed.
Coverage details can vary by country and model year. Rely on official sources for current campaigns and eligibility, and maintain records of all service visits.
Summary
Ford's approach to the PowerShift issue has been multi-faceted, combining software updates, hardware revisions, and recall-driven service campaigns. For many newer or well-maintained units, these steps have improved drivability and reliability. However, the fixes are not uniform across all model years or regions, and some older PowerShift vehicles may continue to experience symptoms despite updates. Owners should verify recall status, seek dealer diagnostics, and pursue available warranty or goodwill coverage to determine the best path forward.
Did Ford ever fix the powershift transmission?
Yet Ford has repeatedly denied systemic problems even to their own dealerships, instead directing them to replace the transmission over and over even though it was never truly fixed. Ford Thailand agreed to buy back about 200 Ford Fiesta and Focus models with faulty PowerShift transmissions.
When did the 10r80 get fixed?
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.
Can a powershift transmission be fixed?
Our team provide comprehensive Powershift transmission repairs, offering tried and true testing, diagnostics, repairs and reconditioning following repair within the lines of your manufacturer's guidelines to ensure that you can get back out on the road safely and with confidence.
Has Ford resolved their transmission problems?
Concerns regarding these Ford 10-speed transmission problems have led to multiple recalls and legal actions. Despite Ford's attempts to address these transmission failures, the issues persist, affecting several models, including the F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, Lincoln Aviator, and F-250.
