Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
63,966 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2010 Ford F-150 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2010 Ford F-150:

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

2010 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #61

Dec 192018

F-150

  • 139,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Takata recall. When pulling out into traffic on a very busy highway as the on coming traffic speed limit is 50mph, I'm pulling out on the highway with a safe distance between cars on this busy road as I accelerated my 2010 F150 FX4 super crew cab "with my family in the truck I might add" the truck just down shifts and it slams me and my family forward "like I hit a tree going 30mph" the truck shuts off completely and a symbol of a wrench pops up on the dashboard. With no power steering, no power breaks, no way to safely move the truck off the road at this point due to the traffic I was trying to avoid was passing me going at least 50mph almost getting rear ended by several cars and semi trucks, I push the flashers on and pray that nothing bad happens and coast until the truck finally comes to a stop after about 30-45 seconds. I get out of the truck after the group of vehicles pass by and inspected to see if the engine or transmission was blown up or leaking fluid and nothing at this point so I'm stressed out because my family and I could have very well died and there is no proof of this when I restarted the truck no symbols was present when inspected by a mechanic. I keep telling the mechanic that it has no power any more, it sooooo sluggish I can't even drive the truck much anymore, only on short trips to the store. We had to cancel or vacation and cancel the purchase of a camper for our vacation. I'm sorry but if Ford was a real symbol of safety and security of its owners this would have never happened in the first place. This needs to be fixed asap!!!

- Churubusco, IN, USA

problem #60

Aug 102010

F-150

  • miles
Transmission or torque converter causes the truck to shakes and shudder. It also down shifts and is a kicking feeling. At times feeling like someone has rear ended ya. Throws head back it's so violent. The shaking and shuddering typically starts at around 38-54 mph. Then for no reason at different speeds up to 80 mph. Anytime there is a uphill grade it constantly downshifts and shakes even more. The shudders are so violent the mirrors can't be used to see anything. I can feel it in my teeth. This happens on city streets and on the highway. Have taken in several times for this problem since it was new. Even when talking on bluetooth phone- others have said they could hear it over the phone. Ford has refused and never fixed this problem and told me this is normal for the transmission to protect itself. What bs. I've never had a vehicle that did this on purpose. There are thousands of complaints about this from before 2010. Why isn't my year model truck covered and those before mine?? now there's a recall for this very thing for 2011-2013 year models. My truck is dangerous and a pain in the butt to drive. Ford needs to fix all of the vehicles produced with this problem not just 3 years. 🤬 I'm doing this on my phone. I have records and if needed you can come drive with me and see for yourself. Sure hope me or one of my family members doesn't get hurt driving this truck because of this crap. Sorry, really pissed that Ford is going to continue to get away with screwing folks over. Happens from 2010- to present. (2019)

- Watauga, TX, USA

problem #59

Feb 092019

F-150

  • 151,000 miles
My transmission downshifts at very wrong times causing major jerking and sudden deceleration. It doesn't happen all the time. It is random but it has done it atleast 3 times.

- Jacksonville, IL, USA

problem #58

Jul 092011

F-150

  • 4,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 10-15 mph, the vehicle downshifted from second to first gear on its own. The vehicle was taken to thayer Ford (located at 18039 N dixie hwy, bowling green, oh 43402, (888) 440-5271) where it was diagnosed that the power train control module software needed to be updated. The software was updated, but the failure recurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,000.

- Perrysburg, OH, USA

problem #57

Sep 012017

F-150

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. While driving between 30 to 40 mph, the contact felt a vibration. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

- Hueytown, AL, USA

problem #56

Jun 012016

F-150

  • 70,821 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle's rear axle seized and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle hesitated when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the spider gear was replaced; however, the failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 70,821.

- Parkville, MD, USA

problem #55

Apr 272018

F-150

  • 175,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle downshifted abruptly without warning or indication at 75mph on the highway locking the rear tires causing the vehicle to spin out of control almost rolling over and making contact with other vehicles traveling at high rates of speed. The vehicle was diagnostically checked and inspected at a Ford service center. They indicated that there was no mechanical or electrical failure to repair. The truck currently operates in the same manner as it did prior to the transmission downshifting. In my opinion, the vehicle exhibits the same failure mode that Ford fixed under recall 16S19. This design flaw is extremely life threatening and hazardous. I have parked my vehicle. I contacted Ford 4 times and even though that 1 individual from Ford did indicate that my vehicle was indeed affected by the design flaw associated with the 16S19 recall, it was not on the "list" of vehicles to be recalled so it will not be fixed due to a VIN number selection methodology that he didn't disclose. I have no way to fix the vehicle. The reason is because new software must be flashed on the power train control module in order to remove the design flaw and I have no way to know if the new software on the PCM that was developed for F150S through years 2011 - 2013 is compatible with the 2010 F150S and Ford will not allow you to talk to any technical reps to determine if that is possible. The dealership service technicians cannot determine system software compatibility either and are extremely risk adverse to doing anything that was not approved by Ford considering the safety implications of this problem. This vehicle and others like it are just ticking time bombs on the highway. Mine will be parked until something is done by NHTSA or Ford.

- Columbia, MD, USA

problem #54

Apr 052018

F-150

  • 40,785 miles
While driving down the road engine shut off. When slowing down to make a turn, engine will shut off. And I rolled across intersection, lost brakes and steering. In motion most of the time. On city streets.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

problem #53

Jan 282017

F-150

  • 124,000 miles
Bulkhead switch leaking transmission fluid.

- Clarks Summit, PA, USA

problem #52

Jan 102018

F-150

  • 87,300 miles
Cab leaks after rain can be a mold issue some time when turning going off curbs or hitting months you hear a banging noise the driveshaft it will pop when take off I had it grease by Ford little bit better once in awhile still does. All this still go

- Mims, FL, USA

problem #51

Jan 192017

F-150

  • 85,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission slips out of gear at times. Occasionally it downshifts and the truck slows down fast, other times it feels like it just slips out of gear altogether into neutral, then the engine rpms go high and the truck slows down. Both times, when the transmission goes back into gear, it creates a large thump sound and the truck jumps, occasionally spinning my tires. This happens both while driving on the road and while driving from a stop sign/light and has happened multiple times since I have owned the truck. At least 10 to 15 times per month.

- North Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #50

Aug 122011

F-150

  • 10,000 miles
In addition to the 2013 Ford F150 transmission recall, I have a 2010 F150 that had the same transmission problem where the transmission shifts to first gear at speed. I was going 70 mph with my wife and daughter on a Virginia interstate highway when mine dropped from 6th to 1st gear in August 2011. Fortunately I was able to shift into neutral and safely get it off the road, but this transmission problem has been going on longer than the current recall reports. I feel this is a safety issue that Ford should address, since my transmission still has a hard shift from time to time, so I don't feel the issue is resolved. They have replaced the megatronics unit (twice), and the torque converter, but it is still the same transmission and drive train which I still feel is not 100% fixed. I see now that the recall might be expanded to include 2011 and 2012 F150S, but I feel it should be expanded to include those 2010 models too, since I had the same issue with my 2010 F150.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #49

Aug 162017

F-150

  • 186,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle started to vibrate. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, shut off, and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven to the dealer (brandon Ford, 9090 E adamo dr, tampa, fl 33619) where it was diagnosed that the torque converter was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 186,000.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #48

Jun 062016

F-150

  • miles
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. While driving various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spacer kit, hose assembly, additives, and rear oil needed to be serviced and replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Wayne, NJ, USA

problem #47

May 122017

F-150

  • 58,000 miles
Single owner 2010 Ford F-150 FX4 with 58,000 miles at the time of the incident. I was driving down the freeway (I-10 in phx) at roughly 70 mph during rush hour when suddenly the truck lurched as if I had just driven through a deep puddle. A few seconds later as I was looking in my rear view mirror the rear wheels locked up and the truck began skidding uncontrollably; there were 3 to 4 distinct skids lasting approximately 1 to 2 seconds at a time as I recall. Luckily for me the semi-driver behind me was paying proper attention to the road and noticed me skidding to a halt despite the absence of break lights. He swerved and narrowly missed rear-ending my vehicle at full highway speed. After the semi passed I began to limp over to the side of the freeway going about 25 mph at this point, and I recall a few more jerky upshifts and downshifts while pulling over. By the time my truck was on the side of the freeway the dashboard wrench indicator was on and pressing the gas peddle had no effect. The truck had disconnected the throttle sensor input from the fuel injectors. After weighing my options for about 10 minutes I decided to turn the truck off and back on. Upon doing so the wrench indicator was gone, and the truck appeared to work normally. Since then I have driven the truck (cautiously and on high alert) another 1,500 miles and everything has performed nominally. I have had no other significant incidents with the vehicle prior to this one, nor have I noticed anything out of the norm prior to this incident. At the time of the incident I had been driving at similar speeds for about 20 minutes. The road conditions were both dry and very smooth and the temperature outside was low 80S at the time. The dealership has had my vehicle for 2 days and after a full diagnosis they have no clear explanation or fix for this potentially fatal malfunction.

- San Tan Valley, AZ, USA

problem #46

Mar 102016

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
Fix my 2010 Ford F-150 FX4 engine and tranny problems. I was always a Chevy guy, bought this truck and it is a big pile of [xxx] !!!!! recall it, read the forums, all who own these are sick of the god[xxx] problems !!!!! never again. Stand up to your product. Do something about it. Your engineers are pathetic. Good by, from one pissed off owner information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Fond Du Lac, WI, USA

problem #45

Dec 292016

F-150

  • 50,361 miles
When applying sync update caused several failure codes to transmission module and transmission servo. Sync module no longer works after applying software update and must be replaced. All transmission and engine codes were cleared. I believe the sync module update caused failure codes and destroyed sync module. Ford dealership cannot explain

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #44

Jan 022017

F-150

  • miles
Reoccurring issue with transmission fluid leakage. My 2010 Ford F-150 XLT supercrew engine 4.6 L at 89K miles with all its maintenance done like clockwork and driven like a baby required its automatic transmission seals replaced (transmission fluid leakage around the transmission bulkhead connector sleeve) 01/02/17. The dealer said that the current repair is not covered under warranty as the truck is passed its 60K power train warranty that previous repair completed back on Feb 2015 (completed under warranty as the truck had 57K miles at the time). Even though they have to do the same thing as back in Feb 2015 where they have to bring the transmission down and re-seal it in addition to the new repair of the transmission bulkhead connector sleeve. I can not understand why Ford and its techs whom are aware of the tsb 14-0069 (attached) known issue prior to 2014* did not "replace repair" this part back on Feb 2015 so that the customer would not find himself in this situation with a $721.04 repair bill. I'm highly disappointed and dissatisfied with the purchase of my truck I have never owned any vehicle that within 6 years or less the transmission and drive shaft had to be repaired so often (this F150 is not used commercially and its well cared for maintained). My family and I have owned Ford's and Honda's in the past and never has anyone in my family and I had to replace or repair so often a transmission. This is not the 1st issue I have had with the automatic transmission of my truck I had taken it in to doral Lincoln while it was still under warranty as it was jerking on gear changes they lubricated the transmission and draft shaft additionally I had the drive shaft coupler/boot replaced at sawgrass Ford as well it was out of warranty this repair cost me $185.90 on 09/17/2016.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #43

Dec 242016

F-150

  • 19,311 miles
Noticed a fluid leak when vehicle was parked in driveway. Discovered it was red transmission fluid coming from the top of the transmission. The electrical plug to the transmission is wet. The truck is babied and very lightly used with only 19,311 miles on it.

- East Northport, NY, USA

problem #42

Dec 012016

F-150

  • 80,000 miles
Transmission won't down shift, or downshifts when not suppose to, when starting out or slowing down there is severe shuttering from the drivetrain.

- Fond Du Lac, WI, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?