Who makes Fords 10-speed transmission?

Ford Motor Company designs and builds its own 10-speed automatic transmission, widely referred to by its internal designation 10R80, for use in several Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

The question about who makes Ford's 10-speed transmission touches on the engineering, production, and deployment of Ford’s modern, long-geared automatic. The 10R80 is a 10-speed automatic that Ford developed to deliver improved acceleration, efficiency, and towing capability across a range of light-truck and SUV applications. This article explains who makes it, how it fits into Ford’s powertrain strategy, and where you’ll find it on current models.

Overview of the 10R80

The 10R80 is Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission—an advanced, torque-converter design intended to maximize performance and efficiency in Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Introduced to replace earlier 6- and 8-speed configurations in several models, the 10R80 provides a wide gear ratio spread and smooth shifting characteristics that suit both daily driving and heavier loads.

Manufacturing and development

Origins and collaboration

Ford developed the 10-speed automatic in-house, with input and collaboration from industry partners during its development program. The result is a transmission designed to meet Ford’s needs for power, efficiency, and durability across its lineup.

Today, Ford manufactures the 10R80 at its own North American transmission facilities. The program reflects Ford’s strategy to control critical powertrain components domestically while leveraging a broad supplier network for components and assembly as part of its global manufacturing footprint.

Applications in Ford’s lineup

The 10R80 has been deployed in several Ford and Lincoln models, primarily in light-duty trucks and full-size sport-utility vehicles. It is most closely associated with vehicles aimed at balancing performance and efficiency in everyday driving and towing scenarios.

• Ford F-Series trucks and related light-duty applications


• Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator (full-size SUVs)


• Other Ford and Lincoln models that require a wide-ranging 10-speed automatic in appropriate model years

The exact availability of the 10R80 can vary by model year and market, as Ford periodically updates its powertrain options and may substitute or complement with other transmissions in different trims or regions.

Key features and performance

These are the hallmark characteristics that define the 10R80 and its role in Ford’s lineup.

• Ten forward gears, providing a broad ratio range for efficiency and acceleration


• Hydraulic torque-converter-based design for smooth, confident shifts


• Adaptive shift control to optimize performance for different driving conditions


• Robust gearing and control systems designed to handle the torque of Ford’s engines in light-duty applications

These attributes contribute to better highway efficiency, improved towing capability, and a refined driving experience across Ford’s key trucks and SUVs.

Summary

Ford’s 10-speed transmission, the 10R80, is designed, developed, and manufactured by Ford Motor Company for use in its vehicles. While it involved collaboration during its development, Ford remains the primary maker and assembler of the unit in its North American facilities. The transmission is a central part of Ford’s strategy to combine performance, refinement, and efficiency in its light-truck and SUV lineup, with notable applications in trucks and large SUVs across recent model years.

In sum, Ford produces its own 10-speed automatic to meet the demands of modern driving, offering drivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy, and stronger towing capabilities across a range of popular models.

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. 

Who builds the 10R80 transmission?

The 10R80 transmission was jointly developed by Ford and General Motors. Although they share the same architecture, Ford developed and tunes its version for its own vehicles, while GM tunes its own variation, called the 10L80.
 
This video explains the differences between Ford and GM 10-speed transmissions: 1mFlying WrenchesYouTube · Oct 29, 2024

• Ford: took the engineering lead on the initial design for the 10-speed, rear-wheel-drive transmission. 
• General Motors: was also involved in the co-development, with their version being called the 10L80. 
• Both companies use the transmission in their respective lineups, such as the Ford F-150 and Mustang, and the Chevrolet Silverado and Camaro. 
• Production for the 10R80 happens at Ford's Livonia Transmission Plant in Michigan, while the GM 10L80 is made at GM's Romulus Powertrain Plant in Michigan and other facilities. 

Is the Ford 10 speed transmission an Allison?

No, the Ford 10-speed transmission is not an Allison; it is a joint development between Ford and GM, with Ford building its version (the 10R140) for its trucks. While General Motors' version (the 10L1000) carries Allison branding due to a licensing agreement, Ford's transmission is a separate product. 
This video explains the relationship between Ford and GM 10-speed transmissions: 1mFlying WrenchesYouTube · Nov 4, 2024

• Ford's transmission: The Ford 10-speed, also known as the 10R140, is built by Ford and is not an Allison. 
• GM's transmission: GM's version, the 10L1000, uses Allison branding through a licensing agreement, but is a GM-built transmission designed with Ford's input. 
• Joint development: The two companies collaborated on the basic design of the 10-speed platform, but they are distinct transmissions with different internal components and manufacturing. 

Is Ford having problems with the 10 speed transmission?

Yes, Ford's 10-speed transmission (10R80) has had significant problems, including issues with harsh shifting, slipping, and potential rollaways. Common causes of these problems include the CDF drum bushing shifting out of place, valve body malfunctions, and outer drive shell failures. While Ford has implemented some design updates and recalls to address these issues, many problems, particularly with earlier models, have led to class-action lawsuits and many complaints from owners.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the common failures of the 10-speed transmission: 1mFlying WrenchesYouTube · Oct 29, 2024
Common problems

• Harsh or jerky shifting: This can include clunking, lurching, and delays in shifting. 
• Slipping or gear skipping: The transmission may fail to engage a gear properly. 
• Neutral or rollaway risk: In some cases, the transmission can falsely sense low fluid pressure and shift into neutral, or not hold the vehicle in Park, creating a rollaway risk. 
• Internal component failures: A primary issue is the CDF (clutch drum) bushing moving out of position, disrupting fluid flow and causing erratic shifting. The outer drive shell can also wear down. 

Affected models
2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2022 Ford Expedition, 2018-2022 Ford Mustang, 2019-2022 Ford Ranger, and 2018-2022 Lincoln Navigator. 
Ford's response and ongoing issues

• Design updates: Ford has released updated parts, such as a new CDF drum with a lip to hold the bushing in place, and has anodized the outer shell to increase its durability. Software updates have also been released to address shifting issues. 
• Recalls: Some recalls have been issued for issues like failing to stay in Park and unintended movement in neutral. 
• Effectiveness of fixes: While updates have helped, some owners report that the proposed software fixes do not fully resolve the problems. Some issues, like the CDF drum bushing movement, may continue to be a problem, especially in older models or with lack of proper maintenance. 

This video explains the causes and fixes for the 10-speed transmission problems: 57sThe Car Guy OnlineYouTube · Aug 25, 2025
What you should do

• If you have one of the affected models, ensure your vehicle's software is up to date and have any transmission issues diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. 
• Be aware that a complete repair, especially for internal damage, can be expensive. 
• If you are considering purchasing a used vehicle with a 10-speed transmission, getting an inspection from an expert is highly recommended.