For 20172026 vehicles equipped with a 10R transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure has been made in the WSM, located in Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing. This updated procedure improves the diagnosis of customer reported transmission concerns and aids in locating the proper root cause. During diagnosis and testing, details regarding whether the condition is more prevalent when the vehicle is hot or cold, throttle percentage at the time of occurrence, vehicle speed, the specific shift involved, and whether the issue occurs during transmission engagements (N>R, N>D, R>D, or D>R) should be noted. Engineering requests including these detailed operating conditions tha
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford F-150 powertrain problems
moderate 679 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
679
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
11crashes
2fires
9injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 679 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Ford F-150, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 37% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 679 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles Equipped With 3.3L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2301. Reason for update: update the Part List Description. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to axial movement of the CDF clutch c
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2126. Reason for update: update the Part List and Service Procedure. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to axial movement of the CD
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 F-150's 10R80 10-speed transmission is the subject of 679 complaints describing brutal, unpredictable failures that put drivers and passengers at immediate risk. Owners report the transmission shifts so harshly and erratically that it feels like being rear-ended—skipping gears (1st-to-3rd, jumping multiple gears), delaying engagement for up to 10 seconds while the engine revs high, and making loud clunking or banging noises. Worst are the sudden, unwarned downshifts at highway speeds: a truck in 10th gear drops to 1st at 70 mph, causing violent jerking, wheel-lock, and near-collisions. Some owners describe the transmission losing all power mid-acceleration, leaving them stranded in traffic.
The problem starts early—as low as 5,000 miles—and worsens through 90,000 miles. Owners brought trucks in as soon as they noticed issues; dealerships reset the adaptive transmission software and claimed the behavior was "normal," but the failures escalated. Ford issued technical service bulletins but no recall. Dealers acknowledge the 10-speed is a "known issue" with "about a 50/50 chance" that a new transmission will solve it. Owners quote $6,700–$10,000 for replacement; some have had transmissions rebuilt or partially repaired, only to see the same problems return within days or weeks. The cam phasers on 5.0L V8 engines also rattle loudly and can fail, causing power loss and rough idle. Multiple owners report Ford declined assistance despite knowing about these defects for years.
Same Ford F-150 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
10R80 10-speed transmission harsh, erratic, and delayed shifting
Owners report the 10R80 transmission shifts roughly between gears, skips gears, hesitates, and delays engagement. Shifts from 1st-to-3rd (skipping 2nd), 3rd-to-4th, 6th-to-7th, and erratic upshift/downshift sequences are most common. In some cases, the transmission will not shift into the intended gear for several seconds while the engine revs high. Hard shifts produce audible clunking, banging, and violent jerking of the vehicle body. Owners describe feeling like they are being hit from behind or like the truck wants to accelerate on its own during shifting.
When: Starts as early as 5,000–15,000 miles; worsens progressively through 50,000–90,000 miles. Cold starts and warm engine conditions both affected. Occurs in all driving modes (eco, normal, sport, wet/snow).
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh, jerky shifting between gears with audible clunk/bang; Transmission skips gears (e.g., 1-to-3, skipping 2; 3-to-7, skipping 4, 5, 6); Hesitation or delay (5–10 seconds) before transmission engages intended gear; Engine revs high between gears while accelerator is not being pressed; Sudden, unpredictable downshifts at highway speeds (e.g., 9th-to-1st at 70 mph); Loss of power and forward momentum during shift delays; Transmission lurches or surges forward when in park or at low speeds; Jerking sensation when shifting from 1st to higher gears; Loss of traction on rear wheels during low-speed gear shifts in wet conditions
Codes mentioned: P07F7 (Gear ratio 10 incorrect), U0253 (Lost communication with accessory protocol interface module), U0140 (Lost communication with body control module), Wrench light (transmission service needed)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers quote $6,000–$10,000 for transmission replacement. Some owners have had transmissions rebuilt or partially repaired (main control replacement, fluid service, torque converter replacement) without lasting resolution. Multiple owners report the same issues recur after dealer repair attempts. One owner had a transmission rebuilt, picked it up with no problems, but the transmission slipped again after 24 hours of sitting.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) including TSB 18-2354 (cam sprocket rattle), TSB 21-2130 and 19-2208 (cam phaser issues), and TSB 24-2436 (transmission shift concerns). Software updates and transmission control module (TCM) reprogramming/adaptive learning resets are the primary remedy offered, but owners report these do not resolve the underlying issue. Ford offered a customer satisfaction program in 2022 (expired January 2023) for cam phaser noise but did not notify all owners. Dealers routinely claim the behavior is 'normal for the 10-speed transmission' or 'normal adaptive driving' despite owner insistence that the issue is worsening and unsafe. Multiple owners state Ford customer service stated 'there is no fix' and declined to help. Class action lawsuits have been filed against Ford regarding 10R80 transmission defects.
Sudden loss of power and transmission disengagement at highway speeds
Owners report sudden, uncommanded loss of power while driving at highway speeds (60–80 mph), with the transmission losing engagement or going into limp mode. The truck slows dramatically—from 70+ mph down to 20–40 mph—without driver input. Owners describe the transmission bouncing between high and low gears (e.g., 10th-to-1st-to-5th) or displaying erratic gear ratio indicators on the dashboard while the vehicle loses forward momentum.
When: Occurs intermittently during highway driving or while attempting to merge/accelerate into traffic. One owner reported this at less than 500 miles; others reported it from 40,000–90,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden, complete loss of forward acceleration at highway speed; Transmission appears to disengage or shift into limp mode; Engine continues running but vehicle slows uncontrollably; Wrench light illuminates on dashboard (or no warning prior to failure); Transmission gear display bounces between multiple gears without actual shifting; Vehicle unable to accelerate even with accelerator pressed to the floor; Engine revs high while transmission does not engage
Codes mentioned: Wrench light (transmission service needed), Check engine light (intermittent or after incident), Gear ratio codes (P07F7 or similar)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner quoted $4,000+ for cam sprocket replacement and re-timing; another paid $4,619 out of pocket for parts, labor, and rental after being denied a customer satisfaction program. Transmission replacement quoted at $6,700–$9,335. Some owners have not had the vehicle repaired due to cost and warranty expiration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealers and independent shops acknowledge this is a 'known issue' with 2018–2019 F-150s with the 10-speed transmission. One Ford dealership mechanic told an owner this is a 'known issue by Ford HQ' and stated there is 'about a 50/50 chance that a new transmission would help.' Owners report Ford declined to assist under customer satisfaction programs and refused to cover costs outside warranty. Ford issued TSBs but no formal recall. One owner was denied assistance despite being enrolled in a customer satisfaction program that had expired.
Cam phaser noise and subsequent loss of power/rough idle
5.0L V8 engines exhibit a loud, metal-on-metal rattling or grinding noise during deceleration or at startup. The noise is consistent and occurs in multiple trucks, suggesting a design issue rather than isolated failure. Over time, some owners report the cam phasers malfunction, leading to loss of power during acceleration and rough, bouncing idle that can occur even at rolling speeds (not just at stops). The engine may shut down or nearly stall in traffic.
When: Noise present from early ownership or around 48,000–59,000 miles. Malfunction and power loss occurs later, sometimes after noise has been present for 1–2 years.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud, grinding or rattling noise during engine deceleration or startup; Noise louder when applying throttle; Slow acceleration; lack of typical power when needed in traffic; Rough, severe idle that bounces vehicle (especially noticeable when coasting or off-throttle); Engine nearly shuts down or stalls, particularly in stop-and-go traffic; Multiple instances of rough idle even while rolling (not just at complete stop)
Repairs/costs cited: TSB 18-2354 was performed on at least one truck but the rattle persisted immediately after service and was deemed 'normal operation' by the dealership. Cam phaser replacement costs approximately $5,000 out of pocket for owners outside warranty. One owner had cam phasers replaced at 59,000 miles under warranty; they failed again by 88,000 miles (within 30,000 miles of replacement). No warranty offered on replacement parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued TSBs (including TSB 21-2130 and 19-2208) addressing cam phaser noise. A customer satisfaction program was offered in 2022 and expired January 2023. Ford's public statement on the satisfaction program claimed the cam phaser noise would pose 'no future threat to functionality,' which owners say is false given subsequent failures and power loss. Not all owners were notified of the satisfaction program. Dealers have stated they have 'tons of F-150 owners in line' to have cam phasers replaced and acknowledge the issue is widespread.
Transmission fluid leaks and internal failure
Owners report transmission fluid leaks after transmission repair or replacement. In one case, white smoke was observed coming from the rear of the truck on the highway, with transmission fluid spraying out. Another owner picked up a truck after transmission replacement and noticed transmission fluid leaking immediately. Internal transmission failure occurs, with fluid becoming severely burnt within just 2,000 miles after service.
When: Can occur immediately after transmission replacement/repair or develop after 50,000–60,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from rear of vehicle during highway driving; Transmission fluid spraying or leaking from vehicle; Puddles of transmission fluid under truck; Burnt smell from transmission fluid (described as 'severely burnt' just 2,000 miles after service)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership claimed the truck had too much transmission fluid (contradicting another dealership's prior statement of low fluid) and refused warranty work, calling it 'not a warrantied item.' Another owner incurred $6,809.57 for transmission replacement at an independent shop after Ford dealership refused warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealerships have denied warranty responsibility for transmission fluid leaks, blaming owner overfilling or claiming fluid condition is not covered. No proactive customer satisfaction program mentioned for this issue.
Catalytic converter failure; possible misdiagnosis or premature failure
Owners report catalytic converter failure, sometimes in conjunction with transmission issues. In one case, a truck was brought in for jerking and hesitation; the dealership diagnosed a bad catalytic converter. After replacement, the transmission issue persisted and a new transmission was recommended. Another owner reported the check engine light came on after a PCM software recall update, and the dealer attributed it to catalytic converter failure, claiming the converter may have failed during warranty but the defective software prevented the diagnostic system from flagging it.
When: Reported at 80,000+ miles; can occur early in ownership but not flagged due to software issues.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Jerking, hesitation, and rough idle (initially blamed on catalytic converter, later found to be transmission); P0420/P0430 codes (catalyst system efficiency)
Codes mentioned: P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1), P0430 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $2,000 for catalytic converter replacement out of pocket after warranty expiration, despite dealer acknowledging the converter may have failed during warranty. Another owner paid to have catalytic converters replaced ($250 diagnostic + parts) but the issue persisted, leading to transmission diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: A PCM software recall (2E14, issued February 2025) was released to address emissions system control. After the update, at least one owner's check engine light illuminated, revealing a catalytic converter fault. The dealer's explanation suggests the defective software may have masked the catalyst fault for years. No compensation or warranty extension mentioned for owners affected by the defective software.
Engine rod knock and premature engine failure
One owner's engine blew a rod at 41,000 miles. The dealership blamed inadequate oil changes, but the owner provided receipts proving frequent oil changes. Ford corporate eventually refunded the $15,000 out-of-pocket replacement cost after a four-month investigation.
When: At 41,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure (rod knock)
Repairs/costs cited: $15,000 out-of-pocket engine replacement. Ford corporate refunded the cost after investigation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial dealership response was to blame the owner for inadequate maintenance despite receipt evidence. Ford corporate investigated for four months and issued a refund.
Automatic engine shutdown and loss of power steering/braking during highway driving
Engine completely shuts off or goes to idle RPM while driving at highway speed. At the same time, power steering and braking power are partially or significantly lost. Air conditioning stops, and the multifunction display resets. A 'drive mode not available, service is needed' message appears. This creates an immediate safety hazard as the driver loses engine power and braking capability on a busy highway.
When: Occurred once at 70+ mph on a congested highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off or drops to idle RPM without driver input; Power steering becomes heavy or unresponsive; Braking power reduced to less than 30% effectiveness; Air conditioning stops; Multifunction display goes blank briefly, then resets with 'GPS faulted' error; 'Drive mode not available, service is needed' message on driver information panel; Wrench light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Wrench light
Repairs/costs cited: None; the vehicle behaved normally after several hours of parking. No diagnostic codes were found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented. After the incident, the vehicle returned to normal operation, making troubleshooting difficult.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure; loss of power on highway
PCM malfunction causes sudden loss of power and engine control while driving at highway speed. Engine continues running but the vehicle loses all forward propulsion and the driver receives a 'Check Engine' and 'Drive Mode Not Available' message.
When: Occurred at highway speed (approximately 70 mph) on a divided expressway.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of all forward power while engine is running; Check engine light and 'Drive Mode Not Available' message; Vehicle coasts to a stop on shoulder
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, 'Drive Mode Not Available' message
Repairs/costs cited: Ford service reflashed the PCM as the only fix. Total cost not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford service determined the issue was caused by the PCM and reflashed it. Ford could not explain what caused the error in the PCM or whether it would recur.
Transmission gear shift cable issue and transmission wiring chafing
Transmission wiring harness was not properly secured, causing the harness to chafe and run through other components, resulting in false and intermittent transmission signals. This led to hard shifting and a check engine light. One dealer initially blamed the dealership that had replaced the engine for negligence.
When: Occurred after engine replacement and other service work.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard transmission shifting; Check engine light; False and intermittent transmission signals
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: $800 to replace the wiring harness and resecure it properly. Dealer later suggested the transmission valve core was the issue instead and replaced it, with no improvement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response from manufacturer. Dealer blamed previous engine replacement work for the negligence. Ford is awaiting direction on the actual cause.
CDF drum and CDF clutch failure in 10R80 transmission
The Clutch Drum Friction (CDF) drum/clutch cylinder fails, causing transmission to slip, lose engagement, or refuse to shift properly. The failure results in the transmission being unable to engage gears, loss of forward momentum, and high engine revving with no gear engagement. Owners report the independent mechanic and dealers identify this as a 'known defect' by Ford.
When: Occurs typically between 50,000–90,000 miles, though can occur as early as 40,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips or loses engagement, particularly from a stop; Engine revs high with no forward acceleration; Transmission cannot find or engage intended gear; feels like it is in neutral; Loss of forward momentum during acceleration or on highway; Hard, inconsistent shifts; Transmission unable to downshift when slowing
Codes mentioned: Wrench light
Repairs/costs cited: CDF drum repair or transmission replacement/rebuild required. Costs range from $6,700–$9,335 for replacement. Multiple owners report this as a 'known design defect' that Ford is ignoring. One transmission shop reports seeing 'on average two Fords a week' with this same issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledges this as a known issue in dealer systems (described as '1 step below a recall'). TSB 24-2436 was issued but does not raise the issue to adequate safety urgency per owners. No recall issued. Dealers state there is 'about a 50/50 chance that a new transmission would help,' indicating uncertainty about root cause.
Unexpected vehicle acceleration (engine revving without driver input)
Engine revs up or vehicle accelerates unexpectedly without the driver pressing the accelerator pedal. One case involved the truck revving in reverse while the driver was only coasting into a driveway with foot on brake; another involved the truck accelerating independently into a telephone pole, totaling the vehicle and injuring the driver.
When: Can occur when shifting into gear (reverse or drive) or while driving at low speed.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs up without accelerator input; Vehicle accelerates forward or backward unexpectedly; Rear tires spin and burn rubber despite foot being on brake
Repairs/costs cited: One incident resulted in a totaled vehicle and emergency medical care for the driver (concussion, injured vertebra, herniated disc, injuries to arm and hand).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In the incident resulting in the crash, the dealership that had performed prior diagnostic work offered no assistance. Ford was notified and a claim was filed, but no resolution documented.
Transmission gets stuck in single gear; inability to shift
Transmission becomes stuck in one gear (most commonly 6th or 1st) and cannot shift up or down. The only way to exit the stuck gear is to turn the vehicle off and back on.
When: At 89,900 miles and other mileages ranging from 50,000–77,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in 6th gear; refuses to downshift; Transmission stuck in 1st gear; cannot upshift; Vehicle cannot accelerate or decelerate normally; Engine revs high while transmission remains locked in single gear
Codes mentioned: Wrench light (after failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement quoted at $8,876–$10,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers confirm internal transmission failure. Multiple TSBs referenced, but no solution offered.
Synthesized from 679 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping and banging into gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…
When cold harsh shifts, missing shifts. Feels like shifts to neutral, engine speeds up then slams hard into gear. Today wrench light came on. 3rd trip scheduled to dealer.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the transmission overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. There was smoke inside the cabin and bed cover. There was an abnormally high-pitched sound detected while driving. While reversing, there was an abnormal sound detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was…
Vehicle transmission is shifting hard and often time slipping. Causing us to lose power until it finally gets into gear. It's nearly caused us accidents due to the sudden loss of power. It is available for inspection. We live in an area with high traffic tourist volume and has caused us multiple near accidents. It has been checked by a mechanic. The code thrown every time was P0732. The code was…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that occasionally while the vehicle was parked or idling; while attempting to accelerate, the engine revved and the transmission hesitated before responding, causing the vehicle to jerk forward. The contact learned that the failure was known as hard shifting. The failure first occurred intermittently but had since become constant. The contact…
In October 2022, I began noticing while driving slight jerking, hesitation and apparent engine or transmission noise that appeared that my truck wanted to accelerate of when idling to a stop. A service light did come on at this point. I took my truck in to Koons Ford in Falls Church Virginia and reported my observations and concerns to Service Advisor [XXX]. [XXX] advised me that his service…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the transmission was shifted hard. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shifted from tenth gear to first and then back to tenth. The vehicle revved up. The contact stated that the vehicle seemed to be in neutral. The vehicle was suddenly accelerated. The powertrain malfunction warning light was illuminated. The local dealer…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 Ford F-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 679 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 274 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 15,000 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 52,742. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 88,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Ford/F-150.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.