Is the 2025 Ford F-150 10-Speed Transmission Finally Fixed? Owners Say No

If you are looking to buy a new 2024 or 2025 Ford F-150, you have likely asked yourself the one question that haunts every Ford forum and Facebook group: "Is the F-150 10-speed transmission actually fixed?"

For years, the 10R80 automatic transmission has been the Achilles' heel of an otherwise stellar truck. Ford knows it, and they tried to fix it. Around late 2022, Ford quietly rolled out a redesigned "CDF Drum," an internal component that was prone to bushing failure, causing the infamous erratic shifting and "clunk" that drove thousands of owners crazy (and into class-action lawsuits). The narrative for the last year has been that if you buy a truck built after 2023, you are in the clear.

But a fresh wave of complaints from owners of brand-new 2024 and 2025 models suggests that the celebration might be premature.

New Trucks, Same Old "Clunk"?

I have been monitoring recent discussions on the F-150 Reddit community, and the anxiety is understandable. One owner of a 2024 F-150 5.0L recently posted a heartbreaking update: at just 6,000 miles, their brand-new truck suffered a "Faulty Gear Solenoid" failure. It isn't an isolated "lemon"; it's part of a growing pattern in which owners of new models are expressing serious buyer's remorse due to rough shifting and mechanical gremlins that appear shortly after driving off the lot.

Another owner asked the community point-blank: "Are the 10-speed transmissions reliable in the 2024s?" The responses were a mixed bag of "butter smooth" experiences and horror stories of valve bodies failing before the first oil change. This inconsistency is exactly what you don't want to hear when you are signing a $70,000 finance agreement.

While catastrophic failures might be rarer now than in 2018, the "Ford Clunk" seems to have survived the update. Dealers are telling many new owners that their harsh downshifts are just the transmission's "adaptive learning" strategy, a convenient explanation that wears thin when your head snaps forward at every stoplight.

When "Built Ford Tough" Leaves You Stranded

While the 10-speed clunk is annoying, the issues plaguing the PowerBoost Hybrid models are far more severe, leaving owners stranded. If you browse the F-150 forums, you will inevitably run into the dreaded phrase: "Stop Safely Now."

The error message isn't just a friendly suggestion from your dashboard; it is a "red alert" failure that often bricks the truck completely. The most alarming reports come from owners of brand-new 2024 models who are facing this nightmare within the first few thousand miles. I recently covered a story about a 2024 F-150 owner who faced eight electrical issues in just 2,000 miles, eventually leading to a buyback.

One owner, known as mvt2k27 on Reddit, shared a detailed account of their 2024 F-150 PowerBoost failing at just 4,900 miles. The dashboard lit up with a "Transmission Malfunction" warning, then the truck entered limp mode. The culprit? A failed Gateway Module (GWM).

To make matters worse, the dealer broke the news that this specific module was on backorder—a common theme in 2024. This owner was left making payments on a $70,000 truck that was sitting dead in a service bay, with no clear timeline for repair.

The "Gear Shift Module" Failure

It's not just the Gateway Module. There is a specific, recurring failure with the Gear Shift Module (GSM) that is trapping owners in "Park."

A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 25-2045) was recently issued that addresses this exact problem, noting that a "faulty GSM" can cause the shifter to refuse to move out of park or illuminate the powertrain malfunction wrench light.

Imagine being at a gas station or a boat ramp, and your brand-new truck refuses to shift into Drive. That is the reality for users like pjrenu, who reported being stranded when their PowerBoost locked itself in Park. The fix isn't simple; because these shifters are electronic (shift-by-wire), you can't just force them into gear. You are at the mercy of the tow truck.

Why This Matters for 2025 F-150 Buyers

These aren't just "first-year" jitters anymore. The PowerBoost has been out since 2021, yet these electrical gremlins persist into the 2024 and 2025 model years. If you are buying a PowerBoost for its generator capabilities or fuel economy, you need to be aware that its complex electrical architecture has proven to be a significant reliability liability.

A Great Truck, If You Get a "Good" One

The Ford F-150 remains the best-selling vehicle in America for a reason. When it works, it is arguably the most capable, comfortable, and well-designed half-ton truck on the market. But based on the reports I am seeing from the 2024 and early 2025 rollout, buying one feels increasingly like a game of Russian Roulette.

The "CDF Drum" update was supposed to be the silver bullet for the 10-speed transmission, but the data suggests the ghost of the 10R80 hasn't been fully exorcised. Furthermore, the electrical gremlins plaguing the PowerBoost models, specifically the Gateway Modules, are unacceptable for a vehicle that often sells for over $80,000. Even die-hard Ford fans are questioning whether the "Found On Road Dead" moniker is becoming relevant again as they compare these headaches to those of the competition.

My advice to you is simple: If you are set on a new F-150, do not buy it without a rigorous test drive. Do not just drive it around the block. Drive it cold. Listen for that 3-4 upshift clunk. Given the complexity of the new digital architecture, I recommend factoring a Ford Protect Extended Service Plan (ESP) into your budget. It's not a truck you want to own out of warranty.

Your Turn

I want to hear from real owners. If you own a 2024 or 2025 F-150, is your 10-speed transmission smooth, or are you still feeling the "clunk"? And for the PowerBoost owners, have you faced the dreaded "Stop Safely Now" warning? Click the red link below to write your comment and join the community in sharing experiences.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's automotive landscape.

Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl