Ford introduced a 10-speed transmission called the 10R80 automatic transmission that you will find on several of their models. This transmission is part of a joint-venture between Ford and General Motors, although Ford had the engineering lead on it.
The way the partnership was supposed to work was that Ford would design and build a 10-speed longitudinal automatic transmission for use in rear-wheel drive vehicles. On the other side, General Motors would design and manufacture a nine-speed transverse automatic transmission for use in front-wheel drive vehicles.
The 10R80 has ten forward speeds, one reverse speed produced through the following components:
- Four planetary gear sets
- One mechanical One-Way Clutch (OWC)
- Six friction clutches
- A two-piece valve body with eight solenoids
- An external PCM or TCM
Ever since the introduction of Ford’s 10-speed transmission, there have been numerous reports by owners complaining of problems with this transmission. Being an essential component, transmission issues are very serious, and can often be expensive to fix. In this article, we look at some of the common Ford 10-speed transmission issues and the best way to deal with them.
What Ford Vehicles Use the 10 Speed Transmission?
There are several Ford vehicle models using a 10-speed transmission:
2017-Ford Raptor F-150
The 2017 Raptor marked the debut of the 10-speed 10R80 automatic transmission, the first non-commercial vehicle fitted with a 10-speed transmission(of any type).
2018- Ford Mustang
Ford officially introduced the refreshed 2018 Mustang on January 17, 2017. The 10-speed automatic transmission replaced the existing 6-speed unit and joined the 6-speed manual transmission as an option.
2018- Ford Expedition
The fourth-generation Ford Expedition, also known as the “U553” was unveiled on February 6, 2017. It uses a 10-speed 10R80 SelectShift automatic transmission which features artificially intelligent shifting, electronic range select, manual shift mode, and can be controlled via a rotary dial on the center console.
2018-Lincoln Navigator
The 2018 Ford Lincoln Navigator is powered by a turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 (450 horsepower, 510 lb-ft of torque) and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
2019-Ford Ranger
For the 2019 model year, Ford introduced the Ford Ranger Raptor, derived from the global Ranger T6 mid-size pickup.
The Ranger Raptor is fitted with a 2.0L EcoBlue biturbo engine, producing 210 hp. The engine is coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
2019-Ford Everest
The 2019 Ford Everest is fitted with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine and 10-speed automatic gearbox.
2020-Ford Transit
In the 2020 Ford Transit, the 6-speed automatic transmission was replaced by a 10-speed automatic. The 2020 Transit also adopted power-sliding doors and dual sliding doors (for cargo vans) as options.
2020- Ford Endeavour
Ford Endeavour is the name for Ford Everest in the Indian market. This is so as to avoid legal issues as there is a spice-making brand with the Everest name in the country. The 2020 model uses a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Are all Ford 10 Speed Transmissions the Same?
No, besides 10R80 automatic transmission there is also the Ford super duty 10 speed transmission 10R140 introduced by Ford motor company in 2020 for the Super Duty F-series trucks all the way up to the F-600.
The 10R140 is a 10-speed, rear-wheel-drive transmission that is controlled by a PCM for gas applications or a TCM for diesel engine applications. It has 10 forward speeds, one reverse speed, four planetary gear sets, one mechanical One-Way Clutch (OWC), six frictional clutches, an upper valve body, a lower valve body with eight solenoids, and PCM or TCM controlled electronics.
The 10R140 transmission cooling system is slightly different. It uses a coolant control valve attached to the coolant return hose which restricts coolant flow through the warmer when the transmission fluid is cold. This will warm the fluid faster
Is the Ford 10 Speed Transmission Reliable?
The 10R80 automatic transmission is not known for being that reliable. These transmissions have been used in the F-150, the Lincoln Navigator, and the Expedition and there are numerous reports from owners complaining about issues. These concerns can include rough shifts between gears, feeling like the transmission is hunting for the right gear to be in, and excessive noise from the transmission.
Ford has not been fast to fix the issues with the 10-speed transmission either. They have issued some software updates but so far they have not made any physical changes to the transmission to prevent the problems from occurring. They have acknowledged that there are problems though and say that they are working on fixes for the future.
Top Common Problems on Ford 10 Speed Transmissions
Transmission Warmer Failure
In 2018 and later models with the transmission warmer mounted to the transmission, there can be a problem with coolant leaking under the vehicle. The problem is usually associated with the vehicle sitting for a while (after it has been running at operating temperature).
Inspect the warmer for damage and related lines for leaks. While all models will have a warmer, the location of warmer and routing of the hoses can vary. If the warmer is not mounted to the transmission, refer to vehicle’s factory manual to locate it.
TCC Codes and/or TCC Failure
There can be concerns with erratic TCC operation, or a TCC shudder on a 2017-2018 F150/Raptor, 2018 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Mustang equipped with a 10R80 automatic transmission. Codes P0741 or P1744 may or may not set in the PCM or TCM (depending on application).
These concerns may be caused by a sticking TCC Regulator Valve. In case you have run out of options when it comes to valve body repair, you will need to replace the valve body to correct these concerns. The valve body replacement could potentially cost you somewhere between $400 and $900 to get done.
If there is evidence of debris in the transmission fluid or the fluid is discolored, it would be recommended to replace the torque converter and flush the system to complete this repair.
Erratic Shifts
As these units accumulate more mileage, there can concerns of erratic shifting, missed shifts, poor shift quality, transmission skipping gears, and other shifting and TCC control issues. There may or may not be codes associated with these problems.
To correct these concerns, start by checking for updated programming for the TCM strategy. Most issues are fixed by updating the programming. After programming, perform the Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle and re-evaluate the vehicle.
If the concerns still persist, you may need to service or replace the valve body assembly. Sticking valves and sticking CIDAS solenoids issues are becoming more common with these units.
According to a Ford 10-speed class action lawsuit, the 10R80 automatic transmission used in Ford F-150 vehicles can pose life-threatening problems owing to violent shifting, shaking, resistance, and missed gears.
Gear position indicator does not illuminate
Another small but aggravating issue that some drivers experienced with the transmission was that the gear position indicator would not illuminate. This was a problem with F-150, F253, and F-254 trucks. The shift indicator on the display is supposed to light up and show you the gear you are transitioning into. However, in some of these models it simply did nothing or would turn off randomly.
This issue was exacerbated by the fact that there was no clear-cut solution for how to fix it since there the reason it happened in the first place did not make a lot of sense. Some drivers have had success by turning off the power and all the lights and then turning things back on again. Another driver managed to resolve the issue and got the indicator lights to turn back on again by putting the windows down.
Harsh/bumpy upshift, downshift and/or engagement concerns
Some 2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 2.7L, 3.5L or 5.0L engine and 10R80 automatic transmission and built on or before 15-May 2018 may exhibit harsh/bumpy upshift, downshift and or/engagement concerns.
To correct the condition, follow the procedure below as given in Ford’s technical service bulletin:
- Check the vehicle build date and if the vehicle was built on or before 15-May-2018, reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) using the latest version of the appropriate Ford scan tool
Pump Drive Gear Failure
Another issue with units is pump drive gear failure, with many of the reported cases being related to diesel vehicles. Some drivers may complain of a converter type whine noise coming from the transmission. But, Ford considers this to be normal as these are straight cut gears and they will tend to be a bit noisy.
Always inspect the sump for possible evidence of debris that could indicate the pump drive gears could be failing.
Issues on Recalls
There has been recalls on some models due to customer concerns over the years. During Ford’s research, they discovered that the roll pin was installed incorrectly in the design. A great example of a recalled model is the 2018 Ford Expedition.
Due to an incorrect installation, a vehicle’s park function can be lost. As a result, it can move even when parked, damaging property and injuring or killing other road users.
It all started with a 2018 Ford Statement that stated that some models needed to be fixed due to a faulty installation. Dealers examined the recalled vehicles to ensure that the roll were in the proper places. Drivers needing design adjustments were provided with the appropriate revisions for free.
Rattling Noises/Unusual Noises
This is a likely concern for owners of the 2017-2019 F-150s, as there have been several complaints about this issue. Many vehicle owners have reported hearing rattling noises when starting, shifting, or accelerating.
Transmission sliding issues in the 2018 Ford F-150 are also included in this category. You may hear noises coming from the engine. The description of the noises, which range from sluggish starts to scratchy sounds, all point to an issue with the engine.
When you hear the sound that usually indicates that you have a problem with the bearings in your transmission, possibly the planetary gears or something else entirely may be going on. And also, the lack of transmission fluid or bad transmission fluid can lead to the gears inside your transmission grinding together and making noticeable sounds.
The sounds will tend to get worse the longer you let them go, and then they also get worse as you accelerate or try to shift through gears.
Leakage of brake fluid from the brake master cylinder
This concern has been prevalent in F150 pickup trucks from 2014 to 2017. The 3.5L Ecoboost engines in these vehicles posed problems for the drivers. The drive of a vehicle becomes more difficult and even impossible when the braking fluid is lost.
Pickup trucks owners experienced higher pedal effort and reduced front brake function, necessitating more work and distance to bring the vehicle to a stop. This concern raised the risk of collision, forcing Ford to address the issue in June 2020. According to Ford, “dealers will free of charge repair the brake master cylinder and check the brake booster, replacing it if needed.”
What Ford 10 Speed Cars are Having Transmission Problems?
Ford’s more recent transmission problems involve their 10-speed automatic transmission that has been used in their 2017 and newer F-150 trucks and full-size SUVs like the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. This transmission has been recalled in the past due to a safety problem, but owners also report issues with the vehicle not shifting well.
Is there a Recall on Ford 10-Speed Transmissions?
There is an active recall on the Ford 10-speed transmissions but it is related to a safety problem. Ford has recalled the transmissions for a clip that locks the gearshift cable into the transmission. When this is not fully seated in place it can result in the car not going into gear properly but it does not seem to affect the ability for the car to shift once it is moving.
Has Ford Fixed Its Transmission Problems?
While there has been a significant number of complaints on Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle maker states that many of the issues customers are experiencing are related to the transmission’s adaptive learning software.
Ford’s first attempt to remedy the problem with the 10R80 transmission came in 2018 when they issues a technical service bulletin, which is an internal memo to dealerships from the manufacturer as the official procedure for problems that are not in the manual yet.
This particular service bulletin states that if customers are experiencing rough operation of their 10-speed transmission to reprogram the control module.
Ford has offered a number of other fixes for their 10-speed transmission such as an updated clip for the shift cable and even replacement of the first planetary gear in some models.
Are Ford’s Transmission Problems Covered under Warranty?
New Fords come with an industry-standard New Vehicle Limited Warranty. This manufacturer’s warranty protects against defective parts or poor workmanship from the factory for all parts.
Ford’s powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, front-wheel and rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel or all-wheel drive. The terms for this warranty is 5 years/60,000 miles.
Ford factory warranty covers a lot of damages related to moving parts, but there is also a long list of exclusions to your warranty. The warranty, for example, doesn’t cover maintenance parts and labor, regular wear and tear from normal use, damage from theft and vandalism, damage caused by customer applied chemicals and damage from alterations or customizations among other exclusions.
Check this too: Should I Add An Aftermarket Transmission Cooler?
How Much Does it Cost to Replace My Ford 10 Speed Transmission?
On average, transmission repair costs range from $300 to $1400. On the other hand, transmission replacement is one of the most expensive you can get. Replacements can range from $1600 to $3400.
A new transmission for a Ford F-150 truck costs between $1640 and $3259, for the part alone. It is an expensive part to replace, so you want to be sure it is the issue.
Typical symptoms of a bad transmission include grinding gears, slipping while driving, or the shifter getting stuck in one position. You may notice the frame of the truck seems to be vibrating, especially when you are sitting idle. If there are leaks, you may need to replace the hoses for between $38 and $80 each. If you have a cracked head gasket, you may discover a leak from the undercarriage.