California Lemon Law News + Info

Ford Ranger 10-Speed Transmission Problems

ford vehicleFord’s 10-speed transmissions are the subject of a new class action lawsuit that alleges defects such as gear slipping, harsh shifting and acceleration problems. Though 2019—2022 Ford Ranger pickups are not included in the lawsuit, consumer complaints reveal that the pickup trucks experience similar issues.

According to complaints submitted to federal regulators, Ford Ranger transmission problems include slipping, shaking, shuddering, stalling, jerking violently into gear and losing power. The 10R80 automatic transmissions have also been installed in certain Ford F-150, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.

To provide a glimpse into the issues plaguing some Ford Ranger pickup trucks, we have compiled a sample of complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Please note that the complaints on the Ford Ranger pickup truck have been edited for grammar and clarity.

2019 Ford Ranger

The 10R80 10-speed transmission will slip, shudder, stall, jump in and out of gear, slam into gear, and often times will wait till you are at a complete stop to downshift into 1st gear, which makes the entire truck lunge forward, almost like you’ve been rear-ended. I’ve been to 2 different Ford dealerships, had my truck in the shop multiple times and all I hear is them telling me that it’s normal and they get these complaints a lot. [One dealership] will play dumb and hold my truck in their parking lot for a few days then say they found nothing wrong. [The other dealership] told me over the phone that the symptoms I’m experiencing are normal and they will not touch my truck unless it has a wrench light on. A $36,000 truck should not have these issues and it be deemed “normal” or even “acceptable.”

2019 Ford Ranger

I have had my 2019 Ford Ranger XLT SuperCrew in the dealer’s shop twice, both for automatic transmission related problems. The first issue happened just shy of 20k miles. The truck would shake and jerk when starting from a light or stop. The transmission was pretty much overhauled. The second issue happened around 8k miles later as I hit 28k miles. This time, the truck would hesitate between gears. I took it back to the dealership and they replaced the module for a second time after first replacing it at the time they overhauled the transmission. In addition, they also replaced the converter. I have been the only owner of the vehicle and don’t mistreat it.

2019 Ford Ranger

I have been notified twice of a recall because the transmission may not be in the gear indicated. I contacted the dealer twice and have been told they are not doing recall work for 2 to 3 months. So in the meantime, my truck can roll and injure myself or someone else or damage property.

2019 Ford Ranger

Consumer writes in regards to transmission issues. The consumer stated the vehicle violently jerked when coming to a stop. The vehicle experienced a loss of power and no engaged gears. On some occasions, when driving, the vehicle would quickly change gears causing the vehicle to lurch 3 or 4 times. The dealer and manufacturer were notified and did not offer any assistance.

2019 Ford Ranger

Consumer writes in regards to shifting problems with vehicle. The consumer stated the vehicle would violently jerk when coming to a stop. The vehicle would also jerk when accelerating and switching to higher gear. The vehicle experiences loss of power and no engaged gears. The truck engine would rev up and shift hard. The manufacturer was notified, but did not offer any assistance.

2020 Ford Ranger

When you make the changes or you’re stopping, you hit the transmission. Talk to other owners. They have the same problem, and the dealer says that everything is fine.

If you have recurring Ford Ranger transmission problems, your vehicle may be a lemon. Ford F-150 pickup trucks may experience the same problems with their 10-speed transmissions. Read more about your California lemon law rights. If you would like more information, complete the consultation form below to request a free consultation.


Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2019–Present vehicle models only.

However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.

To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.

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