10R80 10-Speed: years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The 10R80 is the 10-speed automatic Ford co-developed with GM, launched in the 2017 F-150 with the 3.5 EcoBoost and later used in the Mustang, Expedition, Navigator, Ranger and Bronco. It uses adaptive shift learning. The one thing to know: harsh or erratic shifting is the most common complaint and has been the subject of class actions.

Ford and General Motors jointly developed a family of 10-speed rear-drive automatics; Ford’s version for half-ton trucks and the Mustang is the 10R80. It first went into the 2017 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost and spread across most rear-drive Ford models from 2018. It is built at Ford’s Livonia, Michigan transmission plant, with additional production at Sharonville, Ohio.

The transmission continuously adapts its shift timing to the vehicle and driver. Ford notes that after a reset — for example after a PCM update — the relearning process can cause firmer than normal shifts for several days.

10R80 10-Speed at a glance

Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission: model years, fuel and peak Ford-published output
EngineModel yearsFuelPeak hpPeak torque (lb-ft)Documented problemsRecalls
Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission2017–presentGasoline——26

CarWhere lists 2 documented problems and 6 NHTSA recalls for the 10R80 10-Speed, each with a source.

10R80 10-Speed specifications

10R80 10-Speed: design facts (2017–present)
SpecificationValue
Gear ratios (1–10)4.696, 2.985, 2.146, 1.769, 1.520, 1.275, 1.000, 0.854, 0.689, 0.636[1]
Reverse4.866[1]
Overall ratio spread7.39[1]
BuiltLivonia Transmission Plant, Michigan (also Sharonville, Ohio from 2018)[1]
Shift strategyAdaptive; relearns after reset and may shift firmly for several days[2]

Which Fords have the 10R80 10-Speed?

Ford models and model years offered with the 10R80 10-Speed
ModelModel yearsNotes
F-1502017–present3.5 EcoBoost only for 2017; most engines from 2018
Mustang2018–present
Expedition / Lincoln Navigator2018–present
Ranger2019–present
Bronco2021–presentAutomatic models

10R80 10-Speed problems and what to check

Harsh, erratic or delayed shifting (2017–present)

Moderate

Owners have reported clunky, jerky or delayed shifts, and several class actions over 10R80-equipped vehicles have been filed, with mixed results; some were dismissed or narrowed. Ford service information notes the transmission’s adaptive strategy can produce firmer shifts while it relearns after a reset, and many cases are addressed with software updates.[3][4][2]

Symptoms

  • Hard 1–2 or 2–3 upshifts or clunky downshifts at low speed
  • Hesitation or a lunge when accelerating from a stop

Check before buying

  • Drive in light stop-and-go traffic and feel for clunks at low-speed shifts
  • Ask whether the transmission or PCM software has been updated
  • Run the VIN for open transmission recalls

False low-pressure code shifts to neutral (2021 F-150) (2021)

Major repair

On certain 2021 F-150s, a falsely set low transmission fluid pressure code could make the transmission shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power. Ford recalled the trucks under 22V-188 and later recalled some again under 25V-169 because earlier repairs were done incorrectly.[5]

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of drive with the transmission in neutral
  • Transmission warning message

Check before buying

  • Confirm recalls 22V-188 and 25V-169 are complete on the VIN

10R80 10-Speed recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 10R80 10-Speed (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
17V-6712017-102017 F-150 with 10-speed transmissionThe pin connecting the shift linkage to the transmission could come out, so the transmission would not respond to the shift lever.
18V-2132018-042017–2018 F-150, 2018 Expedition, Mustang, Navigator with 10-speedA missing roll pin could cause loss of the Park function and rollaway risk.
20V-1972020-042020 Ranger and F-150 with 10-speed; some 2020 Expedition police modelsShift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, so actual gear may not match the selected gear.
22V-1882022-032021 F-150A false low-fluid-pressure fault could shift the transmission into neutral unexpectedly.
23V-0702023-022022–2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco; 2023 Aviator (automatic)A loose bolt could prevent the transmission from engaging Park even though Park is displayed.
25V-1642025-032024–2025 F-150, Bronco; 2024 Ranger; 2025 Mustang, Explorer, AviatorIncorrectly machined valve body could cause reverse failure or unexpected movement in reverse or neutral.

10R80 10-Speed issues by model

The same engine shows up on these Ford known-issues pages, with model-specific details.

Related Ford research

Confirm a truck or car really has the 10R80 10-Speed.

Engine, transmission and axle options are recorded against the VIN. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Ford VIN into its factory record — powertrain, equipment groups and options as built. $9.99, instant.

Ford build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What vehicles have the 10R80 transmission?

The F-150 (2017 on), Mustang (2018 on), Expedition and Lincoln Navigator (2018 on), Ranger (2019 on) and automatic Bronco models (2021 on), among others. The 2017 F-150 used it only with the 3.5 EcoBoost.

What are the common 10R80 problems?

Harsh, jerky or delayed shifts are the most common complaint and have led to class actions. Recalls have covered shift-linkage pins, Park engagement, a false neutral shift on 2021 F-150s and a mismachined valve body on some 2024–2025 vehicles.

Why does my F-150 10-speed shift hard?

The 10R80 uses adaptive learning, and Ford notes it can shift firmly for several days after a reset while it relearns. Persistent harsh shifts should be checked for software updates and open recalls.

Is the 10R80 made by GM?

Ford and GM co-developed the 10-speed family, but each company builds its own versions. Ford’s 10R80 is built at Ford plants in Livonia, Michigan and Sharonville, Ohio.

Sources

Ratings are Ford-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Ford–GM 10-speed automatic transmission — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  2. TSB 19-2365: 5.0L – Excessive Oil Consumption (2018–2020 F-150) — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  3. O’Connor v. Ford Motor Co., 683 F. Supp. 3d 793 (N.D. Ill. 2023) — U.S. District Court, N.D. Illinois
  4. Ford F-150 10R80 Transmission Lawsuit Survives Partial Dismissal — Ford Authority
  5. NHTSA Recalls API — recalls by vehicle (Ford) — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company. Ford, Power Stroke, EcoBoost, Coyote and the model names are trademarks of their owner.