2020 Ford F-150 power train problems

“Transmission has hard/harsh shifts and delayed gear engagement that began around 56,000 miles and have become much worse at 68,000 miles. The delay in engagement when accelerating from a stop, pulling into traffic or merging is a safety concern. A Ford dealer performed a transmission adaptive relearn and software update, but the symptoms continued. The dealer did not verify hydraulic leakage or perform the full diagnostic described in Ford TSB 25-2126 (MC-11016931-0001, harsh/delayed shifts on 2017-2020 F-150), and the only recommendation was to replace the entire transmission at roughly $5,000 after the powertrain warranty expired at 60,000 miles. The incident date entered is today because the symptoms are ongoing and progressive: they developed gradually since about 56,000 miles and are heading toward ultimate transmission failure. Safety concerns: hesitation and delayed engagement when pulling into or merging with traffic, the truck possibly rolling back when engaged on hills, and loss of reliable power on hills.”

“while driving on the highway, my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 transmission experienced a sudden and catastrophic loss of power. The transmission failed to shift slipped gears, and left the vehicle completely neutralized in traffic. This sudden loss of propulsion created an extremely hazardous situation on the road, nearly causing a severe collision before I could safely pull over.”

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with children inside the vehicle, the transmission shifted erratically and began shuddering. The vehicle decelerated unexpectedly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.”

“I am writing to formally report a severe and dangerous safety defect regarding the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission in my 2020 Ford F-150. While driving, the vehicle routinely experiences a complete "neutral-out" or severe shift flare when attempting to transition out of 1st gear. Instead of engaging 2nd or 3rd gear, the transmission completely drops out of gear into a false neutral. During this failure, the vehicle experiences an immediate and total loss of forward propulsion for several seconds while the engine revs freely. After a dangerous delay, the transmission violently slams back into gear. This is an acute safety hazard. Losing all forward acceleration unexpectedly—specifically when pulling out from a complete stop, navigating intersections, or merging into fast-moving traffic—leaves the vehicle stranded and completely defenseless against oncoming traffic. It creates an immediate risk of a severe rear-end or broadside collision, as trailing drivers do not expect a vehicle to suddenly lose all power. Ford is fully aware of this mechanical defect, as documented in their internal Technical Service Bulletin TSB 25-2126 (and its predecessors). The…”

“Transmission shifting very harshly. Especially in gears 3-4-5. Transmission will stop with no control, then abruptly slam into gear. 80,000 miles. Issues since new. Dealership says vehicle needs new transmission. Will factory assist at $3,700, my share $5,600. Ford has history with this transmission. Why didn’t they replace when in warranty?”

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the transmission jerked while shifting gear. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted and the vehicle was diagnosed with CDF drum failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,500.”