The Most Common Problems With Ford's 10-Speed Transmission

Co-developed by Ford and GM, the 10-speed automatic transmission family — including the 10R60, 10R80, and 10R140 — has been a backbone of Ford's modern lineup since late 2017, when it succeeded the long-serving 6R60, 6R80, and 6R140. 

The 10R60 is typically found in rear-wheel-drive-based SUVs like the Ford Explorer and the Bronco, while the heavy-duty 10R140 is reserved for Ford's Super Duty truck lineup. The most widely used of the three, the 10R80, powers high-volume models such as the Ford Mustang, F-150, Expedition, and more. In a teardown video, Flying Wrenches explains that the 10R60, 10R80, and 10R140 share nearly identical architecture with only minor differences, which is why we'll refer to them collectively as the 10R80 going forward for the sake of simplicity.

With such big shoes to fill, the 10R80 real-world performance and reliability have varied, and not always for the better. Not long after its adoption, numerous Ford owners complained about hard or delayed shifts, hesitation, or even weird noises and shuddering. Ultimately, it's rather clear that the 10R80 isn't perfect, and that's what we'll explore next.

Valve body issues have been some of the most common problems with the 10R80, often manifesting as hard and delayed shifts. Next Gen Drivetrain describes the valve body as "a huge cause of its demise," citing common failures like sticking solenoids within the valve body, cross-leaks, or just the internal wear and tear of the aluminum; which is known to sometimes warp and is generally less durable than the steel used in the 6R80 series.

According to MotorBiscuit, owners often experience transmission slippage, loss of drive, illuminated check engine lights, or even metal shavings in the fluid — symptoms typically associated with well-documented CDF clutch drum issues. This usually occurs when the bushing shifts out of place, which can interfere with the Teflon seal and eventually cause a massive drop in internal pressure within the transmission.

Torque converter problems have been a well-known problem with the earlier 6R80, and unfortunately, the 10R80 isn't immune to them either. According to Gears Magazine, during light acceleration, wear and tear or glazing on the torque converter clutch (TCC) can cause a vibration or rumbling sensation, which is often worsened by degraded fluid and can lead to inconsistent lockup. Owners have also reported problems with a high-pitched whine or grinding sound, especially when accelerating from a standstill or from first to second gear. These symptoms usually stem from within the converter and point to bearing failure or a damaged stator.

It is worth noting that Ford issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to address the aforementioned valve body problem, the most notable one being the TSB 23-2123 (April 2023). Ford instructed dealers first to reprogram the transmission and perform an adaptive learning drive cycle. If the problem persists, Ford instructs a full body overhaul, including replacing all of the seals, solenoids, and other internal components. While not one of the largest transmission recalls, Ford's 25V-164 recall (March 2025) still addresses valve body issues in select 2024–2025 models, which means that Ford's 10R80 valve body problems are far from over. 

Since CDF drum issues were also widespread and widely reported, Ford partially resolved these with the TSB 24-2254 (August 2024) for vehicles built after August 16, 2022, which included a redesign that prevents the bushing from moving and causing the Teflon seal to fail. With revised internal clearances, the new drum assembly properly maintains hydraulic pressure and does not allow for the Teflon to move out of place.

Ford addressed torque converter issues with TSB 20-2083 (March 2020), which recommends a complete torque converter replacement. The 10R80 has also been subject to various class action lawsuits, underscoring how widespread and dangerous some of the issues have become. While Ford did issue various TSBs and updates over the years, not everyone feels the problems have been addressed properly, leaving the long-term reliability legacy of the 10R80 rather uncertain.