10R80....Are they all ticking time bombs?

[RangerRog]

Since I'm new here, I see thread after thread of 10R80 horror stories, is it that bad? I have experienced 0 issues in 4 years and 15k miles, but the 5-60 is looming. Is it time to unload it on a 6G Ranger or a F150? ( which all have the 10R80)

With over 4,000,000 (4 million) 10R80's produced, and used in other Ford models too (like F150 and Expedition) since 2017, it's actually surprising how few have issues. Manufacturing such a precise and complex piece of machinery to be perfect every time is the problem. A small percent will have defects right from the factory. Increased maintenance schedules and not abusing them will contribute to longevity and lifespans. However, every now and then, someone gets a lemon. An inconsistent manufacturing defect can occur. Ford has addressed a common issue with that CDF drum and slipping bushing (mid 2022). However, there are still rare failures even on the newer ones. These forums greatly accentuate issues as most only complain with an issue. While, the multi-millions without issues are silent. Considering the huge millions of 10R80s on the road....surprisingly, Ford dealers see very few.

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[Ron L.]

Since I'm new here, I see thread after thread of 10R80 horror stories, is it that bad? I have experienced 0 issues in 4 years and 15k miles, but the 5-60 is looming. Is it time to unload it on a 6G Ranger or a F150? ( which all have the 10R80)

I ran my 2019 to over 85,000 miles before trading for a 2023 which is coming up on 60,000 miles and have had no problems with either. Maybe it's the way I drive or maybe I've been lucky. Take that for whatever it's worth.

 

[Trustable]

With over 4,000,000 (4 million) 10R80's produced, and used in other Ford models too (like F150 and Expedition) since 2017, it's actually surprising how few have issues. Manufacturing such a precise and complex piece of machinery to be perfect every time is the problem. A small percent will have defects right from the factory. Increased maintenance schedules and not abusing them will contribute to longevity and lifespans. However, every now and then, someone gets a lemon. An inconsistent manufacturing defect can occur. Ford has addressed a common issue with that CDF drum and slipping bushing (mid 2022). However, there are still rare failures even on the newer ones. These forums greatly accentuate issues as most only complain with an issue. While, the multi-millions without issues are silent. Considering the huge millions of 10R80s on the road....surprisingly, Ford dealers see very few.

You may very well be correct, but I think you are giving ford a bit too much credit. when mine ate it, the mechanic who worked on my truck told me they are doing 10+ 10r80 rebuilds on f150s a week, that’s a good amount in a county of less than 70k people IMO (considering they are not the only ford dealer in the county and not including rangers) Ford is also not always replacing the CDF drum if it is not damaged, which happened to mine and now is acting up again. I’m assuming a small section of the owners who had their 10r80s rebuilt also did not have it replaced and will be going back at some point if they keep the trucks.

Also, think of how many people have vehicles with 10r80s who do not maintain their vehicles and pay attention to them. I’d say roughly 75% of owners would not notice transmission problems until it’s far too late and to the point it leaves them stranded.

 

[JohnnyO]

Since I'm new here, I see thread after thread of 10R80 horror stories, is it that bad? I have experienced 0 issues in 4 years and 15k miles, but the 5-60 is looming. Is it time to unload it on a 6G Ranger or a F150? ( which all have the 10R80)

I have almost 110k on mine, never touched the trans or changed the fluid, and it's been fine.
Changing the fluid several times on my previous Ford truck didn't help it last so on this one I just figured I'd save money on fluid changes and change it whenever it breaks.

 

[duckmansheba]

Since I'm new here, I see thread after thread of 10R80 horror stories, is it that bad? I have experienced 0 issues in 4 years and 15k miles, but the 5-60 is looming. Is it time to unload it on a 6G Ranger or a F150? ( which all have the 10R80)

2020 XL, 60k miles and Zero problems. I am making an appointment for the first flush and fill next week

 

[Geoff100]

I thought the 10r80 problems were overblown, but then mine failed. Brought mine in for harsh delayed shifts when starting off in cold weather. Dealership confirmed transmission needs to be overhauled. 2022 40000 miles. Thankful that I have still have powertrain warranty.

 

[mrmike7189]

Now that Ford has moved on to the 10R60 transmission in all Rangers......will there still be issues?Hmm

 

[got3fords]

Now that Ford has moved on to the 10R60 transmission in all Rangers......will there still be issues?Hmm

As I am considering such a move to 6G, I wander the same thing.

 

[ctechbob]

Now that Ford has moved on to the 10R60 transmission in all Rangers......will there still be issues?Hmm

Probably. The valve body hasn't really changed and that is a big chunk of the problem.

 

[pbethel]

You may very well be correct, but I think you are giving ford a bit too much credit. when mine ate it, the mechanic who worked on my truck told me they are doing 10+ 10r80 rebuilds on f150s a week, that’s a good amount in a county of less than 70k people IMO (considering they are not the only ford dealer in the county and not including rangers)

Do the math. Each dealer is replacing 5,200+ a year?
Do all 70,000 in your county own Ford's with 10R80,s?

 

[FerdRanger]

Do the math. Each dealer is replacing 5,200+ a year?
Do all 70,000 in your county own Ford's with 10R80,s?

redo your math
520

 

[NotBudule2]

The number of ones that fail completely and get rebuilt/replaced versus the number of ones that just shift terrible from day one but Ford says they are fine is probably pretty high... im in the latter unfortunately and doubt mine will ever "fail" but it is by FAR the worst automatic transmission I've ever owned in my almost 50 years of driving...

 

[pbethel]

redo your math
520

Need to get my coffee before I let my fingers loose. Still. Ford has to love you guys.

 

[GhostStrykre]

Just drive it and enjoy it. Several forum members have noted on a variety of threads that there are “best practices” to get the best out of your transmission.

for me, this includes allowing the engine to heat up a bit. This trucks transmission fluid doesn’t like being cold. Accelerate that fluid drain and fill schedule (with a new filter). Those are what I consider the “mandatory” things.

everything else is extra peace of mind if you want.

if you get nervous and want to unload and move to another truck, I’m genuinely not sure where you go. Problems everywhere. last “bulletproof” trucks I can think of were like 2.5 gen tundras and mid 00s 2500 heavy duty gassers.

sounds to me like your truck has been good to you. If it’s all about money, it might be a good one to roll the dice on and keep longer term to save money. If you just want that new new, then fire away, baby.

 

[Rrrr-Anger19]

changing my fluid & filter when I installed a Mike's Build Dipstick and PPE pan it made a world of difference in everyday operation with fresh fluid and slightly more of it to aid in cooling.

All in it was about what your average price on a dealer drain & fill would charge $500 plus tax. If you plan on owning for the long haul I'd say its a smart investment making changing the fluid a very simple and less messy process. Having seen how thin even fresh ULV fluid is I'd consider dumping it for fresh probably every 15K miles... if it didn't smell so bad you'd swear it was kool-aid its so thin. Nothing like the tree sap I pour into my 1970 classic by comparison!

I'm no professional mechanic but even I can see the difference in build quality of vehicles over the years. That whole manufacturer life expectancy is very real, built into the little things like fluids, sensors, and build materials you don't normally see that just don't have the longevity of previous generational vehicles. Based on your use you have got to hawk those items or your sunk!

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