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Is the Ford 10-speed automatic transmission good?

The Ford 10-speed automatic transmission has been widely praised for its smooth, responsive, and efficient performance in a variety of Ford vehicles. While no transmission is perfect, the 10-speed has proven to be a reliable and capable option for drivers seeking a high-quality, advanced automatic transmission.

Overview of the Ford 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

The Ford 10-speed automatic transmission was developed in collaboration with General Motors and first introduced in 2017. It is designed to provide improved fuel efficiency, quicker acceleration, and smoother shifting compared to previous Ford automatic transmissions. The 10-speed features a wide gear ratio span, which allows for better low-end torque and higher-end efficiency, as well as a compact design that helps reduce weight and improve packaging in the vehicle.

Key Benefits of the Ford 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

Improved Fuel Efficiency: The 10-speed transmission's wide gear ratio span and optimized gear spacing help improve fuel efficiency, especially during highway driving. This can result in better gas mileage for Ford vehicles equipped with the 10-speed.

Responsive Performance: The transmission's quick, smooth shifting and wide gear ratio range contribute to a more responsive and engaging driving experience, with better acceleration and passing power.

Durability and Reliability: The 10-speed transmission has been extensively tested and engineered for long-term durability and reliability, with features like a high-strength steel case and advanced lubrication system.

Compact Design: The 10-speed's compact size and lightweight construction help improve vehicle packaging and reduce overall weight, further enhancing fuel efficiency and performance.

Overall, the Ford 10-speed automatic transmission has been well-received by both critics and consumers, with many praising its impressive performance, efficiency, and reliability. While no transmission is perfect, the 10-speed has proven to be a strong and capable option for a wide range of Ford vehicles.

Is the Ford Super Duty 10 speed transmission reliable?

The reliability of the Ford Super Duty 10-speed transmission varies, with some models, particularly pre-2022 versions with the 10R140, experiencing issues like the sliding CDF drum bushing, which can cause shifting problems and pressure loss. However, later versions and updated parts have shown improved reliability. Heavy-duty use, such as constant towing or modifications, can lead to accelerated wear on internal components.
This video explains the reliability of the Ford 10-speed transmission from an owner's perspective: 57sGreat Lakes PowerstrokeFX4YouTube · Mar 19, 2025
Common problems

CDF drum bushing: The most frequently reported issue, especially in earlier models, is the CDF drum bushing sliding out of place. This disrupts hydraulic fluid flow and can lead to hard shifts, slipping, and other serious problems. Ford has since updated this component.
Valve body issues: The valve body can malfunction, leading to incorrect clutch engagement, harsh shifting, and other issues. Metal debris from internal failures can also contaminate the valve body and cause it to stick.
Internal wear: High-mileage vehicles or those subjected to heavy towing may experience wear on components like the F-clutch reaction shell or E-clutch drum, causing chattering and other performance issues.
Planetary gear failure: Some Super Duty 10R140 transmissions have experienced planetary gear failures, particularly in the front planetary, which can result in heat-related damage and metal shavings.

This video illustrates the most common problems found in Ford Super Duty 10-speed transmissions: 55sFlying WrenchesYouTube · May 14, 2025
Improving reliability

For a used truck: When buying a used Super Duty with a 10-speed, check if the CDF drum has been updated or replaced.
Regular maintenance: Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule is crucial. A complete transmission service every 30,000 miles is recommended, and some sources suggest a complete valve body upgrade can improve longevity.
Driving habits: Avoid aggressive driving or modifications that put extra stress on the transmission, such as large tires or engine tuning, which can cause failures to occur sooner.
Fluid: Ensure the transmission fluid is at the correct level and quality. Low or old fluid can contribute to shifting problems.

Is a 10 speed automatic a good transmission?

The 10 speed isn't a bad transmission at all, when tuned people frequently run 800+ hp through them without issue. The problem that people experience stems from the adaptive transmission shift tables.

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.

Who makes the Ford 10 speed transmission?

Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission, like the 10R80, was co-developed with General Motors. While the two companies share the basic architecture, they each manufacture and tune their own unique versions of the transmission, with Ford taking the lead engineering role on the 10-speed design.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Ford 10-speed transmission: 1mTimeless CTYouTube · Jul 8, 2025

Co-development: The 10-speed platform was the result of a joint venture between Ford and GM, which also included a 9-speed for front-wheel drive vehicles.
Separate manufacturing: Each company manufactures its own version of the transmission in its own factories.
Design and tuning: Ford engineered the longitudinal 10-speed (10R80), while GM handled the transverse 9-speed (9T50). Although the underlying design is shared, each company tunes its version differently to meet its own vehicle needs.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.