All About The Ford 10 Speed Transmission Recalls

John A
Jan 19, 2021

Vehicle tech has come a long way over the last 20 years or so. Who would have ever thought a manufacturer like Ford would offer a 10-speed transmission? Regardless of how fancy vehicles get, there will always be problems.

How many recalls were issued for the Ford 10 speed transmission?   

In total eight, some of which include:  

  • Daytime running lights may not dim 
  • Excessive sealant adhesive on the battery  
  • Reduced seat back strength may pose a safety risk 
  • Damage to block heater connector can cause a fire 
  • Gear position display may be inaccurate  

Daytime Running Lights May not Dim

NHTSA Recall ID: 20V097000

Car Headlights Closeup

While manufacturers are working on improving the safety of car users, adding safety features such as running lights may seem essential, especially for night drivers. However, the problem comes in when these lights are running during the day when there is plenty of light, which leads to several safety concerns.

In most cases, it could be a technical problem that can be fixed by your regular technician, but sometimes, it is a manufacturing problem.

This was the case for the 2019 Ford F-150 super crew that was manufactured with running lamps that do not dim during the day. Ignoring this recall could increase the risk of a crash. Such vehicles do not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards requirement.

When you take your car to the dealer, they will reprogram the body control module to restore proper lighting and dimming free of charge.

Excessive Sealant Adhesive on the Battery Can Increase the Risk of a Crash

NHTSA Recall ID: 19V805000

The electrical system of a vehicle plays a significant role in the overall safety of a car. When faulty, it can put your life and other people using the car in danger. Sometimes, it may not be your fault, particularly if you bought the car, not knowing there was a problem as with the case for the Ford F-150 and Ford Transit.

The vehicle’s system or engine stall came out faulty, decreasing the steering and braking efforts, which could easily lead to a crash. This condition can also produce a resistive short that increases the risk of a fire hazard.

Ignoring this recall means risking a fire hazard. You also expose your family to accidents due to the engine stalling. It’s also possible that the fastener securing the power distribution box 12v cable and battery monitoring system BMS eyelets to the battery terminal becomes loose.

Dealers will check the positive battery cable for an excess sealant and get rid of the excessive adhesive. They will then reassemble the joint and re-torque the fastener as required free of charge.

Reduced Seatback Strength, Which May not Adequately Restrain an Occupant

NHTSA Recall ID: 19V633000

Car seats are designed to provide comfort during rides and cushion an occupant from getting severely injured in case of an accident. That means that they should be stiff and strong to keep you in an upright position. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case for the Ford F-150, Ford Fusion, and Ford Transit.

The seatback came with an incorrectly assembled recliner mechanism with reduced strength that may not restrain the occupant in a potential crash, increasing the chances of serious injuries. Ford issued a recall of all the vehicles affected.

Ignoring this recall can be dangerous as the seats may not be reliable in cushioning your loved ones from getting injured in the event of a crash. The recliner mechanisms may not be having the third pawl, which is required for a more robust seat back strength.

To solve the problem, Ford dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, free of charge.

Damage to the Block Heater Connector Can Cause a Fire

NHTSA Recall ID: 19V278000

To make starting easier during the winter season, some vehicles are equipped with block heaters to keep the engine warm even when the car is not in use. When in excellent condition, the block heater works efficiently but can be hazardous when damaged.

For instance, Ford installed an engine block heater, which was previously remedied under a recall 18V894. It is during this repair that the block heater’s cable splice may have been damaged. The damaged cable can cause a resistive short that could lead to overheating or melting of the wiring.

Ignoring this recall could result in severe damage to your engine’s block heater, increasing the risk of a fire.

Ford will rectify this problem by disabling the engine block heater so that it is not used. When the replacement cables become available, a notification will be sent to the affected vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater free of charge.

Gear Position Display May be Inaccurate

NHTSA Recall ID: 20V197000

Your vehicle’s transmission system contains many sophisticated parts that must work simultaneously or in synchronicity to move your car forward. When your vehicle starts experiencing transmission problems, it is usually due to a faulty transmission position sensor.

This was the case for the Ford F-150 vehicles and 2020 Ranger manufactured with a transmission problem, leading to mismatched gear display.

Ignoring this recall could lead to serious problems that could put your safety at risk. If the transmission selection does not correspond to the indicated gear selection and the parking brake is not applied, the car can make a sudden movement that could easily lead to a crash.

Ford will conduct an inspection and rectify the shift cable locking clip installation as needed.

How Do You Deal with an Open Recall on Ford 10 Speed Transmission?

Not sure whether your Ford F-150 has been recalled? To find out, search for the National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You will receive a confirmation notification indicating when your car is due for service.

In case there is a recall, you can check its status at the Ford website. You can also contact their customer relationship center through 800-392-3673, who will direct you on how to proceed with your recall. In most cases, you will be required to take your vehicle to the nearest Ford dealer to inspect the faulty parts and update the software.

avatar John A
John A. is a freelance writer and automotive enthusiast currently living in Myrtle Beach, SC. When he's not working, John enjoys writing fiction, practicing mixed martial arts, and joyriding in his 2018 Ford Mustang GT.
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