10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,059 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2020 Ford F-150:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

Get free help with your lemon!
close ad
problem #58

Apr 162023

F-150

  • miles
The F150 was in a Park position while running in our driveway and lunged forward hitting our 2022 Toyota Highlander causing over $11,000 in damage on bother vehicles. ($1,428.69 Truck/ $9,000 estimate for Highlander). The vehicle was taken to Mooresville Ford on June 21, 2023 (earliest appointment available for this issue) to evaluate and repaired the transmission and transaxle. (Currently a class-action lawsuit was filed (Orndorff, et al. V Ford Motor Company concerning this same issue). We believe either this malfunction caused the F150 to unexpectedly lunge forward or another malfunction caused the F150 to lunge forward. We called Ford Headquarters and was told to file a claim with our insurance company. Very Unresponsive! We recently discovered a recall "where a partially seated clip may allow the transmission to be in a gear stated different from the gearshift position selected by the driver. this could allow the drive to move the shifter to Park and removed the ignition key, without the transmission gear actually being in Park. The vehicle could move unintentionally. (Article by Jimmy Dinsmore, April 7, 2020 in Torguenews.com). Also, in some cases the complainants have reported the gearbox slip and enter Park from Drive, stalling the engine. This issue has also caused the truck to lunge forward, causing unintended acceleration. (Article in Carhp.com March 9, 2022). We strongly believe one of the above named issues caused our vehicle to lunge forward causing over $11,000 worth of damage and would like to be reimbursed. We have had no luck with Ford and would like help from you.

- Mooresville, NC, USA

problem #57

Jun 142023

F-150

  • miles
My 2020 Ford F-150 with the 10R80 transmission has been involved in transmission failures on multiple occasions. The last 2 incidents nearly resulted in car accidents. I had complete power failure while moving through an intersection and was narrowly avoided by another vehicle that thankfully was able to steer clear of my decelerating truck. I would have been hit on the driver side at around 45 mph. my vehicle rolled to a stop after hitting the curb on the other side of the road. I then sat with the truck off for 5 minutes, then turned it back on, got power back, and drove straight to the dealership. Lights flickered on the screen indicators saying "Pre Collision off, wrench light on, and complete loss of the gear screen." Ford had the truck for 2 weeks and replaced the transmission wiring harness saying there was a loose connection. The day after I picked the truck up I was accelerating from a stopped position at a light. Around 7th gear and around 45 mph the entire truck suddenly downshifted into 1st gear with a loud bang causing me to launch forward. It almost felt like my truck hit something as I went from 45 mph to about 20 mph in one second. The vehicle behind me honked his horn, slammed on his brakes, and swerved around me into the other lane - another accident narrowly avoided. I pulled over shut the truck down, turned it back on and drove some 10 miles never going over 40 mph. The wrench light was on. The drive modes were unavailable. The gear shift screen was gone. I was not able to get more than 3,000 rpms while driving giving me very little acceleration. Ford currently has the vehicle again. I am terrified to get back in this truck. There appears to be NO SOLUTION to the problems and I simply can't risk my life or someone else's by taking a chance of driving this truck again. Ford knows there are transmission problems. They are unable to solve it. I do not know what to do as I still have $44,000 to pay it off.

- Clover, SC, USA

problem #56

Sep 282022

F-150

  • miles
My check engine light came on. Vehicle would not operate. Checked oil and it was down over 5 quarts of oil but I still had 2,000 miles until oil change was needed. Took to Hiller Ford with excessive oil consumption complaint. New oil dipstick, oil plug, oil change, and reprogrammed PCM. Returned at later date with same issue. Was told to monitor oil levels and sent on my way. Returned to Hiller at a later date with even faster consumption than earlier visits. Was told I had to pay for oil change and come back in 2,000 miles. At 1,000 miles engine sounded rough so I returned to Hiller Ford who agreed the oil was low. They topped off oil abs told me to come back in another 1,000 miles. 500 miles later I checked oil and barely appeared on the dipstick. I returned to Hiller Ford who agreed my truck was consuming oil faster than it should per Ford specs. Hiller kept my vehicle and ran compression test and then scoped my motor to observe damages. Hiller said that I needed a new motor and it falls under warranty and has been approved by Ford. They then followed up with the new motor would not be available for 18 months. I was told that no rental reimbursement allowance and that I'd have to operate my non conformity vehicle for 18 months. Operating this vehicle is unsafe and is prone to cause damage to other components of the vehicle. Engine could over heat causing its to seize or even start on fire. The increased emissions are not only bad for the environment but would decrease fuel efficiency and be very costly having to add a quart of oil every 500 miles.

- Hales Corners , WI, USA

problem #55

May 112023

F-150

  • miles
After heavy rain storms in Colorado water started pouring through the passenger side floorboard of my vehicle. I pulled off the molding by the doors, the wires were buried in water, then I started getting a powertrain error. This is the second time that I have received the power train error, although the dealership is telling me that they cannot find a problem. I am also being told that TSB 19-2345 does not apply to my Vin although it seems to be ant least part of issue. My carpet is now musty and I cannot seem to get it to dry as the leak continues.

- Castle Rock, CO, USA

problem #54

Apr 012023

F-150

  • 59,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. Additionally, the vehicle was jerking and vibrating while attempting to accelerate with the "Check Manual" message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000.

- Harker Heights, TX, USA

problem #53

May 142023

F-150

  • miles
When I put my truck in gear from park it makes a loud banging noise. Also, my transmission makes loud noises when shifting into various gears. When using cruise control the other day the transmission violently jerked my truck as it was downshifting. I thought the transmission was going to break. I've taken it to the dealership multiple times and they say the transmission has "slack" in it. No fix for it while it. I have about 38,000 miles on it and this has been happening more frequently but it started at about 10,000 miles. No matter what driving mode I'm in the transmission just doesn't shift properly. Please do something about this as Ford doesn't think there is a problem when clearly there is.

- Mountain Home , AR, USA

problem #52

May 122023

F-150

  • miles
while I was driving, all of a sudden I noticed no power was going to the engine, I pushed on the gas pedal and nothing happened. The truck stalled, I quickly pull over to a safe spot, and turn the engine off. Dash had lit up with "Auto Startstop feature needing me to put the truck in park and restart the engine" scary as it lost power while driving which thankfully I was able to pull over to a safe spot.

- Fairfield, OH, USA

problem #51

Apr 052023

F-150

  • 47,242 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on various occasions and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced hard shifting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced, and it was advised to be taken to a local dealer for further diagnosis and repairs. The local dealer was made aware; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,242.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #50

Apr 192023

F-150

  • miles
When putting vehicle in gear transmission makes a loud clunk when shifted from Park to Drive. Vehicle also makes loud banging noise when shifting, followed by a harsh jerk. When coming to slow stops does the same thing. Vehicle has 40,000 miles. It has been going on from the day I bought it. Was told this is normal which does not seem right. I have owned another 2018 F150 with 6 speed transmission and had no issues.

- Arnold, MO, USA

problem #49

Mar 132023

F-150

  • miles
The truck has the 10 speed automatic transmission that doesn-€™t shift correctly it sticks in a gear to a high rpm then shifts really hard

- Blandinsville, IL, USA

problem #48

Feb 012023

F-150

  • miles
Ten Speed transmission shifts very roughly and often has a loud cluck accompanied by vibration when shifting in the mid-range gears. Also will "lurch" when shifting gears under light acceleration

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #47

Jun 012022

F-150

  • miles
Gear shifting is harsh and erratic. Seems to be lower gears more than higher. Seems to occur more frequently when cold or recent start but is happening more frequently each passing week. Often shifting from P or R to D does not shift to 1st gear and when pressing accelerator engine revs like in N and then will Jenk into gear. Occasionally when at drive speeds will feel the gears not engage like in a passing or acceleration shifts very hard or misses gear with no forward acceleration.

- Grafton, WI, USA

problem #46

Dec 302022

F-150

  • miles
Transmission failure. This truck has been at the local dealership since December 30, 2022 and had 3 transmissions installed. These are the 10 speed transmissions. The truck was shifting hard, accelerating on its own and sometimes had no power then started leaking transmission fluid to the amount of blowing white smoke from the rear of the vehicle. They have replaced the transmission, torque converter, and pump. The latest attempt to fix it is to replace the transmission cooler. Unknown at this time if that repair will resolve the issues.

- Vian, OK, USA

problem #45

Jan 172023

F-150

  • miles
Ford 10 Speed Transmission Problems Rough Shifting, sluggish gear changes, shifted gears randomly, and into neutral. Its a safety concern especially on freeways and highways.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #44

Jan 022023

F-150

  • miles
The vehicle has an automated 10 speed transmission that hesitates, bangs, and, at times, jerks as it is shifting. On Jan 2, 2023, the vehicle paused in an intersection as if it shifted into neutral. While intermittent, the hesitation and bangs are more frequently noticeable while shifting occurs from 7th to 8th gear. I have also noticed hesitation and banging when the vehicle shifts from 4th to 3rd gear, but not as often as 7th to 8th. There have been no indicator lights or messages from the dashboard display indicating a problem. There are several articles, and some class actions suits regarding the same issues with respect to Ford's 10-speed transmission. My vehicle has not been recalled for this issue. I have called the dealership on Jan 4, 2023 to make arrangements for them to analyze the issue.

- Severn, MD, USA

problem #43

Dec 012021

F-150

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and shifting between gears, the vehicle experienced hard shifts. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the transmission downshifted independently. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

- Camp Creek, WV, USA

problem #42

Nov 212022

F-150

  • 79,600 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine was knocking, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown software needed to be updated and the failure was related to an unknown Ford Technical Service Bulletin Number. The unknown software update was completed at the contact's expense. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 79,600.

- Ruskin, FL, USA

problem #41

Oct 312022

F-150

  • miles
The 10-speed automatic transmission started to hard downshift into 3rd gear causing the truck to lunge forward, and then shutter in 7th gear causing the truck to slow down while driving without warning. That progressed to lunging forward while the truck was being started, and then finally began to shift from 10th to 1st gear without warning while driving both at typical street speeds and also highway speeds. Until this week, while driving on the highway the transmission went into neutral and would no longer engage. This is after a dealer reprogrammed to the computer and an "overhaul" of several components in the transmission. My safety was really put at risk when the transmission would shift from 10th to 1st randomly, and when the transmission stopped working completely while I was driving on the highway. The problem was reproduced while driving with the dealer shop foreman, and he confirmed with the service advisor that all gear and gear shifting was messed up and the transmission needed immediate repair. No dealers within a 40mile radius (South Houston) were available to perform the work, and I was advised to keep driving the truck until an appointment was available in several weeks. No warnings were present until the transmission finally stopped working. All previous paperwork for repairs completed to date are in the truck, which is currently being repaired again. When I get the truck back I can upload repair documents.

- Galveston, TX, USA

problem #40

Sep 012022

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission makes high whining / high pitch noise when accelerating at low speed from 3rd gear all the way to 8th gear (10 speed transmission). It occurs when at low RPM but has also occured when at higher RPM. During this high pitch noise, you can hear from 150ft away and is to the point where if it is constantly happening, windows cannot be down due to piercing noise. Noise can also be heard loud and clear through cab of truck when windows are up. I have real concern this could cause issues down the road on the transmissions longevity and durability. Tis nosie occurs from roughly 15MPH to 55MPH

- Standish, ME, USA

problem #39

Sep 012022

F-150

  • miles
I purchased my 2020 f150 5.0 4x4 in July 2022, I noticed the transmission having a slight change in shifting that that car salesman reassured me that it-€™s common with this year and model I took his word for it. Since than the truck and the shifting has gotten gradually worse from shifting to drive and into reverse the truck has slammed into gear on 3 occasions, up shift rough as well as down shift. My 2004 f150 has smoother gears and shifted with ease. I-€™ve contacted Omeara Ford of Thornton, Co where I purchased the truck from and there saying that they would need to get the truck into do a diagnostic and that their 3 months out. This doesn-€™t sit with me well as I-€™ve purchased the power train warranty and service contract and now if my truck brakes down I-€™m responsible?! I need to feel that my 50k truck is going to last and do what I need to do in order to make a living for myself and my family these 10 speed transmission need to be replaced in all the f150 newer models I am looking into the class action lawsuit

- Westminster , CO, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »