Does The Ford 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Have Problems?

The Ford ’10R80′ 10-speed automatic transmission has been a constant source of problems for many owners. Although it was developed as a joint venture between Ford and GM, it has since been plagued with complaints ranging from rough shifting and transmission slipping to complete failures. If anything, recalls and lawsuits have raised concerns about its reliability.

If you own a Ford vehicle fitted with the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission (such as the immensely popular Ford F-150), some of the (many) problems you might face include:

• Rough and harsh shifting
• The gear position indicator not lighting up
• A check engine light appearing
• Roll pins not being installed properly
• Rattling noises from the transmission

To make things worse, if you have a GM 10-speed transmission instead, these issues might still apply to you. After all, both these transmissions are comparable and share a lot of the same design and engineering. This includes their many flaws and shortcomings. Below, we’ll discuss some of the more common problems with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.

Ford 10 Speed Transmission Problems (1) – Rough & Harsh Shifting

Most of Ford’s models that use this 10R80 10-speed transmission, including the (but not limited to) 2017-2018 F-150, 2018 Expedition, Mustang, and Lincoln Navigator were the most affected vehicles. The 10-speed automatic transmission, in particular, has been criticized for its sluggish gear changes. Or, on rare occasions, it shifted gears randomly.

The gearbox slipped by itself. And, drivers were surprised to find their cars in reverse when they believed they were in the park. Gear changes might be delayed or abrupt, and some drivers have encountered diagnostic problem codes to accompany this. When this happens, a new software update must be installed to update the transmission control module.

To give the transmission control module (TCM) another chance to learn your driving style, make sure the software update is complete. The shifts ought to be way smoother this way. According to a lawsuit, the “10-speed 10R80 used in the Ford F-150 can pose life-threatening problems. This is owing to violent shifting, shaking, resistance, and missed gears.”

If you’re experiencing rough shifting in your Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission, here are some fixes, repairs, and solutions that you might want to consider:

Possible Fixes & Repairs

• Transmission Software Update – Over time, Ford has since released software updates to help improve the transmission’s shifting. So, you ought to consider checking for updates at a dealership or even scanning the TCM with an OBD-II tool. If your car is still under warranty, reprogramming and updating the transmission may even be free.
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Reset – Resetting the TCM can help to recalibrate the shifting performance and reliability. To do this, you’ll have to disconnect the battery for around 30 minutes, before then turning the ignition to “ON” and starting the engine. Once that’s done, you’ll have to drive normally to allow the TCM to relearn your shift patterns.
• Check Transmission Fluid – Low or degraded fluid can cause harsh shifting. So, make sure that your transmission fluid level is correct and that it’s clean and red. Ford recommends Mercon ULV fluid for the 10R80, specifically.
• Valve Body & Solenoid Inspection – Worn solenoids or a faulty valve body may lead to shifting issues. If you notice any diagnostic codes (e.g., P0751, P0756), a solenoid replacement may be necessary.
• Transmission Fluid Flush – A transmission fluid flush or drain-and-fill can help if the fluid is contaminated or degraded. Some mechanics prefer a drain-and-fill to avoid potential damage, so consider that.

Repair & Replacement Costs

• Software Update or TCM Reset – This is free at the dealership if your car is under warranty. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend around $100-$300 for reprogramming.
• Transmission Fluid Service – A transmission fluid flush costs around $250-$400, while a drain-and-fill is $150-$250.
• Solenoid Replacement – You should expect around $300-$800 for replacing faulty solenoids.
• Valve Body Replacement – If shifting issues persist, a new valve body will cost you approximately $1,000-$1,500.
• Transmission Replacement – In severe cases, a complete rebuild or replacement of the transmission can range from $3,000 to $5,500, depending on parts and labor.

Ford 10 Speed Transmission Problems (2) – Gear Position Indicator Won’t Light Up

Another issue that might impact Ford’s 10-speed 10R80 transmission is the gear position indicator not lighting up. Each time the driver changes gear (this also impacts the Ford F-150), gear shift indicators are intended to light up on display. YouTuber Johns Trucks 4Sale drew attention to the problem, claiming that many of his customers had contacted him for help.

He suggests turning on and off the power and the indicators in the hopes of solving the problem. The gear indicator vanished from the screen on the gauge cluster for no apparent reason, and many owners were left to figure out how to fix the problem on their own. While not dangerous per se, it can make determining what gear you’re in that bit harder.

Now, if your Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission’s gear position indicator isn’t lighting up like it’s supposed to, consider trying these troubleshooting steps:

Possible Fixes & Repairs

• Perform a Soft Reset – First up, you’ll have to turn your car’s ignition off, wait a few minutes, and then restart the vehicle. Some owners have found that this temporarily restores the display for the gear position indicator.
• Check for Software Updates – As with the earlier harsh shifting issues, Ford has since released numerous TCM and instrument cluster software updates that may resolve this issue. A trip to your local Ford dealership could allow them to check and update your system.
• Inspect the Gear Shift Sensor – A faulty gear position sensor (also called the Transmission Range Sensor) may prevent the indicator from displaying. A diagnostic scan can confirm if it’s malfunctioning or otherwise.
• Examine Instrument Cluster Connections – Some loose wiring behind the dashboard or a failing display module can also cause issues with your car’s gear position indicator. If so, a professional inspection may be required.
• Check Fuses & Relays – Otherwise, a blown fuse related to the instrument cluster or transmission control system can disrupt the gear indicator display, too.

Repair & Replacement Costs

• Software Update – This should be free if your car is still under warranty. Otherwise, it’ll cost you around $100-$300 at a dealership.
• Transmission Range Sensor Replacement – It should be about $200-$500, depending on the labor costs.
• Instrument Cluster Repair/Replacement – This could range from $500-$1,500, depending on whether a repair or full replacement is needed.
• Fuse or Wiring Fixes – A simple fuse replacement may cost you approximately $50-$100, while more extensive wiring repairs could reach $300-$800.

Ford 10 Speed Transmission Problems (3) – Seeing A Check Engine Light

When the check engine light illuminates, it is never a positive sign. However, for some owners of Ford vehicles with the 10-speed 10R80 transmission, this has occurred more frequently than they would like. When this happens (way more than normal), a diagnosis of the transmission is required. Doing this alone could reveal the active diagnostic error codes.

The majority of the time, the issue is due to the torque converter clutch (or its solenoid) valve binding. A valve inside the valve body could also be the source of the problem. Depending on the diagnosis, you may need to undertake a replacement of the entire valve body, which can cost a lot. Normally, a replacement valve body could cost you four digits.

Should you notice a check engine light in your car and it’s been narrowed down to the transmission being at fault, here’s what you can do to resolve this:

Possible Fixes & Repairs

• Run a Diagnostic Scan – First and foremost, you should use an OBD-II scanner to check for transmission-related trouble codes (e.g., P0741, P0743, P2701). These codes could indicate torque converter or solenoid issues, which might throw up a check engine light.
• Inspect the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid – Next up, a sticking or faulty solenoid can cause the check engine light to illuminate. You can try cleaning or replacing it, as it may resolve the issue.
• Check for Valve Body Wear – Elsewhere, a failing valve body can trigger transmission-related fault codes. Should the problem persist, I’d highly advise a professional inspection.
• Update the Transmission Control Module (TCM) – Once again, Ford has released numerous TCM updates that may fix certain transmission error codes. A dealership can reprogram the system if needed, which might be able to reset and turn off that check engine light.
• Monitor Transmission Fluid Condition – Alternatively, low or contaminated fluid can lead to shifting problems and error codes. You should always ensure that your car’s transmission fluid is at the proper level and is clean.

Repair & Replacement Costs

• OBD-II Scan & Diagnosis – This can sometimes be free at some auto parts stores, or around $100-$150 at a repair shop.
• TCC Solenoid Replacement – It ought to cost you around $300-$800, depending on labor and parts.
• Valve Body Replacement – Typically costing you approximately $1,000-$1,500, with labor included.
• TCM Software Update – This might be covered under warranty. Otherwise, it’ll set you back $100-$300 at a dealership.
• Transmission Fluid Flush & Refill – You should expect around $250-$400 for this, depending on the service provider.

Ford 10 Speed Transmission Problems (4) – Faulty Roll Pin Installation

Some models that were fitted with these Ford 10-speed 10R80 transmissions have been recalled since their launch due to customer concerns over the years. While researching the underlying faults with this transmission, Ford discovered that the roll pin was installed incorrectly during production. The 2018 Ford Expedition is one vehicle that was recalled.

You might be wondering what could go wrong if the installation during the manufacturing process is done incorrectly. Well, a car’s park function can be lost, according to tests. As a result, it can move even when parked, causing property damage and injuring or killing other road users. No doubt, the problem was so significant that recalls were necessary.

It all started with Ford releasing a statement in 2018. They stated that some models needed to be fixed due to faulty installation. Dealers examined the recalled vehicles to ensure that the roll pins were in the proper places. Drivers who needed roll pin adjustments and repairs were provided with the appropriate revisions and updates. All of this is done for free.

With all that in mind, if you believe that your Ford is affected by a faulty rolling pin installation, you should act quickly:

Possible Fixes & Repairs

• Check for Recalls – First up, you should quickly visit the NHTSA recall website or even Ford’s official recall page by entering your car’s VIN to see if your vehicle is affected.
• Schedule a Dealer Inspection – Now, if your vehicle is indeed under recall, Ford will inspect and repair the roll pin installation issue free of charge.
• Use the Parking Brake – It’s worth reminding you that until the issue is resolved, make sure to always engage the parking brake to prevent unintended vehicle movement.
• Inspect the Transmission Mechanism – Otherwise, if your vehicle isn’t under recall but it is still experiencing shifting issues, make sure to have a mechanic inspect the roll pin placement for possible misalignment.

Repair & Replacement Costs

• Recall Repairs – This should be completely free if your vehicle qualifies under the NHTSA’s and Ford’s recall program.
• Independent Inspection & Roll Pin Adjustment – It should cost you around $100-$300 at a transmission shop.
• Transmission Disassembly & Roll Pin Replacement – If your car is out of warranty, you should expect costs between $500-$1,200, depending on labor and parts.

Ford 10 Speed Transmission Problems (5) – Rattling Noises From The Transmission

This is a likely issue for owners of the 2017-2019 F-150s. Some owners have previously reported hearing a rattling noise when accelerating, starting, or shifting. Hearing any noise coming from under the hood is often enough to cause you to pull over to the side of the road. It gets even worse when you turn on the engine and then hear a loud bang.

Transmission slippage issues in the 2018 Ford F150 are also included. The noises from the engine have been described in a variety of ways. The descriptions, which range from sluggish starts to scratchy sounds, all point to an issue with the engine or transmission. Unfortunately, owners who bring their cars in for inspection do not receive the assistance they require.

Some dealerships dismiss the reports, claiming that such noises are to be expected from an engine. Most of the time, owners drive away right after being told to ignore the noises. And, that the engine or transmission is good. Ford has yet to issue a recall for autos that have similar problems. And this puts the majority of drivers in a dilemma, so be cautious.

Aside from that, if you notice any rattling noises from your Ford 10-speed automatic transmission, here’s what I think you should do:

Possible Fixes & Repairs

• Check Heat Shields & Exhaust Components – Loose heat shields or exhaust brackets can cause rattling. If so, a simple tightening or replacement may fix the issue.
• Inspect the Torque Converter – Besides that, a failing torque converter can produce those rattling or grinding noises. If the symptoms worsen, you should consider a replacement.
• Check for Loose Transmission Mounts – Worn or broken transmission mounts could also lead to excessive vibrations and noise, which requires you to replace them.
• Perform a Transmission Fluid Inspection – Dirty or low transmission fluid can cause rough operation and noises. You should always ensure that the transmission fluid is at the correct level and free from any metal debris.
• Software Update & TCM Reset – Moreover, some shifting irregularities can be resolved with a TCM update or reset, which may also reduce any peculiar noises that you might’ve heard.

Repair & Replacement Costs

• Heat Shield or Exhaust Fix – This should set you back approximately $50-$250, depending on part replacement.
• Torque Converter Replacement – It’ll be about $800-$2,000 for this repair, including the labor costs.
• Transmission Mount Replacement – A replacement is going to cost you around $150-$400, depending on labor rates.
• Transmission Fluid Change – Additionally, it’ll be around $250-$400 for a fluid flush at a service center.

Other Miscellaneous Problems With Ford’s 10-Speed Transmission

Aside from the ones we mentioned earlier, here are some other notable problems with a Ford 10-speed 10R80 transmission:

• Overheating transmission; as owners note significantly rising temperatures during long drives. Especially, when towing heavy loads.
• Failure to engage gears; is another common issue with Ford’s 10-speed transmissions. Owners note not being able to shift into gears properly, particularly in Drive or Reverse.
• Harsh downshifts; which is similar to what we noted earlier. But, this time, it’s specific to downshifts, where some experienced jolts or a “bang” when the 10R80 downshifts.
• Delayed shifts; with a noticeable amount of lag between the time you move the gear selector, and the moment the transmission actually shifts into gear.
• Shudder from the torque converter; mainly with the torque converter’s lock-up clutch. This can cause a shudder or vibration, typically between 30mph to 45mph.
• Transmission slipping; when the 10R80 fails to engage a gear properly. Or, it slips out of gear while driving, causing a loss of acceleration.
• Erratic shifting; is those moments when the transmission shifts unpredictably or at inappropriate times. This causes lurching or surging during acceleration.
• Difficulty shifting; some owners found that these Ford 10-speed transmissions had challenges in shifting gears. Mainly, when shifting from a stop or at low speeds.
• Transmission warning light; which could indicate various issues… Low transmission fluid, overheating, transmission slipping, etc.