Ford’s 10-Speed Transmission Targeted in New Class Action
Hot on the heels of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launching a preliminary investigation of 1.3 million 2015-2017 Ford F-150 pickups over sudden and accidental gear changes, a new class action has been filed in Canada targeting Ford’s 10-speed transmission.
Affected models include the Ford F-150, Expedition, Mustang and Ranger as well as the Lincoln Navigator going all the way back to the 2017-2018 model years.
- Also: 2015-2017 Ford F-150 Probed for Unexpected Gear Shifts
- Also: Several Ford Vehicles With Faulty Valves May Need Engine Replacement
The lawsuit alleges that the 10R80 transmission, developed through a joint venture between Ford and General Motors, is prone to significant operational issues such as unintended lunging when shifting from park to drive, shimmying and shuddering while in motion, difficulty shifting gears, premature wear of clutch plates and transmission components, and sudden gearshifts that are not initiated by the driver.
The problems are allegedly caused by contamination of the clutch by transmission gear oil or bearing grease. There may also be design defects in the transmission control modules controlling the gear shifts.
According to the class action, Transport Canada has begun looking into unintended downshifting issues with 2017-2020 F-150s equipped with the 10R80 transmission after receiving 11 consumer complaints. Some owners have had to replace the transmission out of warranty and paid thousands of dollars as a result.
Ford allegedly knew or ought to have known that the 10R80 transmission was defective in or around 2018, yet continued to sell or lease thousands of vehicles.
The class action was filed by Charney Lawyers PC in British Columbia on behalf of all Canadian residents who have purchased or leased one of the aforementioned Ford and Lincoln models. It wants Ford to refund the purchase price of the vehicles less depreciation because they are unsafe, and pay damages for the class members’ loss of use, inconvenience and out-of-pocket expenses.
