What is the 10 speed transmission lawsuit on the 2018 Ford F-150?

A concise overview: the case centers on lawsuits alleging defects in Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission (the 10R80) used in certain 2017–2019 F-Series trucks, including the 2018 Ford F-150, with complaints of shifting problems and related failures.

Background: the 10R80 transmission in the F-150

The 10R80 is Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission that has been paired with several engines in the F-150 lineup since the 2017 model year. Plaintiffs in various class-action and individual lawsuits contend that the transmission can exhibit problematic behavior that affects drivability and reliability. Ford has described the 10R80 as a high-efficiency, smooth-shifting unit, while plaintiffs allege that software controls, mechanical components, or manufacturing variations contribute to shifting delays, surges, and other issues.

Key design features

Fast gear changes, multiple operating modes for efficiency and performance, and electronic control of shift logic are among the defining characteristics of the 10R80. Critics in the litigation have pointed to instances where the transmission does not respond as expected, potentially increasing risk for drivers in certain conditions.

Before listing the main points of the lawsuits, it’s important to note that these cases cover allegations and claims filed in various courts. The outcomes depend on court rulings, settlements, and any potential remediation offered by Ford.

• The core allegation: the 10R80 10-speed automatic in some 2017–2019 F-150s experiences defective shifting behavior, including delays, surging, jerks, or hard shifts.


• Models and years: primarily the 2017–2019 Ford F-150 lineup, including the 2018 model year, though related suits may extend to other vehicles that used the same transmission design.


• Requested remedies: plaintiffs seek relief such as repairs, refunds, replacement, or extended warranties, along with potential damages for out-of-pocket repair costs and other losses.


• Legal posture: plaintiffs frame the issue as a defect in materials, workmanship, or disclosure, while Ford typically argues that the transmissions meet design specifications and that issues can often be addressed under warranty or service updates.

The information above summarizes the nature of the claims and the parties involved. As with most automotive-litigation matters, the status of cases can change with new filings, rulings, and settlements.

Lawsuit claims and Ford’s position

In these cases, plaintiffs typically present a combination of defect accusations and consumer-protection arguments. They allege that Ford failed to disclose or adequately remedy a systemic defect in the 10R80, leading to ongoing, costly repairs and unsafe driving experiences. Ford’s defense has generally emphasized that the transmissions operate within intended specifications and that customers have access to warranty coverage, service bulletins, and routine maintenance options intended to resolve issues.

To understand the dispute, consider these common themes raised in filings and public reporting:

1. Alleged defect pattern: repeated shifting anomalies such as hesitation, lag, surging, or unexpected downshifts that can compromise vehicle control.


2. Scope of impact: claims that a substantial number of affected vehicles exist within the identified model years and configurations, not isolated incidents.


3. Remedy requests: requests for financial relief including refunds or compensation for repairs, as well as changes to warranties or support programs.


4. Resolution status: several suits have proceeded through discovery, motion practice, and, in some instances, settlements or court-approved processes; other cases remain active.

As these matters advance, updates from courts and settlements with Ford can shift the landscape. Consumers should consult legal counsel or official court records for the latest status.

Current status and Ford’s response

Across the docket, plaintiffs have pursued claims in multiple jurisdictions, while Ford has publicly defended the design and reliability of the 10R80 and has pointed to warranty coverage, dealer support, and software or hardware service options that may address reported symptoms. The absence of a single nationwide settlement means outcomes vary by case and by the specific vehicle configuration and maintenance history.

In practical terms, affected owners often look to the following avenues for resolution or relief: warranty assistance, service updates, and potential participation in any settlement programs if they become available.

What owners can do if they are affected

Owners who believe their 2018 F-150 with a 10-speed transmission is exhibiting issues can take several proactive steps. Before taking action, gather information about your vehicle’s VIN, service history, and any repair invoices tied to transmission problems.

1. Check for active recalls or service bulletins related to the 10R80 transmission through Ford’s official recall site or by contacting a dealer. Documentation of any advisories can be useful.


2. Document the issue thoroughly: note when shifts occur, how the vehicle behaves, the conditions under which the problem happens, and any accompanying warning lights or fault codes.


3. Consult a qualified Ford service center for an evaluation under the vehicle’s warranty. Request written records of diagnostics and any recommended repairs or software updates.


4. Consider Lemon Law or consumer-protection options in your state if the problem is persistent and unresolved after reasonable attempts at repair. A lawyer can help determine eligibility and remedies.

Concluding guidance: because litigation and vehicle behavior can vary by year, trim, engine, and maintenance history, owners should rely on official dealership work, keep careful records, and seek legal counsel if the problems persist beyond standard warranty coverage.

Summary

The 10-speed transmission lawsuits concerning the 2018 Ford F-150 center on alleged defects in Ford’s 10R80 automatic transmission, with claims of shifting problems that affect safety and drivability in 2017–2019 model years. While Ford maintains that the transmission is designed to perform within specifications and offers warranty-related remedies, plaintiffs seek compensation and broader relief through class-actions and other litigation avenues. The status of these cases evolves over time, and owners should monitor court records and contact legal counsel if they are affected. This article reflects information available up to mid-2024, and readers should verify the latest developments through official court documents and Ford communications.

What is the Ford 10 speed class action?

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Ford regarding its 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission, which alleges defects causing harsh and erratic shifting, jerking, hesitation, and a loss of power in certain models like the F-150, Expedition, and Mustang. The suit claims Ford knew about these issues but allegedly concealed them from consumers, leading to safety concerns and reduced vehicle value. Affected vehicles include model years 2017 and newer with the 10R80 transmission, although owners of newer models may also report similar problems.
 
This video explains the problems with the Ford 10-speed transmission and its alleged defects: 57sTimeless CTYouTube · Jul 8, 2025

• Alleged defects: The lawsuit claims the transmissions exhibit harsh and erratic shifting, causing the vehicle to lurch, jerk, hesitate, or even lose power. 
• Affected vehicles: The lawsuit covers various models equipped with the 10R80 transmission, including the Ford F-150, Expedition, Mustang, and Ranger, and Lincoln Navigator, from model year 2017 onwards. 
• Ford's alleged knowledge and concealment: Plaintiffs allege that Ford was aware of the problems and that dealership service departments sometimes dismissed the issues as "normal," rather than addressing the underlying defect. 
• Legal claims: The lawsuit seeks damages for repairs, replacement costs, and other losses, arguing the defect has diminished the vehicles' value and poses a safety risk. 
• Potential for recalls or fixes: Ford has reportedly issued technical service bulletins (TSBs) and redesigned the faulty CDF drum bushing, which was identified as the source of some of the problems. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the Ford 10-speed transmission and the lawsuit: 39sSina Rez LawYouTube · Nov 1, 2025

What is the 10 speed recall on the Ford F-150?

There have been multiple recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs) for Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission in F-150s, with different issues affecting different model years. Common problems include the transmission shifting into neutral, harsh shifting, and issues with the parking pawl, which could prevent the vehicle from staying in park. Recent recalls in 2025 specifically targeted remanufactured transmissions with a missing T10 bearing, which can cause the transmission to not hold in park, and also included a recall for certain 2022-2023 F-150s due to a potential failure in the parking pawl mechanism.
 
What to do if you have an F-150 with a 10-speed transmission

• Check for recalls: Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to enter your vehicle's 17-digit VIN to check for open recalls. 
• Use the FordPass app: If you have the FordPass app, check the Service dashboard for a recall notification. 
• Contact your dealer: If your vehicle is affected by a recall, contact a local Ford dealer for a free repair. 

Potential issues with the 10-speed transmission

• Shifting into neutral: Some vehicles may falsely sense low fluid pressure and shift into neutral unexpectedly. 
• Parking pawl failure: A missing or improperly installed T10 bearing in certain remanufactured transmissions can prevent the transmission from holding the vehicle in park. 
• Harsh or delayed shifting: You may experience harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, or gears skipping. 
• Valve and clutch problems: Issues with internal components like the CDF clutch drum and valve body have also been reported, sometimes leading to shuddering or vibrations. 

This video explains the potential problems with the 10-speed transmission and the impact of internal valve issues: 1mThe Car Guy OnlineYouTube · Jun 2, 2025
Recalls in detail

• Remanufactured transmissions: A 2025 recall addressed remanufactured 10R80 transmissions that were incorrectly rebuilt without a T10 bearing, which can lead to the vehicle not staying in park. 
• 2022-2023 F-150s: A separate recall for a smaller number of 2022-2023 F-150s (and other Ford/Lincoln models) was issued in early 2023 due to a potential failure in the parking pawl mechanism. 

Is there a recall on the 2018 Ford F-150 transmission?

In 2018, a safety recall was issued for certain 2018 Ford F-150 trucks with 10-speed automatic transmissions due to a gear shift cable clip that could be improperly seated. This could cause the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated, potentially leading to the vehicle rolling away if the parking brake wasn't used. Another recall addressed a missing roll pin in some 10-speed transmissions, which could prevent the vehicle from shifting into park.
 
This video explains the 2018 Ford F-150 transmission recall and how to check your vehicle's recall status: 40sWOAY TVYouTube · Jun 26, 2024
Gear shift cable clip recall (Recall #18S10) 

• Problem: A clip that locks the gear shift cable to the transmission was not always fully seated. 
• Risk: If the clip became unseated, the transmission could show that it's in "Park" even when it's not, and the vehicle could roll away if the parking brake was not applied. 
• Solution: Dealers inspect the clip and secure it or make necessary repairs for free. 

Missing roll pin recall (Recall #18S09)

• Problem: In some 2017 and 2018 F-150 models (along with some Expeditions, Mustangs, and Lincoln Navigators), a roll pin was missing from the transmission. 
• Risk: The vehicle could fail to shift into park. 
• Solution: Affected vehicles were inspected and had the missing roll pin installed if needed. 

Other potential transmission issues

• Programming issue: A separate technical service bulletin (TSB) was issued for some 2018 F-150 models (with 2.7L, 3.5L, or 5.0L engines) to address harsh shifting. This could be fixed by reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). 
• Unintended movement (3.3L engine): Another recall was issued for some 2018 F-150s with a 3.3-liter engine and 6-speed transmission that could experience unintended movement because the PCM might not correctly detect the shift lever's position. 

How to check your specific vehicle's status

• Use your truck's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Ford recall site or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to see if your truck is affected by any recalls. 

What are the problems with the 2018 Ford F-150 5.0 10 speed transmission?

Common problems with the 2018 F-150 5.0L with the 10-speed transmission include hard or jerky shifting, gear skipping, and transmission failure, often occurring before 100,000 miles. Contributing factors may include an underfilled transmission fluid level (a known issue on earlier models), software glitches, or internal component failure like the CDF drum. Addressing these issues can involve software updates, checking and correcting the fluid level, and in some cases, a complete transmission rebuild or replacement. 
This video shows one owner's experience with a 2018 F-150 10-speed transmission, including shifting problems and fluid leaks: 54sCHUNKY CATS FISHINGYouTube · Dec 8, 2018
Common symptoms

• Harsh or jerky shifting: This can include hard shifts, clunking, or lurching, especially when the vehicle is cold. 
• Gear skipping: The transmission may skip gears, such as skipping from 1st to 3rd, which can be concerning but is sometimes a normal part of the design (especially under light acceleration). 
• Delayed or sluggish shifting: You may experience pauses or a delay when the transmission is changing gears. 
• Transmission failure: In severe cases, the transmission can fail entirely, requiring expensive repairs or replacement. 
• Engine revving: The transmission may hold a gear too long or the engine may rev erratically during shifts. 

Potential causes and solutions

• Low transmission fluid: Many 2018 10-speed transmissions left the factory underfilled. 
  • Solution: Have a dealer or qualified mechanic check the fluid level. Since there's no dipstick, this requires a scan tool or a lift inspection. 
• Software issues: The self-learning software can cause poor shifting behavior. 
  • Solution: The vehicle may need a software update. Check with a dealer for any available Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to your truck's VIN. 
• Internal component failure: Issues like the CDF drum failure have been reported and can lead to transmission failure. 
  • Solution: This usually requires a full rebuild or replacement of the transmission. Ford has reportedly addressed the CDF drum issue in transmissions made after August 2022. 
• Dirty transmission filter: A dirty filter can restrict fluid flow, especially when the fluid is cold. 
  • Solution: Replace the transmission filter and flush the fluid. Some believe a flush can help resolve shifting issues and improve performance. 

What to do

1. Check for TSBs: Contact a Ford dealer with your truck's VIN to see if there are any recalls or software updates for your transmission. 
2. Verify fluid level: Have the transmission fluid level checked by a professional. This is a common and relatively easy fix for many shifting problems. 
3. Consider a transmission flush: A full transmission service, including a fluid and filter change, may improve performance. Some sources suggest this may help with the initial issues. 
4. Consult a mechanic: If the problems persist after software updates and fluid checks, it's best to have a qualified mechanic diagnose internal issues or potential component failures. 

This video explains the Ford 10-speed transmission issues in more detail: 54sBig Ben's Cars & CyclesYouTube · Apr 30, 2024