I've had plenty of Ford in the bay over the years, and the transmission and driveline complaints on these don't surprise me. 21,981 on the NHTSA record across 259 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 3 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Ford vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 12,939 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 66,589 miles. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin FORD / POWERTRAIN
259 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Ford powertrain problems
21,981 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Ford vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
21,981
Recalls
0
Year-models
259
Avg fix
$2,500
427crashes
64fires
248injuries
3fatalities
Worst-affected Ford model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2013 Ford Focus
1,049 complaints · ~$2,500 critical
2018 Ford F-150
679 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Ford Freestar
654 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2016 Ford Focus
650 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2012 Ford F-150
617 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2015 Ford Focus
535 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2010 Ford Escape
475 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2019 Ford F-150
466 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2014 Ford Escape
463 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2017 Ford Focus
427 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2020 Ford Explorer
414 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Ford Freestyle
404 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2019 Ford Edge
398 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2013 Ford Fiesta
384 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Ford Freestyle
382 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2011 Ford Fiesta
341 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2014 Ford F-150
335 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2016 Ford F-150
318 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2007 Ford Freestyle
315 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2016 Ford Escape
309 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2016 Ford Fusion
297 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2018 Ford Focus
296 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2017 Ford Fusion
291 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2013 Ford Fusion
284 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2006 Ford Explorer
279 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
Common questions
How many Ford powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
21,981 complaints across 259 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Ford.
Which Ford model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2013 Ford Focus leads with 1,049 complaints in this category. Next: 2018 F-150 (679) and 2005 Freestar (654).
What does it cost to fix Ford powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Ford lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Ford powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Ford vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Ford.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.