Ford transmissions
A-1 Transmission works on Ford cars, trucks and SUVs. Below: what Ford owners reported to NHTSA for seven models, and how to read those numbers.
Closed now. Opens Monday at 7:30 am.
Ford is the biggest name in the NHTSA data, and counts follow how many of a model were sold. This page explains how to read the Ford rows, what owner manuals say about fluid in general terms, and what the shop can say for your Ford.
At a glance
- Seven Ford models are in the table, model years 2012 to 2022
- F-150: 5,330 powertrain complaints out of 15,901 for the model
- Complaints are owner reports, not verified defects
- Always check your own owner's manual for the fluid and interval
How to read the Ford numbers
The table shows two counts for each model: every complaint filed with NHTSA and the share that name a POWER TRAIN component. The power train group is wider than the transmission; NHTSA files axles, driveline and related parts under it as well. Counts also follow sales: a model with more vehicles on the road draws more complaints. The F-150, for example, has 5,330 power train complaints out of 15,901 across model years 2012 to 2022, a share of 34%, and its busiest year is 2013 with 1,212.
The Escape has 2,717 of 15,425 (18%), the Fusion 1,806 of 11,204 (16%) and the Explorer 1,453 of 13,747 (11%), whose busiest year is 2020 with 500. The Focus shows 6,212 of 12,611 (49%), with 1,597 in 2014. The Expedition shows 1,019 of 2,693 (38%), and the F-250 shows 270 of 4,466 (6%). A high share says that owners of that model who wrote to NHTSA mentioned the power train often. It does not say how many vehicles are affected, how many were repaired or what the cause was.
What an owner can do with it
Use the numbers as a prompt, not a verdict. If your model year has a lot of reports, ask which symptoms owners describe, and search your vehicle on NHTSA's recalls and complaints pages for recalls and service bulletins that apply. Manufacturers also publish technical service bulletins; a dealer or shop can look yours up by VIN.
Fluid and the owner's manual
Ford's owner manuals give the transmission fluid specification, the check method and the service interval for each vehicle, and many list a shorter interval for severe duty such as towing or frequent short trips. Some Ford transmissions have no dipstick and are filled and checked by a procedure that needs a scan tool. The fluid change interval guide and how to check transmission fluid cover the general ideas.
What Google reviewers of the shop say about Fords
Ford trucks and SUVs are among the foreign and domestic vehicles the shop works on. The pickup truck page and SUV page say more about the vehicle types. The shop's own list covers transmission repair, rebuilds, clutches and transfer cases.
What owners reported to NHTSA
| Make and model | All complaints, 2012 to 2022 | Powertrain complaints | Powertrain share | Model year with the most powertrain complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Focus | 12,611 | 6,212 | 49% | 2014 (1,597) |
| Ford F-150 | 15,901 | 5,330 | 34% | 2013 (1,212) |
| Ford Escape | 15,425 | 2,717 | 18% | 2014 (481) |
| Ford Fusion | 11,204 | 1,806 | 16% | 2017 (335) |
| Ford Explorer | 13,747 | 1,453 | 11% | 2020 (500) |
| Ford Expedition | 2,693 | 1,019 | 38% | 2020 (266) |
| Ford F-250 | 4,466 | 270 | 6% | 2020 (77) |
Owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defect findings. Popular models draw more complaints because more of them are on the road.
On a phone the table shows the key columns. Turn the phone sideways or use a computer to see every column.
Keep reading
Related pages
Services
Work this vehicle often needs
Transmission repairTransmission repair means finding what is wrong inside or around the transmission and fixing that part.
Transmission rebuilds and overhaulsA-1 Transmission rebuilds and overhauls automatic and standard transmissions in Reno, for cars, trucks, RVs and 4x4s.
Transmission fluid serviceTransmission fluid service replaces the worn fluid that cools, lubricates and operates your transmission.
Automatic transmission repairAutomatic transmission repair covers the gear sets, clutches, valve body, torque converter and electronics that shift for you.Vehicles
Other vehicles
Answers
Ford transmissions questions
Still have a question? Call (775) 829-1333 during shop hours. More answers are on the questions page.
Does A-1 Transmission work on Fords?
The shop works on foreign and domestic cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs and 4x4s. Call with the year, model and engine and the shop will tell you about your Ford.
Is the F-150 a bad transmission?
The data cannot say that. The F-150 has many owner reports because there are so many on the road. Only an inspection of your truck tells what it needs.
Where do I find the right fluid for my Ford?
The owner's manual names the fluid specification. Ask the shop if you are unsure.
Should I worry about a recall?
Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup. A recall is free to check and does not depend on any shop.