Lawsuit Investigation: Ford F-150 Transmission Problems

Attorneys are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed over possible transmission problems in 2017, 2018, and 2019 Ford F-150s.

What Transmission Problems Were Reported?

A number of Ford F-150 drivers have reported hearing a loud “clunking” noise when starting their trucks. Others have described the automatic transmission in their vehicles as “slipping,” “jerky” or “rough.”

When owners bring the vehicles in for service, though, dealerships are claiming the clunking noises are “normal” or “characteristic” of the trucks and that customers should ignore it. So far, no recall has been issued.

What’s Causing These Issues?

It’s believed that the cause of the issues may be a defect with the new 10-speed automatic transmissions in 2017-2019 Ford F-150s. (But attorneys are not ruling out similar transmission problems with 6-speed transmissions either.)

Transmission Problems Reported Online

Many drivers, particularly those with 10-speed transmissions, have turned to online forums to voice their complaints. Some of their posts can be read below (sic throughout):

Not all the time but when engine starts front axle jumps and makes a clunk noise. Doesn't happen all the time. Also erratic shifting and clunking in driver train again not always. Called dealer said there been some reports of these problems but service bulletins yet.”
— Lerona, WV, Complaint ID Number: 11063837, NHTSA.gov

Vehicle will some times hesitate during acceleration and transmission will slip - engine rpms will rise to about 2000 and then transmission will engage with a heavy clunk in the drive train. This issues has happened when engine is cold and at normal operating temp. The vehicle currently has 9000 miles on the odometer and has happened five(5) times already. Took to local dealer and they are unable to doplicate”
— Fountain, CO, Complaint ID Number: 11166063, NHTSA.gov

Same issues i’m reading here. Vehicle frequently makes a loud bang when started. Shifts gears extremely rough to the point where you’re jerked around. No power when trying to accelerate from a stop which is extremely dangerous when cars are behind you or trying to accelerate merging onto the freeway. My truck has been to dealer twice now. The first time it was because my fuel injector went out at 4,500 miles! It doesn’t run much better now. When i took it in they just blew me off and said it was ‘normal behavior for the vehicle. Reading all these issues here, ford really needs to take action! Extremely dangerous!!”
— San Fernando, CA, Complaint ID Number: 11124723, NHTSA.gov

I was just loading the bed earlier today after parking for 20 or so minutes. Decided to remote start to get the A/C going while standing by the tailgate and got an amazingly loud "CLANG!". This is the first time I heard it close up from outside the truck, it's muffled a bit from inside the cab. No way someone standing there could say that it's "normal". Haven't gone to the dealer yet, but definitely need to make a note of it next time I'm there.”
— Cincinnati, OH, F150Forum.com

I have the same issue since day one. Whenever the truck is warmed up, upon shutting off and retart the engine the clunk sound will appear. Certain gears are not smooth like 4th, 7th. Especially when u towing a load u can feel the vibration!”
—  F150Forum.com

What Does the ‘Clunking’ Noise Sound Like?

Some drivers have posted videos of the “clunk” noise on YouTube. We’ve included several videos below:

How Can a Lawsuit Help?

A class action lawsuit may be able to help drivers recover money they spent on repairs. It could also force Ford to fix the apparent issue.

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