Is the 10 speed Ford transmission any good?
The 10-speed automatic transmission, co-developed by Ford and General Motors, has been a topic of discussion among car enthusiasts and mechanics alike. Known for its use in popular Ford models like the F-150, Mustang, and Expedition, this transmission promises improved performance, fuel efficiency, and a smoother driving experience. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
What Makes the 10-Speed Ford Transmission Stand Out?
The 10-speed transmission was designed to address the growing demand for better fuel economy and enhanced driving dynamics. Here are some of its key features:
- Wide Gear Ratio Spread: With 10 gears, the transmission offers a broader range of ratios, allowing for smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency at highway speeds.
- Adaptive Shift Scheduling: The transmission uses advanced algorithms to adapt to driving conditions, ensuring optimal performance whether you're towing, off-roading, or cruising.
- Lightweight Design: Despite its complexity, the 10-speed transmission is relatively lightweight, contributing to overall vehicle efficiency.
Advantages of the 10-Speed Ford Transmission
Many drivers and mechanics have praised the 10-speed transmission for its benefits, which include:
- Improved Fuel Economy: The additional gears allow the engine to operate more efficiently, particularly at lower RPMs during highway driving.
- Smoother Shifts: With more gears, the transmission can make smaller, less noticeable shifts, resulting in a smoother ride.
- Enhanced Towing Capability: The wide gear range provides better torque management, making it ideal for towing heavy loads.
Common Concerns and Issues
While the 10-speed transmission has many advantages, it’s not without its challenges. Some drivers have reported issues such as:
- Hard Shifting: In some cases, the transmission may exhibit rough or delayed shifts, particularly at lower speeds.
- Software Glitches: Since the transmission relies heavily on software for adaptive shifting, occasional glitches or updates may be required to resolve performance issues.
- Complex Repairs: The advanced design and technology make repairs more complex and potentially costly compared to older transmissions.
Is It Worth It?
Overall, the 10-speed Ford transmission is a solid choice for drivers seeking a balance of performance and efficiency. Its innovative design and features make it a standout option in modern vehicles, particularly for those who prioritize towing or long-distance driving. However, like any advanced technology, it’s essential to stay on top of maintenance and address any issues promptly to ensure long-term reliability.
At Kevin’s Autos, we’ve worked on numerous vehicles equipped with the 10-speed transmission. If you’re experiencing any issues or simply want to ensure your transmission is in top shape, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our experienced team is here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ford 10-speed transmission lawsuit?
Plaintiffs claim that these 10-speed automatic transmissions, which were installed in various Ford cars and trucks in the 2017 model year and afterwards, had design or manufacturing defects that made these vehicles faulty and unsafe to drive.
What year is the bad Ford transmission?
These transmission defects have resulted in thousands of lawsuits against Ford across the United States. Today, in California alone, there are at least 800 current individual lawsuits against Ford Motor Company for issues with the PowerShift Transmissions on the 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta and 2012-2015 Ford Focus.
Who makes the 10-speed transmission for Ford?
General Motors
The Ford–GM 10-speed automatic transmission is part of a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and General Motors to design and engineer two transmissions: a longitudinal 10-speed transmission and a transverse 9-speed trans-axle.
How long does a Ford 10 speed transmission last?
A: Although there are many variables, the 10 Speed Ford 10R80 transmission lasts an average of 100,000 to 150,000 miles in unmodified trucks with average applications. Trucks with larger tires, tuning, emissions delete systems and other aggravating factors usually fail much sooner.
Which Ford had transmission problems?
Ford's PowerShift dual clutch transmission was used in 2010. Vehicles impacted are the Ford Fiesta (model years 2011-2016) and the Ford Focus (model years 2012-2016) equipped with a PowerShift transmission.
What are the disadvantages of a 10-speed transmission?
Below are some of the most frequent complaints:
- Problem #1 Harsh Shifting.
- Problem #2 Slipping Gears.
- Problem #3 Shuddering/Vibrations.
- Problem #4 Delayed Engagement.
- Problem #5 Transmission Noise.
How often should you change the transmission fluid in a Ford 10-speed?
once every 30,000-60,000 miles
Typically, a Ford F-150 requires a transmission fluid change once every 30,000-60,000 miles. Since many drivers only add 12,000 miles to the odometer annually, you can expect to need a transmission fluid change only once every few years.
What are the benefits of a 10 speed transmission?
Closer ratios and small gear steps.
The 10-speed transmission's more practical wider ratio spread allows individual gear spacing to be fairly close. According to Norris, the average rpm drop during a shift is only 20%, compared to 25% in the ZF eight-speed found in vehicles across the industry.
Are Ford 10-speed transmissions reliable?
The Persistent Problems of Ford's 10R80 Transmission
Ford vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions have faced widespread issues ranging from harsh shifting and hesitation to complete transmission failure.
What year did Ford put a 10 speed transmission in a F150?
2017
Ford is now on the forefront of the evolution of the transmission with the introduction of a new 10-speed automatic transmission. It now appears on the 2017 F-150 pickup, combined with the new 3.5 Liter EcoBoost V6.
