2020 Ford F-350 Sd Powertrain (other) Problems

The transmission began malfunctioning by having hard shifting issues and losing power in some gears. An indicator on the dash lit up resembling a mechanics open-end wrench. Research online showed that the vehicle should not be driven and taken immediately to a mechanic or dealership. If driven especially pulling a heavy load like the fifth wheel that I bought the truck to tow the transmission could fail causing a serious safety issue. I immediately took the vehicle to a certified Ford dealership. At the dealership they informed me that parts in the transmission had failed and that it was the same exact condition as shown in recall 20S33. The noted recall was for trucks manufactured in January and February of 2020. My truck was manufactured March of 2020. The time warranty had expired for the vehicle but the mileage warranty was for 60,000 mi and the truck failed at $29,800. The transmission failed due to a manufacturing defect but I was billed over $9,800 for the repair. I have attached photos of the work order and receipt.

NHTSA ID

11747751

Incident

May 30, 2026

This is a supplemental complaint to ODI Number 11730675 filed on April 16 2026. I am adding the following critical information: I am filing this complaint in relation to Ford's NHTSA Consent Order regarding recall compliance. My 2020 F-350 VIN [XXX] was built at Kentucky Truck Plant in March 2020 — within the exact production window of Safety Recall 22S22. My transmission has failed with the exact defect mechanism described in 22S22. My VIN was excluded from the recall FSA list despite matching build date, plant, and identical failure mode. I am requesting this complaint be reviewed in the context of Ford's consent order obligations regarding proper recall scope. Ford Customer Care Case Number: XXX-XXX." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11731728

Incident

Oct 21, 2024

Vehicle experienced sudden, unexpected downshifting and loss of gear engagement while driving. On multiple occasions the transmission slipped out of gear without warning, including while attempting to pull into traffic, creating an immediate life-threatening safety hazard. Vehicle was unable to maintain gear selection and would unexpectedly lose drive power. These failures match the exact defect described in NHTSA recall 22V256000

NHTSA ID

11730675

Incident

Apr 10, 2024

I am the owner of a 2020 Ford F‑350 equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine. My vehicle is subject to an open safety recall, NHTSA 24V957, involving the high‑pressure fuel system. I have been informed by an authorized Ford dealer that there is currently no effective repair remedy available. While I have not experienced loss of power, my vehicle has exhibited abnormal transmission shifting behavior beginning around 40,000 miles. This concern was documented by the dealer and described as normal operation. The condition persisted and was documented again around 60,000 miles, although the dealer stated they could not replicate the issue. Given the unresolved safety recall and ongoing powertrain behavior, I am concerned about vehicle safety, drivability, and long‑term reliability, and I am submitting this complaint to document the risk before a safety‑related failure occurs.

NHTSA ID

11725831

Incident

Mar 9, 2024

Truck started jerking and shifting hard when driving. Contacted ford and they said that they needed to do a software update. Did the software update and it got extremely worse not wanting to shift into gear. Take the truck to ford in November to have fixed said I needed a new tranny. My extended warranty approves a used one they put it in same thing happening. Send that one back and put another one in same issue with that tranny. It is now March and they cant find another used tranny to fix my truck. After reading many things online it comes down to the CDF drum the bushing/sleeve moves inside the drum. Ford is aware of this issue and has upgraded/revised a drum. Why is this not a recall issue?

NHTSA ID

11723233

Incident

Nov 20, 2025

Driving the vehicle at highway speeds (around 55mph). Driver hear a loud hum, lost power and needed to pull over. The rear axle housing grenaded and twisted the pinion clean off the rear axle. The truck was loaded with tools and pulling a trailer. However this load was well within the GVWR of the vehicle

NHTSA ID

11715544

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

I own a 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty (VIN: [XXX] , mileage: ~20,000). The vehicle is subject to a recall involving the transmission output planetary four assembly replacement. Ford and the dealer insist that the transmission must be disassembled and rebuilt to complete this recall. I do not agree with this solution because it permanently alters the integrity of the original transmission. Additionally, the dealer (Route 23 Auto Mall, Butler NJ) has repeatedly mishandled repairs, including installing the fuel filter incorrectly multiple times. I have opened several case numbers with Ford Customer Service: Recall Case No: [XXX](02/02/2024) Fuel filter dealer error: [XXX] (01/06/2025), [XXX] (01/15/2025), [XXX] (08/26/2025) Transmission recall follow-up: [XXX] (02/25/2025) Buyback case (denied): [XXX] (03/04/2025) Despite multiple cases, Ford refused to buy back the vehicle because it is registered under a company name. This is unfair and leaves me with a defective and unsafe vehicle. I request NHTSA to investigate this recall and require Ford to provide a new transmission replacement instead of a rebuild, and to review Ford’s handling of dealer errors and warranty obligations. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11687547

Incident

Feb 2, 2024

Transmission jerking hard down shift cause stalling Did update less then 100k miles on truck and now back doing it again

NHTSA ID

11682626

Incident

Aug 23, 2025

Our 2020 Ford F-350 experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure while in motion. The driveline disconnected, the rear axle locked up, and the transmission bellhousing was destroyed—leaving the truck completely immobile and blocking traffic. This occurred with no prior warning and posed a significant crash risk. At the time, Ford Safety Recall 22S22 (related to a known defect in the transmission’s output planetary four assembly) was open and had not yet been completed. The symptoms and failure we experienced match the failure scenario described in Ford's own bulletin for 22S22: driveline separation, internal transmission damage, and loss of control or Park function. Ford has denied coverage, stating the failure was due to a "loose pinion flange nut" and unrelated to the recall. However, they have not provided any inspection documentation, photos, or evidence that the recalled components were properly inspected or ruled out as the root cause. We have repeatedly requested this documentation from both Ford and the dealership, but neither has provided it. We are concerned that the failure was caused by the exact defect identified in Recall 22S22, and that Ford is failing to take responsibility or follow full recall procedures—including post-failure inspection and transparency. We are requesting that NHTSA investigate this case as a potential mishandling of a known safety defect and failure to comply with recall responsibilities.

NHTSA ID

11672073

Incident

Jun 16, 2025

My 2022 F350 transmission went in and out of gear driving down the high way It would slam in gear and cause a u. Safe driving condition . The dealer wants to rebuild it for the second time in two years or 40,000 miles sad the ten speed had issues Ford does not really want to help Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11669013

Incident

Jun 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that an unknown part inside the transmission was defective, and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession and had yet to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11658905

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

Mileage

120,000 mi

Transmission lunges forward or reverse when placed into gear from park. Transmission fails to shift or hard shifts while moving through low range. Shifting is soft or prolonged in some higher range with a noticeable lag.

NHTSA ID

11658617

Incident

May 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V536000 (Power Train) and 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V536000 (Power Train). VIN tool confirms parts not available for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel).

NHTSA ID

11656503

Incident

Jul 15, 2021

CDF cylinder failure in transmission leading to multiple hard shifts that could cause loss of traction and slick roads.

NHTSA ID

11637767

Incident

Dec 19, 2024

The transmission slips and hard shifts. I honestly believe the dealership knew and sold it to us knowing since we found out afterwards it's a known issue and in the bulletin about the truck.

NHTSA ID

11631995

Incident

Dec 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shifted abnormally hard from first gear to second gear and from second gear to third gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the dealer had found metal shavings in the transmission oil. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B03. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11623096

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while placing the vehicle in park (P), he observed that the vehicle was rolling back. Additionally, the vehicle was shifting to a lower gear unintentionally. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V256000 (Power Train) The manufacturer was informed of the failure but had advised the contact that his VIN was not part of the vehicle VIN selection. The failure mileage was approximately 69,500.

NHTSA ID

11619841

Incident

Oct 2, 2024

Mileage

69,500 mi

My 2020 Ford F-350 has had an occasional problem with the transmission since shortly after I purchased it. It started with sticking in gear occasionally to the point where the engine RPM's would stay very high but not shift even when pushing the accelerator even more. It just would not come out of it. The dealer didn't find any issue and the issue subsided a bit, but in the last 6-8 months, it has noticeably shifted hard into drive, but not when shifting into reverse. Putting it in drive even with the brake depressed hard to the floor, it jolts forward and shakes the entire truck. When downshifting, it sometimes does it so hard that it feels like a vehicle hit the rear of the truck. There is nothing smooth about this truck with the behavior this transmission is showing. I changed the fluid and filter 6 weeks ago and it's the same. It also occasionally revs up when accelerating as you turn a corner and it "catches." I am mostly a daily driver that occasionally tows a boat or snowmobile trailer. Non-commercial user.

NHTSA ID

11616287

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V536000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and a secondary dealer, Galpin Ford (15505 Roscoe Blvd, North Hills, CA 91343); were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11611187

Incident

Aug 27, 2024

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH MY TRANSMISSION. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN POTEAU, OKLAHOMA. I WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS THE TRANSMISSIONS THAT WERE ON A RECALL LIST, YET MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT ONE ON THE LIST. I DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD IN 2022 TIMEFRAME, BUT WAS NOT HAVING ISSUES AT THE TIME I RECEIVE THE NOTICE. ON AUGUST 15, 2024, I CONTACTED FORD HEADQUARTERS AND WAS TOLD... "YOUR VEHICLE DOES INDEED FIT THE CRITERIA OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, BUT YOUR VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON THE LIST OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. WE CANNOT TELL YOU WHY YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT ON THAT LIST, BUT I WOULD SUGGESTED THAT YOU CONTACT (NHTSA) AND ASK FOR YOUR VIN BE ADDED TO THE LIST. I RECOMMEND YOU DO THAT AS SOON AS WE HANG UP." THE MOMENT I ENDED THE CALL WITH FORD HEADQUARTERS, I CONTACT A REPRESENTATIVE WITH (NHTSA) AS RECOMMENDED. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THE FIRST STEP, TO FILE A CLAIM. SO THATS WHERE IM AT NOW. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THAT MY VIN NUMBER BE ADDED TO THE LIST OF RECALLS ON THE DOCUMENT ATTACHED, SEEING MY TRUCK FITS ALL ASPECTS OF THE CURRENT RECALL. THANK YOU AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY! MY VEHICLE: F350- SUPER DUTY MODEL YEAR: 2020 MANUFACTURING PLANT : KENTUCKY BUILD DATE: MAY 2020 ENGINE TYPE: 6.7L DIESEL ENGINE TRANSMISSION TYPE: 10R140 TRANSMISSION VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11608946

Incident

Aug 6, 2024

Ford 10R140 Transmission Issues: Transmission has harsh engagement, clunks and slams into gear. Transmission gets stuck in between gears while in motion at all speeds while driving on city streets or on the freeway. Transmission LURCHES forward when shifting from park into drive even when applying the brake and when the parking brake is engaged. This transmission is UNSAFE and UNRELIABLE!!!!

NHTSA ID

11597830

Incident

Mar 26, 2024

The contact owned a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, towing a boat he heard a loud popping noise. The contact stated that the rear wheels were locked in place, and skid. The vehicle whiplashed and the right side of the vehicle collided with the guard rail and came to a stop and inspected. The contact observed condensation under the middle and rear of the vehicle and the drive shaft lying on the ground. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. No medical attention was needed. The vehicle was towed to a lot where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID

11594892

Incident

Jun 17, 2024

Mileage

45,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at various speed, the transmission was slipping while downshifting and upshifting. The contact also stated that there was a hard shift, and the vehicle would lose motive power and lunge forward. The wrench warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer representative went to the residence to perform a software update however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ID

11577440

Incident

Feb 10, 2024

Mileage

113,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the transmission shifted excessively hard. The vehicle had previously been taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated prior to the vehicle becoming undriveable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11577337

Incident

Jan 2, 2023

Mileage

60,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted and the vehicle lost motive power. After the failure, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program 21B03. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11560698

Incident

Nov 26, 2023

Mileage

75,000 mi