Complaint Description The vehicle is equipped with a Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission that exhibits erratic and unpredictable shifting behavior. The transmission frequently hesitates, shifts harshly, or delays engagement, particularly when accelerating from a stop, slowing down, or attempting to merge into traffic. At times, the vehicle fails to deliver power when the accelerator is pressed, creating a delay in acceleration. This is especially dangerous when pulling into intersections, making left turns across traffic, or merging onto roadways where immediate and predictable power is required to avoid collisions. The transmission also downshifts harshly and unexpectedly, causing sudden jerking and brief deceleration. These events can occur without warning and increase the risk of loss of vehicle control or rear-end collisions, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or at low speeds. In addition, the transmission often clunks or lurches into gear, including when shifting from park to drive or reverse. This creates unsafe conditions in parking lots and low-speed environments where precise vehicle control is necessary to avoid pedestrians or other vehicles. Because these issues occur inconsistently and without warning, the driver cannot reliably anticipate vehicle response. This unpredictability represents a safety defect that increases the risk of a crash during normal driving conditions.
NHTSA ODI 11713890