Lawsuit Alert: The Ford F-150 10R80 Transmission May Be Deadly
Is it just us, or does the Ford F-150 constantly seem to be facing trouble? This time, America’s most popular pickup truck is facing a lawsuit because the 10R80 transmission could be deadly. Also, the Ford F-150 isn’t alone.
Does the Ford F-150 have transmission problems?
Allegedly, the Ford F-150 could have incredibly dangerous and deadly transmission problems. These issues are related to the 10R80 transmission that was introduced in 2017.
It was designed with smaller steps between each gear ratio to enhance power delivery and engine efficiency. Plus, it provides faster shifting times and smoother shifts. The temperature of the transmission is monitored to ensure its performance.
But things got off to a rough start with various lawsuits over alleged lawsuits targeting newer Ford F-150 models with the 10R80 transmission. Recently a lawsuit in Illinois was partially dismissed, so nothing has been sticking yet.
However, a new, much larger lawsuit has been filed with a broader range of vehicles, including the Ford Mustang, Ford Expedition, Ford Ranger, and Lincoln Navigator.
Why is Ford facing a transmission lawsuit?
According to Ford Authority, the Daniel McCabe vs. Ford Motor Company lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts. It applies to the 2017 Ford F-150, Ranger, Expedition, Mustang, Lincoln Navigator, and newer models.
The lawsuit claims that the 10R80 transmission shifts in a rough manner, causing the vehicles to lurch forward, jerk, and hesitate while changing gears.
Allegedly, the common design of the 10R80 and/or manufacturing defect in Ford’s 10R80 transmission is a potentially life-threatening safety issue, and Ford has refused to recall or replace the defective transmissions.
However, Ford has released multiple recalls that could be related to the possibly defective transmission. They could prove that the transmission is faulty.
For example, there was a recall for the Ford Ranger due to gear shifter interlock problems and another one because the gear shifter indicated that the truck was in park while it wasn’t.
The 2020 Ford F-150 and Ranger faced another recall because the transmission selection didn’t match the indicated gear selector. As a result, the parking brake wouldn’t engage, and the truck could roll.
Because of the recalls, the new lawsuit alleges that Ford is aware of issues with the 10R80 transmission but tells customers that it’s operating as normal.
The defect could cause serious damage and lead to fires during accidents. There is an unreasonable and extreme risk of injuries and death for vehicle occupants and others around the vicinity.
Is the F-150 dangerous?
Your Ford F-150 model and related vehicles with the 10R80 transmission don’t have a stop-drive order. It should be fine to use them as normal. While the transmission problems can be dangerous, typically, people have enough time to move over after a sudden loss of power.
There is one complaint of whiplash related to the surging, but we haven’t found any cases of related deaths. But the plaintiffs claim to be financially injured. They wouldn’t have purchased these vehicles if they knew about the possible defect.
Reportedly, multiple recalls and technical service bulletins haven’t corrected the problems, leaving drivers frustrated. The lawsuit is growing can could stick this time. We will follow the case, so stay tuned for the latest updates.
