Diagsheet

2021 Ford F-150 · symptom sheet

Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard

  • 92owner reports
  • 60,000median miles
  • $6,959median quote
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Sep 5, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

310 of the 1,000 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 92 of those describe transmission shudder, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2021 F-150.

Tick what matches of 92 reports

8
41
29
24
4
3

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the clutch (10 reports), the transmission (9 reports), the valve body (4 reports) and the torque converter (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

7 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

26V-402Jun 24, 2026
Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

Risk and remedy
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
25V-169Mar 14, 2025
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-188. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.

Risk and remedy
Risk: An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S24.
23V-896Dec 22, 2023
Power Train:Axle Hubs

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.

Risk and remedy
Risk: Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S65.
22V-623Aug 12, 2022
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

Risk and remedy
Risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft, as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 1, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S53.
22V-188Mar 25, 2022
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.

Risk and remedy
Risk: An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 12, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S15.
21V-986Dec 16, 2021
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

Risk and remedy
Risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S56.
21V-381May 24, 2021
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The two-piece driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, which could result in driveshaft separation.

Risk and remedy
Risk: Driveshaft separation may result in a sudden loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S25.

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the F-150

EA26-001opened Jan 30, 2026
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 2015 to 2017

Unintended transmission downshift and rear wheel lock-up. Open, led to recall 26V-237.

NHTSA summary
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford). The complaints allege that, without warning or driver input, the subject vehicles experienced a sudden and rapid deceleration often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lockup, seizure, or skidding, resulting in a loss of vehicle control that increases the risk of crash and injury to all motorists, including those not within the subject vehicles. The MY 2015 and MY 2016 F-150 vehicles were equipped with the “6R80” transmission, while the MY 2017 vehicles were equipped with either the “6R80” transmission or the “10R80” transmission. This investigation was limited to MY 2015-2017 Ford F-150 with the “6R80” transmission. ODI identified 329 Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQs) related to this investigation and sixty percent of these consumers were interviewed to confirm the details of their allegations. Consumers reported that their vehicles’ transmission suddenly downshifted to a lower gear, often to 1st or 2nd gear, without driver input or advance warning. Consumers described the downshift events to be regular and repeated occurrences, with some consumers stating that they no longer drive the vehicle due to safety concerns. Forty-three percent of consumers repo
PE25-002opened Mar 21, 2025
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 2015 to 2017

Unintended transmission downshift and rear wheel lock-up. Closed jan 30, 2026.

NHTSA summary
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford). The complaints allege that, without warning or driver input, the subject vehicles experienced a sudden and rapid deceleration often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lockup, seizure, or skidding, resulting in a loss of vehicle control that increases the risk of crash and injury to all motorists, including those not within the subject vehicles. The MY 2015 and MY 2016 F-150 vehicles were equipped with the “6R80” transmission, while the MY 2017 vehicles were equipped with either the “6R80” transmission or the “10R80” transmission. This investigation was limited to MY 2015-2017 Ford F-150 with the “6R80” transmission. ODI identified 329 Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQs) related to this investigation and sixty percent of these consumers were interviewed to confirm the details of their allegations. Consumers reported that their vehicles’ transmission suddenly downshifted to a lower gear, often to 1st or 2nd gear, without driver input or advance warning. Consumers described the downshift events to be regular and repeated occurrences, with some consumers stating that they no longer drive the vehicle due to safety concerns. Forty-three percent of consumers r
RQ24-005opened Mar 27, 2024
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 2014

Unintended transmission downshift. Closed jul 29, 2024, led to recall 24V-444.

NHTSA summary
In September 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) issued safety recall 16V-248 which included certain model year (MY) 2011-2012 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed (6R80) automatic transmissions. This recall was in response to allegations of unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear without warning, often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lock-up, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury, and included approximately 153,581 vehicles. Ford identified the root cause of the unintended, unexpected vehicle transmission downshifting to a lower gear to be intermittent signal loss from the transmission’s Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor due to solder joint cracks on the OSS circuit board as a result of manufacturing process issues. The OSS sensor is mounted onto the molded lead frame and transmits changes in transmission shaft speed to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The remedy program described in safety recall 16V-248 involved reprogramming of the PCM to prevent unintended vehicle transmission downshifting from occurring. In December 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-010) to assess the scope and remedy effectiveness of safety recall 16V-248. As a result of this ODI investigation, Ford issued safety recall 19V-075 to expand the scope of 16V-248 to include MY 2011-2013 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 6-speed (6R80) automatic transmissions and included approximately 1,263,051 vehicles. The remedy pr
RQ17-010opened Dec 25, 2017
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 2011 to 2013

Unexpected transmission downshift. Closed oct 22, 2019, led to recall 19V-075.

NHTSA summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall
RQ98-005opened Mar 13, 1998
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1997

Automatic transmission control. Closed aug 27, 1998, led to recall 97V-147.

NHTSA summary
ON SEPTEMBER 4, 1997, FORD FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT CONCERNING APPROXIMATELY 15,000 1997 MODEL YEAR F-150 TRUCKS, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1996, AND BUILT AT THE NORFOLK OR KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANTS.THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL CABLES INSTALLED WHICH CAN RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF THE CABLE END FITTING FROM THE CABLE CONDUIT AT THE TRANSMISSION END OF THE CABLE.IF THE TRANSMISSSION END FITTING WERE TO SEPARATE FROM THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY, THEOPERATOR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITIONS INTO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE PARK.ODI HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS ALLEGING TRANSMISSION FAULT SHIFTING RESULTING IN 3 CRASHES.THE REPORTED VEHICLES WERE IDENTIFIED AS FOLLOWS:THREE WERE MANUACTURED OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL BUILD DATES; TWO WERE WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL AND THE REMAINING VEHICLE WAS UNKNOWN DUE TO MISSING VIN.THE PURPOSE OF THIS INVESTIGATION IS TO EXAMINE THE SCOPE OF RECALL 97V-147, IN PARTICULAR, THE BASIS FOR LIMITING THE RECALL TO THOSE BUILT WITHIN A SPECIFIC TIME PERIOD AND WHETHER THE CABLE IS USED ON OTHER FORD VEHICLES.
PE97-019opened May 6, 1997
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1997

Failure transmission park engagement/loc. Closed sep 16, 1997, led to recall 97V-147.

NHTSA summary
BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 4, 1997, THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO CORRECT A POTENTIAL FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE IN APPROXIMATELY 15,000 OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUSPECT CABLES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TELEFLEX AUTOMOTIVE AND INSTALLED IN THE SUBJECT F-150 TRUCKS BUILT AT FORD'S NORFORLK AND KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANTS BETWEEN FEBRUARY 16, 1996 AND MARCH 4, 1996.A COPY OF THE FORD'S LETTER TO NHTSA REGARDING THIS RECALL ACTION IS ATTACHED.BASED ON THE PENDING SAFETY RECALL (97V-147), THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.
PE91-064opened Apr 9, 1991
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1991

Transmission fluid fires. Closed jul 5, 1991.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available

None of these investigations covers the 2021 model year.

What owners paid

6 of the 92 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $400 to $9,400.

$400$6,959$9,400
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 41,000 and 80,000 miles, from the 26 reports that gave a mileage.

321
522
623
524
3125
4226

What owners wrote

“My 2021 Ford F-150 has been having trouble with the transmission. Hard shifting, shifting to 10th gear at 40mph and unable to downshift after slowing down. I have also had issues with the daytime running lights not working since around 45k miles. My truck only has 59K miles at the time of me typing this.”

Filed Jun 1, 2026 · 45,000 miles

“The transmission was slipping in 2nd and 10th gear. This was confirmed by the dealer. A full transmission had to be replaced at 66,000 miles. The vehicle had an excellent maintenance record and well kept. Ford did pay half of the cost but I still ended up spending $6k out of pocket and my vehicle was in the shop for 27 days.”

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · 66,000 miles

“Transmission, hard shifting,shifting out of gear wrong when towing sometimes when not Transmission was already overhauled under factory powertrain warranty at around 42000 miles”

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · 42,000 miles

“Truck has 30,129 miles driven. As car shifted into gear to drive, it suddenly went into neutral gear while driving. This was following a loud bang like sound followed by a rough shift into neutral. Truck eventually shifted back into gear. Truck has been at dealership for about a month, waiting for parts to repair/replace the transmission. Dealer service provider stated that this was a manufacturing problem.”

Filed Feb 24, 2023 · 30,129 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 92 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

Other problems on this car